On Saturday, March 27, English instructor Lisa Renz was recognized as a semifinalist for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Award.

“I was thrilled, and I was very surprised,” Renz said. “I never figured I would be picked for a semifinalist at all, but it was a very nice surprise to be chosen.”

Renz was one of the 138 teachers to be nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year. She is a part of the Region 1 semifinalists, which include three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. In addition to Region 1, there are three other regions in Kansas.

On March 27, there was a ceremony via Zoom to announce the semifinalists. Renz said she was surprised and excited when she heard her name.

“It was a very big surprise, like I said, and a great honor, too, just to be nominated and to be chosen as a semifinalist,” Renz said. “After 29 years of teaching, I didn’t think it would happen.”

Each semifinalist will receive a red marble apple with a wooden base from the Master Teacher in Manhattan.

“I guess it just makes me realize that not all of my efforts have been in vain and that what I am doing is having an effect and people are noticing what I am doing,” Renz said. “Like I said, after 29 years of teaching, sometimes I wonder, “Am I affecting the students’ lives? Am I helping them to move on?’ And, maybe I am. It was good recognition, and I am deeply honored to have been chosen.”

23rfairbank@usd489.com