One of my favorite Teachers and Mentors is under attack from a parent. There is an article on Mlive about the case. I have created a letter in support of my mentor and friend. He does not deserve hate. If you wish to support him. This is who I emailed my letter too. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] jmack1@mlive [email protected] Cole Hayward 4005 Croyden Ave Kalamazoo Mi, 49006 September 18th 2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter to defend the character of a coach, teacher and friend, Matt Stephens. It has come to my understanding that there are doubts about Coach Stephens fairness, openness, and integrity. I am not clear on the allegations or exact nature of what Coach is being accused of. However, I can attest to the to the beliefs, style, and behavior of Coach Stephens. My hope is that my voice is heard, especially by the persecutors. I was close with Coach Stephens during my High School years, from the time I began as a Freshman in 2001 to my graduation in 2005, and I knew him not only as a coach, but as a teacher as well as a mentor. He was my Junior Varsity Head Coach during the 2002 season. Coach Stephens was specifically responsible for quarterbacks, which was the position I played. We spent alot of time together during camps and practice. He played a significant role in my two years of varsity football and dedicated a lot of time to our success. Needless to say, I came to know him well. Few experiences are as rewarding as being a part of a football team. My seasons being a part of the Mattawan Wildcat football team were packed full of emotions and memories I will never forget. Bonds were made with friends, whom I still communicate with on a daily basis. We are one family. Coach Matt Stephens is a leader, and a great one. He always had a clear vision, accurate perspective, great judgement, huge desire and personal conviction. Coach Stephens was determined to state the facts and all the facts. He revealed emotions when he was emotional, hid nothing, and explained everything. He was completely frank in a friendly and engaging way. He loved us and it showed. No one ever questioned fairness or racism. Everyone played and practiced with equal opportunity and chance. Coach Stephens was not a dictator. All the staff was a part of every decision. If Coach Stephens is being persecuted for fairness, let them all be on trial. If you think they are all equally guilty of unfairness or prejudice. This is all a farce of course. They are friends with faculty and interwoven into the Mattawan community. Hes dedicated time and energy into the lives of your children. When the average person watches 5 hours of television a day and kids dont play tag, they watch YouTube videos. Coach Stephens is out promoting a healthy lifestyle, social engagement and communication. He is a solid pillar in our Mattawan community. In our culture, pride is at a all time high and humility an all time low. Coach Stephens being attacked is a sad injustice. The more senior you are in any organization the more you must behave with complete personal integrity and Coach Stephens is under alot of scrutiny. At any moment the wrong word could implode a career. What can we do in the face of all this madness and chaos? We can love each other and show compassion, as Coach Stephens did when he sacrificed so much time and energy for us. Coach Stephens integrity is intact and he has accumulated a life time of meaning and purpose. Sincerely, Cole Hayward The article is here. mlive/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2014/09/mattawan_school_administration.html#incart_m-rpt-2
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 18:31:03 +0000
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