2020 Levittown School District Hall of Fame Inductees

Michael Verdi

Alumni Award

General Douglas MacArthur

Mike Verdi graduated from MacArthur High School in 1992. In 2002 he became a Division Dragon. To say Mike was respected by his colleagues is an understatement. He was revered, admired, and loved by anyone lucky enough to cross his path. He was a pleasure to be around, which is why his colleagues and students flocked to his room daily, all hoping to get just a little time with him, to be lit up by him for just a small moment. And he could always be counted on to give that moment, to listen or lend a hand in any way that he could.

Mr. Verdi, - Coach Verdi to his athletes - taught his students and his players to, "Be here," to be present in the moment, to focus on the now, and to live for today. In his room he posted signs proclaiming, "Carpe Diem!" Seize the day! He dared them to be great. Students in his class took chances to create writings they never thought possible. Some painted masterpieces on the cabinet doors of his room to be seen for generations. His athletes pushed themselves to work together, to strive harder and to do better to be better. Mr. Verdi's students left high school unafraid to take risks daring to do great things. Mike passed away in September 2019. As his colleague Dave Goldman wrote, "He was the best of us. He was the heart of us. He was the Dragon" Although missed terribly, Mike Verdi will forever be in our hearts.