Danny Goss, a senior at Munising High School with a 4.0 GPA and aspirations in civil engineering, has been named one of the 2025 Excellence in Education Scholars — a recognition reserved for the top 5 percent of graduating seniors across Alger and Marquette counties.

But for Goss, the award is more than a pat on the back for academic performance. It’s a marker of perseverance, personal growth and meaningful mentorship. And it’s why he chose science and math teacher James Cotey as the educator who most influenced his academic success.

“Mr. Cotey is more than just a great teacher,” Goss said. “He’s a role model. He’s someone who really listens, and he shares his way of thinking with us — not just about academics, but about life.”

The two connected through classes like Algebra II and Chemistry, but the lessons extended beyond formulas and lab reports. Goss recalled conversations about the future, including college decisions and long-term goals.

“He’s helped guide me with decisions that I know will impact my life,” he said.

Cotey, who also graduated from Munising High, in 1990, said the honor was humbling.

“I was extremely happy to be selected, especially by Danny,” he said. “It makes you feel good when kids appreciate the work you put in. I’m honored.”

Cotey described Goss as a rare student — intelligent, driven and surprisingly humble.

“He’s incredibly talented, whether it’s in music, academics or athletics,” Cotey said. “And he’s grown so much — more social, more confident. Just an outstanding kid.”

A multi-sport athlete in track, basketball, tennis and cross country, Goss pointed to his cross country team’s championship win as a defining moment.

“I battled through injury for half my junior year,” he said.

“Coming back and proving I could still do it — that meant a lot to me.”

The same grit applied to academics, even if learning came more easily to him than most.

“Danny’s never had to study all night — he just gets things,” said his mother, Svitlana Goss. “But he’s responsible. He knows I’ll always ask about his grades.”

Svitlana, who was born in Ukraine, raised Danny to be bilingual, which, she said, gives him a unique edge: “Learning two languages early on — it shapes your brain differently. And his father’s work ethic — always working hard — made a big impact. Danny picked that up.”

She also credited music education with helping him develop focus and persistence.

“He started piano at age 6 with Fran Case — she had a huge influence,” Svitlana said. “Later, he taught himself guitar. He was just so determined.”

Cotey agreed: “He’s a big-time fisherman, and he targets muskie — which are notoriously difficult to catch. That takes patience and discipline. It tells you a lot about who he is.”

While Goss is weighing college offers, his current plan is to attend Northern Michigan University for two years before transferring, likely to Michigan Tech. He intends to major in civil engineering, inspired by a practical mindset and curiosity about the built world.

“I want to work somewhere I can make a good living and be happy,” he said. “In five years, I see myself either in grad school or already in the workforce, doing something that matters.”

The Excellence in Education Week program, organized by Grow & Lead: Community and Youth Development, honors top graduating seniors and the educators they credit as most impactful.

This year’s Excellence in Education Week ceremony will be held on April 28 in Marquette at NMU’s Northern Center. Forty- nine high school seniors will be honored from across the region.

As for advice to underclassmen, Goss keeps it simple: Work hard, stay focused and don’t take your teachers for granted.

“The teachers here care about us,” he said. “Once you get to college, that might not be the case. So take advantage of the support while you have it.”

His mom, for one, has high hopes for what comes next.

“Whatever he chooses to do, I just want him to be happy,” she said. “But I always tell him — bring me the highest diploma you can first. After that, do what you want.”

Editor’s note:

This is the second in a series of articles recognizing Alger County’s 2025 Excellence in Education Scholars.