'The Definition Of Servant Leadership': Syosset Hero

SYOSSET, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Noelle Rogers who nominated her husband Michael Rogers of Syosset.

Local hero’s full name

Michael Rogers

Local hero’s Patch

Syosset

How do you know the local hero?

He is my husband

What does the local hero do?

Allstate Insurance Agent

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Michael Rogers embodies the definition of servant leadership in the community through his work with feeding the less fortunate, collecting and distributing books to children during the pandemic and coaching youth softball.

Mike partners with Island Harvest, which is one of Long Island’s largest hunger-relief organizations. Mike is a leader within his Allstate agents by encouraging them to have food collection boxes in their offices. Customers bring in items to contribute and it also shows customers a way that Allstate agents give back to the community. Mike also was on the Island Harvest raffle committee for the gold outing in August 2021. Mike and his wife Noelle collected raffles from local companies and vendors. This in turn helped raise over $20,000 in funds for Island Harvest.

When the pandemic impacted the Long Island area and schools shut down, Mike started his partnership with The Book Fairies. Mike's wife is a school teacher, so he felt deeply connected to children continuing their love of learning through books. From November 2020 through early January 2021, Mike and his team collected over 2,500 books for the Book Fairies to give to students to enjoy as they adapted to virtual learning and less socialization with other students.

Mike is also the president of Syosset's Girls softball league. This softball league reaches girls ages k-12 in Syosset. Mike coaches three teams every spring, summer and fall season. Mike's two daughters, Reese (13) and Devin (11), are on his softball teams. Not only is Mike a coach, he is a father figure to many of these girls. He makes connections with families and encourages teamwork, dedication and perseverance within each child.

He also worked with The NEST at Nassau Community College for the last five years to collect food for the free-choice food pantry and clothes for students in need.

Mike's generosity and leadership qualities are what makes our community a better place.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

He is incredibly generous, caring and considerate of others. He is an amazing husband and dad. He has an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. Everyone who meets Mike will say the same!

Thank you for all you do, Michael Rogers!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.