Honorable Mentsch* Mike Reape
The Joan and Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center of Staten Island is hosting the 6th annual JCC Honorable Mentsch*ion Youth Leadership Awards on Wednesday, May 24, 6;30pm at the Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road. Mentsch, defined as a person whose thoughts and actions make the world a little better and more compassionate, is the type of youth being honored from more than 5000 Staten Island youth who participate in a wide array of youth programming offered by the JCC. From a community center in Stapleton to an after school program in Tottenville these youth represent the type of leadership that provides support and encouragement to those around them.
Every year we honor an adult who best embodies the qualities that make a mensch. This year we have chosen Mike Reape.
Mike Reape is known as Coach to literally thousands of students that he coached, mentored or served as a role model to over the years.
Coach Reape has made an indelible mark on the basketball landscape of Staten Island, with high school and independent league success for more than two decades. Mike has been involved with youth and adult sports activities that include the Unity Games, Senior and Special Olympics, coaching high school and AAU Basketball. Mike was awarded the “Unsung Hero Award” by the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame.
He coached in the JCC Maccabi Games a record 8 years. During that time he led the basketball team to 3 Gold and 2 Silver Medals. He became varsity head coach at Tottenville High School, capturing its only Island PSAL title in 1998 and earning berths in the SIHSL Tournament Championship game in 2004 and 2005. He received the Coach of the Year award twice during his tenure, compiling an overall record of 149–95.
Mike would later coach the SIA Academy Girls Varsity Team where he received the NYS Private School Coach of the Year in 2009 while leading them to the NYS championship game and rebuilding their program. He worked at the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island for 20 years with the last 10 years as Sports and Recreation Director.
But that’s Mike’s professional life. The most important part of his life is what kind of person he is. Mike has always been a caring, giving person and most of the time his acts of kindness are done without a lot of recognition. He has overcome a major health challenge recently and is almost back 100% and is involved with basketball and mentoring other youth. He’s the best example of what it means to be a mensch!
If you’d like to attend the event or take out an ad please CLICK HERE.
