Congratulations to JROTC Marine Senior Instructor Melvin Burch-Bynum on his recognition as the FCPS 2023 Outstanding Secondary School New Teacher at this year's FCPS Honors event, held at George Mason University Center for the Arts on June 14th.

As the senior marine instructor for the Mount Vernon High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC program, Major Burch-Bynum is a servant leader, mentor, confidant, motivator, and a "school dad" for some students. Melvin knows each of his students personally, and he helps them to find the self-confidence and courage to believe in their abilities and brilliance despite their challenges. He also leads six teams, often arriving to school two hours before the first bell and staying at least two hours after the last bell. On weekends, he attends competitions, volunteers, or conducts team-building exercises with his students. Melvin believes our youth are the nation's best hope for the future, and he works hard to shape that future by shaping them.

• View Mr. Burch-Bynum's recognition on the FCPS website.

Congratulations to the following Mount Vernon High School staff members who were also recognized at this year's FCPS Honors Ceremony!

Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee School-Level Recipient

• Akua Boamah, Assistant Building Supervisor

Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee School and Pyramid-Level Recipient

• Danielle Torres, Special Education Department Chair

Outstanding School-Based Leader School-Level Recipient

• Karin Boyd, Assistant Principal

Outstanding Secondary Teacher School and Pyramid-Level Recipient

• Russell Roache, Mathematics Teacher

Thank you to Haeyoung Lee for all of their hard work with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison.