A Different Kind of Hero to Remember on Memorial Day

Last year, I wrote the following tribute to a local hero I’ve had the honor of knowing. I’m so glad I didn’t wait another year, or it would have been too late. Sadly, he passed away last month. It’s with deep sorrow that I resend the same Memorial Day tribute to someone who gave his life to education. A hero who will be missed for a long time.

Some heroes never go to war. They quietly dedicate their lives to a cause rarely recognized. They neither seek nor expect recognition because the value they find is intrinsic to their work. They neither pick up a weapon nor condemn others. They are warriors for a cause that harms no one.

I know a few people like this, but one man in particular has endeared himself to me over the past few years. Steve has been an educator for 44 years, serving as an athletic director, teacher, and assistant principal, primarily in the public sector. He is nearly 70 and remains passionate about his mission and purpose. He works with high school seniors, helping them earn the grades and skills needed to graduate. You could say he’s an expert at motivating those with limited resources.

My youngest daughter was one of Steve’s students in 2010, and she still fondly remembers the effort and care he put into his students. Since then, I’ve heard other stories about how Steve has empowered his students. While teaching at a Catholic private school, he noticed that one student wasn’t eating lunch. When he asked why, the student said he had no money. He bought the student lunch and later learned that the student and his mom lived in her car. When the school learned he was paying for the student’s meal, he was told it was unacceptable and that he had to stop. However, that didn’t prevent Steve from encouraging the student to succeed. 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, making him one of the highest-paid players in any national league. This is just one of many stories that showcase Steve’s love and care for a student who might not have believed enough in himself to persevere and push through the seemingly impossible toward success.

I know the school where Steve teaches now. Many of the students come from low-income neighborhoods and lack basic resources for a good life. Some have even served time in jail. Anger and acting out sometimes occur on campus. It’s tough to retain teachers in this environment, but Steve takes on the challenge instead of quitting. He didn’t get the memo that white Jewish males are privileged and that certain groups of students are hopeless. He just keeps showing 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 shown them. He is no stranger to challenges. Throughout his career, he has faced several major illnesses but returned to work quickly after receiving medical care. Recently, despite undergoing treatments three times a week at 5:00 a.m., he still attended class. He wanted his seniors to succeed, and most did under his guidance. During the last graduation ceremony’s commencement speech, Steve was moved to tears when his school’s principal acknowledged his perseverance, sensitivity, and love. It took 44 years to earn a standing ovation – something he never sought or expected.

Love has been scarce in the education system lately, but Steve ignores it all and keeps pushing forward. 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 facing many challenges and knows how to help them overcome the barriers to success. Despite their differences, he can connect with them and make a meaningful impact.

Some heroes never receive the recognition they deserve. Because they don’t seek applause, these quiet heroes know and fulfill their roles on our planet without fanfare. I don’t wish to invade their privacy; I write because, amid all the negativity and angst in our country, we need stories about people like Steve. The heroes who ignore or reject discrimination and hatred continue to give, love, and care. 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 all you’ve done to help our youth.

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