This past March, New Trier KW and health teacher, Andy Horne, won the SHAPE American’s National Health Education Teacher of the Year Award.

Horne, who is famous for his scholarly health related raps, is also a past winner of the Midwest District Health Education Teacher of the Year.

On Mar. 20, Horne was honored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators, otherwise known as SHAPE America.

“I didn’t get into teaching to win awards,” said Horne, “to be recognized is truly an honor and a humbling experience.”

This award did not come as a surprise to many of Horne’s students, who believe the health teacher deserved the award.

“He is a phenomenal teacher,” said sophomore Alyssa Coffey. “He cares and listens to you not just as a student, but as a person.” Coffey also added, “He listens to your ideas and is available for students.”

“He makes class fun. We don’t just sit there,” said Senior Lois Suh, “Mr. Horne is also very good at breaking the ice and getting kids more comfortable in his class.”

Many other students also sang Horne’s praises, including Sophomore Kami Grochowski, “he has a positive attitude, and a unique way of teaching that helps students understand the material.”

Sophomore Hannah Coffey added, “He is very chill and approachable. Mr. Horne understands what we are going through.”

Students praised him on his ability to explain concepts and the knowledge of his subject area. Senior Michael Burke said, “Mr. Horne deserves this award because everyone really enjoyed his class and he made the awkward topic of sex less uncomfortable to talk about. I think all the students really benefitted from Mr. Horne’s teaching style.”

Andrew Milne, a coworker of Horne who wrote his reference for the award, said, “He is awesome, and he really cares about his students and puts them at the center of everything he does. He is willing to be creative and take risks in the classroom because he wants you to take risks as a student.”

Horne wanted to become a health teacher because the profession entails both of his passions: working with kids, and health and fitness.

“Health is relevant and real; it goes beyond the classroom,” said Horne, “Health is a topic that you are going to have to deal with in your life no matter who you are.”

Horne said his goal is to get students excited about health. “I want my students to be able to access where they are with their health and where they can improve their health. I want them to make decisions that can improve their health. If you don’t have good health then you can’t enjoy your life,” said Horne.

Horne credits a part of his success to the environment here at New Trier. “I’m surrounded with people who make me better, who push me and who show me new things,” said Horne. “My colleagues and the administration here at New Trier allow me to take chances and to be myself.”

“Mr. Horne is the best of the best,” said Milne. “He makes me a better teacher.”