Winner of the 1999 senior superlative for Best Personality, this week’s Faculty Friday alumni spotlight is Mr. Mike Barnes. Prior to his current role as an Intervention Specialist working with Fairmont Industries (since the 2016-17 school year), Mike held a variety of roles in the district including several long-term sub positions, home instructor, night class GED instructor, and paraeducator. As a middle schooler, Mike TRIED to play football (the emphasis on “tried” comes straight from Mike!) then gravitated toward serving our community and Earth through his participation in the Earth Corps environmental club and as a founding member of the Peer Mediation Club focused on mediating interpersonal conflict between students. Mike has fond memories of the warmth, cheering, and joy of field days as a student. He also recalls his talent show performance as his first time singing on a stage. When Mr. Barnes isn’t busy building a strong community of learners with students and colleagues, he’s likely doing something related to classic cars, driving his 1964 VW Notchback, or celebrating his recent UD Masters in the Science of Education degree with his wife and family. A sentiment so many of our faculty alumni share, Mike says, “Kettering City Schools feels like home” because he always feels welcomed by staff and students alike. #alumni #spotlight #tradition #EverFaithful #excellence