Holy Cross Parishioner named Teacher of the Year for Escambia County

Submitted by Betty Enfinger, Coastline Communicator
Holy Cross, Pensacola

Mr. Mike Varner, parishioner of Holy Cross, Pensacola, has been named Escambia County’s Teacher of the Year. The title is well-deserved and long overdue for a teacher who has reached thousands of students since he began teaching in 1975. Teaching is a family affair, as his wife Kathy is an English teacher at Tate. Mike & Kathy joined Holy Cross in 1982, and have served Holy Cross as lovingly as they serve their students. Mike has worn various volunteer “hats” over the years. He was on the Vestry 03-05, diocesan Happening coordinator and diocesan youth coordinator (1989-2003), started the youth music ministry, sang in the choir for 10 years, provides communion music and music for special services, ushers, and is also a lay reader/chalice bearer. For six years Mike joined Kathy in the youth ministry and Christian education.

The Pensacola News Journal ran a lengthy article on March 7 which included quotes from his students. Students gave many reasons for praising his teaching skills. Some of his skills include keeping his students engaged, he’s animated and not boring, he has a way of explaining things so you can understand it, and he’s always cracking corny jokes.

Mike will retire this year, after having spent his entire 35 year career teaching science at Tate High School. Mr. Varner is also an adjunct professor at Pensacola Junior College, where he will continue after retirement.