For more than 32 years, Cross Country Coach and math teacher Mr. David Zielke has been an inspiring and positive presence in the Jesuit High School Sacramento community. Mr. Zielke looks at life in a way that few others do and shares his optimistic mindset with everyone he encounters, leaving a lasting impression in their lives.

Assistant to the AP of Academics Mrs. Margie Wagner admires Mr. Zielke’s optimism and ability to spread positivity throughout campus.

“Mr. Zielke finds so much joy in life and tries to share that outlook with everyone around him,” Mrs. Wagner said. “Even if it is silly, he finds a way to connect with students and colleagues in a fun way. He brings that sense of fun and lightheartedness to the campus every day.”

Mr. Zielke’s positivity extends to a wide range of co-curricular activities and administrative duties. Campus Chaplain Fr. Francis Stiegeler commends the impact Mr. Zielke has on Jesuit as a whole.

“He has contributed to the cross country and track programs over the years, as well as his influence as a teacher in the classroom,” Fr. Stiegeler said. “As [the] director of scheduling and testing, he has greatly assisted the teachers and administrators in major programs of the school. Mr. Zielke has also been a bridge figure between veteran teachers on the staff and new people who have joined the faculty and staff over the years.”

While Mr. Zielke is a prominent leader in administration, he also has a great influence in the classroom, using his expertise in math to teach students valuable life lessons and inspire success. 

“I try to set and enforce high standards for my students in terms of quality and consistency of work, as these are important life skills they’ll need in all aspects of their adult lives,” Mr. Zielke said. “In the end, I hope that I have provided them with tools, using math as a vehicle, to think critically and to problem solve.”

Mr. Zielke values staying lighthearted when facing adversity, and he hopes to light the way for students to do the same..

“It’s important to be able to laugh, even when stressed and facing challenges, and to be kind to each other.” Mr. Zielke said. “Hopefully I serve as a role model to my students in that regard.”

Mr. Zielke’s cheerfulness is bolstered by the sunrise that takes place every morning, which allows him to better appreciate every day as a new opportunity.

“Each day starts with the sunrise, so it signifies another chance to be just a little bit better version of myself than I was yesterday,” Mr. Zielke said. “I have been blessed to live to see over 24,000 sunrises and am grateful for that gift.”

Each sunrise also inspires Mr. Zielke to find value in his personal challenges. Although he was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis (MS) over three decades ago, he nevertheless saw sunsets as a valuable way to maintain gratitude in life. 

“[The sunrise] helps me to let go of frustrations and to not dwell on the negative events that occur in life,” Mr. Zielke said. “It has now been over 30 years since I was diagnosed with MS, and I think that has also had a positive impact on how I view life and my relationships with others.” 

Mr. Zielke’s genuine love and appreciation for what he does carries throughout Jesuit, as he continues to brighten the school environment. Whether it’s through his consecutive sunrise announcements in the library or his clever math lessons, Mr. Zielke is always spreading optimism and inspiration on campus.