A South Forsyth High School teacher has earned top honors from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Thomas Wolff was named the 2012 Georgia History Teacher of the Year by a panel of teachers, administrators and academics from the state.

In a letter announcing the news, Lesley Herrmann, executive director for the institute, wrote that Wolff earned the honor for the “level of inspiration that you provide to your students and your career achievements in education.”

In addition to receiving a $1,000 award, Wolff will be in the running for the national teacher prize of $10,000, which will be announced in the fall.

Also, the school’s library will receive an archive of books and historical resources presented in Wolff’s name from the institute.

“We thank you for engaging students with dedication and creativity,” Herrmann wrote.

Locally, Wolff is perhaps best known for his annual history concert, which helps students prepare for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and the End of Course tests.

The event, which is open to the public, is held each spring.

Prior to beginning his education career, Wolff was a singer/songwriter and performed with a band in Chicago.