For over 44 years, Steve Drabyn dedicated his life to shaping young minds and fostering a love for athletics in Indiana's schools. From his early days at Ben Davis Junior High to his long tenures at LaPorte and Avon High Schools, Steve's passion for education and coaching left an indelible mark on countless students. Even in retirement, his role as a teacher and coach continues to guide his active life, proving that some connections and contributions never truly end. 

Steve's journey into education was fueled by his lifelong love for athletics. He quickly realized that teaching and coaching offered the perfect avenue to combine his passion for sports and education. "If you're a good teacher, then you can be a good coach. And if you're a good coach, you have to be a good teacher," Steve shared, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the two roles. 

His extensive coaching career included boys' and girls' basketball, football and a remarkable 21 years as the head coach of the LaPorte High School track team. Beyond athletics, Steve taught a variety of subjects, including computer programming, algebra and geometry, and even spent 15 years teaching at Ivy Tech. His ability to connect with students, regardless of the subject matter, was a hallmark of his teaching style. 

For Steve, athletics were crucial for developing well-rounded individuals, teaching competitiveness and discipline that translated into academic success. He notes that many of his student-athletes were highly organized and excelled in their studies. Steve's approach to teaching and coaching was always personalized, recognizing that each student and athlete is unique. A powerful memory involves a homebound student he connected with through their shared interest in the Deadpool movie. This unique bond helped the student overcome academic challenges and become the first in his family to graduate high school. Steve emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections with students beyond academics, citing an instance where he took his high school sophomores outside to build a snowman after learning half the class had never done that before. For his students, seemingly small gestures like these created fond and lasting memories of Steve. 

Even though Steve retired from full-time teaching, he remains incredibly active, still officiating track, volleyball and cross country. His retirement also opened doors to new and existing hobbies, most notably woodworking, where he builds everything from hope chests to cabinets. He also enjoys tending to his garden and taking frequent trips with his wife to Florida and Oregon to see family, including their 11 grandchildren, and to support their children’s own coaching careers.

Steve shared that the decision to retire was challenging, but the financial security provided by his pension, Social Security and investments allows them to live comfortably. 

Steve expressed his gratitude for the Hoosier Lottery's contribution to teacher pensions. "I knew they contributed to education, but I didn't know where it went. So, thank you, Hoosier Lottery," he shared, highlighting the significant, often unseen, impact the Hoosier Lottery has on the lives of dedicated Hoosier educators like him. 

His continued activity and dedication to helping others exemplify the spirit of a true Hoosier hero, proving that even in retirement, one can continue to make a profound difference. 

The next time you play a Hoosier Lottery game, remember that your participation contributes to the retirement funds of dedicated teachers like Steve, allowing them to continue their positive impact on the community long after their classroom days are over.