Name: Tony Edghill
Address: 7700 Scotland Drive Potomac, MD 20854.
Phone number: 301-983-4456
E-mail address: Anthony.Edghill@montgomerycountymd.gov
Employment: Scotland Community Center director, Montgomery County Department of Recreation, recreation specialist.
Why do you do this work? How did you get started in it?
I do this work because I love it; it is a lot of fun working with children. To give them the opportunities to have fun is satisfying. Five years ago I was able to leave my other job working at the Regional Institute of Children and Adolescents (RICA) and come to MCRD. I felt that instead of having a positive impact on five or 10 children, I could have an impact helping many children.
When was the first time you considered this kind of work? Why?
Actually I considered doing this work in college and did not like it initially. I received my degree, a B.S. in sociology, which deals with the study of life. Four years after I had graduated from college, I was working for the Recreation Department. Why did I consider this work? I was led down this path.
What do you find most satisfying about what you do? Why? To see smiles across the children’s faces when they accomplish anything, whether it is academics or sport skill related. The academic achievements mean more to me! Because we program for recreational purposes, however if these children do not have a foundation academically, they will most likely struggle in life. The recreational sport accomplishments are gratifying. I just want the children to know that there is a balance between both worlds.
Tell me about one of two of your favorite people that you have worked with.
That would be Ervin Owens of the CABEL Foundation. Ervin has bought the Scotland children presents for the last three or four years. Ervin has also tried to help build a positive foundation for the children showing them the power of money through stock investing.
Education: B.S. sociology, Slippery Rock University, 1994; A.A., SUNY Morrisville, 1990.
Did any part of your schooling help you in your career or what you do now in particular?
Yes, but it is hard to explain!
Town: Damascus.
Number of years in that town: Eight.
Community ties/activities: Member of Church of the Redeemer in Gaithersburg, Md. Sing in the choir, teach fifth- and sixth-grade boys Bible study. Work out and play basketball to stay in shape.
One thing about your community that you enjoy that you don't think most people know about, or something important for a newcomer to know: That the future doctor, lawyer, business person will come out of this community soon!!!
Favorite restaurants: Jaspers, Ruby Tuesdays, Broadway Diner, and Hamburger Hamlet.
Favorite activities: Basketball, football, movies.
Favorite people in the community: My staff, Roxanne Cooper, Lanol Dove and Tonora Minor. The Advisory Board, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Mason, Mrs. Cooper, Iris Neal and Mandy Cooper.
A book, movie, vacation or other experience you enjoyed: Book “Before the Mayflower” by Lerone Bennett, “Fighting Temptations and Radio, vacation is Europe.
Hobbies: Writing poetry, singing, talking to buddies.
What were the major milestones in you life/career? What ages were you when they occurred?
Graduated from college in my late 20s, played basketball in college and overseas with the U.S. Navy. Helping my AAU girls basketball team win the 14-and-under National title in 1998. Working here at the Scotland Community Center and winning the Montgomery’s Best Award for best partnership in 2001. Having our preschool/arts and craft room remodeled by the Montgomery County Council Foundation Jakie Ogg speaking in front of the State Legislation Committee for matching funds in a bond bill hearing for renovation of Scotland Recreation Center. Former Sen. Jean Rosser really supported us 100 percent for a new gymnasium project. Traveling to 10 different countries while I was in the U.S. Navy.
Who had the most influence on your choices? In your life? In your career?
My mother, Carmen Edghill; former Dean Jonathan Gibralter of SUNY Morrisville; former Bullis girls head basketball coach Wayne Ferrell influenced my career in Md. as a coach and person. Former Recreation Eastern Regional Manager Gene Neal hired me because he liked “my integrity and honesty.”
Parting thoughts: I am grateful to all of the wonderful people whom God has placed in my life. The people the Lord has placed in my life were people who taught me wonderful life lessons. These people were able to teach me things about everything to prepare me for my next step in life.