The Amazing Mr. Milch
The power of an unsung hero who steers with endless purpose and passion.
“My position at Taylor is one of leadership and I enjoy setting an ideal avatar for my students. I try to guide them to take a solid path which will eventually lead them to success in life. I stress solid morals and values while modeling them daily to my students.” - Mr. Milch
When I first learned that we had to run endless miles, learn the rules of new sports, and take fitness exams, I dreaded the thought of P.E. Later on, it became the period that I waited all day for. Why such a miraculous switch? All because of my fantastic coach, Mr. Milch.
On the first day, I ran around desperately asking every staff member I could spot for directions to the gym. I panted, wondering if I would ever reach my class. A few minutes later, I sprinted through the open doors of the gym. There, I immediately saw an immense man staring below at me with a firm expression in his eyes.
He asked in the most intense monotone I’d ever heard, “ Kayla Yoon?”
“Yes, that’s me,” I quickly replied, dreading what he would say next. I predicted that I would either get punished for being tardy or automatically pushed over to the teacher’s “bad” list. However, as I constantly gave my best effort in all activities, he started to show kindness. I noticed that every time I missed a goal but gave it my all, he wasn’t upset at all. In fact, he encouraged me to give it another shot.
Over the next few days, I continued to think of P.E. as the most awful 50 minutes of my day. Since I gave minimal effort in most activities, I knew I was far from impressing Mr. Milch. However, this changed over time, and so did my work ethic. As the year went on, Mr. Milch started to shed his strict, cold-hearted skin off and revealed his softer inside. He gave considerate tips on how to help my classmate with their project, while also getting my own assignments done at the same time. He made me feel comfortable in trying numerous new sports such as hockey and football. Mr. Milch constantly supported me while demonstrating enthusiasm and encouragement, which also boosted my determination to give my maximum effort in class.
So, you might be wondering, just who is this unsung hero? Kenny Milch is an innovative Physical Education and Broadcasting teacher at Taylor Middle School in Millbrae, California. He has actually been dedicated to this school since 1995! Before he started teaching at Taylor, he was hired as a weekend sports anchor at KEIM-TV Channel 3 of Eureka in 1989. Mr. Milch's desire for journalism first started with a love for sports. He enjoyed watching and playing basketball, soccer, and football, which affords many special opportunities for leadership and community bonding. After anchoring for the 6pm and 11pm sports segment for almost two years, he decided to leave KEIM in 1994, returning to his original life plan of becoming a teacher and moved back to the Bay Area with his fiancé. From there, he obtained his teaching credential from Notre Dame.
Now as an assured 7th grader, thanks in large part to Mr. Milch, I have become a part of a broadcasting team and started my own club. I’ve learned to cooperate with others and problem solve in his journalism class. Starting my own club encouraged me to lead others on my own and help them rather than relying on others. Mr. Milch has inspired me to care about others in the community and build a solid foundation of positivity. If I hadn't run into Mr. Milch last year, I would probably be too shy to even join someone's club, let alone announce information on a TV show for the whole school. I feel that meeting Mr. Milch has given me so many impactful benefits to rise as a leader in middle school.
Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric once said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” When you are a leader, you represent yourself and your community as someone of a heart charged with love, passion, and determination. They master skills of their own, establish goals for their team and then carefully explain each step to guide them to the final destination. Becoming a leader is a process. It takes time, energy, and devotion. These role models are willing to use their previously accomplished skills to overcome obstacles as a whole. One great example is Kenny Milch.
Mr. Milch is one of a kind. He has earned trust from students as well as staff members. Many of his students say that he has helped them solve problems and build confidence. One former student of his, Jayne Chun, said, “He helped me build my confidence with his kind words.” Even the students that enjoy more academic classes rather than physical movement have had an incredible experience in P.E. through Mr. Milch. Shannon Liu highlights the endless benefits of having him as a coach, “Mr. Milch is always emitting a positive attitude towards everyone. He has helped me be more confident by motivating me to try new activities and express myself fully.” Not only is he setting a good example, but he also constantly shows up with optimistic advice that will help push forward students in the category of leadership.
Personally, Mr. Milch has to be my most trusted and favorite teacher. He got me excited for the year ahead and raised my enthusiasm in Taylor. He brings a unique type of energy and devotion to the table that everyone catches on to.
The vice principal of Taylor Middle school, William Romer, also appreciates Mr. Milch’s consistency, knowledge, and dedication. “He never takes a day off, and with that, I can trust as well as rely on him.” You can imagine how important that is. Picture this. You are part of a sports team where every single teammate relies on each other. If a player doesn’t show up the day before a game, what would happen? Your team would most likely have to work harder to make up for that player. Whether it's reblocking the spacing, finding a substitute, or even having to cancel that game, chaos would ensue. That’s why every single staff member of Taylor appreciates Mr Milch’s high attendance record. It not only benefits him, but it makes things way easier for the whole team. This, once again, shows how committed and steadfast a leader Mr. Milch is.
Mr. Romer says that Mr. Milch adds the feathers to Taylor’s cap. With him owning his very own TV show, Taylor has now earned a reputation within the broadcasting world. The San Mateo Daily Journal informs nearby locals that “Millbrae boasts media classes: Video courses teach students how to produce TV programs, all because of KTLR, Taylor Middle School’s award-winning broadcast Journalism class.” Students that are in the KTLR class create their own stories, shoot interviews, and film events to put on an entertaining show for over 900 people, in less than an hour.
When reflecting on what makes an outstanding leader in my life, Mr. Milch takes the top medal because of his special connection that has been stitched together between him and his students. He has helped me find my inner journalist and leader. He has passion, wanting every single student that he encounters on the field and classroom to succeed. He strongly takes pride in every action he takes to benefit others around him. “My position at Taylor is one of leadership and I enjoy setting an ideal avatar for my students. I try to guide them to take a solid path which will eventually lead them to success in life. I stress solid morals and values while modeling them daily to my students.”
Mr. Milch’s personal experience serves as a testament that leadership qualities can often be found in the most unexpected places. The transformation of Mr. Milch into a respected teacher and figure exemplifies the power of perseverance and dedication. Ultimately, it's a reminder that effective leadership can arise from genuine qualities of character and determination.
