“Tony was chosen because he has given back to this community for over 30 years. He served the Barry County Sheriff's Department for 29 years. He served as the Middleville Sergeant for 15 years. He gives selflessly to the community and will go above and beyond to help those in need,” said High School Principal Tony Petersen.
In addition to his service as a police officer and resource officer, Tony has also served as a coach for Thornapple Area Parks and Rec and the Middle School. He volunteers for the United Way Fresh Food Initiative, is a volunteer firefighter and first responder, and volunteered to run the concessions for the athletic boosters this year.
“Tony gives to others without expecting anything in return and has made an incredible impact on our school and community,” said Petersen.
Stein was hired as the first full-time resource officer in the district six years ago. A second full-time resource officer, Jeff Nieuwenhuis who is also a retired Barry County officer, was hired two years later.
Stein led the homecoming parade which featured the TK Trojan Marching Band, many TK sports teams and student organizations including the new TKHS FFA club and the families and staff from the new Early Childhood Center.
Maybe the highlight of the evening was the crowing of the Homecoming King and Queen at halftime. Seniors Tyler Bushman and Anna Davis were crowned as the Homecoming king and queen. Other senior class members of the court were Audrey Guikema, Andy Liu, Carly Postma and Wyatt Barnes. The junior class was represented by Summer Nowinsky and Luke McFadden; sophomores by Brooklyn Harmon and Lucas McNabnay; and freshmen by Lucy Teunessen and Trygg Hicswa.
So many organizations helped make the night such a great success. TVC again provided free hot dogs, chips and lemonade for families prior to the game during the tailgate festivities. The Alumni Association greeted guests as they entered the stadium and encouraged them to sign a card for TK Alumni Conrad Beeler who is celebrating his 100th birthday this month. The Middleville Lions Club celebrated touchdowns and extra points and the homecoming game with fireworks. It all made a grand Homecoming 2022 - a great night of community pride and school spirit.