LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Mike Panico

Position: School Counselor
School: Philomath Middle School
School District: Philomath School District
City, State: Philomath, OR

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Music that Describes Mike

Mike Panico was nominated by his colleague, Chad Matthews.

"We all grew up going to school, and we always wanted, no, needed, somebody like Mike Panico in our school. That one adult who was just the right kind of 'wild,' who was wild enough to take the risks to be real, personal, and vulnerable. The adult who was just 'wild' enough to believe in us when nobody else would, who would love us recklessly, lead us willingly, and laugh with us often. Mike Panico is a wonderfully talented and amazingly insightful school counselor," explains Matthews.

Mr. Panico has led school-wide and district-wide initiatives aimed at helping kids in creative and caring ways. The Connections Program, where he thoughtfully connects sixth grade students with eighth grade mentors, is a wonderful example of building successful opportunities for students. Throughout the year, the older students help mentor their younger peers, all within a framework established by Mr. Panico.

The Passport Program is another sterling example of his willingness to creatively encourage and incentivize students. Each quarter, students take part in a wonderful, wild, zany experience designed and administered by Mr. Panico. Students who have engaged in positive behavior are invited to the Passport Party. It's a party they don't want to miss.

Mr. Panico should be also be recognized for finding grant money each year for the HERO (Helping Everyone Respect Others) Challenge. This event sees all of the seventh grade students develop resiliency skills as they take part in various activities, including a high ropes course. The activities are designed by Mr. Panico to help build common bridges and support between students.

Mr. Panico has spent a decade developing and leading the district-wide Inspired program. This program is designed to "inspire" all students and staff to seek the best in themselves and others. Collectively, the entire district joins together around a specific theme (Hope, Vision, Believe, etc.) for the year. Lessons, activities, and enrichments are focused on students and staff improving themselves, the district, and the community.

"I'll finish with a quick anecdote that provides some insight into Mr. Panico, who is both our TAG (Talented and Gifted) Coordinator and our McKinney-Vento District Rep for students experiencing homelessness. He works with kids across our economic and academic spectrum, and their families! Several weeks ago, Mr. Panico needed to leave campus quickly to respond to a family need. When he returned, he explained that he had been at NAPA Auto Parts. He had received a call from a parent of two of our students. She had found herself in a volatile and physically abusive situation where her boyfriend had stolen the headlights out of her car...The desperate single mom drove in the dark of the early morning and made it to work, but she had no money and nowhere to turn. It was Mike Panico who sprung into action to not only buy new headlights, but get them installed immediately for a family in need," said Matthews.

"In my 25 years as a teacher and building administrator, there has simply never been another with his skill set. His ability to effectively reach students, support families, and lift staff is unmatched," said Matthews.

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Comments (6)

Crystal Sherwood Posted over a year ago

My family is new to the community. Also, this is the first brick and mortar school my 13 year old daughter has ever been in. Prior to Philomath Middle School she was cyber schooled for 7 years. Going to a brick and mortar has been a challenge for her. We are so thankful for Mike Panico for being there for her throughout the school year. He has helped her through challenges of live classroom situations and is always there to support her when she is having a rough day. We appreciate him always checking in on her and making sure things are going well. Thank you so much Mike! You Rock!

Martina Huesca Posted over a year ago

There’s so much i can say about Mike Panico,he is such an amazing human bean and makes the world a better place.My daughter Nayeli loves him so much and enjoys his company so much he helps her out so much and inspires her to be a better person in life and I’m school my older daughter also loved him when she was in middle he is truly the best person ever, my daughter says he has such good vibes with him and makes her feel so safe and welcomed.we all appreciate what he does and has done.

Martha King Posted over a year ago

Mr. Panico impressed me the very first time I met him, when he gave my son and me a tour of the middle school. He was open, funny, and able to connect with my reticent son as well as honestly answer my questions about the school. Every interaction I’ve had with him has been positive, and he’s worked with my academically gifted kids to encourage and challenge them without making them feel better than or different from their peers. Finally, this year he has worked with students to create a program in which 8th graders walk over to the primary school to play with K-2nd graders. My daughter has loved these interactions and she’s learning that school can be about giving to others as well as learning academics. Thanks Mr Panico!

Laura Heiken Posted over a year ago

I can't say enough great things about Mike Panico. He helped my oldest through the tumultuous years of middle school while she was struggling with depression, anxiety, and a big fear of public speaking. He is one of the main reasons she looks back on middle school fondly, and was able to get past those fears and go on to leading others as the student body vice president and yearbook editor. Mr. Panico's ability to think outside the box and come up with plans that actually help is crucial for kids in the middle school years, and he does so with humor, insight, and altruism. I can’t think of anyone more qualified as a “Lifechanger.”

Elaine Hall Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Mike for many years on "Inspired Day." This was a day that he developed with colleagues, to "Inspire" kids to be greater and think bigger. He is a dependable team member and always thought of fun ways to give the message to kids that they belong and can do it. Whatever their dreams were-he was here to support it. He is an amazing team member, as well as a kind peer that makes a difference in his staff and school. I am lucky to know him.

Juli McLennan Posted over a year ago

Mike is simply outstanding. Several of us in our small town refer to our principal, vice principal and councilor Mike as the dream team. Mike is one of those adults that inspire kids to be their best. He sets the bar high and leads by example. If you have an opportunity to volunteer in the school you will see him roaming the halls during breaks and recess. He engages all of the kids by name, he cracks jokes and gently teases smilies out of reluctant teenagers. They can’t help but respond because they like and respect him. He encourages and rewards good academics and kindness, he comes up with ridiculous games during assemblies that are fun and he celebrates milestones that are big and small. He has created an atmosphere at the middle school that is welcoming and full of unconditional support. I have three kids that have been in the Philomath school district. This is our last year at the middle school. When people ask me about Philomath middle school I always end up saying at some point- and you will just love the counselor. He is wonderful! Congratulations Mike, this is a well deserved award!