A LU M N I N E WS
Tony Jones FOUNDERS’ CUP R EC IP IE N T
Don’t forget to pay it forward. Congratulations to Upper School Science teacher, Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach and outgoing Twelfth Grade Dean Tony Jones who was named the recipient of the 2019 Founders’ Cup for Teaching Excellence. Presented annually by the Alumni Association, the Founders’ Cup is meant to recognize and honor MKA’s strong tradition of high-caliber teaching, both inside and outside the classroom, and is awarded to one outstanding faculty member who has made a significant contribution to the school during the past year. Tony received his BA in Biology and Chemistry from Franklin Pierce College and just completed his 19th year at the Upper School. Before he came to MKA, Tony spent eight years as a pharmaceutical production supervisor at Hoffmann-La Roche Pharmaceuticals. He then taught at Don Bosco Technology Academy in Paterson and at Bishop Francis Essex Catholic High School, where he served as Director of Admissions, a guidance counselor, Head JV Basketball Coach and Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach. Tony is the proud father of three MKA graduates: Brandon ’04, Breanna ’08, and Brittany ’16. According to his former students and athletes, Tony represents the very best of MKA. He is an exceptional teacher, basketball coach, and mentor, and he has served the community with integrity and humility for almost two decades. As an educator, he makes science relevant to the lives of his students, and he fosters warm relationships with them to ensure their overall growth and development. He relates to students from a variety of backgrounds by listening with the intent to understand and provides meaningful advice to
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help them meet challenges and overcome difficulties. Students are often in his office seeking extra help, and it is clear that they feel comfortable sharing with Tony the details of their lives outside of academics. He is a trusted advisor who goes above and beyond to make his students feel welcomed and safe. Alumni Council President Amanda Englander ’04 presented the award at the end-of-year faculty meeting, on June 12, 2019. The following quote from a Founders’ Cup nomination submission sums up the influence and impact Tony had on his students: “From the time I was a student at MKA, Coach Jones has been like a father to me and he has always treated me like a member of his own family. He has often sacrificed his own time to ensure that I have felt loved and supported, providing advice that has always helped me deal with hardships I have faced. When I have thanked Coach Jones for his insights, he has always responded, “Don’t forget to pay it forward.” This simple reminder has always inspired me to serve our students and our athletes in the same way Coach Jones has. His guidance has been instrumental to my growth as a teacher and as a coach at MKA, and I will be forever grateful for the impact he has made on my life.”
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