Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) saluted 51 employees deemed worthy of high recognition Thursday, April 18. Administrators were joined by business, civic and political leaders at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach for the 2013 Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Staff Person of the Year awards.

Selection committees chose the recipients from a field of candidates designated by their schools.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jack Smith announced the winners to the audience. The winner of the Teacher of the Year honor is Jon K. Cox, a math teacher at Southern Middle School (SMS). Cox is a county native whose family is immersed in the education field. His parents, two aunts and two cousins have also been classroom teachers. His wife teaches at Dowell Elementary School.

The 2006 Salisbury University graduate figures his career of teaching sixth graders pre-algebra and transition (general) math is a way to invest in the next generations. “Teaching is the only way to make the biggest impact on the future,” said Cox. As to what he enjoys most about teaching, Cox explained the satisfaction comes from “learning about them and what drives them—thinking a lot about past experiences.”

In remarks submitted by SMS officials for reading during the introduction of the honorees, Cox was described as an educator who “brings excitement to learning and teaching math. He builds strong relationships with students and staff.”

The evening’s program included words of admiration for Calvert’s educators. Maryland House of Delegates Minority Leader Anthony J. “Tony” O’Donnell [R-District 29C] declared Calvert’s public school system “far above average” and hailed the “great professionals” assembled. Delegate Mark Fisher [R-District 27B] shared a story relayed to him about a teacher who bought a pair of tennis shoes for a student whose family was enduring difficult financial times. “I realize it’s not just what you do in the classroom,” Fisher told the honorees.

“I know what you do,” said Calvert County Commissioners’ President Pat Nutter [R], who noted he, his siblings, children and grandchildren are products of CCPS. “The teachers never gave up on me,” said Nutter.

Congressman Steny Hoyer [D] was represented at the banquet by his senior constituent liaison Betty Rogers. “You are among an elite group,” Hoyer stated in a letter Rogers read during the program.

“You’ve had the opportunity to touch the lives of many,” said Calvert Board of Education (BOE) President