Ostrenga honored for teaching and coaching contributions

HARRIS -- Most of the awards presented at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner were business-related. But as the work of a teacher is to help young people grow into successful adults, one particular honored individual has likely affected countless businesses indirectly.

Over the last several decades, Steve Ostrenga has been a force at Rapid River Schools.

“Beyond teaching, Steve’s impact spans decades of hands-on leadership, from starting our greenhouse and hydroponics programs, helping write our forestry curriculum, and advising the forestry club, to coaching track for 36 years and varsity football for 32 years, including leading our team to three state championships and a state title,” said Rapid River Principal Rachel Gustafson.

Ostrenga was awarded the Educational Excellence award by the Chamber on Thursday night. It was presented by Gustafson.

“Steve Ostrega’s path to the classroom was not direct, but every step prepared him to be the extraordinary educator he is today,” Gustafson began.

After graduating from Menominee Schools in 1983, Ostrenga began to pursue a veterinary science degree, but ended up earning a teaching certificate after a degree from Northern Michigan University.

Ostrenga was hired at Rapid River Schools in 1991.

“I have had the privilege of watching Mr. O. -- or Coach O, as he is known around school -- shape the lives of hundreds of students over the years,” said Gustafson, who reported that she was in 11th grade at Rapid when he started teaching. “Steve is a living legend at Rapid River Schools. He is …someone who constantly deflects praise and bestows every success on the team, fellow staff, and students and coaches around him.”

Ostrenga, upon accepting the award, thanked his family, especially his wife, and the teachers who helped him in the early days, whom he referred to as “the old guard.”