A Different Kind of Hero

Some heroes never go to war. They quietly dedicate their lives to a cause that is seldom recognized. They do not seek or expect recognition because the value they derive is intrinsic to their work. They neither pick up a weapon nor condemn others. They are warriors for a cause that hurts no one.

I know a few people like this, but one man in particular has endeared me to him over the past few years. Steve has been an educator for 44 years, serving as athletic director, teacher, and assistant principal, mainly in the public sector. Currently, at the age of 70, he remains passionate about his mission and purpose. He works with seniors and helps them achieve the grades and competencies required for graduation. You could say he’s an expert at motivating those who can’t receive it from other sources.

My youngest daughter was one of Steve’s students in 2010, and she still fondly recalls the effort and care he provided the students. Since then, I’ve heard other stories about how Steve has empowered his students. In one instance, while teaching at a Catholic private school, he noticed one of the students was not eating lunch. When he inquired why, the student said he had no money. He bought lunch for the student and learned that he and his mom lived in her car. When the school discovered he was paying for the student’s meal, he was told that it was unacceptable and was forced to stop. However, that didn’t stop Steve from encouraging this student to do well. After graduation, they stayed in touch, and recently, Steve was thrilled to learn that his student had signed a contract with a major league football team as one of the highest paid in any national league. This is one of many stories of Steve’s love and care for a student who otherwise might not have believed enough in himself to persevere and forge through the seemingly impossible toward success.

I’m familiar with the school where Steve currently teaches. While he’s never been in a war, his school sometimes feels like a war zone. Most students are from lower-income areas and lack essential resources for a quality life. Some of them have faced jail time. Anger and acting out are not uncommon on campus. Keeping teachers in this environment is challenging, but Steve embraces the challenge instead of quitting. He didn’t get the memo that white Jewish males were privileged and that specific populations of students were hopeless. He just shows up.

A little care goes a long way. At the prom, Steve is one of the most beloved teachers. His students are grateful for the care he has provided them. He is no stranger to challenges. Throughout his career, he has faced multiple major illnesses but quickly returned to work as soon as he was released from medical care. Recently, despite undergoing medical treatments three times a week at 5:00 a.m., he attended class. He wanted his seniors to succeed, and most did under his tutelage. At the last graduation ceremony, during the commencement speech, Steve was moved to tears when his school’s principal acknowledged him for his perseverance, sensitivity, and love. It took 44 years to get a standing ovation – something he never wanted or expected.
Love seems in short supply lately in the education system, but Steve ignores all that and keeps going. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.

Steve has a gift. He has embraced his mission and purpose as an educator who understands the needs of students with excessive challenges and how to help them overcome their barriers to success. Despite their differences, he knows how to get into their world and make a meaningful impact.

Some heroes never receive the acknowledgment they deserve. Because they don’t want accolades, these folks are quiet heroes, knowing and fulfilling their role on our planet. It’s not my wish to intrude on their privacy. Instead, I write because, amidst all the negativity and angst in our country, we need to hear about people like Steve. The heroes who don’t know or don’t care about discrimination and hatred keep giving, loving, and caring no matter what. These individuals are part of the solution, not the problem.

It took 44 years for Steve to receive the acknowledgment he didn’t want or expect. Steve is a silent hero among us. This type of hero inspires many, and his life’s work deserves recognition. Steve, thank you for your service to the community.

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