photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

West Middle School paraprofessional Caleb Rahmeier and eighth-grade student Darby Bates are pictured during the "Dedication to Education" award ceremony at West Middle School on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.

West Middle School paraprofessional Caleb Rahmeier on Tuesday was honored as this year’s recipient of the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s “Dedication to Education” award.

The award is given each year to a teacher or paraeducator who goes out of his or her way to help “challenged and/or disadvantaged students,” according to a statement from the Lawrence Schools Foundation, and it comes with a $5,000 check. Rahmeier was surprised with the award at an all-school assembly at West Middle School on Tuesday, where colleagues and students praised him for the impact he’s made and his ability to brighten people’s day.

Rahmeier told the Journal-World that he was “overwhelmed with emotion” and that the award was “completely unexpected.”

“Apparently, I’m doing something right,” Rahmeier said.

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

West Middle School paraprofessional Caleb Rahmeier, pictured with check, poses with friends and family after receiving the Lawrence Schools Foundation “Dedication to Education” award on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.

One student for whom Rahmeier’s classroom talents made a difference is West Middle School eighth-grader Darby Bates. Darby has a progressive genetic disease that greatly affects his mobility, and his parents, as part of the nomination process for the award, wrote that Rahmeier’s support has helped Darby feel more comfortable around his classmates and helped him become more independent.

“I think that touched the (award) committee the most,” said Dena Johnston, Lawrence Schools Foundation executive director.

Superintendent Anthony Lewis was also at the assembly and said that Rahmeier “gives tirelessly of himself and connects with kids in a way that they feel safe and comfortable.”

“They feel like they can meet these academics and standards, because they have a champion, a cheerleader, literally sitting right next to them,” Lewis said.

photo by: Matt Resnick /Journal-World

West Middle School paraprofessional Caleb Rahmeier, pictured with check, poses with Lawrence school district staff and administrators after receiving the Lawrence Schools Foundation “Dedication to Education” award on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.