St. John's Lutheran grad earns award

St. John's Lutheran School graduate Daniel Kuznik recently was honored for his teaching and his successful mentoring program and was named "2008 Teacher of the Year" by the Indiana Department of Education.

Kuznik graduated from Algonquin's St. John's Lutheran School in 1993 and from Jacobs High School in 1997. He earned his bachelor of science in math from Valparaiso University and then went on to earn a master of education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Kuznik is currently in his seventh year working as a math teacher at Indiana's Pike High School. In addition to his teaching, he also established and leads the Freshman Mentors, a group of about 150 upper classmen who come together once a week and serve to transition freshman students into high school.

Kuznik was one of 53 public and private school educators recommended by their superintendent. He received his award in the Pike Performing Arts Center before the entire freshman class as well as district administrators, politicians, former Teachers of the Year, his wife Lisa and his parents, Rev. Rollin and Betty Kuznik.

When asked about how his education and faith played a part in his decision to be a teacher, Kuznik responded, "My former teachers from St. John's Lutheran School instilled in me the strong educational foundation that I needed as I progressed on to high school, college, and now postgraduate work.

"After over 20 years of some form of education, I have had to regularly rely on my faith in God to sustain me and give me the strength tofinish what I start."

It is now almost a month since being named the 2008 Indiana Teacher of the Year but it continues to be quite a whirlwind of events and activities.

Kuznik said, "Despite the whirlwind, it has been awesome to have the prayers and support of my former church. I have received many nice cards and notes from former teachers and members of St. John's, and I hope they know how much those have meant to me."

"Without a doubt, St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Algonquin have been there for me every step of the way -- even now, when I live in Indianapolis."

When Dan's father, Rev. Rollin Kuznik, was asked about the celebration for his son, he offered, "We join him in his humility and celebrate this time as we also praise and thank God from whom all blessings flow!"

Dan's father served as senior pastor to St. John's Lutheran Church and School for 26 years and as pastor emeritus for four years until he and his wife Betty retired to Indiana this past summer.

Kuznik will represent his state in Washington D.C. this spring where he we be considered for the National Teacher of the Year Award.