Excellence in Education marks 40 years of honoring educators

When Mary Jane Evink attended the first Excellence in Education banquet in 1987, she was one of the students being honored.

Nearly 40 years later, she returned to the event in a different role. After being recognized as a student, she became a teacher and spent years helping other students reach the same goal.

Evink was among those recognized during the 40th anniversary of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation‘s Excellence in Education program on April 29 at Spring Lake Country Club. Her story shows how the program has touched the lives of students and teachers across northwest Ottawa County for generations.

Each year, the program honors top graduating seniors from local high schools and the educators they choose as having the biggest impact on their lives. Organizers and school leaders say the event is about more than good grades. It also celebrates the teachers, mentors, and relationships that help students succeed.

“It transforms an academic accomplishment into an emotional opportunity, allowing graduates to publicly say ‘thank you’ to the educator who truly shaped their journey,” says Ben Armey, principal of Spring Lake High School. “It means so much because it celebrates not just a student’s high GPA, but the lifelong relationships built along the way.”

Deep roots

The anniversary celebration also looked back at how the program began. In 1987, Dottie Johnson brought the idea to the community foundation after learning about a similar program through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The idea grew into a four-decade annual tradition.

Several people connected to that first event attended this year’s celebration, including Johnson, Evink, and longtime educator Ken Formsma. Over the 40 years, students have selected Evink and Formsma for honors a combined 20 times.

“The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation has invested in the excellence of our youth for 40 years, a milestone that reflects both vision and deep commitment,” Evink says. “This is a uniquely meaningful evening where top scholars, their families, and educators come together not only to be recognized, but to express gratitude for the collective support that makes excellence possible.”

Tracy Wilson, principal of Grand Haven High School, says the program’s longevity reflects the community’s commitment to education.

“When this event was created by the GHACF, it was to honor the academic excellence of our area students,” Wilson says. “That is very much a continued priority within our community. It speaks volumes to the commitment of our community foundation.”

Wilson says many of the students being honored have distinguished themselves beyond the classroom.

“Being honored for the time, commitment, and dedication that students place on academics is a wonderful affirmation for them,” she says. “So many of our top students are also involved way beyond the classroom. They excel in Science Olympiad, fine and performing arts, athletics, and more. It’s a wonderful accolade for their years of commitment.”

Armey says the event demonstrates the values of the broader community.

“Excellence in Education reflects the collaborative, community-focused spirit of the Tri-Cities,” he says. “Highlighting the connection between students and the educators who influenced them reinforces a culture of selflessness and public gratitude.”

The recognition of Evink and Formsma during the anniversary celebration highlighted another lesson of the program. The influence of a great teacher often extends far beyond a single school year.

“Seeing the lasting contributions of educators like Mary Jane and Ken recognized is inspiring because it proves that impact in education is never a coincidence,” Armey says. “MJ’s journey, moving from a student selecting an educator to an educator being selected by a student, captures the full-circle legacy of this event.”

Photos courtesy of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation