Arundel High School physical education teacher and Athletic Director Kevin Necessary has been named High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD).
Necessary has taught in Anne Arundel County Public Schools since 2001, and has been at Arundel High School since 2003. In addition to teaching a variety of physical education courses, he served as the school’s assistant athletic director from 2008 through last year and became athletic director this year.
The award is given annually to a teacher who, in addition to possessing outstanding teaching skills, is a positive role model and exhibits the qualities of personal health and fitness in his or her daily life.
“I am both honored and humbled to be receiving this award,” Necessary said. “It is a reflection of the hard work our entire Health, Physical Education, and Dance Department at Arundel High School.”
Necessary received MAHPERD’s Simon McNeely Award for outstanding contributions to the profession in 2009.
“Kevin is an extremely positive, dedicated, and involved professional who not only supports the Health and Physical Education Department at Arundel High School, but also gives freely of his time to support the entire county,” said Christiana Grue Walsh, AACPS’ coordinator of health, physical education, and dance. “He has participated in summer curriculum writing for nearly a decade and is always willing to facilitate county-wide professional development. He serves as a positive role model who epitomizes health and wellness throughout every aspect of his personal and professional life.”
Necessary is a former boys lacrosse coach at Arundel, serves on the School Improvement Team and founded the Arundel High School Leadership Council at the school. He helped to develop the Arundel High School Student Athlete’s Code of Conduct.
He was also instrumental in helping one of his former schools, Cape St. Claire Elementary School, become a Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Demonstration School in 2003. Necessary also serves on a variety of county, regional, and state committees.
Three other AACPS physical education teachers – Elissa Mango of Marley Middle School, Jamie Millett of Point Pleasant Elementary School, and Tim Smith of Folger McKinsey Elementary School –are receiving Simon McNeely awards this year.
MAHPERD’s vision is to become a leading organization that promotes and supports healthier, more creative, and more active Maryland citizens by advocating and promoting personal wellness and healthier lifestyles through educational and community programs.
Necessary, Mango, Millett, and Smith will receive their awards at the MAHPERD convention in Hunt Valley on October 16.