Pel Family,
Heard the sad news this morning that Mr. Misuraca passed away. The impact he had on our community is immeasurable and he will be missed. We were blessed and honored to be able to induct him into our Hall of Fame at our Class of 2022 graduation in front of his family and friends. What a great legacy he left behind. May he rest in Peace. Once a Pel, Always a Pel. ๐๐๐๏ธ
Here is his Hall of Fame bioโฆ
Michael T. Misuraca
Respectfully known as "Mr. Mike", Michael T. Misuraca was born on January 15, 1939 on a strawberry farm in Hammond, Louisiana. He attended Natalbany Elementary School and graduated from Independence High School where he played football, was named Most Valuable Football Player, earned the Athletic Scholastic Award, and met the love of his life, Mary Fresina Misuraca. He obtained a B.S. in Science Education and a Masters of School Administration and Supervision from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Mr. Mike dedicated his entire 36-year career to the West Baton Rouge Parish School System, where he started as a science teacher at PAHS in 1962. He served Port Allen High School in numerous capacities for 29 years, including teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal for 21 1/2 years. He also served as Principal of Devall Middle School and finished his career as Supervisor of Transportation before retiring in 1998 as the second-longest tenured principal in PAHS history.
During his accomplished career, Mr. Mike earned many accolades, including President of the WBR Teachers' Association, Chairman of the 7-AA Athletic District, and serving as LHSAA Executive Committee Vice President and President. He established the PAHS Football Jamboree (1973) and attended nearly every sporting event, supporting the Mighty Pelicans including driving the band to away games. Mr. Mike orchestrated the planting of the Avenue of Live Oak Trees in front of PAHS in 1980, and they still stand beautifully today. He served on the committee for the planning and building of the current Port Allen High School and supervised the moving of students, teachers and equipment to the new building in March of 1979. Mr. Mike's leadership was instrumental in guiding Port Allen High School through desegregation.
Mr. Mike's civic involvement included being a member of Knights of Columbus, Grandsons of Italy, and American Italian Association of Baton Rouge. He has been a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1965. He is a charter member of the Krew of the Good Friends of the Oaks and was elected Grand Marshall in 2018.
Mr. Mike's passions after retirement include gardening, woodworking, an affection for nature, birds, animals, trees, and flowering plants.
Mr. Mike and Mrs. Mary had four children during their 62-year marriage. He proudly presented all of them their high school diplomas when they graduated from Port Allen High School, Michael II (1979), Victoria (1982), Vincel (1983), and Myra (1988). They also have 6 grandchildren, Morgan, Madison, Thomas, Julia, Scotty and Collin.
Mr. Mike was a mentor and role model to countless students and teachers. He enjoys hearing the success stories of his former students when interacting with them in the community. Mr. Mike still bleeds blue.
Congratulations to Coach Antoine on becoming a certified Health/PE teacher! This has been an amazing and rewarding journey for Coach Antoine. He graduated from PAHS and returned to his alma mater as a paraprofessional and coach. He finished college and was rewarded with a teaching position. He then enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program and completed it while serving as a husband, father, teacher, coach and mentor! Great job Coach! We are proud of you! Perseverance is an Essential Life Skill! P.E.L.S.! ๐๐