By Hannah Baughman
Colonel Writer
In his 35th and final year of teaching, physics teacher Jon Secaur was honored with the title of Portage County Teacher of the Year.
Every year, the Coleman Foundation picks a teacher in the county who has been nominated by his or her peers to win the award. This year, the science department chose to nominate Secaur for the award to honor his long career before he retires, and the Coleman Foundation chose him from the pool of other applicants.
In December, the entire school was called down to the auditorium one day at the end of first period, where fellow science teacher Chris Carman announced that Secaur had won the award. At the time, Secaur had no idea that he had even been nominated.
“I was so surprised at the assembly,” he said. “It was a great day.”
Secaur will be publicly recognized in March. A dinner and public ceremony to honor him will be held in Aurora, where he will receive a $1,000 prize.
While at Roosevelt, Secaur has taught physics and research. He taught biology, chemistry, and physics at Crestwood for six years before coming to Kent.
His students greatly appreciate the sense of humor he brings to the classroom.
“He makes my day with his hilarious jokes and self-confidence-boosting remarks,” said junior Billy Volchko.
“His silly puns bring me to class each day,” said junior Nathan Beals.
Secaur is very happy to have won the award. “I’m so honored and pleased,” he said.
Photo by Laura Contrucci