Written By: 

Kurt Dzwonkowski

Teacher Excellence Award in Mathematics – $1,000 Scholarship

Kurt Dzwonkowski has come full circle. In 2007, he was a Golden Eagle winner in Mathematics, and now, 11 years later, after only three years at Tattnall, is a Teacher Excellence Award winner. Kurt teaches five different math classes, three of which are Advanced Placement, and treats each class as if it’s his only one. “Mr. D” as he’s known around Tattnall, is renowned for his creative and engaging teaching style, zeal for calculations, and consummate devotion to students. Before his arrival at Tattnall, few students attempted AP math classes. Today, participation and scores have soared because of the rigorous preparation and support he provides to inspire confidence and help his students succeed. Committed to helping every student gain the critical thinking skills essential to success on standardized tests and Advanced Placement exams, Kurt’s after-school tutoring and early morning practice sessions for AP classes at Chick-Fil-A are routine – and he’s known to pick up the breakfast tab. Kurt Dzwonkowski connects real-life experiences to mathematic and is adored for devising test questions incorporating the name of every pupil in his class. How many students do you know who have their own personal math problem? A STAR Teacher this year, Tattnall students describe Mr. D as astounding, enthusiastic, and passionate – with a love of teaching that extends to extracurricular activities like Math Team and the Ecology Action Club, where he rolls up his sleeves and joins students for road and river cleanups.

 

Dalton Ford

Honorable Mention in Mathematics – $300 Scholarship

Dalton Ford is a natural at Mathematics, and in addition to his aptitude, displays a strong work ethic and diligence beyond his years. He relishes tackling the complexities of math and willingly, skillfully teaches and tutors students who need help. But, Dalton’s achievements aren’t limited to math. He excels academically across the board. An AP Scholar, he’s a member of the varsity swim and soccer teams, and math team captain. And he won prestigious academic awards as a junior from Presbyterian and Wofford College. This was a banner school year for Dalton. A Governor’s Honors Semifinalist in Mathematics, he was selected class salutatorian and Star Student, and has the distinction of earning the highest grade point average in several classes. And while making time to train the next generation of math team members in Tattnall’s lower and middle school, he managed to earn first, second and fourth place finishes at regional math competitions.