photo by: Andrew Beaven, Lawrence Public Schools

Brad Stoll, a social studies and Adaptive PE teacher and coach, is pictured holding his $10,000 prize after receiving the Bobs Award Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Lawrence High School.

A Lawrence educator was surprised on Tuesday at Lawrence High School with a $10,000 check.

The Lawrence Schools Foundation presented the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award, also known as the Bobs Award, to Brad Stoll, a social studies and Adaptive PE teacher and coach, in front of a cheering crowd of family, colleagues, friends and students.

“Brad makes significant contributions to not only the Lawrence High School family but also the entire USD 497 community,” physical education teacher Laura Brensing said in a statement provided by the foundation. “With his work as the head baseball coach, he is a visible presence at LHS, but because he is the physical education teacher for our special education students in various buildings, his impact is felt throughout the district. Brad’s ability to connect with students with special needs is unmatched. He develops relationships with his students and their parents, communicating often with both groups. His students light up when they see him walk into the room.”

photo by: Andrew Beaven, Lawrence Public Schools

Students congratulate Brad Stoll, a social studies and Adaptive PE teacher and coach, after he received the Bobs Award Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Lawrence High School.

More than 27 years ago a group of civic leaders, who share the same first name of Bob, created the award through the foundation. The benefactors choose to remain anonymous to focus attention on the educators selected annually to receive the award.

The Bobs Award honors a teacher who “exemplifies extraordinary instruction skills; reflects commitment to quality education and dedication to teaching; focuses on individual student achievement; administers to the whole child, guiding each student to achieve his full potential; and is deemed to be proficient, caring, adaptable, and professional.”

Stoll is the 28th recipient of the award.