“The most striking values of all that belong to Coach Stanley are his humility and his balance,” Spillane added. “He is constantly deflecting praise when success occurs, and takes blame when things do not go as planned. Coach Stanley has a constant belief that things are never as good or as bad as they seem, and that the next opportunity must be focused on, no matter what the previous event. He speaks of values such as hard work, perseverance, sacrifice and respect — values that he holds very dearly and are evident in his everyday actions. Every player is treated in a manner that a parent would want his son to be treated, and he truly has every individual’s best in mind.”

Stanley had created a program that is about more than just football, Spillane said. Throughout the season, players wore stickers on the back of their helmets to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Last year he led his team in an effort to raise money for Long Beach High School after Hurricane Sandy, and his players volunteered at a special-needs lacrosse clinic in Levittown.

Carey Assistant Principal Sharon Flynn said that the effect Stanley has had not only on the school, but on the community as a whole, is remarkable. “Mike Stanley transformed our school,” Flynn said. “The community became more united than ever in their spirit and through their celebrations. This was all made possible because of Mike Stanley’s leadership, dedication and heart. Walk through the doors of our school today and you’ll feel a sense of unity, pride and ‘family’ stronger than it ever was before. In all of the roles he plays, he makes it a point to go above and beyond the call of duty.

“Perhaps what’s most impressive about Mike … is his amazing ability to balance his three very important roles within the school,” Flynn added. “He isn’t simply a teacher or a dean or the varsity football coach. He combines these three callings and uses his role and expertise in each to affect children each and every day he walks through the doors of Carey. His professionalism, his instincts and his quiet strength make him one of the most effective people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”