After 25 years, TV Production teacher, Brian Stackpoole, or “Stack” as his students know him, is signing off. Since 1999, Stackpoole has committed his time and abilities to coaching girls golf, teaching in the classroom and creating the Career and Technical Education program. From winning the GPN Spirit Award at the 2022 Homecoming assembly to leading the Norsemen News everyday, Stackpoole has demonstrated his passion for his profession.
Stackpoole has greatly impacted many students throughout his career. Establishing the Norsemen News will have a lasting effect, as he fostered strong relationships with current and past students.
“I feel that my career was successful,” Stackpoole said. “I’m proud of the work I did, and I feel like I made a difference with kids. I love the relationship that I have with kids that have graduated, and I’m still close with kids that graduated 15-20 years ago and see them often, so I’m proud of the work I did.”
Having known Stackpoole since the beginning of his teaching career, former student and class of 2000 graduate, Matt Morawski was inspired to become a WDIV morning show Executive Producer and Director of Communications for Detroit Metro Airport. Stackpoole has professionally guided Morawski in his career and personally with parental guidance towards his children.
“Brian even helped me find my professional focus,” Morawski said. “He was always supportive and empowered me to chase my career aspirations, it came as no surprise to me that when Brian became a dad, he went on to become one of the best.”
Stackpoole’s creativity is not limited to the classroom. As a girls golf coach alongside social studies teacher Brian Degnore, Stackpoole added his trademark humor to their milestone 2015 season.
“Years ago when we coached the girls golf team we were fortunate to make it to the State Finals,” Degnore said. “On the first day of the tournament, we had the idea to make breakfast for the kids. We took a room and made it into a small restaurant and we served breakfast as waiters with aprons.”
Friends since 2008, Degnore appreciates his relationship with Stackpoole and the honesty that comes with it. “He is real and genuine, traits that are hard to find,” Degnore said. “What you see, is what you get and he will always be honest.”
Courtesy of Brian Degnore
After having Stackpoole from 2018-2022, Shannon Kane, class of 2022 graduate, comprehends the impact of Stackpoole’s classroom lessons. Despite not pursuing a career in TV Production, Kane still frequently uses the editing skills that she acquired from Stackpoole.
“While not directly related to TV production, I regularly apply numerous skills learned from TV in both my work and school life,” Kane said. “For school projects, I leverage editing skills and filming techniques acquired through TV production. This experience has provided me with a unique understanding of technology, which proves valuable across various aspects of my life.”
Class of 2005 graduate and current foods teacher, Micheal Viviani has had the privilege of knowing Stackpoole as a teacher, colleague, mentor and friend. Viviani has noticed that Stackpoole has the capacity to appreciate life and always see the positive side of things.
“He’s always smiling, having a good time and positive about what we have to do everyday,” Viviani said.
Michelle Stackpoole, Brain Stackpoole’s wife, who also works in the school district at Monteith Elementary School as the library media specialist. For her family, this new chapter holds only new and exciting possibilities.
“Brian, I am so proud of you,” Michelle Stackpoole said. “I am proud of the impact you have made on your students and colleagues, how you take care of our family, how hardworking you are and that you are taking on this new chapter of your life with so much enthusiasm and passion. I love you.”
Sarcasm and constant laughter in the TV Production room is something that will be missed. Although his time at North may be coming to an end, Stackpoole is excited about the next chapter of his life.
“I feel ecstatic about retiring, I feel like it’s a new journey,” Stackpoole said. “I feel like I’m a part of the senior class of 2024 and ‘I’m out the door in ‘24.’”
