The School Buzz: Lewis-Palmer HS teacher awarded $50,000 national prize

A high school teacher in Monument walked into a classroom this week and bumped into a $50,000 check. 

Andrew Vreize teaches carpentry at Lewis-Palmer High School. He was surprised with the money, a national award, on Tuesday, recognized as one of the winners for this year’s Harbor Freight Tools For Schools Prize. 

The prize is given to outstanding instructors in the skilled trades field at U.S. public high schools. Lewis-Palmer High School’s skilled trades program received $35,000, and Vrieze received $15,000. 

Vrieze, after years of applying for the award, says it’s awesome. 

“In the summer when I found out I was a finalist -- I couldn't even believe it,” he said. “I'm overwhelmed, humbled in all ways that you would pick me and my program and help support us in the way we're going."  

Vrieze says the money will go towards expanding his high school's program and he hopes to encourage more students to pursue the trade.  

In total, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is awarding $1.5 million in prizes to 25 skilled trades teachers nationwide, including Vrieze and two other Colorado teachers. The full list of winners can be found here. 

Do you know something or someone remarkable at your school? Email us! Schoolbuzz@krdo.com.