A few weeks ago, English teacher William Patterson won the Wolfe Family Teaching Award. With that, he received cash and will be recognized at an upcoming graduation ceremony.

Patterson was nominated for this award by a senior at Kansas University, Emily Roberts. Teachers are nominated because they have impacted the student’s life, whether it be educationally or personally.

“The Wolfe’s are graduates of KU that about eight to ten years ago for a variety of reasons… had decided that it would be really nice if there was a way for the students of KU to identify and honor a high school teacher that impacted their lives,” said the Kansas University Dean of the School of Education Rick Ginsburg.

Patterson was not informed of his nomination until he became a semi-finalist. After that, he submitted an essay on his teaching style and a resume. Principal Matthew Brungardt also sent in a letter of recommendation.

“I received a letter from KU a few weeks ago saying that I was a finalist— I didn’t know anything about it at that time— and they requested a resume and I had to write a “Philosophy of Education” essay,” Patterson said.

Patterson received $3000 and $1000 is given to Lawrence High. Patterson did not know he won until he was congratulated by some teachers.

“Mr. [Matthew] Stiles came in to shake my hand and congratulate me and I didn’t know what he was talking about and he told me to check my email,” Patterson said. “And there was an email from Dr. Brungardt.”

This year, three teachers won the Wolfe Family Teaching Award. There will be a dinner to celebrate their win after the School of Education graduation ceremony this year, Ginsburg said.

The Wolfe Family Teaching Award shows the effect of teachers on students, even after high school. Teachers are known for low salaries and this award gives recognition financially as well as professionally.

“I can tell you as a teacher, as a faculty member, there’s nothing that means more to me than students coming back and saying ‘you know you really helped me in my life,’” Ginsburg said.