Northview High Teacher Moretz Receives Governor’s Shine Award

November 13, 2014

A Northview High school teacher was one of six educators who formerly served in the military honored by Gov. Rick Scott Wednesday.

James Moretz received the Governor’s Shine Award for his service to our country and his contributions to Florida’s students.  The Governor’s Shine Award is presented to Floridians who have positively impacted children through education.

Moretz is a U.S. Navy veteran and native Floridian who teaches at Northview High.  Soon after graduating from Wakulla County High School in 1981, Moretz joined the Navy where he served continuously for nearly 23 years.  In 2004, Lt. Commander Moretz retired from active naval service and last served at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

After his naval career, Moretz worked for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Escambia County School District as a school resource deputy for eight years.

While working full-time, he used the GI Bill to attend college, where he earned two associate degrees from Pensacola State College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of West Florida in 2012.  Moretz later attained certification to teach social sciences for grades 6-12.  He is now in his third year of teaching United States government and economics at Northview.

“It is an honor to thank these teachers who went from serving their country to serving Florida students in the classroom. A great education system is key to creating a highly-skilled workforce and driving our economy forward. These teachers have gone above and beyond the call of duty by preparing our students today for the jobs of tomorrow, and I thank them for their continued service to Florida families,” Gov. Scott said.

“Teaching is not easy, but for those veterans lucky enough to be up for the challenge it is a very rewarding career,” Moretz said Wednesday. “I am humbled to be part of the students’ lives through education.”

“We are definitely proud of Mr. Moretz,” Northview Principal Gayle Weaver said. “He always shines in everything he does.”

Pictured top: Northview High teacher James Moretz (blue shirt) received the Governor’s Shine Award during a Florida Cabinet meeting Wednesday morning in Tallahassee. Moretz is pictured with (L-R) Attorney General Pam Bondi, Gov. Rick Scott, CFO Jeff Atwater and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. Pictured inset:  Moretz also received a Veterans Service Award  medal from Scott. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

17 Responses to “Northview High Teacher Moretz Receives Governor’s Shine Award”

  1. Johnny's Mom on November 16th, 2014 10:08 am

    Very well deserved! Also so proud you were such a big part of Johnny’s life. I am forever grateful for the wonderful impact you had on his life. Thank you doesn’t even begin to cover it….but I am truly grateful.

  2. terri sanders on November 13th, 2014 6:51 pm

    Congratulations!!!!

  3. Larry Kinley on November 13th, 2014 4:27 pm

    We’ll deserved for a guy who served his country
    And protected the community now teaching
    Our younger generation congratulation

  4. Dolores G. on November 13th, 2014 1:54 pm

    So proud of you! We have always been proud of the efforts you have made for all of us.Wishing you the best in your third career,this gets you off the hook about Ms. Johnson. Wish there were more people in this world like you. Proud to have you as a brother!

  5. Uncle Johnny and Aunt Margaret on November 13th, 2014 10:26 am

    Congradulation and we are so proud of you. God Bless

  6. Lisa Fuller on November 13th, 2014 9:01 am

    Mr. Moretz, you didn’t say a word about this at the Central Water Works board meeting Monday night! Congratulations on a well-deserved honor.

  7. Willene Bryan on November 13th, 2014 8:38 am

    Congratulations

  8. The Brook Family on November 13th, 2014 8:07 am

    Congratulations James!

  9. Paula Byrd on November 13th, 2014 8:00 am

    Congratulations, James! What an honor for you, and what an honor it is to have known you, worshiped with you and worked alongside you!

  10. Kayleen on November 13th, 2014 7:43 am

    Congratulations, Mr. Moretz. Thank you for your service to our country and now everything you do for our children!

  11. Becky Strobaugh on November 13th, 2014 7:18 am

    Congratulations, James!

  12. The Prestons on November 13th, 2014 6:51 am

    Congrats Mr. Moretz…..well deserved !

  13. parent of students on November 13th, 2014 6:50 am

    Mr. Moretz is a very caring man. Thank you for all u do Mr Moretz. Your a special person!!!!!!!

  14. Rudy Brown on November 13th, 2014 6:40 am

    Way to go James.

  15. Duke of Wawbeek on November 13th, 2014 6:30 am

    Congratulations Mister Moretz on your Shine Award.

    Congratulations A.G. Bondi on your pregnancy.

  16. Ceci L. on November 13th, 2014 5:27 am

    Congratulations, James, on a well-deserved honor! Know your family is proud and your students are blessed to have you as a teacher!

  17. Gordon Ski on November 13th, 2014 5:11 am

    Congrats Jim and thank you for serving in the military, local law enforcement and our school system. You were a hell of a Deputy and now shine as an educator. Escambia County should be proud.