Erika Larsen

By Sue Harrison

Each year the Cedar Springs Women’s Club presents a $1,000 scholarship to a female of any age who resides in the Cedar Springs School District and is planning to attend a college or skill training program. This year’s recipient is Erika Larsen, a Cedar Springs High School senior who was a member of the National Honor Society, played soccer, and volunteered in a local food pantry. 

Erika has over 150 hours of volunteer work, has tutored students, has aided students in the En Gedi program after school, and has traveled to Costa Rica and Mexico to volunteer in orphanages and serve food to poverty-stricken children. 

Erika graduated with honors and is planning to attend Western Michigan University in the Biomedical field and study auto-immune diseases and immunology.  She will be the Women’s Club representative in the Red Flannel Parade in October.

BROOKE ROSS

Brooke Ross is an outstanding senior in the Cedar Springs High School Band.  She is the section leader for the front ensemble keyboards during marching band, plays oboe during concert band and has been the jazz pianist in the high school jazz band for all four years.  Brooke was one of only four students awarded a college scholarship at MCBA State Finals this past November and plans to continue her music studies next year at Western Michigan University.

Congratulations Brooke Ross on being named our March 2017 Cedar Springs High School Scholar Instrumentalist!

Linsey Gates and Daniel Fountain were married September 10th at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Muskegon. The festivities continued at a reception on White Lake. Linsey graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 2006 and Western Michigan University in 2010 and 2013. She works as a speech-language pathologist in Highland Park, Illinois. Daniel graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Pontiac in 2004, Western Michigan University in 2009 and Michigan State University in 2014. Daniel is a manager in the aerospace industry. Lindsey is the daughter of Craig and Sue Gates of Cedar Springs. Daniel is the son of Bud and Ann Fountain of Rochester. The couple reside in Chicago.

Judith Ann Tysse age 65, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016.  Judy was born at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Clarence and Kathleen (Prater) Tysse of Cedar Springs.  She spent her childhood in Cedar Springs, graduating from Cedar Springs High School in 1969.  She went on to receive her BA in Education from Western Michigan University in 1973 and taught Emotionally Impaired (EI) children at Wyoming Public Schools for almost four decades, during which time she received awards for her extraordinary work.  Judy enjoyed people of all ages, had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh, and had a way of positively affecting those around her—whether family, friends, colleagues, or students.  She will be dearly missed by her brothers, John (Wilma) of Boyne City, Paul (Della) of La Crosse, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Michele of Grand Rapids, dear friend and companion, Mary Hanson of Grand Rapids, and many, many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her partner of many years, Vonce Reed; father and mother; brothers, Thomas and James.  The family will greet friends and celebrate her life on Monday, September 26 from 5 – 7 pm at the Bliss-Witters and Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A private family graveside will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs where she will be laid to rest by her parents. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Arrangements by  Bliss-Witters and Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Melvin K. Brown, age 93, of Big Rapids, Michigan, and formerly of Grand Rapids, died peacefully on December 1, 2015 at home. He was born May 3, 1922 in Sparta, Michigan, and was a graduate of Cedar Springs High School, Western Michigan University, and Michigan State University. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rosemary, and is survived by his two sons, Steven and Timothy, and his two grandchildren, Cody (Angela) and Caitlin. As Melvin requested, cremation has taken place, and no memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of your choice. A private farewell to Melvin for the immediate family will be planned at a later date.

Michelle Bayink

Introducing Michelle Bayink

The Cedar Springs Board of Education has chosen Michelle Bayink as the new interim board member to finish out the term of Todd Hanson, who resigned last month, due to moving out of the district. His term is up at the end of December.

Michelle has lived in Cedar Springs for over 27 years, and is a graduate of the Cedar Springs class of 1999. She has been married to Brad for 14 years. They have three wonderful boys Graham, Carter, and Noah, who all attend Cedar Springs Public Schools.

Her education includes Associates Degree from Grand Rapids Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Sales and Marketing from Western Michigan University. Currently she works for Cintas, as a new business Facilities Sales Representative in the West Michigan area.

She wanted to join the School Board because she has always been passionate about education. When she spotted the opening on the school board, she decided she wanted to be a part of it. Michelle’s goal is to help continue the current positive direction with the budget and the high level of education for each and every student.

Michelle’s hobbies include spending time with family and friends. You might be able to catch her snowboarding in the winter and spending time on her boat in the summer. Michelle enjoys watching all sports and Ioves meeting new people.

Michelle is also running on the November ballot for a six-year term.