Juneau-Douglas High School math teacher Lexie Razor was awarded the BP Teacher of Excellence award Wednesday at JDHS. Razor was one of only five teachers from Alaska’s “outlying districts” to receive the award.
Teachers from Eagle, Chenega Bay, Sitka and Craig also selected for the award from the state’s outlying district.
This year, BP received over 1,000 nominations of teachers who exhibit, “exceptional performance in the classroom, dedication to students and contribution to the state’s future.” A total of 29 from across the state were selected in early May. Each teacher received a $500 gift card and $500 matching grant to their school.
Over 750 teachers have been recognized with the BP Teacher of Excellence Award since its inception 22 years ago.
Minutes after several dozen students filed in to the classrom, Juneau Mayor Ken Koelsch, a longtime JDHS faculty member, spoke about his memories of Razor as a high school student.
“In high school, Lexi was a force of nature — from the student government podium to the basketball courts to the drama state,” Koelsch said. “In the classrom, I think that force of nature is being recognized.”
Razor was the 1994 class president and a star athlete on the JDHS basketball and softball teams.
BP Alaska Director of Public Relations Tara Stevens spoke at the lecturn after Koelsch.
“In addition to building relationships, trust and respect, she finds a way to make math fun, even for the most math-challenged students,” Stevens said. “Incorporating games and technology, students look forward to what comes next, even though it’s math.”
Seated in the front row were Razor’s parents Paul Larson, 74, and Phyllis Larson, 73, with their two grandchildren.
“I’m very proud — extremely proud — she’s worked hard all her life and she’s got her life together,” Paul said. “She’s very sensible and she really cares for students.”
Phyllis said she looks up to her daughter and her ability to reach students.
“If I had to do it over again, I would grow up to be just like her,” Phyllis said. “I really mean that. I know she’s really loved by all the students that she has and its such an honor for her.”
Razor only had a few words after accepting a framed award from Stevens.
“This means a lot to me,” Razor said.
