Mike Zeiler

"Yes Alle-Kiski Valley, there is a Santa Clause." Well, he's not fat and jolly with a beard of white, and I doubt if he's ever took a trip down a chimney, but he's played Santa on quite a few occasions. And, most importantly, he has dedicated his time and energy into bringing joy to children around the valley.

During the Christmas season, Michael Zeiler is the Santa for Hollywood Video in Natrona Heights, Krispy Kreme, and the Allegheny Marine Corps League Detachment 827 for their Toys For Tots program. He dresses up like Santa and distributes and collects toys and spends time with the children. He was also Santa for his high school's Pep Band when they were collecting for Toys for Tots. It's a mystery how he got involved in all the Santa gigs; he said they just seemed to fall into place.

Mike, a recent graduate of Highlands High School, has always believed, "Try to get involved in as much as you can because it can open up unbelievable opportunities." He has spent his young life living up to his philosophy and investing in as much as possible.

First, Michael's great love of music led him through four years in the marching band as well as various choral groups. For the past two years, he led the band as Drum Major, which he feels was one of the most important experiences of his life. He displayed a tremendous amount of leadership skills, dedication, and diligence while performing this responsibility. He was able to manage 120-150 people on the field as well as train other students to take over the position of when he left. He plays saxophone and French horn and will major in music education at Slippery Rock University when he begins this summer.

His investment in music helped him learn to maintain a schedule, and all his experiences helped to broaden his horizons and open up an opportunity for an internship at Walt Disney World. Last year, when the school band performed there, he was directing the band. After the parade, he was approached and offered a job. He plans to take them up on the offer next year.

Another experience that made an important impact on Mike's life is his involvement with the Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church's youth group. He has been a member since sixth grade and has developed meaningful, lasting relationships with other youth in addition to learning valuable life lessons. Last month was Youth Sunday and Michael had the opportunity to deliver his first sermon. The theme was "All you need is love," and his sermon positively impacted a lot of people. He said that he still has people come and compliment him on the sermon. Other involvement in the youth group includes doing community service projects, mission projects, and of course being Santa.

During high school Mike was a member of the National Honor Society and was the Rotary's Student of the Month for January. He also received the John Philip Sousa Award in band, the Optimist Boy award from the Optimist Club, was voted Most Outgoing, Most School Spirit, Most Optimistic, and Class Vocal Musician. In addition to all these academic and community achievements, Mike also maintains a grass cutting business with ten yards to care for.

Currently, Michael is working at his family's business, Czekalski Real Estate Agency, as an assistant. Eventually he plans to minor in Real Estate, and is already working towards getting his appraiser's license. Mike recently went to Virginia and passed the USPAP, which is the initial certification for appraisers. He will be going to NJ to attend additional classes. It usually takes about two years to complete the appraisers course but because of college, it will take him a little longer.

Michael has brought many passengers along for the ride in his incredible drive to live life to the fullest. He has embraced the opportunities that have come his way and in doing so has improved the lives of many others.