The Rockford Public Schools Hall of Fame was established to celebrate the achievements and talents of Rockford community members and our distinguished alumni from Rockford High School.
Academic & Career Accomplishments
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Chad RandallChad Randall is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel. He served with the elite 3rd Ranger Battalion, Special Operations Command, known as one of the most challenging and demanding leadership schools in the military. Chad garnered a wealth of leadership experience as an Infantry and Military Police Officer. His active service included a deployment to Panama where he spearheaded Operation Just Cause. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor device for lifesaving measures while under enemy fire during the Panama Invasion.
In addition to his honorable military service, Chad has been the girls diving coach at Rockford for many years. He is dedicated to physical fitness in his life, career, and on the pool deck, demonstrating this dedication by competing in an IronMan Triathlon.
RHS Class of 1982
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Dr. Marguerite Vanden WyngaardMarguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D., is a third-generation musician, and followed in her family footsteps by becoming a choral music director. In addition to a music career, Dr. V. is an award-winning education professional who has held a number of prestigious roles such as: tenure track professor, state department of education, county education office, and as a central office administrator for four different urban and suburban school districts. She was also a senior leader for the City School District of Albany, New York.
Dr. V. 's student-centered leadership within her school districts has resulted in closing achievement gaps by double digits as well as increased graduation rates for all students, including dramatic increases for Black and Brown students.
RHS Class of 1977
Service to Community
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Barbara K. BunburyBarbara (Bobby) is a dedicated community servant with a life-long love of the Rockford community. She has been a supporter, donor, and advocate for many institutions throughout the community, including the Rockford Krause Library, Rockford Historical Society and Museum, Rockford Area Community Endowment, the YMCA, Mary Free Bed, Blodgett Hospital Guild, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. She is a longtime active member of the First Congregational Church of Rockford.
Bobby has been a steward of a Rockford High School scholarship for students and teachers. She has also been the Executive Director of Krause, R & W Foundation – since its inception approximately 42 years ago.
Attended RPS from kindergarten through 11th grade
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Tom & Tracie RichTom and Tracie Rich are known throughout the Rockford community as the dynamic duo at the Rockford RE/MAX office. They have been recognized with many RE/MAX of Michigan Awards, including Broker/Owners of the Year, Distinguished Service Award, and RE/MAX Hall of Fame Inductee. They have also been named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 1000 Realtors in the United States.
In addition to their professional careers, both Tom and Tracie are well known throughout Rockford. They have been known to be quick to volunteer and support many community organizations and say ‘yes’ when there is a need. They are active members of the Rockford Chamber and generous supporters of North Kent Connect, the Rockford Area Community Endowment, the Rockford Education Foundation, DARE, and many youth sports teams.
Tom Rich: RHS Class of 1984
Tracie Rich: RHS Class of 1986
Honorary Achievement
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James & Shirley BalkJim and Shirley Balk are West Michigan philanthropists who have supported a variety of worthy causes through their personal foundation as well as charitable giving through their business, the J. Hansen Balk Steel Treating Company.
The Balks have supported a large number of local organizations and nonprofits over the years, not only financially, but with their time, board service, and leadership. They have supported the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Hospice of Michigan, Spectrum Health, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Pilgrim Manor, the Children’s Healing Center, their church, LaGrave Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, and many more worthy causes. The Balks are also supporters of the Rockford Education Foundation, beginning with generous early support in the 1990s. Their support of REF over the past 30+ years has impacted thousands of Rockford children through REF educational grants.
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Eric WarrenEric Warren was a visionary educator who retired from Rockford Public Schools after a 35 year teaching career. Eric was known for his passion about STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), long before it was a common acronym. He worked to build a foundation and an interest in his students, encouraging them to go on to achieve scientific and mathematical discoveries.
Eric was also a founding educator in the Early College movement. He believed that offering students college credit during their high school studies would give them something to reach for, put them on firmer ground when they graduated, and give them a leg up when they began their university studies. He dedicated himself to bringing a wide variety of Advanced Placement Classes to Rockford, and due to his vision, the District is now nationally recognized with AP Honor Roll accolades.
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Bob WellsBob Wells is a well-known figure at Rockford High School, teaching math and coaching sports for over 32 years, before retiring in 2020. During his teaching career at Rockford, he was a leader in the mathematics department. Many of his students have gone on to make wonderful accomplishments in math-related fields, including inspiring former students who have gone on to become math teachers.
Bob is well-known throughout West Michigan as the On-Field Host for the West Michigan Whitecaps at LMCU Ballpark. Bob recently celebrated 25 years with the Whitecaps for his role which includes pumping up fans, dressing up for theme nights, entertaining the crowd between innings, and leading the ballpark in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch.
