Steve McCoy Memorial Page
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Steve McCoy was a master educator and amazing spirit that influenced thousands of students and families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area for 37 years. Steve was a life long educator, dedicated to building bridges of inclusion for all students. His work with students of all abilities was a legendary achievement which left a mark on every student, faculty member and school community he was a part of.
In 2012, Steve and Nancy, his wife of 34 years, joined the Archbishop O'Hara faculty and helped to expand the O'Hara Options program. Their contribution to the Options program radically influenced inclusive education for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. In 2017, they helped to establish the St. Michael Inclusive Learning Education Zone (SMILE Zone). The SMILE zone is home to Steve's pride and joy, the Guardian Grinds. Steve and his Business Math students operated the barista bar as an extension of their class. Because of their business, lattes and smoothies are enjoyed by the SMA community three days a week before school.
Although he was an amazing teacher, it was his love for the Eucharist, his Savior, that guided his dedication to others. His Christian witness of love, compassion, inclusion, joy and acceptance has influenced many, many hearts. He lead an amazing and generous life and we can learn so much from his example.
Steve was a true example of embracing the cross. He suffered for over 23 years with chronic pain from an earlier fight with cancer. Although he struggled with discomfort daily, you would have never known it. His warm and affable smile made everyone feel welcomed. Because of his infectious smile, it has now been suggested by the students and faculty to rename the program, the Steve McCoy SMILE Zone.
Steve fought a good fight, he focused his energy and hope on a strong desire to walk his daughter down the aisle in August. However, on May 5, 2018 surrounded by friends and family he passed away peacefully in the hospital, holding a Celtic cross a student had given him just a few days prior. How fitting it was to have not only his personal family there by his side, but a small piece of his school family as well.
Steve and Nancy's modest life as educators in Lee's Summit, Missouri, centered on family, friends and their students. For the last seven weeks, watching Steve struggle on a daily basis in the hospital was not only physically and emotionally taxing for the family, but it will take a financial toll on them as well. When talking to the McCoy family about how to best honor Steve's legacy, it was not surprising that the desire to start a scholarship fund for the SMILE zone superseded their own family's financial needs. With several things to consider ... a summer wedding, mounting hospital expenses, and a dream to start a scholarship program for the SMILE zone, this memorial page was started as a way to help ease the many financial decisions their family will need to make.
In 2012, Steve and Nancy, his wife of 34 years, joined the Archbishop O'Hara faculty and helped to expand the O'Hara Options program. Their contribution to the Options program radically influenced inclusive education for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. In 2017, they helped to establish the St. Michael Inclusive Learning Education Zone (SMILE Zone). The SMILE zone is home to Steve's pride and joy, the Guardian Grinds. Steve and his Business Math students operated the barista bar as an extension of their class. Because of their business, lattes and smoothies are enjoyed by the SMA community three days a week before school.
Although he was an amazing teacher, it was his love for the Eucharist, his Savior, that guided his dedication to others. His Christian witness of love, compassion, inclusion, joy and acceptance has influenced many, many hearts. He lead an amazing and generous life and we can learn so much from his example.
Steve was a true example of embracing the cross. He suffered for over 23 years with chronic pain from an earlier fight with cancer. Although he struggled with discomfort daily, you would have never known it. His warm and affable smile made everyone feel welcomed. Because of his infectious smile, it has now been suggested by the students and faculty to rename the program, the Steve McCoy SMILE Zone.
Steve fought a good fight, he focused his energy and hope on a strong desire to walk his daughter down the aisle in August. However, on May 5, 2018 surrounded by friends and family he passed away peacefully in the hospital, holding a Celtic cross a student had given him just a few days prior. How fitting it was to have not only his personal family there by his side, but a small piece of his school family as well.
Steve and Nancy's modest life as educators in Lee's Summit, Missouri, centered on family, friends and their students. For the last seven weeks, watching Steve struggle on a daily basis in the hospital was not only physically and emotionally taxing for the family, but it will take a financial toll on them as well. When talking to the McCoy family about how to best honor Steve's legacy, it was not surprising that the desire to start a scholarship fund for the SMILE zone superseded their own family's financial needs. With several things to consider ... a summer wedding, mounting hospital expenses, and a dream to start a scholarship program for the SMILE zone, this memorial page was started as a way to help ease the many financial decisions their family will need to make.
Fundraising team: St Michael & Archbishop O'Hara (2)
St. Michael the Archangel & Archbishop O'Hara High School
Organizer
Grandview, MO
Nancy McCoy
Beneficiary
Jeff O’Brien
Team member
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