Veterans Day is celebrated every year to honor everyone who has served in the US military at one time. Teacher Michael Rivers is one of those veterans and is deeply appreciated by Eagle High and the United States. He helps show the school what a true leader is.  

Rivers explained that, at first, he joined the army after high school because it gave him, “good structure, organization and direction,” in his life. 

“I was not a good student, and I needed to go down a better path,” Rivers said.  

Even though Rivers was not on the path he wanted to be on, he changed that.  

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to see the world and just grow up. I was successful in both of those objectives,” he said. 

Rivers does not regret his time in the army, he learned and grew from it. 

“A time that I was proud of myself was when I was in basic training,” Rivers said. “I went in as a private. However, due to my hard work, listening to directions and good physical fitness scores, I got promoted to private first class at graduation.” 

Going into the army, Rivers was planning on going into law enforcement afterwards. While he was there, though, he learned a lot more about himself and what he wanted to do with his life.  

“I thought I wanted to be a police officer and wanted to get an experience in law enforcement…I was shown that is not what I wanted,” Rivers said. 

What Rivers was shown was that he has a passion for physical activity and the importance of it. He explained that he wants to be a good leader and role model to his students.  

“I want to lead by example. I want people to embrace physical activity, so to do that, I go to my own fitness classes,” Rivers said. “I try to have students believe in themselves, so they can improve in themselves and accomplish what they set their minds to.” 

Rivers sets a good example for Eagle High students with his love of teaching others about the importance of physical activity and being a kind person.