On May 27, at the Senior Awards Assembly, Director of Enrollment Edward Maynard, class of ‘93, was announced Educator of the Year for the 2015-2016 academic year.

“I feel honored to be considered as someone students respect at the same levels as teachers like Mr. Del Puppo, Mrs. Michael, Mr. Ionescu, and Doctor Gallen,” Maynard said.

Despite the physical demands of coming to school every day while battling cancer, Maynard said it was worthwhile coming. “Even though it was hard at times on my body, and I often ran out of gas by 1 o’clock, it was so satisfying seeing the students and shadows every day.”

On March 31, Maynard found out he had won his battle against cancer. Maynard was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier in the school year and with the help of the JC community money was raised for his cause. A total of 21,500 dollars were presented to Maynard at the head-shaving ceremony in November.

According to Maynard, winning the award was a surprise to him. He received a phone call from SAC Moderator Rodney Johnson at about 6 p.m. the night before telling him that he had won the award.

“I found out [the night before] when Mr. Johnson called me, and I sat down to think of my speech and I couldn’t do it. I was at a loss,” Maynard said.

Maynard didn’t tell his wife that he won the award until about 10 p.m. that night. “She was very happy for me. She was really upset that she couldn’t attend the assembly, but she is very proud of me. I couldn’t have done it all without her,” Maynard said.

During his speech, Maynard said that he was hoping someone else would’ve won the award. “I didn’t want to speak in front of everyone because preparing a speech was difficult for me, but I am extremely honored to win the award.”

Maynard was humbled by the award, but said that he is eternally grateful for the JC community. “I challenge anyone to find a community that is more caring and compassionate than this one.”

Maynard is honored to be compared to the teachers who have won the award in the past and jokes about the fact that his peers give him a hard time for winning the award, even though he no longer teaches classes. “Gerry Gray is probably rolling over in his grave right now shaking his head, but he’s also probably smiling at the same time,” Maynard said.

Alex Rasmussen is a News Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com