In remembering the positive impact that adults had during a difficult time in his life, Centerville-Abington Community Schools’ latest Teacher of the Year serves as a mentor in classrooms, athletics and community organizations.
Mike Day, a 1989 Centerville Senior High School graduate, says CACS became a source of stability, encouragement and hope following the loss of his father when he was in fifth grade. Guided by caring teachers and coaches, he grew to appreciate the life-changing influence that trusted adults can have on young people.
Day earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Indiana University East in 1995 and his master’s degree in education in 2020. He taught special education for 10 years at CSHS before transitioning to Centerville-Abington Junior High in 2005 to teach seventh grade social studies.
Known for his sense of humor and positivity, school officials say he brings history and geography to life through engaging projects, innovative technology and personal stories from his travels around the world. Day also revitalized the school’s eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C.
Over more than three decades, Day has coached wrestling, girls track and junior high golf while helping launch Centerville’s youth wrestling program and girls wrestling team. His teams earned more than 550 dual-meet victories, and he was inducted into the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He also sponsors several student organizations and serves in school leadership roles.
School officials say Day regularly supports students and families behind the scenes, from helping with expenses to attending milestones in former students’ lives. Outside school, he’s active in church, community theater and charitable events.
Support comes from his wife, Hollie, and children Madison Dishmond and Braeden Day, both of whom became teachers.
A version of this article appeared in the June 10 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
