Like most kids who have graduated from Grosse Ile High School in the last 20 years I had Steve Sims for a teacher. During my four years at GIHS from 95-99 I had Sims for three classes. I cannot exactly remember anything in particular I learned in those classes but I will always remember the little things that he taught us. Every time a male would wear a tie into his class he would have him stand up and make sure the tie came down to his belt. If you weren’t wearing a belt or didn’t have dress shoes on he would tell you “you gotta have the accessories.” To this day I still find myself using some of Sims famous quotes, things like “that’s the spirit that made America,” “big brother is watching you” and “get back into your cage.” People that didn’t know Mr. Sims don’t think those things are funny but coming from Mr. Sims mouth in the middle of class made them hilarious. The more I think about those things the more I’m going to miss him.

I came to the high school in the Fall of ’95 as a freshman, I can still recall the first time we met I was walking around the halls aimlessly like a freshman does. Sims came up and started talking to me like we were long lost friends. He told me if any upper class men picked on me he would “take care of them.” Sims probably had over 2,000 students while teaching at Grosse Ile High School but it was how he made each one feel important that will be his legacy. Sims had the uncanny ability of making each person he taught feel like they were the only person in the room. The 4.0 student to the class clown were given the same attention and respect in Sims class he never played favorites.

I will miss Fridays in the Fall watching the football team play, hearing odd stats over the PA and “being part of the largest crowd to watch a football game on Grosse Ile tonight.” I will miss seeing him coach the girls basketball and girls track on to success the way he has throughout his career. I will miss the humorous quotes he gave in the numerous newspaper stories about his teams. I will miss the tasteful way he always gave credits to opponents.

I’m sure every one of us that has ever met Mr. Sims has carried away a memory large or small. Sims has touched so many lives and in so many ways that he will never be forgotten. We have been blessed to have had a part in his life for so many years. Mr. Sims will live on in our hearts and in our minds, the classy way he lived his life will leave a large void in many lives. That void will be felt the most at the high school were Sims was such an integral part in the lives of many people. Grosse Ile High School just lost the best friend it ever had.

~Matt Kulik

Please sign this guestbook in honor of Mr. Sims and if you choose please include a favorite story or quote.

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