Western New York native Steve Mesler recently spoke to Kenmore East freshman students during their monthly “Brown Bag Speaker’s Series” and met fellow Olympians during a tour of the high school.  The man who struck gold during the 2010 Winter Olympics as a member of the United States bobsled team stopped by the special education classes of teachers Linda Miller and Mike Roy and met many students who won ribbons during Special Olympics competitions.

“Steve Mesler was very proud of our students and spent a good 45 minutes with us.  He was a wonderful guy who was so excited for them and their victory, just as excited as our students were to meet an Olympic gold medalist.  I honestly think he was more excited to meet our students, and that speaks volumes as to what a great person Steve Mesler is,” said Kenmore East High School Teacher’s Aide Nan Gallivan.

Many of the Kenmore East High School students who won ribbons at the Special Olympics competition were victorious in a number of athletic events, including relay, 100-meter dash, shot put, and long jump.

“He was very down to earth and we are so happy he took the time to meet with all of our students following his talk,” added Gallivan.

While Mesler won the gold at the most recent Vancouver games this was not his first foray in Olympic competition.  Mesler was an alternate on the 2002 Olympic team that competed in Salt Lake City, Utah and finished in seventh place while competing in the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy.

Previous “Brown Bag Speaker Series” lecturers include former Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello, business owner Duane Paddock, former athlete Modie Cox, Erie County Surrogate Judge Barbara Howe, and Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. James A. Williams.

Read Full Article