Celebrating Excellence in Education: Honoring Spring Lake's Top Scholars and Educators

For more than three decades, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation has hosted a beloved tradition known as Excellence in Education—an evening that honors outstanding academic achievement and the powerful relationships between students and educators. This year, Spring Lake High School seniors once again joined their peers from Grand Haven High School for a night filled with celebration, gratitude, and inspiration.

Each honored senior scholar was invited to bring both their family and an educator who played a meaningful role in their academic journey. The evening featured a delicious bites, thoughtful conversation, and heartfelt moments as students publicly recognized the teachers and mentors who helped guide them along the way.

Hosted by the Community Foundation, the event highlighted not only the achievements of these remarkable students but also the lasting impact that dedicated educators have on young lives. Foundation representatives reminded attendees that education is a lifelong investment—and that community support, mentorship, and perseverance are the pillars of success.

We are so proud of our Spring Lake students who were recognized, and deeply grateful for the teachers who have walked alongside them.

Congratulations to the following student-educator pairs:

Garrett Abel & Bryan Celano
Adetunji Adams & Richard Hyde
Claire Arnold & Sarah Peterson
Edward Brown & Mary Eagin
Ava Davidson & Aaron Polet
Kyler Dillon & Jessie Crawford
Zoe Dull & Dan Start
Giada Garzelloni & Heather Gannon
Juliana Geneva & Kathy Britton
Sloan Horton & Adam Reed
Christina Koratich & Lisa Schanhals
Jackson Laughlin & Justin Hood
Madeline Meigs & Karl Sineath
Addison Mullally & Tricia Suchecki
Andrew Nash & Kyle Jewett
Hale Phillips & Mary VandenBosch
Hayden Roll & Jessica Sharp
Mason Roll & Bill Core
Luke Roller & Laurie Draeger
Alexandria Ruffing & Kate Hedrick
Sebastian Ruiz & Christina Medell
Nia Theune & Naomi Van Singel
Brooklyn Verplank & Jessica Beebe
Parker Woodwyk & Todd Mitchell
Kaitlyn Zonca & Aaron Andres

We celebrate each of you and the bright futures ahead. What a night to remember!