43
Struthers H.S. teacher headed to World Series
By Denise Dick
STRUTHERS
If they raised it, he would go. And they did.
Josh Miely, a 1998 Struthers High School graduate, set up a GoFundMe page a few days ago to raise money to send Richard Gage, a beloved English teacher, to a World Series game.
“He has a great way of connecting to students and challenging them,” Miely said. “It makes you want to look for more.”
Gage is humbled by the effort.
“One hundred people donated, and the vast majority of them are former students,” said Gage, who’s been an SHS teacher for 26 years.
The goal was $2,350, and the effort raised $2,545 in about 60 hours.
“Mr. Gage is an amazing teacher,” said Miely, of Rockville, Md.
The goal was based on two tickets, parking and other incidentals. Anything beyond that, Gage can use for souvenirs, Miely said.
Miely works in Washington, D.C., as senior manager of radio operations at the National Association of Broadcasting.
Everyone knows Gage is a huge Indians fan, Miely said.
He credits Gage with helping him to get more in touch with his creative side. One way Gage did that was by resurrecting the school’s drama club during Miely’s senior year.
Miely contacted Gage after the Indians clinched the American League pennant last week to ask if the veteran teacher would mind if he started the GoFundMe page.
The two men have kept in touch via social media.
“I said, ‘Oh sure, go ahead,’” Gage said. “I was thinking there is no chance of this succeeding.”
Miely launched the fund drive through Facebook, asking other Struthers graduates to share on their pages as well.
Gage watched as one and then another former student contributed to the cause.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” the teacher said.
He and his son, Daniel, 17, will watch Game 2 of the series Wednesday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Gage plans to be at school both Wednesday and Thursday. He prides himself on never missing a day.
Gage said he tries to connect with his students to make sure they know he cares about them.
Gage said he’s known since he was a child that he wanted to do something to help others. But he tried a few different fields before selecting teaching as his career. That included retail management, outside sales and factory work.
He chose teaching because it allows him to make a difference in students’ lives.
“A lot of things have changed in education over the years, but one thing hasn’t changed is to make a positive impact on students,” Gage said.
The fundraising effort and the comments left on the page of former students assure Gage that he’s done that.
“As a diehard Yankee fan, this is a bittersweet situation,” one poster who contributed $25 wrote. “Your impact on all of us is infinitely larger than the memories you are about to make.”
From a $20 contributor: “Have a great time! You deserve it!! Carp diem!”
The favorite teacher is looking forward to the game, and he’s grateful to the students for making it happen.
“They showed me that my life has had some really positive meaning,” Gage said.