Michael Echaniz was a faithful Catholic, a dedicated teacher, and a wonderful friend to many. To those that were close to him throughout his days at Chelsea Academy, he was always a truly selfless friend and brought a bright spark of humor to many of his classmates. As the community mourns the tragic passing of Michael, we would like to remember the best qualities of our dear friend.
Even throughout high school, Michael was on the path to fostering the next generation through education. He was a bright student with a particular interest in history, which continued throughout his college education, particularly in his political science and economics classes. His love for education and academics eventually led him to a career in teaching at the Great Hearts Teaching Academy in San Antonio, Texas. Michael was also known for his passion for the arts. Michael was an avid dancer at school functions all throughout high school. At Christendom College, he participated in school productions, including the musical Anything Goes, as well as in numerous swing and waltz dance competitions. Michael was a student athlete, competing on Chelsea Academy’s basketball team and starting pick-up games during lunch breaks. Michael was also a proponent of school spirit, leading others throughout the school’s house competitions and facilitating the growth of that school spirit in the younger classes of Chelsea Academy.
The members of the Chelsea Academy class of 2016 would like to honor our friend by raising funds for the creation of The Michael Echaniz Teacher of the Year Award at Chelsea Academy. This award, along with a stipend, will be given annually to a teacher that promotes academic excellence in his or her classroom and dedication to the arts, facilitates athletic achievement and competition, and cultivates school spirit - all the qualities in a teacher that Michael both held dear and embodied himself. It is our goal to have this award be given in the many years to come, and it is only through your generous donations that we will be able to make this happen. Thank you so much for your support, and please keep Michael and his family in your prayers.
-The Chelsea Academy Class of 2016
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
~Amen
Please click here to submit an online donation to The Michael Echaniz Memorial Fund.
To give by mail, checks can be made out to Chelsea Academy Foundation and sent to:
Chelsea Academy
4 Family Life Lane
Front Royal, VA 22630