photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Gina Carter, right, received the 2025 Bobs Award from the Lawrence Schools Foundation on Friday, May 23, 2025.

At a surprise ceremony on Friday, the Lawrence Schools Foundation recognized Gina Carter for her excellence in teaching — an honor that came with a $10,000 check.

On the final day of the school year, students and staff at Woodlawn Elementary School packed the gymnasium for an end-of-year assembly. The event turned into a celebration for Carter, who was given the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award, commonly known as the Bobs Award.

Cheers and applause erupted as Carter, a learning coach, was recognized as a professional who goes above and beyond in her job.

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Gina Carter was recognized at an assembly on the last day of school at Woodlawn Elementary School on Friday, May 23, 2025.

Cathy Hueber, a Woodlawn teacher, in her nomination of Carter praised her ability to develop meaningful relationships with all of her students and to make them feel loved and accepted. She also mentioned Carter’s volunteering for after-hours activities and her role in “helping her colleagues improve their teaching craft.”

Lisa Melton, a former Woodlawn teacher, in a news release from the Lawrence Schools Foundation, called Carter the definition of a lifelong learner.

“She continuously applies research-based strategies to enhance her instruction, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed at reading,” Melton said.

Carter currently serves as a learning coach. Previously, she taught in classrooms at both Woodlawn and Sunset Hill Elementary. With a 30-year career in education, she has served in the school districts of Olathe, Baldwin, Eudora, Wellsville and, since 2005, Lawrence.

The Bobs Award was created at the foundation more than 28 years ago by a group of civic leaders who shared the first name Bob to honor 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.”

Carter is the 29th recipient of this annual award.

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Gina Carter is pictured with some of the past recipients of the Bobs Award from the Lawrence Schools Foundation along with others.

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Gina Carter is pictured on Friday, May 23, 2025

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Gina Carter is pictured with her family on Friday, May 23, 2025.

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Students at Woodlawn Elementary School gathered for an assembly on the last day of school on Friday, May 23, 2025.

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Superintendent Jeanice Swift is pictured before a surprise ceremony for Woodlawn Elementary Educator Gina Carter on Friday, May 23, 2025.