Roncalli High School teacher Phil Milroy was featured in an NBC newsletter during Teacher Appreciation Week.
NBC News asked readers to nominate a teacher who goes above and beyond both in and out of the classroom. After hundreds of submissions, they chose to highlight five teachers whose dedication to their students and their communities is inspiring. Milroy is one of those five teachers.

NBC News asked: Do you remember a teacher who made you excited to go to class?

One Roncalli student described his class as “more like a family” and said she’s “constantly surprised by the simple wisdom or life advice he slips in as side philosophy during any lesson.”

Milroy also was able to strike the perfect balance between challenging his students and showing them how fun learning can be, whether teaching his students about Shakespeare or coaching the speech team for an upcoming tournament.  

Students acknowledged his excitement and humor and signature bow tie.

“I'm quite honored and even flattered to be singled out. …I think the best part of this particular blurb is reading that students would be excited to come to class,” Milroy said. “I'm pretty sure any teacher would love to hear such high praise.”

Freshman Amanda Wolf nominated him to NBC News.