BY KARISSA MILLER

The Third Creek Elementary School community suffered a profound loss when beloved long-time teacher Michael Gercyz died at the beginning of this school year.

Gercyz, affectionately known as “Mr. G,” had worked as a fifth-grade teacher at the school for nearly two decades. He was known for his love of teaching, kindness and positive energy, all of which helped inspired students and his co-workers.

On March 28, Third Creek students and teachers honored Gercyz’s life and raised money to buy a memorial bench with a “Jog for Mr. G” fundraiser.

“He loved being outside. He loved sports and he loved the kids,” said teacher Brittany Fischer.

All Third Creek students were invited to participate in the event. 

It has been a difficult year for fifth-graders in particular.

along with the entire school, has had a tough year. It hasn’t been long since both students and teachers mourned the death of fifth-grade student Ny’Zirah Mason, who passed away in her sleep last year. The school planted a tree and placed painted rocks in her memory.

Fourth-grade teacher Kaleb Hill ran with his students in honor of Gercyz.

“While we were running, I heard one of my kids say, ‘Hey, we have to keep going, we are jogging for Mr. G,’ ” Hill said, noting that they got to finish the race for him.

Hill worked right down the hallway from Gercyz’s classroom. They often talked about sports, and Mr. G  was a fun person to be around, Hill said.

Nearly half of his fourth-grade students had siblings that had Mr. G as a teacher.

“All of the kids wanted him as a teacher. He has had an impact on so many kids at our school,” Hill said.

Fifth-grade teacher Sarah Azzarello described Gercyz as “dedicated, consistent and someone who has integrity.”

She and Gercyz became fast friends. Both are from North and shared a love of teaching.

“We were pretty in sync. We had similar education philosophies and clicked. So, it just worked. We could start a conversation and then pick up where we left off the next time we would talk,” Azzarello said.

Over the summer they had brainstormed and shared ideas and plans for the new school year.

“We had so much excitement about our classroom plans. I wanted to see the outcome, and I miss having the camaraderie,” she said.

Azzarello, along with others, wore a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey in Mr. G’s honor. He was a dedicated fan of the Steelers and Penn State. Many of the students and staff wore his favorite team colors.

Fifth-grade interventionist Jennifer Adair, who is also a parent, said her daughter Sophia, now a sixth- grader, had Mr. G as a teacher.

“She was absolutely heartbroken when she heard the news. She loved Mr. G, and it was very hard on her,” Adair said.

Adair said that her daughter loved how Mr. G would give feedback on homework and often left funny comments that made students laugh.

“I had always hoped for a teacher that brought out my daughter’s strengths. She really loves math. He challenged her and pushed her to be her best,” Adair said.

The school will hold a dedication ceremony for the memorial bench on May 23, the last day of school.

“Our hope is that previous students, his family and previous co-workers will attend,” said Principal Carla Moorefield.

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