It is with great honor that St. Teresa High School announces the 2024 Alumnus of the Year Award winner Class of 1959 Alumnus, MGySgt. Michael Copeland.

Michael attended St. Patrick School before attending St. Teresa. While attending St. Teresa, he participated in football and basketball and received All-Conference and All-State honors for football.
 
Upon graduating, Sgt. Copeland enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He attributes that decision to Coach Joe Venturi (coached him in both football and basketball) who shared that some members of the military would leave after their service and receive pro football contracts. While in the service, Michael was stationed in San Diego, Subic Bay, Hawaii, and South Vietnam. In 1964, Michael was on the Marine Basketball Team Roster that scrimmaged the U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Team. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received during his service in Vietnam. Upon retiring after 30 years as a Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC, Michael taught at the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps in Naples, Italy from 1994-2008.
 
Sgt. Copeland notes that everything in his path had to do with the education and experiences he received at St. Teresa. “The teachers and coaching staff embedded in us the formula for success and I’ve always carried that mentality throughout my life and career,” he shares.
 
Sgt. Copeland has continued to stay in contact with many of his classmates and has returned to campus over the years for class reunions; he has continued to generously support St. Teresa annually. Michael and his wife, Grace, currently reside on the eastern shore of North Carolina.
 
Please help us in congratulating  Sgt. Michael Copeland for this wonderful honor.