ORLANDO (April 16, 2014) -- As part of the Orlando Magic’s commitment to education, the Magic along with Quill.com announced Zach Darnell from The Master’s Academy as the Magic Educator of the Year presented by Quill.com. As part of the honor, Darnell’s school, The Master’s Academy, received $10,000 in Quill cash for school supplies in his classroom. In the online voting poll for the Quill.com Educator of the Year, Darnell received 24,166 votes, winning the honor.
Darnell has been with The Master’s Academy since 2001 and teaches Advance Placement History. He was recognized by the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program in 2013 and is a faculty leader in the 1:1 iPad program (which is the first of its kind in Florida). Darnell is recognized for his innovation, integrating technology in all of his courses.
Fans had the opportunity to go online at www.orlandomagic.com/community to place their vote from a selection of six teachers. The Quill Educator of the Year was announced at the April 5, Magic vs. Timberwolves matchup during a special halftime presentation at Amway Center.
Throughout the season, the Magic and Quill.com recognized six educators as the Educators of the Month. The Orlando Magic and Quill.com, along with STUFF the Magic Mascot and Magic Dancers, surprised each Educator of the Month in their classrooms. During the presentations, the teacher was presented with $500 in Quill cash towards school supplies. They were also invited to be the Magic’s guests at a home game this season in addition to being hosted in the Quill.com suite with food and beverages and honored at center court.
The Magic’s Educators of the Month presented by Quill, and finalists for the Educator of the Year, included Dorina Sackman from Westridge Middle School, Adam Sherman from Lake Brantley High School, Tammy Herburger from Palm Bay High School, Amanda Condra from Kathleen Middle School, Stephanie Middleton of Professional and Technical High School and the Educator of the Year, Darnell.
The Orlando Magic celebrates 25 years of Magic basketball both on and off the court. The Magic’s commitment to Central Florida is celebrated in its Silver Season with 25 years of giving through more than $40 million donated to the local community by way of event sponsorships, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants over the years. Through a quarter century of giving, Magic community programs have impacted nearly two million total youth along with more than 5,000 player and community ambassador appearances. The Magic continues its quest to be champions on the court and in the community and looks toward a city that flourishes through a collaborative effort of the Magic’s coaches, players, employees, partners, fans and Central Floridians. To learn more about the Magic in the community, visit https://www.nba.com/magic/magic-in-the-community.