Congratulations to Trinity Counselor Mike Magre '83 who won the Archdiocesan Irene Casey Inclusion Award for modeling inclusive practices through collaboration, student advocacy, and ongoing professional development. He will be honored at the Catholic Schools Week Mass Jan. 28, 10 a.m., at St. Margaret Mary.
Below are some excerpts from his nomination:
Mike Magre is a true “educator” in every aspect of the word. After teaching full-time in the classroom for 12 years, Mr. Magre earned his counseling degree to reach students on an even more personal level. Recently he completed his Master of Theology degree from St. Meinrad. Even as counselor, he continues to teach a class every day and has worked within the Archdiocese of Louisville for 35 years as teacher, coach, volunteer, and counselor. He is a lifelong Catholic who has heard and responded to God’s call at home, in his parish and at work. In fact, he has dedicated his life to learning, both his own and for others. Deserving of the Irene Casey Award, Mr. Magre is a humble man, full of good humor, with a passion for helping others. He relates well to all in the Trinity community, students, colleagues, parents, and alumni.
Catholic education has always been about the mission, about doing all we can to serve our entire community of learners. No one I can think of better represents that mission. Mr. Magre is a counselor first, an advocate for his students when they need him most. At the same time, he holds high standards and is not one to allow a student to get away with anything but his best effort. For many years, he led our diversity education efforts, scheduling many speakers for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. He is a tireless advocate for students and pushes them to utilize their faith, co-founding our St. Peter and Paul Society, to grow in their acceptance of God’s call to love one another. Mr. Magre’s days are long. In addition to teaching and counseling, he works as a cafeteria proctor before and after school and is usually there for all lunches. Having a wife and two children of his own, his sacrifice has been substantial but rewarding. His dedication is complete and inspiring.
As mentioned above, Mr. Magre serves as an example for us all. Moreover, he is a man who is humble and open about his own trials and tribulations both as friend, colleague, and counselor – but also as a public speaker at informational nights and on retreats. His humorous stories about his own growth as a human being have become touchstone moments for our students. He is willing to laugh at himself and with others, a trait that endears him to all while teaching an essential life skill. His football players, track runners and all the young men he has encounters are called to be men of character. I’ve been in difficult meetings with him and have witnessed him being empathetic but also insistent that students own up to their own shortcomings and responsibilities. I have heard him advocate for second chances while insisting students understand their obligation to be grateful and disciplined in their responses. He builds trusting relationships in an environment of hospitality while actively urging young men to pursue a prayerful and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.