Third year math teacher Ms. Sarah Reeves said “I still haven’t come up with the right word of how I feel “ after she was presented the Albert Award for Parkway high school teachers for the 2013-14 school year. The award recognizes teachers who are in the first five years of their careers and have demonstrated exceptional potential as educators. Principal Tim McCarthy says the award is an absolute reflection of Reeves character.

“I’m not sure that i’ve ever seen her without a smile on her face,” McCarthy said. “She is so positive with colleagues and students, but then she has brought some really innovative thinking to the math department, and contributes at a very high level in professional conversations.”

The award was established 6 years ago in honor of past Parkway Principal (Central High principal mid 1960s, first West High principal) and teacher Dr. Al Burr.

“I am very fortunate to work with a department and an administration that’s very supportive of new ideas,” Reeves said. “I think the award is a reflection of that because I know not all teachers are as lucky as I am, and that they don’t have that support behind them.”

Dr. Burr surprised Reeves by presenting the award to her in the middle of her geometry class. Reeves thought there was a unique significance of having the award presented to her in the middle of class.

“Mr. McCarthy came in and the way that he stopped class really startled me, so I thought there was something wrong,” Reeves said. “It was really funny and i think it’s something my geometry students will always remember and we always bring it up, it was a fun experience for them too.”