Arundel High Teacher Named Maryland's Phys Ed Teacher of the Year

Release: Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS)

Arundel High School physical education teacher and Athletic Director Kevin Necessary has been named the 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 of 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, coordinator of health, physical education and dance for the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS). “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. 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. The four teachers will receive their awards on Friday, Oct. 16, at the MAHPERD convention in Hunt Valley.