Two Cape Elizabeth High School teachers have been recognized for outstanding service to their community.

The Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation honored Evan Thayer with the Brownell Award and Ben Raymond with the Thompson Award at a meeting Aug. 29.

The Brownell Award, named in honor of Elaine Brownell, a veteran math teacher, recognizes a faculty member who uses innovation, good execution and hard work in implementing a successful grant. The Thompson Award is in memory of Timothy Thompson who died in 2004, the summer after graduating high school. It recognizes a faculty member who has reached out to students in a meaningful, positive way over the past school year.

“It is a gift to the teachers in recognition of their dedication,” said David Sherman, president of the education foundation. The foundation was started in 2000 and funds programs not typically covered by the school budget, said Sherman. He said the group is working on creating an endowment so the program can support itself.

Both awards come with a $2,000 cash gift as well as a glass apple memento.

Last spring, Thayer, a math teacher, used a grant to start a robotics program at the high school, Over the summer, Thayer also ran a robotics program for students in Grades 2 through 4.

“I totally see this eventually as a Grades 2 through 12 program,” said Thayer on Friday.

He said he received another grant this year to expand the program to the middle school, as well. He explained that so far the program has been using Lego Mindstorm sets, which he said is a good start because kids are familiar with Lego products. The high school students will be using a Vex Robotics Design System this year, a more advanced construction set.

“I am very honored and very humbled,” said Thayer about getting the award, adding, “The success of the program’s implementation has been the generosity of those involved with the program.”

Thayer said he is signing up for a national Lego League Challenge and Vex Challenge, which take place early next year. Students’ robots will compete in various challenges.

This was the first year of the Thompson Award, made possible by Tim Thompson’s family. They wished to honor his memory by recognizing teachers and staff who make an extra impact in students’ lives.

Raymond coached Thompson in both soccer and lacrosse. Raymond teaches world history, math and science classes in the special education department, and also coaches swimming. He said about 90 percent of the students in his department go on to college.

In his acceptance speech, Raymond talked about his relationship with Thompson. He mentioned a car ride the two took to Boston for a lacrosse game a couple weeks before the young man committed suicide. He said that since Thompson’s death, he has tried to listen to students more carefully and to help ease their stress.

“Receiving the award was a pretty special moment for me. Timmy and I were awfully close,” said Raymond on Friday. “It is great our names will be on the award together.”