Medina community expresses grief over school superintendent’s death

Jeff Evoy

MEDINA – The news of Jeff Evoy’s death shocked and saddened the community and many Medina students, teachers and community members turned to social media to praise Evoy’s service and genuine concern for students.

Evoy was the Medina school superintendent for nearly five years, leading the district to a dramatic improvement in test scores among students.

He started his education career at Albion and was a popular social studies teacher and baseball coach. He was finalist for the state’s Teacher of the Year in 2003. After Albion, he took a job in administration at Pembroke, leading the elementary school.

Orleans Hub posted a story about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday about Evoy’s death. Many people have since commented about Evoy’s commitment to students and staff.

Here are some of those comments:

“RIP Mr. Evoy. You were and always will be the best superintendent in my book. :(” – Hunter DeHollander

“Awesome history teacher, great school superintendent. He surely will be missed.” – Kellie Watson

“RIP to literally the nicest man I ever met. He stood up for me when I was getting picked on when he ran the YMCA summer program, he was my baseball coach and always believed in me even though I couldn’t hit the ball, and later on was the best superintendent Medina has had in a very long time. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t say hi and asked how I was doing while he worked in Medina. My thoughts go out to the Evoy family during this time, he was truly an inspirational man and he will be missed dearly.” – Matt Prawel

“Oh no! Such an amazing educator!” – Rachael Murray

“He was an amazing and inspiring teacher. I consider myself lucky to have had Mr. Evoy as my middle school social studies teacher. He’s one of the people who helped me develop a love of history which led me to become a social studies teacher myself.” – Ken Narburgh

Jeff Evoy is pictured with Medina teachers in March after the district was removed from the State Education Department’s list of “Focus” schools in need of improvement. Evoy praised the teachers, administrators, parents and students for all working hard to raise academic scores. This group is pictured in the middle school library and includes, from left: Becky Botsford, grades 6 and 7 band teacher; Kristen Phillips, librarian; Jeanette Sheliga, grade 4 and 5 band teacher; Principal Elaine Wendt; Superintendent of Schools Jeff Evoy; Denise Stappenbeck, director of curriculum and instruction; and Joette Oberther, library aide.

“I am at a loss for words and saddened by the news. Mr. Evoy was a kind, loving man. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.” – Tina Dennis

“An absolutely amazing and inspiring teacher and person. He will be greatly missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to his family.” – Lisa Marie

“So very sad. He truly loved this community and every student in it. His presence will be so missed.” – Shannon Gray Blount

“I am saddened to hear this news. He was one dynamic guy that made a difference in the students, educators, other employees and the community. My prayers are with his his family and all who cared about him.” – Brenda Sills

“I hope his wife and family know how much he was loved by students! Some of my very best memories of high school were in his class. He was one of kind and so caring. Many many thoughts and prayers to his family, his friends, colleagues, and the Albion, Pembroke and Medina school district families where he made such a huge impact. Rest easy Mr. Evoy.” – Laura Luft

“He was a kind man who inspired many to go into education to inspire future generations and/or to simply to do good wherever they could. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” – Angela Atwell

“I have no words for this loss of life. He was an incredible human being . One that we should hope to emulate. God bless his family.” – Jill Albertson

“It’s not fair! Very sad! I’m proud to have known him. He made such a difference in our education. He was also a great baseball coach for the kids. Love to the Evoy family. Graduation today will be tough. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.”  – Dar Schepis

“Very sad to say the least. Jeff was a great man, husband, father, boss but best of all friend. Always supportive and encouraging ALL teachers and students to be better people. He was truly inspirational to many and especially me. His family is an extension of his character and guidance. Mom and kids are what we all wish for kind gentle and helpful without reservation or question. Their love for each other was and will be their strength. My heart as well as many are very heavy today. Jeff you will be missed by all.” – Jimmy Steele