At ILCS, middle and high school students were invited to recognize a teacher or staff member who exemplifies courage by fostering a positive, inclusive environment. Students were asked to nominate someone who consistently stands up for them, advocating against bullying and discrimination to ensure everyone feels valued and protected. This ILCS community member must embrace change by adapting to new technologies and teaching methods with enthusiasm, even when it pushes them out of their comfort zone. They encourage open discussions on important topics like mental health and social justice, creating a safe space for honest dialogue. Their courage shines through in their willingness to take risks and try innovative approaches, showing students that resilience and learning from challenges are essential parts of growth.
Middle school students chose Mr. Keiler MacNeal, their math teacher, for his remarkable courage. Their nominations highlighted how “Mr. MacNeal brings joy to our class every time we walk into his room. He’s never intimidated by us—even when we’re not on our best behavior. Fresh out of college, he faces the challenges of teaching with impressive courage, never backing down or giving up on us. He’s patient, sticks up for his students, and always makes learning a positive experience. Mr. MacNeal is truly awesome!”
High school students selected Mr. Pine, who has returned from retirement to fill a maternity leave position as a special education teacher. Their nominations shared, “Mr. Pine demonstrates courage both inside and outside of ILCS. As a volunteer firefighter for the Blue Mountain Lake Fire Department, he bravely serves his community, and even after retirement, he returned to support students as a substitute teacher. His courage shines through in his commitment to helping others, always encouraging students to be their best and showing up with a positive attitude. Mr. Pine is an inspiring role model, embodying courage and dedication every day.”
While Mr. MacNeal and Mr. Pine received the majority of votes, students also highlighted the incredible qualities of other staff members at ILCS. Here’s what student had to say about the other Indian Lake Central School staff members:
Mr. Dora: Music Teacher: Mr. Dora shows courage because he is teaching chorus even though he hasn't done that before and it's not the job he was hired to do.
Mr. Hall: Architecture & Construction Teacher: He taught me how to use tools.
Mr. Librett: Special Education Teacher: He stops people talking smack. Mr. Librett is a new teacher at ILCS. Although he barely knew us when he first started here, he still continued to say good morning to my friends and I as we walked by him in the hallway. Despite not knowing any of us, he still continued to go out of his way to get to know us better, and say hi to us in the chances he gets.
Mr. Pete: Physical Education Teacher: Mr. Peet demonstrates courage by cheering on students during the mile and at games, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate. He boosts confidence and encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones. Additionally, he fosters a positive atmosphere by including everyone, making them laugh, and consistently wearing a smile.
Mr. Thompson: Bus Driver: He is super nice and helps out whenever it is needed.
Mrs. Longacker: Guidance Counselor: Mrs. Longacker is always available to talk, whether it's about bullying or simply providing a listening ear. She stands up for others and is dedicated to taking care of her students. By offering advice on how to handle problems and comforting those in need, she teaches them effective ways to communicate and improve difficult situations. Mrs. Longacker also helps prevent conflicts by engaging with students who are upset, ensuring they feel supported. She demonstrated taekwondo to a lot of kids, getting up in front of us to give a presentation, which took courage as it was slightly embarrassing.
Mrs. Wolfe: Library Media Specialist : Ms. Wolfe demonstrates remarkable courage by standing up for her students and ensuring everyone feels included. She openly admits her mistakes and shares personal examples to help students relate and feel comfortable. Ms. Wolfe doesn’t tolerate negative talk about others, always promoting respect and kindness. Additionally, she confidently leads the class each Monday by discussing the schedule without stuttering, showing her commitment to supporting her students.
Ms. Moran: 5th Grade Teacher: Ms. Moran has the courage to handle 5th graders.
Mr. Atchinson: Social Studies & Science Teacher: Mr. A is a volunteer firefighter outside of school, and he also takes pictures for people.
Mr. Hoag: Physical Education Teacher: He teaches PE which is already hard but he teaches weight training as well.
Mr. McCauliffe: Social Studies Teacher & Dean of Students: Mr. McCauliffe stands up for students, and fosters inclusivity.
Mr. Spring: Bus Driver & Custodian: Mr. Spring shows courage and dedication by transporting students to games, practices, and events while managing the challenges of driving with a large group of kids. Cleaning the bathrooms adds to the demanding nature of the job, making it even more impressive.
Mrs. Bennett: Math Teacher: Mrs. Bennett helps me learn more.
Mrs. West: ELA Teacher: Mrs. West encourages us to speak our minds in class and welcomes our input on school and class policies. She is open to discussing both tough and fun topics, often sharing stories from her life and offering advice based on her experiences. Her honesty makes her approachable, providing reassurance that we can talk to her about anything without judgment. This quality makes her a valuable support for students in need of someone to confide in.
Ms. Stephan: Science Teacher: Ms. Stephan shows courage by always helping those who need it. She is always there for everyone and is always kind and caring.
