Sometimes in life there’s just that one teacher you will never forget. You know, the one that changed your life forever. For many former Clarence High School students, that teacher was Mike Keil.
“Mr. Keil’s classroom was always a place where I felt at home,” said Kerry Spicer, class of 96′. “Even on my worst days, anyone’s worst days, he saw us. He asked us how we were, he made us all laugh and he made us think. Even with all he clearly had going on in his life, he still made us feel special.”
Mr. Keil worked at Clarence High School for 30 years. According to another student, he was one of those teachers who inspired many to go on to become nurses, teachers, professors, financial advisors, but most importantly productive members of the greater Western New York community and beyond.
Now the man who has brought so much inspiration to his students is in need of some inspiration himself. He recently suffered a stroke and has lost the ability to speak, write, read, and take care of his wife who is also very ill. His students who care so deeply about him just want him to know they are rooting for him.
“I had Mr. Keil 22 years ago for history class, and history was probably the least important thing he taught me. He truly cared and that showed through every day with him,” said Tonya Hall Gruttaria, class of 96′. “He came to my wedding seven years after I graduated – the only teacher I invited, because he was more, he gave more. Now it’s our turn to give back. This proud man needs our help and would never ask on his own. Most of his former students would agree that this selfless man left a permanent mark on their life. It’s time to rally for him.”
“After four years of college and one year of working, I came back to see Mr. Keil. He was teaching psychology, which he loved. He spent our time talking to me about how to best get through to students. He was still as passionate and feisty as I remembered him to be,” said Spicer. “Looking through everyone’s comments, you can see he never lost that. He said in the Channel 7 video that he lost his essence. I would say back to him, ‘We see you, Mr. Keil. We are your essence. You have changed the world through us.'”
Spicer said while funding to help Mr. Keil is critical, what is even more critical is that he sees all of his students standing up to say “Thank you.”
Please visit www.gofundme.com/Help-the-Keils to make a donation to Mr. Keil and his family at this difficult time.
