Teacher Nominee John Motchkavitz Great Neck South High School “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” Those words are spoken in a speech by great college and Olympic Hockey Coach, Herb Brooks right before his team is ready to play in one of the biggest hockey games of its life. It is also one of the mottos used in education of our school’s nominee, Mr. John Motchkavitz (fondly known as “Motch” by everyone around school and the community). Motch is the Business/Technology department head and Technology teacher here at Great Neck South High School. When we think of a person that makes a difference both in the classroom, around school and in his community, Motch is that guy. Motch’s dedication to our school is unparalleled to anyone this district has ever come across. In all honesty, there is nothing that goes on in our building that Motch does not touch or help play a major role in. Whether it is our business club DECA, Robotics, set design for all of the amazing school plays and musicals, social committee to bond and welcome new teachers, marriages and babies into the Great Neck Schools community—Motch is always there. Besides academics, he is also a major supporter of athletics. Motch also coaches lacrosse and does all of the announcements for the wrestling matches here at school. Within the community, Motch tirelessly serves as a volunteer fire fighter, helping in the efforts of 9/11. He gives 1,000% in everything he does. He really is the backbone of Great Neck South High School. Born and raised in Great Neck, to us, Motch is known as the “unofficial mayor” of Great Neck. When we have new teachers enter the district, Motch is often the one that is showing that new teacher around the schools campuses, and around town, getting them excited to begin a career in this wonderful district. He knows everything there is to know about our town and our school system. Everyone in our school and around town knows Motch! Motch is also a major contributor to our community’s volunteer fire department. He continually puts his life in danger to help others, and he does so without hesitation. In fact, he was one of the first volunteer fire department responders during the 9/11 attacks, along with the rest of his fire department. He spent days in the rubble, down in Ground Zero, searching for survivors, loved ones, and helping with the efforts. His best friend , John Ielpi was killed during the 9/11 attacks, and Motch has had a Senior Award named in his honor, which goes to a deserving student every year. Motch has a heart of gold and is willing to help anyone, anywhere, any time he is needed. Personally, when I first started working in the district, 5 years ago, Motch went around introducing me to EVERY SINGLE person that was in the building that day. I remember saying to myself “Do we really need to do this now? It is June and I am sweating, running around this building!” I cannot tell you what a difference that day made. On the first day of school that upcoming September, when a brand new teacher in a building usually feels dread and intense anxiety not knowing anyone, I felt completely at ease and at home while walking in the halls and having everyone say, “Hi Sheryl”. It was then that I realized how lucky and fortunate I was to have Motch walking me around school on that sweaty, hot June day. It was because of him that I had a seamless transition into this new school and felt welcomed. I can never thank him enough. A day does not pass, when you don’t hear a student, teacher or administrator saying or yelling, “Motch!” down the hallway to get his attention. He is a breath of fresh air around school—always smiling, joking around and also giving advice and guidance to friends and students when it is truly needed. As teachers in his department, we could not have asked for a better boss and friend. He is willing to do whatever he can to ensure that our department is happy and loves coming to work every day. He leads our school’s Robotics team, and thanks to him, we have tripled our Robotics students in classes in the last 3 years, and he had helped lead that group to the National competition. Our school (and this is the truth) has never had a more dedicated or sincere educator. Without him, our department would not be what it is—we would honestly be lost without him. We feel extremely fortunate to have a man like this in our corners, supporting us as educators and human beings, every step along the way. So to everyone out there, whether you are a student, a parent, an educator or anyone…Keep on, Keepin’ on—another one of Motch’s great mottos  This man truly deserves this award and we would be so thankful should he receive it. Sincerely, Sheryl Burger and the rest of the Business/Technology Department at Great Neck South High School-- Matthew Corrigan, Dennis Mooney, Mike Passuello, Jon Ruvio, Jennifer Scheinberg, Rick Vine (and retired department head, Paul Meyer)