Faces of Homewood: Steve Sills

Computer Applications Teacher, Homewood Middle School

Age: 33  –  Homewood educator since 2005

Steve Sills is not just a teacher but also a mentor and friend to at least 100 Homewood Middle School boys each year through Homewood Men Striving for Success.

“I try to teach them to be young men of character,” Sills said. “No matter what situation or background the kid comes from, good or bad, he has a choice to make.”

Sills said he wants the young men to know the importance of service and leadership.

 Together students in the club have held supply drives for tornado victims, raised $1,000 for Relay for Life by sponsoring a talent show, cheered for athletes with special needs at the Exceptional Foundation and volunteered at elementary school festivals.

When a family lost everything to a house fire, it was the club that raised funds to replace the member’s Xbox.  When a member was diagnosed with a tumor, it was Sills who facilitated raising money to help with medical bills.

 “I cannot adequately put into words the love, devotion, energy, time, blood, sweat and tears that this man pours into countless lives at HMS,” parent Rashel Post said. “His dedication to nurturing men of character is inspiring. He pushes the young men to give their best in every aspect of life; the boys look up to him and live by his example.”

Parent Nancy Hall expressed similar sentiments: “He has made such an impact on my son and on the lives of hundreds of Homewood kids. If you ask anybody about him, you will get an earful of what an incredible man he is in Homewood.”