Congratulations to Mr. Jonathan Smith and Mr. Gerald Swift - Teachers of the Year!

Congratulations to Archdiocese of Washington (ADW) teachers of the year for St. Mary's Ryken, Mr. Jonathan Smith and Mr. Gerald Swift

Veteran Teacher of the Year

Jonathan Smith
Math and Engineering Teacher, STEM Program Coordinator 

Jonathan Smith has become an integral part of the St. Mary’s Ryken community since joining in 2016. Mr. Smith teaches AP Calculus and engineering courses while also serving as coordinator of St. Mary’s Ryken’s STEM program. In the classroom, he is a master teacher who inspires and empowers his students by engaging them in creative problem-solving and challenging tasks. Beyond the classroom, he has facilitated student leadership through a project to revitalize the Marian grotto on campus and to design and build a new bridge for the school’s cross-country trail. Mr. Smith has embraced the Xaverian focus on care and stewardship for God’s creation through his leadership of the Maryland Environmental Protection Organization Club. His work was recognized with the St. Mary’s County Sustainability Award. A respected mentor and colleague and tireless advocate for his students, St. Mary’s Ryken is proud to recognize Jonathan Smith as this year’s Veteran Teacher of the Year.

Novice Teacher of the Year

Novice Teacher of the Year
Gerald Swift
Flight Academy Instructor

St. Mary’s Ryken is proud to recognize Gerald Swift as our Novice Teacher of the Year. Mr. Swift has been the driving force behind the development of St. Mary’s Ryken’s Flight Academy. His dedication to his students and commitment to continuous improvement through engagement with professional development is truly inspiring. During his short time with St. Mary’s Ryken, Mr. Swift has proven himself to be an outstanding colleague and truly collaborative in and beyond the classroom. Along with several other STEM teachers, Mr. Swift has been instrumental in forming a partnership with Offshore Aviation Group to allow St. Mary’s Ryken students the opportunity to build and test drones for the company. Mr. Swift’s embodiment of St. Mary’s Ryken’s Xaverian values is evident in his daily interactions, support for school programming, and community involvement. For these reasons, Mr. Swift is truly deserving of recognition as St. Mary’s Ryken’s Novice Teacher of the Year.