LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A JCPS trade teacher is the only instructor in Kentucky to receive a prestigious $50,000 award for teaching excellence.
The check presentation for Mr. David McCoy was supposed to be a surprise, but like all good teachers, he knew how to read the room.
McCoy said it was actually his wife who unknowingly tipped him off at home, but he's thankful and honored nonetheless.
Harbor Freight Tools recognized McCoy -- a welding teacher at Pleasure Ridge Park High School -- for teaching excellence. He was presented with the $50,000 check and a toolbox during a ceremony at the Harbor Freight store at 10948 Dixie Highway Tuesday morning.
Pictured: this image grab taken from video shows a toolbox awarded to Pleasure Ridge Park welding instructor David McCoy from Harbor Freight. The toolbox and check were awarded to McCoy for teaching excellence at the Harbor Freight at 10948 Dixie Highway in Louisville, Ky., on Oct. 3, 2023. (WDRB image)
The award is part of Harbor Freight's Tools for Schools program.
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence® was started in 2017 by Harbor Freight Tools owner and founder Eric Smidt. The prize recognizes outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the valuable work of teachers who inspire students to learn a trade that prepares them for life after graduation.
McCoy is one of only 25 teachers in the country to receive the prestigious award. He said he will use all the money to buy resources and supplies for his students.
JCPS officials were on hand for the presentation, along with state and local leaders, as well as colleagues, family and former students, some of whom spoke about the impact he's had on their lives.
One student said McCoy is the reason he has a bright future today.
"He's in class every day, showing us live demonstrations, how to do things and talking us through things, and it really helps," Chase Kessel said.
McCoy said he focuses on fundamentals and sincerely believes in his students.
"I'm an old school kind of guy, but these kids ... I think they understand I really, truly believe in them whether they believe in themselves or not," McCoy said. "I believe in honesty and straightforwardness. And if you don't learn anything today, I'm telling you that's something that will get you through life."
McCoy has been teaching welding for more than two decades. Before becoming the PRP welding teacher, McCoy spent 20 years in the welding industry. He grew the PRP welding program from a single teacher to a three-teacher program. Since he started the program, McCoy has graduated more than 320 career-ready students.
McCoy is also credited with starting the first all-female welding competition in the state of Kentucky. And he had a 100 percent certification rate in his class last year.
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