SMCC teacher receives honorary diploma

SANDUSKY — A beloved longtime St. Mary Central Catholic High School teacher became a member of the Class of 2023 this week. On May 28, social studies teacher Steve Kohler was given an honorary diploma during the school's graduation ceremony, a new tradition that began this year. Kohler celebrated his 40th year of teaching at SMCC this year. He began his career at the school in 1983. "I was honored to receive it," Kohler said about the honorary diploma. "Now I have something in common with all my students." Sandusky Central Catholic School president Ryan Wikel gave Kohler a heads up about the honor in April. "But I was surprised when he told me," Kohler said. Wikel explained what inspired this new tradition and why Kohler was picked. "During a meeting with the development team, we came up with the idea of the honorary diploma," Wikel said. "We were discussing the many people that have positively impacted Sandusky Central Catholic School and thought this would be a good way to honor them," he added. "This year was Steve's 40th year serving the school, and we thought it was appropriate to honor him for the many students and families he has impacted during his 40 years of service." Wikel continued: "Steve embodies what Catholic education is all about. He has dedicated his life to it and serves others over himself. Not only did he have an impact on the 31 students in the senior class but also many of the parents in the audience who also had Steve as a teacher in the 1980s and 1990s. Our school has a rich tradition due to the people like Steve who have made it their life's mission to deliver a faith-based education." Words of wisdom During his address to SMCC's graduating class, Kohler made sure to thank early mentors Denny Faber, Gary Kelley, Eloise Renwand and Butch Weyer. "Those people and many others helped shape me into the teacher I am today," he said. Kohler also expressed gratitude for being able to coach football and track and teach "hundreds, if not thousands, of outstanding students." "People like (SMCC principal) Brian Ferber, (guidance counselor) Meagan Howman, (elementary principal) Lisa Mielke MacMurray, (athletic director) Steve Ruthsatz and Ryan Wikel," he said. "They are my bosses now. I used to tell them what to do, but now they tell me what to do and I'm okay with that. "Most of all, (this school) gave me a chance to grow in my faith and be a better Catholic and a better person," Kohler said. "My faith has grown in so many ways. Daily prayer; regular attendance at Mass; faculty retreats; attending the Senior Kairos; and on and on. I am very grateful to this school, and all the people who are and who have been a part of it, for helping me grow closer to God." He advised graduates to prioritize their faith; stay in touch with each other; show their family and friends they're loved; try new things; and show up in life. "We laughed together; learned together; sang together; and some of us even wrote a song together," Kohler said. "You gave me four years and, for some of you, six years of knowing you and I will never forget you. "And now that I am a member of your class, I expect to be invited to not only all of the graduation parties, but all of our class reunions, too," Kohler joked. "Whether that happens or not, please know that each of you are and will remain very special to me." "I wish you the best in all that you do in the future," Kohler said. "And my door is always open to you if you ever come back to say hello." _ Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood