White House Honors Joppa Man as National Teacher of the Year

 National Teacher of the Year Sean McComb was presented with a symbol of excellence—an apple trophy—at the White House Thursday.

McComb, 30, who lives in Joppa and teaches at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts in Dundalk, was honored by President Barack Obama at the National Teacher of the Year ceremony, where he was joined by teachers from the 50 states, according to CNN.

"It is a privilege and an honor...to receive this recognition," McComb said.

Obama said that part of McComb's application for the National Teacher of the Year award included a letter from the family of one of his students.

"It speaks volumes about Sean...." Obama said of the letter, from parents whose daughter was dealing with the "drama" of being a teenager.

'No matter his schedule load, if he knew one of his students was in need, whether for a shoulder to cry on or a calming word of encouragement, he'd be there to help," the letter from the family said.

"I could not be prouder of Sean and all the teachers that are here today," Obama said, presenting McComb with his award.

"To all the teachers who are out there, and the millions who are working hard in classrooms all across our nation, we want to thank you as well," he added. "You're doing the Lord's work."

Related: National Teacher of the Year is Patapsco High's Sean McComb