LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Robert Scurfield was nominated by his superintendent, Michael Sharrow.

Mr. Scurfield has been a dedicated member of the Midland Public Schools staff for 38 years. His professional journey began in 1987 as the athletic director of Midland High School. In 2001, he moved into the position of department head for physical education and athletics. In 2010, he was promoted to the position of assistant principal of Midland High School.

Mr. Scurfield has served in many different capacities and has been part of numerous district-level, regional, and even state-level committees. It's important to note that Mr. Scurfield has been recognized numerous times as a leader in his community, and for his contributions to several professional organizations such as the MHSAA and the Saginaw Valley Athletic League. Throughout his career, he has continued to be responsive to individual needs. He's the consummate professional when handling the many unique issues that arise in a high school. His calm demeanor and strong conviction of what is right and wrong have provided guidance for students, parents, staff, and fellow administrators. His thoughtful approach to problem-solving is always appreciated by his colleagues. It's clear to all who know him that Mr. Scurfield takes great pride in his work and is truly honored to be a Midland High Chemic administrator.

Mr. Scurfield’s commitment to supporting students, staff, and the Midland High School community is second to none. He has been the one consistent building administrator through several different principals’ tenures, and he has worked well with all of them. His ongoing success can be attributed to the fact that he has embraced the changes that have occurred in education throughout his career. He has been instrumental in setting high standards for students and staff, for helping to improve building efficiencies, and for working diligently on behalf of all students (especially those who are the most at-risk). Mr. Scurfield is fair when handling discipline with the students and patient when hearing staff concerns or frustrations. He's easy to reach and is timely in his responses. His commitment to Midland High and its traditions, values, and belief that all students have a right to learn in a safe, secure environment has guided staff and students through some very tough situations.

Roughly a year ago, Mr. Sharrow's office received a very special letter from a former student who is now a local business owner. The letter discussed the impact Mr. Scurfield made in this student's life:

"I was fortunate to meet Bob in 1989 as a sophomore attending Midland High School. At the time, he would become my ice hockey coach for the next three years. Little did I know, he would be my mentor, my colleague, and my friend for the next 30 years. As a student-athlete, his style of coaching instilled life lessons, which I carry forth to this day in my own personal commitment to mentoring and shaping young lives through athletic leadership. As a very impressionable student, Bob always taught ‘life lessons’. One of my fondest memories is how Bob was always encouraging me to do the right thing..humbly..when no one was looking. Today, as a successful business owner, university professor, father, and high school coach, my integrity is the base of what has shaped me.

Upon completion of graduate school, I returned to the Great Lakes Bay region, where I would start my professional career and eventually establish myself as a business owner and community leader. There have been several times where I have sought advice from Bob on how to handle certain situations, certain people, and certain settings. Bob, with his ever so humble and calm demeanor, has been there for continued mentorship. I had the opportunity to work with him directly in a coaching capacity. Again, I see every day how his life lessons have shaped me as a father, a friend, and a quiet leader, not knowing at the time that next to my father, he would be one of the most influential people in my life. I have watched Bob as a coach, a father, and a leader and can say that I try every day to match the qualities he has shared with me.

Lastly, I had the opportunity to interview for the vacant ice hockey coaching job at Midland High four years ago. As a father, business owner, and adjunct college professor, there was very little chance that if I was selected to lead, that I would have the time or energy to be able to serve in this role and be to others what Bob was to me. I reached out to Bob and within moments, I knew I needed to do this so that I could emulate everything he has ever instilled in me. Today, I lead the program. I do not know how long I will be in this position to lead, inspire, and motivate student athletes. However, I do know that if I have one student graduate from my program and think of me as the same mentor, friend, and coach that Bob has been for me, I will have done myself and Bob proud."

"While we are very happy for Bob and his family that he is retiring this summer, our District truly realizes the knowledge, experience, commitment, and dedication to students, colleagues, families, and community that we are losing," said Sharrow. "Upon graduation, Midland High Chemics leave us to achieve their post-secondary, professional and personal goals. When we hear back from them, our graduates are doing great things throughout the community, state, country and world. Without a doubt, Bob has made a profound difference. When MHS alumni think back on their days as a Chemic, Bob's smiling face and wise words and counsel come to their mind with a sincere thank you to this very humble public educator and administrator! I can't think of a better way to honor Bob's legacy of almost four decades with Midland Public Schools, but more importantly, the profound impact he has made in the lives of thousands and thousands of students, families and colleagues!"