Congratulations to Northport High School science teacher Bryan Horan, who was recently selected as a 2020 Distinguished Teacher by the Harvard Club of Long Island.

The program, which was created in spring 2005, is designed to acknowledge remarkable Long Island teachers. Nominees are submitted by current Harvard undergraduates, reflecting on their high school careers, and only those selected by a HCLI committee earn the distinguished title. Among the 50 to 80 teachers nominated per year, only a dozen teachers from all of Long Island were selected to receive this prestigious award in 2020.

As a New York State Master Chemistry Teacher and Advanced Science Research Coordinator, Mr. Horan has prepared countless students to seamlessly transition to college to pursue further interests in sciences and research. In fact, his nominator credited Mr. Horan as the reason that he/she was accepted into Harvard.

“He supported me in every way imaginable, including encouraging me to push myself harder than I ever had before,” the nomination letter read. “As a freshman at Harvard today, I apply the lessons in hard work, kindness and perseverance that he taught me every day.”

District Chairperson of Science Technology and Engineering Education David Storch said that Mr. Horan engages learners both inside and outside of the classroom with the excitement, wonder and nature of science. Additionally, he challenges students to take on science, technology, engineering and mathematical challenges to discover and design solutions to real-world problems.

“I am truly blessed to work in a district that provides so many amazing opportunities that fosters professional development and growth for both myself and my students,” Mr. Horan said. “I am beyond proud to be associated with the Northport East-Northport School District.”