The Thurmont Lions Club held its Education Night on May 8, 2019, with Mark Pritts, Frederick County Public School’s instructional director as their guest speaker. The club recognized a teacher from Catoctin High School and the seven feeder schools. Of these eight teachers, a “Teacher of the Year” for the Thurmont Lions Club was honored. Each teacher received a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant. The Teacher of the Year received a check for $250.
The 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year was Marisa Bruce, Thurmont Primary School. Fellow teachers nominated her. An excerpt from her nomination form reads: “She is a music teacher whose love and enthusiasm for music is contagious. Even the most timid student has found confidence and joy in her classroom. She has planned grade-level performances that involve every student this year. This is an amazing opportunity for our students to show and share what they have learned this year. She is a wonderful asset to our school.”
The club recognized Mike Franklin, a physical education teacher at Catoctin High School, who was named Frederick County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. He has been head coach of the CHS baseball team for 20 years. Franklin was unable to join the club for their Education Night celebration due to a previous commitment. However, Principal Bernard Quesada of Catoctin High School said a few heartfelt words about Franklin, regarding his outstanding contributions to the school and his outstanding commitments to the students in the physical education department.
Pictured from left are 1st VP Lion Joyce Anthony; Marisa Bruce; Principal Kate Locke, Thurmont Primary School; President Julie El-Taher.
