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Dunkin Donuts Hometown Hero Winner Announced
John Kocik to be honored during halftime of Feb. 16 BU men's basketball game
February 7, 2013
VESTAL, N.Y. – John Kocik, an elementary school teacher at St. John’s the Evangelist School in Binghamton, has been named the winner of this year’s Dunkin’ Donuts Hometown Hero Contest, which honors a local educator in the Binghamton area. Kocik, who has taught for over four decades, was nominated by one of his fifth grade students, Anna Yuhnick.
Kocik will be honored during halftime of the Binghamton men’s basketball game against Maine on Feb. 16. At that time, he will be presented with the grand prize of free coffee for one year at any local Dunkin Donuts.
For the past 36 years, Kocik has taught within the Broome County Catholic School System. He presently teaches social studies, current events and religion to grades 4-6 St. John the Evangelist School, where he began in 1985.
Kocik’s students compete in the National Geographic Geography Bee each year and twice he has had a student qualify for the New York State Competition. In addition, he also holds a weekly after-school intramural program for the students.
To quote the students - “Mr. Kocik’s sense of humor makes class fun. Mr. Kocik always wants the best for us. Every year, Mr. Kocik enhances our knowledge of history, geography and current events. He always makes sure we understand what we are learning.”
Kocik was informed of his award during an assembly at St. John’s the Evangelist School on Thursday morning. Yuhnick, who will also be present at the Feb. 16 ceremony, read her nomination after the announcement was made.
