Michael Simmon

Mar 15, 2007 3:15 PM

For the last 12 years as a very active para, Michael Simmon says he loves being a role model for his students, many of whom, “may not have a positive male figure in their lives.”

He has worked with his kids in many ways to help them reach their potential. He coached the 4th- and 5th-grade basketball team for three years and the 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade team thereafter. He has arranged and produced the PS/MS 37 annual talent show every year since 2000. He started an after-school immersion in business program for students and helped them obtain working papers, bank accounts and summer youth jobs. He also deejays at school functions such as proms and parties and teaches a deejaying class after school. He is an instructor in basketball fundamentals at a Saturday program for K-6 boys and girls.

For two years, Michael also was a supervisor at the Montefiore Community Center. Michael aspires to be a middle school social studies teacher after earning his B.A. degree next year.