Mike Kann: Yes We Kann
Many people on campus might not know Mike Kann, other than for his luscious blonde hair and black square-framed glasses. However, Kann, a senior from Wilmette, Illinois is a passionate student, a patient mentor and a caring friend.
Arriving at the Academy as a new lower in the Fall of 2012, he was full of energy and eager to become involved in the many academic and extra-curricular opportunities that Exeter offered. In the classroom, he excelled in science, taking biology his lower year. Kann described his interest in the sciences. “Science always came to me more easily than other subjects. Doing labs—whether it be in chemistry or biology [or] dissecting sharks—interested me a great amount,” he said.
Science instructor Townley Chisholm said teaching Kann has been a gratifying experience. “I have had the great pleasure of teaching Mike both in his lower year and for two terms this year in Advanced Bio.”
Chisholm believes that Kann serves as a model student to his classmates. “Mike is the kind of student a teacher hopes to have in class; someone who comes to class ready to do his part—and more—to move the conversation forward. Mike does his work when doing so is convenient and when it isn’t. He cares about doing things right and helping the class work properly together.”
His subtle yet insightful comments in class allow for his classmates to learn and become involved. “Mike is very good at making great comments in a low key way. He puts other students at ease and makes a real effort to leave plenty of space for participation by his peers. He isn’t showy, but he gets a lot done,” Chisholm said.
However, it is not pure wit that brings out the best in Kann, but rather his work ethic and dedication. The jewels of his hard work can be seen in other areas, such as sports. As a member of the varsity hockey team, he leaves nothing behind during his shifts, helping the team to a victory in his own way.
“Mike is the kind of student a teacher hopes to have in class; someone who comes to class ready to do his part—and more—to move the conversation forward."
Timothy Mitropoulos, an assistant coach of the varsity hockey team, stated his appreciation for Kann’s work on the team. “I would describe Mike as a very hard working kid. With hockey, Mike has had to show patience as well. He has been a great teammate because he does not get as much playing time as others, but when his number is called, he is ready and always gives great effort,” Mitropoulos said.
Mitropoulos also praised Kann for being prepared at all times. “He has to be patient because he never knows when or where he will be playing, which can be tough for some players, but Mike comes to the rink every day with a smile on his face and ready to work and do what is best for the team.”
Kann has also worked with Mitropoulos in the ESSO club Young Athletes Program. Mitropoulos’ experience with Kann has been nothing but positive. He again cited Kann’s patience as an asset to Kann’s ability to help in the community. “I think Mike’s most admirable quality is his patience. When working with the Young Athletes Program, Mike has to explain and demonstrate exercises to the young athletes, and sometimes the athletes do not understand or do not listen or it takes them a few tries to get it right,” Mitropoulos said.
Just as he does in classes, Kann serves a leader to these young athletes. “As a mentor and instructor, Mike does a great job working with the kids and being encouraging and complimentary,” Mitropoulos continued.
Mitropoulos believes it is Kann’s mindset that enables him to be such a great individual. “I think what makes Mike stand out from other students is his attitude. He has a great attitude working with the Young Athletes. He has a great attitude when he comes to the rink. For what Mike does, it can sometimes be difficult. But with his positive attitude, he is able to work hard and get the most out of every experience.”
Kann can also be just as great of a friend as he can be a mentor to kids. He is an integral member of the Knight House squad. Fellow Knight House senior Talla Babou said, “I met Mike back on the first day of lower year, when we were still bright-eyed and innocent.”
During those three years, every day has been a memory for the two. “My best memories with Kann are probably the unnecessary late nights and all-nighters, especially laundry nights. Probably when he, Duncan [Nyland, ‘15] and I were pulling an all-nighter and decided to make soup at 3 a.m. out of soup powder and stale Knight House water. It’s a miracle we didn’t get infected with E. coli or something.”
Senior Thomas Stockham shared similar sentiments. “Mike and I were roommates lower year. Our room ended up having a ladybug infestation, but it was still a good time.”
His best memories with Kann come from simple daily activities. “One of my best memories with Mike was river rafting with him lower year. Also, sitting on the lawn chairs during spring term and drinking root beer.”
As upper Ernesto Brown put it, “Kann is a very funny guy.”