DCDS Teacher Named Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., December 12, 2013– The University of Virginia Curry School of Education Foundation has named Detroit Country Day School (DCDS) Upper School teacher John M. Kenney the 2013 Outstanding High School Teacher. DCDS Headmaster Glen Shilling proudly made the announcement.

“John not only creates a challenging yet enjoyable learning environment for his students, but his collaborative teaching style also inspires students to excel academically and personally,” said Shilling. “We are very proud to have John as an integral member of our distinguished faculty and congratulate him on being chosen for this honor.”

Selected from a national nomination pool, the Curry School of Education Foundation honors an individual who has made considerable contributions in the field of education. The annual award is given to an exemplary graduate of the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, professional stature, dedicated community service and concern for student welfare.

A history teacher for 30 years, Kenney provides instrumental mentorship to students in and out of the classroom. He joined the DCDS Upper School faculty in 1999, and quickly became a respected teacher and coach amongst students, teachers and parents. Kenney is an award-winning varsity men’s lacrosse coach in addition to being a member of the Michigan Lacrosse Association Hall of Fame. His honors include six Coach of the Year awards from the Michigan Coaches Association and four Man of the Year awards from US Lacrosse. Kenney also serves as a DCDS Honor Council adviser, mentoring an elected student group that helps educate the student body on the core values important to strong citizenship, such as honor and integrity.

Other distinguished accolades include being honored as a 2007 Nobel Educator of Distinction and a Hope College Educator of Excellence. Kenney received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia and his Master of Arts degree from Wheaton College. 

 Detroit Country Day School offers students from preschool through high school an exemplary education rooted in academic vigor and a commitment to the full development of each student’s potential. The school is an independent, coeducational, non-denominational, college preparatory school nationally recognized for excellence in academics, athletics and the fine and performing arts. Founded in 1914 by F. Alden Shaw, Detroit Country Day School today enrolls more than 1,500 students on four campuses located in Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Township, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.dcds.edu.

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