During an era when knowledge of the sciences has become increasingly important to young people seeking successful careers, Mike Erchenbrecher ’70 has devoted his career to helping students build an educational foundation in technology and the sciences.
While at SHS, Mike played in the Whippet Band, sang in the Concert Choir and played tennis. He then earned a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green in 1978 and a master’s from College of Mount St. Joseph in 1986.
In between, he embarked on a teaching career in Lancaster and Pickerington, Ohio. During his career Mike twice was named Pickerington High School’s teacher of the year and was named a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar. Mike officiated three North American Solar Challenge solar car races.
A Navy veteran, he also participated in a number of science-related workshops and conferences, including NASA Improving Astronomy Education programs, field studies in Utah through Michigan Technological University, Earthworks studies through the University of Colorado, U.S. Navy workshops for teachers, and a forestry project in Vancouver, Canada.
Mike coached football, track and tennis as well as the In The Know team and Science Olympiad team. He also has served on the board of directors of International Field Studies and co-founded Lancaster Field Studies. He was named Fairfield County Environmental Teacher of the Year in 2001, presented the College of Wooster Outstanding Educator Award 2008, and in 2008 was named the Pickerington District’s Teacher of the Year. He lives in Ottawa with his wife of 44 years.