Not long ago, Schnepf recalled, Stanley noticed that a seventh-grader routinely sat by himself in the cafeteria. The child had come from a small elementary school and had not made many friends at Carey. Stanley, Schnepf said, made it a point to get to know him, and to find a way to help him, introducing him to some of the varsity football players. It was just one example, Schnepf said, of the things Stanley does without any interest in recognition — simply for the satisfaction he gets from helping kids.

“Mike came up with very creative solutions to help this young man adjust,” Schnepf said. “He went that extra mile, and his efforts paid off for this student. He is an extremely compassionate and caring person. These qualities make him a tremendous person, teacher and dean.”

“I have children in school, and would want the same for them,” Stanley said. “I’m not sure it’s creative. … This isn’t the first time we’ve done things like that. I just wanted to make the kid feel more comfortable.”

That is something Stanley has mastered, according to Carey’s athletic director, Matt McLees, who said that his colleague has a way of relating to students that earns their trust and aids their development. “He’s not afraid to let his guard down for them,” McLees said. “He’s always around and there for his students, and lets the kids get to know him as a teacher and their friend. He has the ability to establish a program that allows kids to be themselves and enjoy it. He relates well to them.”

According to Stanley’s former player and current assistant coach, Chris Spillane, his boss epitomizes the Person of the Year because he is selfless, respectful and humble, and has as much influence on his players off the field as on it. “There could not be a better choice,” Spillane said.