We all have those teachers we will never forget; those whose dedication to education shaped us and motivated us. And when their hard work and commitment is reciprocated with genuine gratitude, it can make all the long hours and effort worthwhile.

Mike Murgo, a Bristol native and member of the Colt Memorial High School class of 1961, and longtime member of Bristol’s Athletic Hall of Fame, was recently thanked with the ultimate apple-for-the-teacher: a United States Congress Patriot Award, presented to him by a former student, Pat Fallon, who now represents Texas in the House of Representatives.

Murgo began working for the Pittsfield (Massachusetts) Public School System in 1972 as a physical education teacher, a role he held for over 35 years. He also served as the football coach for 17 years.

“He led his students to success through physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline,” said Fallon in a statement. “I am pleased to recognize Coach Murgo with the Patriot Award for a lifetime of service as a teacher, coach, and mentor for our youth. His contributions to our community and impact on my life have been nothing short of outstanding. I wish him continued success for many years to come.”

“He was a heck of a kid,” said Murgo of Fallon, recently reached at his home in Narragansett. “A heck of a kid. A player, nah,” he laughed. “But he would do anything for you. He was always jumping in to help out.”

According to Murgo, Fallon went on to Notre Dame University and was a huge part of their undefeated football squad in 1988. He then joined the Air Force and ended up in Texas, left the service and launched a successful career in business, then politics.

“He called in June and said he had nominated me for an American Patriot Award — I said what?!” Murgo was incredulous, and very moved. “He told me that he had never forgotten some of my words, and that he has used them in business, and in congressional debates. I thought, you have got to be kidding.”

Murgo and his wife, Ellen (Bonnie), quickly changed a couple of doctors appointments and arranged for their granddaughter, Bella, to accompany them. Fallon flew them to Washington, D.C., picked them up at their hotel and brought them to Capitol Hill. He presented the award to Murgo and three other honorees before taking everyone out to dinner.

“It was just a wonderful experience,” said Murgo. “I don’t have the words to express my feelings. He made me feel on top of the world.”

“He really made an impression,” said Bonnie of her husband. “It’s not often teachers are recognized for all they do.”

“You just never know where and when you are making a lasting impression on someone,” said Murgo, who in turn credits his years in Bristol for shaping him. “It was the education I received in Bristol that made me who I am. My teachers made learning interesting.”

“I’m overwhelmed and so happy to share this news with my hometown.”