Now a Roncalli High School Physics teacher, Grimes was bestowed the American Association of Physics Teachers Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for the state of Indiana on April 22 at the University of Indianapolis. He was selected over hundreds of candidates on the criteria of five plus years of teaching experience, innovative instructional techniques, collaboration with other teachers and leadership.
The following week, Grimes was awarded the Samuel F. Hulbert Outstanding Teacher of the Year for Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Grimes was nominated by two of his former Physics students, Nate Eble and Matthew White, who are now freshman mechanical engineering students at Rose-Hulman. It is the first time that two students recommended the same teacher for this award.
When asked about why Mr. Grimes was being nominated, Nate Eble said, "He helped instill confidence in me to try my hardest. He believed I could get into Rose-Hulman when I never thought I could." Matthew White added "Mr. Grimes helps those who have no interest in Math and Science to see all of the great aspects of such subjects by presenting material in a way that truly captures the attention and interest of his students."
Grimes' love of Physics resonates throughout his classes at Roncalli High School. His students are enthusiastic to learn about everything from falling objects and forces to electricity and magnetism through hands-on educational experiences, many times outside of the classroom. Away from the classroom, Grimes serves with the Roncalli Senior Retreat program and as a mentor on school-sponsored service trips to the Appalachian region of West Virginia.