The Newton Community Education Foundation handed out their last Excellence in Education Award for this school year on Tuesday morning. Each year the foundation recognizes teachers who are nominated by students, parents, or other community members. Newton Community Education Foundation President Kelly Sorenson says twelve teachers were honored this year, and were presented their award during a surprise classroom visit that included Cardinal Mascot “Big Red”.

“The teachers have no idea we are coming. So, it’s always fun to lead in the parade with “Big Red” because he comes with us too. The teachers always have that puzzled look on their face because they don’t know why we are there.”

The Excellence in Education Award recipients get an engraved trophy, a Cardinal plaque, cookies for their classroom, and a $500 check to spend in their classroom. The teachers recognized this year were Katelyn Elscott and Jodi Morgan-Peters at Newton High School, Cooper Heath and Nicky Lampe at Berg Middle School, Melissa Munger and Holly Clayton at Emerson Hough Elementary, Dalton Pauley and Mindy Roorda at Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Jessica Cole and Dawn Lucas at Woodrow Wilson Elementary, Erin Bright at West Academy, and Elisa Rooda at the Newton YMCA Preschool.