The Edward Scovner Excellence in Middle School Teaching Award

Congratulations to Jennifer Pokorney, the 2023 Edward Scovner Excellence in Middle School Teaching Award recipient. This award is presented to the Middle School teacher who has most inspired students to fulfill their potential through their commitment, deep affection for pupils, and, most importantly, distinctive style and approach to teaching.

Head of Middle School Amber Berry shared the following about Pokorney during the Middle School Awards & Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony on Thursday, June 8. “This year’s Ed Scovner award goes to a faculty member who is there for everyone: Their students, their colleagues, their family, and their friends. They are constantly seeking to make every kid’s idea a reality. You might hear them say with a shrug, ‘Let’s try!’ And then, they figure out a way to get that idea done and inspire agency in every student to be a leader and make change. This teacher is committed to inspiring students to think critically and maintain their curiosity. This teacher is kind to the core. While they have a sense of humor, they also demonstrate empathy and carry themselves as a leader. Every time I have met with them one-on-one, they ask me, “What can I do to help you?” Their commitment to others extends beyond offering a helping hand on campus as they have developed strong curricular ties to service and have served as the faculty mentor of the Middle School Service Board.”

Past recipients of the Edward Scovner Excellence in Middle School Teaching Award include: librarian Jean Myles (2022), English teacher Ty Wieland (2021), math teacher Jay Blau (2020), former English teacher Frank “Bubba” Henson ‘74 (2019), physical education teacher Pat Raffaele ’88 (2018), Middle School Science Chair Susan Bralower (2017), math teacher Susan Garnett (2016), science teacher David Havens (2015), English teacher Jim Carroll (2014), and fifth grade teacher Melissa Zurkowski (2013).