A House Divided: Meet Dr. Michael Tolmich and Family

By Kristen Eleveld

Every sports fan in the South knows two important things: first, choose your college teams carefully; and second, stand by those teams, no matter what. There are few competitions quite as fierce as the ones between college rivals. But for those of us in Gwinnett, there is an even bigger competition in our own backyard: the Brookwood Broncos and the Parkview Panthers. These high schools have long maintained a school rivalry, made even more exciting by the fact that the schools are practically neighbors. And for one local teacher, that rivalry is literally taking place on his home turf.

For nine years, Dr. Michael Tolmich taught science and coached the varsity boys’ soccer team at Parkview High School. In 2015, Dr. Tolmich decided to pursue a different education-related career, and while he enjoyed his new job, he soon found he missed teaching in a classroom. Now, Dr. Tolmich is back behind the desk – but he is teaching at Brookwood High School instead.

“It was a tough decision!” said Dr. Tolmich, who is celebrating twenty years of teaching this year. “But it does make life more interesting.”

Not only did Dr. Tolmich teach at Parkview for years, but he made it a family affair. His wife, Karen, also teaches at Parkview, and his oldest son, Bradley, graduated from Parkview a few years ago. His youngest son, Matthew, currently attends Parkview and plays for the varsity soccer team.

Needless to say, there are some scheduling conflicts to be resolved. But the Tolmich family takes it in stride, often teasing Dr. Tolmich about his connection to Brookwood.

Managing a schedule for a family of two teachers and two active students would be difficult enough, but Dr. Tolmich also takes on the role of the girls’ varsity soccer coach, which keeps him busy for the soccer season. His son Matthew still plays soccer for Parkview, so Dr. Tolmich makes a point to see as many of his son’s games as possible. And while he still considers himself to be a major part of the Parkview community, he is also making ties on the Brookwood side as he gets to know more students, teachers, and players.

Dr. Tolmich, a soccer player himself, finds that he is happiest at school when he gets to do what he loves: teach science. As the COVID19 pandemic sheds more and more light on what is expected from teachers each day, Dr. Tolmich and his colleagues continue to educate their students to the best of their ability – and they love it.

“I just want to be able to teach,” said Dr. Tolmich. “To come here, do my job, and help these kids. It won’t be perfect every time. But we want to come here and do good by your children.”

As the second half of the school year begins, Dr. Tolmich fully expects more good-natured teasing from his friends and family. But as long as he gets to teach and coach, he is ready to go.

“It’s always been about getting in the classroom and being with the kids,” said Dr. Tolmich. “It’s never the same day twice, never boring – I just love interacting with the kids.”

The soccer season is already upon us, and whether you are cheering on the Panthers or the Broncos, it’s safe to say you are probably cheering for a Tolmich.