Watching AJ Rice teaching and coaching kids in Montgomery County is quite a sight to see. While his fun personality draws them in, his deep sense of caring and insight keeps them coming back to him time after time, and for that he is 2023 Journal Review Shining Star recipient.
Rice is the Student Resource Officer at the North Montgomery School Corporation. “Working here is the best job in the world,” he said. “We have an amazing staff that works as one big team.”
As an SRO, Rice’s job has three primary responsibilities: law enforcement, teaching, and, most importantly, mentoring. The law enforcement component includes keeping the school safe, dealing with legal issues, providing emergency training for threatened circumstances, speaker duties for the Career and Technical Education program, and being a DARE leader.
Rice also teaches students real-life practical lessons. Recently, he instructed eighth graders on changing a tire and the safety protocol. Students learned hands-on experience with different types of car jacks. Though this is just one example of the many things he teaches, he always provides the students with different scenarios for each task and guides them on the best decision-making skills.
Mentoring is the most significant part of his job. He helps students with conflict resolution, risk assessment, life skills, and constant support and encouragement.
“My reward is watching the kids be successful,” he said. “If the kids are not successful, I am not successful. That is how I measure it.”
Once a student connects with Rice, he keeps their connection alive. Many young people he has been involved with seek him out as a continued mentor and friend long after graduation.
Miriah Mershon nominated Rice for precisely that reason. Rice has continued to influence Mershon’s daughter, Maddie, who is now an emergency room nurse. The demands of Maddie’s stressful job take their toll.
“I will be ever thankful that she has someone in her corner who supports her and encourages her to be her best every day,” Mershon said. “He helps her believe in herself and to be brave, bold and compassionate.”
Rice also is the assistant swim coach at NMHS. He teaches the student-athletes never to give up and to try their best. Several swim parents remarked how much they appreciate the time and effort he puts into the team.
In his personal life, Rice is a dedicated husband and father to three children. He enjoys spending time with them and watching them grow.
When asked what inspires him to make such a difference, Rice said that being a part of the Eva Kors trip to Auschwitz, Poland, a few years ago significantly impacted him. He said it made him realize that one person at the right time can make a difference. He wants to be that person for others.
