RE community mourns the passing of Mike Stokes

He founded the outdoor experiential learning program that turned into the Outward Bound experience for ninth graders; he also helped create the current Bay Studies curriculum for freshmen. He served as Social Studies Department Chair, Athletic Director, Director of Experiential Programs, Summer Camp and Summer School Director, and he helped found RE’s Athletics Hall of Fame. He taught history and economics, and coached track and field, basketball, football and soccer. He lived on campus in the Ransom Cottage when we were a boarding school. He was what we affectionately refer to as a “triple threat,” fully engaged in academics, athletics and student life. 

Colleague Wendell Graham ’74, who experienced Mike as a coach and teacher, shared recently that, at the drop of a hat, Mike could switch to bus driver. Wendell was not exaggerating; Mike frequently drove students home after practices when they needed rides.

Mike did it all, he did it willingly, and he did it with heart. Each year, two eponymous awards – one athletic, and one academic – are awarded to exceptional students in his honor. Wendell called him the epitome of an academic leader, and a scholar, gentleman and role model. He was also an innovator, pushing our school to greater heights. I know many of you who knew him – during and long after your years at Ransom Everglades – would agree. 

Mike visited campus as much as possible in recent years, but as his health declined, his trips became infrequent. He made it clear, just over a year ago, that he longed to be back in the classroom, sharing his gifts with students. 

Fortunately, his gifts remain – in your memories, and in the lessons you learned from one of the finest educators our school has ever known. I know many of you kept in touch with him. Faculty member Joe Mauro notes that Mike Stokes, along with Dan Leslie Bowden and Ginny Onorati, occupy “the Mount Rushmore of RE teachers.” Their tenures are legendary.    

Donations in Mike’s memory may be directed to the Michael Stokes Outward Bound Endowment Fund at Ransom Everglades. 

Mike, somewhat ironically,  died on the third anniversary of the death of his colleague Dan Bowden. Together Mike and Dan defined what it meant to put the needs of others ahead of oneself. They always put the students first.

Our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s daughter Mikki '80,  his son-in-law Lee Feinberg and grandchildren, Sophie and Jake Feinberg.

In peace,