John Bruno was chosen for the prestigious recognition due to his dedication and positive impact on students
Ocean City, N.J. – Ocean City High School (OCHS) psychology teacher and boys basketball coach John Bruno was recently named to the 2026 IBX Honor Roll, a joint initiative between Independence Blue Cross and the Philadelphia Phillies. Bruno was selected for his dedication to education and positively impacting his students’ social and emotional well-being.
“It is a very humbling feeling to be honored as an individual, but I feel the IBX Honor Roll program is recognition on behalf of all teachers,” said Bruno. “The program brings attention to the many teachers who have dedicated their lives to helping young people grow, from kindergarten all the way through high school.”
IBX received thousands of nominations for the Honor Roll this year, but only six educators from the Greater Philadelphia/South Jersey region were selected for the honor. As an IBX Honor Roll recipient, Bruno received a $500 gift card, an on-field experience and recognition at Citizens Bank Park during the Philadelphia Phillies game on Sept. 26, recognition on ballpark concourse signage and across IBX social media, and an IBX swag bag that included a Phillies jersey and cap.
Bruno shared the experience with his wife, Karen; daughter, Chelsea; son-in-law, Matt; and his one-year-old granddaughter, Ryleigh. OCHS Principal, Dr. Wendy O’Neal, and her family attended the special evening with Bruno, too.
“It was a wonderful night and the perfect way to celebrate John’s exceptional work as an OCHS educator and coach,” said O’Neal. “He is a positive role-model for our students and is dedicated to helping each one on their educational journey.”
Bruno has been teaching for more than four decades, earning the OCHS Teacher of the Year award in 2023, the local Sportsperson of the Decade in 2020, and the Al Carino Boys Basketball Club Coach of the Year in 2026. Bruno has been the boys basketball head coach for 37 years. He secured his 500th career win as a coach in 2025 and led the team to a 2026 Group 3 boys basketball championship in 2026.
Bruno also is a softball coach, and is the announcer for OCHS sporting events, the annual Mr. OCHS contest, and makes the introductions at the OCHS Prom Red Carpet event. In addition, Bruno is involved with the local Special Olympics Golf program and the Hoops for All organization based in Margate, N.J.
“Teaching has been such an incredible calling, and I have been able to share so many wonderful experiences with my students in and out of the classroom,” said Bruno. “Playing a small part on their road to their future can be so rewarding.”