Emily Roberts may have graduated from Lawrence High School four years ago, but as she approached her college graduation, a teacher she had at LHS was still on her mind.

Roberts nominated her high school English teacher William Patterson for the Wolfe Teaching Excellence Award given by the Kansas University School of Education. Patterson was notified last week that he’d won the honor, which includes a $4,000 award.

In her nomination, Roberts said Patterson was not only her favorite high school teacher but also a role model for her.

“In a world of students that are increasingly drawn to science and technology, Mr. Patterson showed me and the rest of my classmates the importance of balancing science with humanities,” Roberts wrote in her nomination. “He taught us that reading and writing are fundamentals to any sort of future career. He pushed us to express our thoughts, arguments and ideas clearly, concisely and most importantly, uniquely.”

As the Wolfe Teaching Award winner, Patterson receives a $3,000 cash award and LHS receives a $1,000 award. Patterson said he was honored just by the nomination, and was surprised and excited when he found out that he had been selected as the winner.

“It was quite gratifying to be selected, especially since that meant that Emily’s nomination letter must have been compelling to the committee,” he said via email.

Patterson said he and LHS Principal Matthew Brungardt have some ideas of how the English department will use the $1,000, but haven’t yet decided.

As part of the honor, Patterson has been invited to a celebration ceremony during Kansas University commencement in May. He will be recognized for his achievement at the School of Education Convocation ceremony at Allen Fieldhouse at 10:30 a.m. May 14.

In other news and notes:

• Sunset Hill Elementary chess club will meet from 3:50 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• The South Middle School
intramural coding club will meet from
3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• The Lawrence High School Project
Graduation will be from 7 p.m. to
8:30 p.m.

Lunch menu options:

Elementary school level

Main dish: pepperoni pizza; hummus with cheese and pita bread; peanut butter and jelly with string cheese; chef salad with breadstick

Sides: corn, fresh sliced pears, salad bar, milk

Middle school level

Main dish: pepperoni pizza; hummus with cheese and pita bread; peanut butter and jelly with string cheese; chef salad with breadstick; hamburger; veggie shaker

Sides: corn, fresh sliced pears, salad bar, fruit juice, fresh fruit, milk

High school level

Main dish: sweet and sour chicken with rice bowl; deli bar; pizza; cereal with string cheese; parfaits with muffin; hummus with cheese and pita bread; peanut butter and jelly with string cheese; chef salad with breadstick; daily sandwiches

Sides: oriental blend vegetables, snap peas, oven potatoes, pears, fruit sorbet, fruit juice, fresh fruit, salad bar, milk