My Favorite Teacher: Myles Striar

Submitted by: Allan Kiser ’82

Myles Striar

Myles Striar, is singularly, responsible for encouraging me on to do well during and after my years at EHS. He pushed for me to apply to his alma mater (Brown University). I didn’t think myself capable of handling the rigor of an Ivy League University based on the challenges to my education. There were many problems that beset the BPS and English High during those years.

In his recommendation, on my behalf, to Bates College he wrote that I was the kind of young man who he would approve of marrying his daughter. Wow. What a tremendously generous statement to make.

I was sorting so many things out during those years but especially my senior year. It’s important to note, that I missed several months of school during my junior year after a racially motivated attack in Copley Square that left me home bound as I recovered. I’m lucky to be alive. To read that I was the kind of person that he looked upon approvingly was transformational. I did not get into Bates College.

I can’t recall exactly when we had this conversation, but it did happen. As I recall the conversation went something like this….”I expect very big things from you, Allan. There is no reason for you not to do well.”

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve said to myself during my professional career when things have gotten challenging “I can’t let Mr. Striar down.”

Allan Kiser ’82

So, here is my contribution. Mr Striar, “Myles”, thank you. I hope that I have not let you down.