The 2018 WINNER of the JMU High School Physics Teacher of the Year Award 

We are proud to announce that 

the 2018 recipient of the JMU High School Physics Teacher of the Year Award

 is

Mr. Nicholas Leonard

Science Teacher at Monacan High School, North Chesterfield, VA

The student who has nominated Mr. Leonard is James Clabough, currently a physics major at JMU. Here is James in his own words describing the exceptional attributes of his nominee:

“Mr. Leonard has a wonderful way of making physics fun and entertaining, whether that be learning the forces of projectile motion through marshmallow catapults to learning about centripetal forces by using a flying squealing pig. Mr. Leonard always knows how to explain things well and relate key concepts involved around physics back to everyday life by preforming experiments in the matter or watching relevant viral videos to the concept he is trying to explain. All in all Mr. Leonard is unparalleled in how he teaches the subject and would be the best candidate for the honor of JMU High School Teacher of the Year.”

Mr. Leonard will be visiting us at JMU on Tuesday, November 6th (Election Day) when he will meet with faculty and students, see our facilities, and receive a gift in recognition of the award. Feel free to join us for the award ceremony of Mr. Leonard at 2 pm in Room 2212 (Phys. Chem. Bldg.)!