CFNN Reporters: Rachel Leonard & Karie Ann McDavid

It’s a new week, which means it’s time to highlight another extraordinary teacher at Cape Fear! This week’s teacher of the week is Mr. Jason Demchock. Mr. Demchock is an all-around English lover. He currently teaches English 2 and 3 and will be taking on AP English Language next semester. While taking on a new class can be nerve wracking, Mr. Demchock has that “nervous excitement” and can’t wait to teach this class.

Originally from Ohio, Mr Demchock attended Northwest High School in Canal Fulton Ohio. Throughout school he always had a love for English, but it wasn’t until his junior and senior year that he ultimately knew teaching was what he was meant to do. 

“It was because of fun teachers who made learning English so much easier,” Demchock explained. He knew that he wanted to be able to leave an impact within students just like his own teachers which is why when he went to Youngstown University he decided to major in elementary education! 

After graduating from college, Mr. Demchock taught 5th grade for a year in Ohio before moving to North Carolina to look for a teaching job that would be more beneficial for his future. 

“We were always told that there were plenty of teaching jobs, but after graduating that just wasn’t the case,” he explained. 

Shortly after moving, he attended a Cumberland County Job Fair where Mr. Demchock got his first job as a teacher. He has now been teaching for 24 years, having taught 7th and 8th grade at the Ramsey Street Alternative Middle School for 3 years, 16 years at John Griffin Middle School, and, as of this moment, entering his 3rd year here at Cape Fear. 

Teaching high schoolers has been so refreshing for Mr. Demchock. He believes that you can truly see how much of an impact you have left on students compared to other grades especially when students from past semesters come back to say hey! 

“The connections made with the students and being able to witness them grow not only academically but as people is 100% the best part!” Demchock expressed.

“Mr. Demchock explains work really well, and always helps his students understand what they are learning,” Zachary Paz, one of Mr. Demchocks students exclaimed.

When not teaching Mr. Demchock loves to spend time with his family. He has been married for 21 years and has a son who is a sophomore here at Cape Fear. If he’s not in the school building, Mr. Demchock can be found doing all types of activities outdoors. Some of Mr. Demchock’s favorite activities to do are fishing, hiking, dirt biking and golfing! Mr. Demchock is always looking for something new to try outdoors. 

When Mr. Demchock is not out in the outdoors, he likes to watch Ted Lasso and, although his favorite movie is always changing, for now it is Deadpool and Wolverine. 

Entering into his third year of teaching here at Cape Fear Mr. Demchock is joined by his wife as a coworker and classroom “neighbor.” Mrs. Demchock is also an English lover! She teaches freshmen how to grow as people and writers as they enter into their high school years. Their son, Payton also joins them as a sophomore here and is currently on the JV baseball team!

Mr. Demchock and his wife, Mrs. Demchock also coach cross country together here at Cape Fear! Mr. Demchock never thought he would coach cross country because he never ran in high school. Instead of running he played soccer, baseball and wrestled while in school. Despite his lack of experience in the sport, Mr. Demchock loves to coach it. 

Mr. Demchock explained his favorite part about coaching the sport.  “Cross country is a sport where you can see improvement easily and quickly, so to watch people improve and get competitive over the sport is very enjoyable,” he said.

“He’s a great coach! He always knows how to keep the team motivated and push them to succeed, that way we can become our very best,” cross country runner Amelia Osornio expressed.

Mr. Demchock is not only a reliable teacher but a reliable coach. He shows up for his students and athletes and always pushes them to succeed and grow. These characteristics are just a few reasons why Mr. Demchock was chosen as the Teacher of the Week!

CFNN Editor Abel S-J