A number of Carbon Career & Technical Institute students voiced support for Electrical Distribution and Automation instructor Mike Gower at Thursday’s CCTI Joint Operating Committee.

Michael Kokinda, an EDA junior from Panther Valley, said that he had been thinking of leaving CCTI and returning to Panther Valley, and that Gower helped him change his mind and stay.

“He is easily one of the best people, best mentors, all around guy that I could really want for my teacher to be,” Kokinda said. “And the shame that he might not be coming back next year; and truthfully, if he doesn’t come back, I think I’m not coming back.”

Zackary Anthony, an EDA junior from the Palmerton School District, read a letter written by CCTI Health and Physical Education teacher Brandi Schmoyer and spoke on his own, as well.

“He’s a really good teacher, I mean, he’s enjoyable, and he really just makes teaching in the classroom fun, and it would really be a shame if something happened to him, that he wouldn’t be able to come back for my senior year,” Anthony said. “I mean, he’s a really nice guy and all that. He’ll go out of his way to help you, and even after classes, even after school, if you email him and he’s still around, you get a response really fast, and he gets back to solve the problems.”

Hunter Kulaga, an EDA junior from Panther Valley School District, read a letter written by Amanda Trach, mother of student William (Bill) Trach.

“You will always remember these years and who had the most impact on them. Mr. Gower is important to the electrical distribution class as well as to CCTI and should not go undervalued, nor should he go unnoticed,” Kulaga read. “All the amazing things that he has done for multiple students over many years and hopefully many more to come. For the past four years, I have had nothing but wonderful things to tell people about CCTI and the staff, along with Mr. Gower. I fully believe that CCTI focuses on its students and giving them the best opportunities that they can use to further themselves in life. Thank you for your time and listening to my letter.”

New Joint Operating Committee Chairperson Renee DeMelfi said she could not speak about the situation with Gower.