# @canisiushs on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYS6bkjFAjY
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65372952-canisiushs-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ac089fcfdd.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-13T22:25:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Canisius High School (@canisiushs) — https://gondola.cc/canisiushs

## Caption

"I am truly blessed to have met Mr. Zera at Canisius, and I am honored to call him a teacher, coach, and most importantly a mentor.”

The six 2026 Mr. Canisius finalists all had their photo taken with a faculty member of their choice during the seniors' final week of school.

Here is why Cole Frederick ’26 chose Math teacher Joe Zera '01:

"Mr. Zera's impact has helped transform me into the person I am today. His guidance, kindness and determination have all been characteristics that I aspire to. Whether learning in his classroom as a freshman or playing basketball for him, Mr. Zera has always inspired and motivated me to become a better version of myself.

"I have always looked forward to stopping by Mr. Zera’s classroom to say hello. His constant smile and warm welcome has made a true impact on my everyday life at Canisius."

Zera's thoughts on Frederick:

"I taught Cole in Geometry Honors and coached him on the JV basketball team. In class, he was steady and dependable. He took his work seriously, didn’t cut corners, and you could trust that he would follow through. On the basketball court, he was the same way. He didn’t try to force anything or draw attention to himself. He was coachable, reliable, and willing to do whatever the team needed on any given day.

"Cole is humble, respectful, and easy to work with. He is one of those students who represents what it means to be a 'Man for Others' without having to say it."

Here is an excerpt from the Mr. Canisius reflection by Frederick, who is from Orchard Park, attended Orchard Park Middle School and is headed to the University at Pittsburgh:

"I always thought the line, 'This place is special, let us show you why,' was cliché. But after four tremendous years here at Canisius, I can honestly say that it truly reflects how impactful this place is."

Read more at our Facebook page or canisiushigh.org/chsnow

The six Mr. Canisius finalists and a faculty member will featured this week.

All of the finalists, along with their reflections, are at canisiushigh.org/mrcanisius

The 65th Mr. Canisius will be announced at our Senior Awards on Tuesday, May 19.

#amdg #menforothers #pursueexcellence
#mrcanisius

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 386
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Tags

mrcanisius, menforothers, amdg, pursueexcellence

---
Copyright (c) Gondola