A Lawrence teacher is honored as the best of the best.

Lawrence High School special education teacher Deb Engstrom was named Sunflower Bank’s Teacher of the Year on Tuesday night.

Engstrom and all of the teachers selected as part of the bank’s Teacher of the Month program attended a special ceremony at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H.

Many of the teachers were accompanied by the students who nominated them for the honor.

Engstrom, who has taught special needs students for 18 years, was selected for helping her students both inside and outside of the classroom.

Sunflower Bank presented Engstrom with a $500 check. She previously received $200 for being November’s Teacher of the Month.