In a time when the number of young technicians entering the HVAC field is not keeping pace with industry demand, HVAC teacher Patrick O’Neill is doing his part to instruct and mentor the next generation of students. But O’Neill’s fellow teachers and administrators at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich, Mass., argue that he is much more than just a teacher, saying that he has touched the lives of numerous students as a mentor and motivator, pushing them to begin careers in HVACR or further their education beyond high school.
O’Neill’s tireless devotion to his students’ well-being, his passion for teaching, and his commitment is what makes him The NEWS’ 2013 Best Instructor contest runner-up.