WARSAW — Growing up as a young man and getting into trouble as the class clown, Michael Casey was always fairly uncertain about his future career path. Little did he imagine he would one day become the assistant principal and athletic director at Edgewood Middle School, Warsaw.

Looking back Casey realized he most likely adopted the persona of class clown in an attempt to fit in. Thankfully he had his football coach and Spanish teacher as well as a history teacher who took an interest in him and both teachers suggested teaching as a possible career choice. The adult influences in his life who were not as supportive, he realizes, helped to keep him “fired up to be better.” It was after a class on the seven habits of highly effective teens in which Casey was given the option of either a final exam or a final presentation he realized he enjoyed public speaking and chose the presentation option.

Casey continued his education at Taylor University, Upland, but remained undecided on what path to take for the future. Remembering the suggestions of his two influential high school teachers, Casey chose “to dabble in some education classes.” At this point he decided he could make an impact as a teacher and an educator.

Casey became a teacher at Wawasee High School and taught there for eight years before moving to Edgewood Middle School. He also coached football, track and girls basketball. When he started teaching his original plan was to teach for 10 years before getting into administration. He accomplished that goal two years early when he applied for the assistant principal position.

Although Casey did not believe he would get the position since his name was not familiar within the Warsaw school district he was still called in for a first and second interview. Although extremely nervous and in front of 12 or 13 people for his first interview, his passion for public speaking must have helped since he was offered the position.

Now in his second year as the assistant principal and athletic director, Casey enjoys his administrative roles. As the athletic director he is in charge of hiring and scheduling which includes setting up all sports schedules for the year including events and then changing things according to the way the season goes. The most enjoyable part for him is watching the kids succeed.

Casey is also a family man, living in Milford with his wife of eight years, Barb, and their 8-month-old daughter, Bailey. His focus at home is “spending time together and cherishing each day” which includes playing cards and board games and having bake offs with his wife. These bake offs allow Casey to cook, which he loves, and compete with his wife via Facebook, encouraging their friends to vote for the best looking peach cobbler, apple crisp or cookies.

In the future he would like to motivate others through public speaking, sharing positive messages about how there is good and bad in life and making the most of it all. As a young man Casey stated he “learned the mottos ‘attitude is everything’ and ‘take things one day at a time’ from my father. I try to live by those every day.”