Clinton Super Dad: Stephen Redes

We asked our Patch readers to send in their stories of Super Dads and here is one we received from one of our readers.

Father’s name and town?

• Stephen Redes, Clinton

Your name, town and relationship to the nominee?

• Kelli Redes, Asker, Norway, daughter

Why is your dad so super?

“Why my dad is so super. My father is an incredible man. He has not only been what I think is the world’s greatest dad, but also made a difference in the lives of thousands of youths from Clinton over the last several decades.

First of all I should mention, he is a high school health teacher. But he is not just your average teacher. Every student who has walked through the door to his classroom stands on a level platform. Everyone is accepted, and everyone is respected. No matter if they are considered the “trouble kid” or the straight A student council president, they are all the same in his room. This is where he sets himself apart. From day one, he opens his heart to each and every student, allowing them to see that he recognizes each individual as a person with emotions, needs, struggles and triumphs. He educates the students in topics which are important to their future and future decisions. He does so in a unique way, through sharing experiences, mistakes and life lessons of his own and those around him. He is active and gets the students involved, teaching them in ways that really make an impression.

But even more than that, he serves as an emotional support to countless students, opening his ears and heart to each students needs. He has been there for students through more trying experiences than one can count. I remember once reading a letter from a past student he had received 10 years after they graduated. They just thanked him for setting their life on the right path. They shared how he made such a difference in their life and the life of their peers, so much to have in fact saved their life. As one of his students myself, I was able to witness first hand the profound effect he had on each student, and most importantly, on those students who would otherwise felt perhaps invisible or alone. From the bullies to the bullied, my father is there for all of them. He is like a father to many more than just me, and I just happen to be so lucky that he is in fact my dad.

In addition to this, he has always been the greatest supporter of my dreams. I moved in fact all the way to Norway, but not once has he been anything but a friend, a support system, a questioner (are you sure this is the best thing for your life right now..?) and an inspiration. I have followed in his footsteps as a teacher, and I hope that I can even be a shred of the teacher, parent, and human he has always been.

My father Stephen Redes, truly is what I feel is the world’s most amazing dad.”