School rallies around ‘Coach Bear’ after fire

Michael (Coach Bear) Berens lost his home, possessions and two dogs in a Feb. 6 fire.

 

But he learned who his friends are.

 

Roncalli Catholic High School students, teachers and others rallied around the 33-year math teacher, who also has coached football and basketball, raising $27,000 to help with immediate needs. The community raised $16,000 just one day after the fire.

 

Berens accepted the money after an all-school Mass on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14. 

 

“This school has been tremendous,” he said. “It’s really been a humbling experience.”