30 Under 30

Stacey Squires

As a masters-level clinical case manager, Stacey Squires has a daily caseload made up of individuals with either a mental illness or developmental delay. Psychiatrists have learned to trust her observations and she has become a favorite of local guardians.

“The things I like about working at Hope Network are the relationships I am able to develop with my consumers, assisting them with developing skills that will allow them to be independent,” said Squires, who added that another benefit is “working with colleagues who can make me laugh and give me a hand when I need it.”

Squires is involved with several community events, most notably those benefiting breast cancer research and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“My grandmother and one of my best friends have had several scares and I want to know that I am doing all that I can to raise money and awareness to find a cure or another type of treatment if either of them need it,” Squires said of her involvement with Race for the Cure.

Squires also collaborates with a number of community organizations in order to assist consumers in obtaining needed resources.

Cindy Owen

Cindy Owen has spent the past seven years performing a variety of functions at Great Lakes Home Health, but probably none have been more important than her current role in training others.

Working at one of the city’s fastest growing companies, Owen has been instrumental in coordinating the instruction for staff members, educating them on homecare and hospice rules and regulations, and training new home health aides in bathing, transferring and other required skills. She also is a CPR instructor and assists in completing annual competencies for the entire staff.

“It’s very rewarding,” Owen said. “You get to have an impact on what others are doing. It’s good to know that you are making a difference.”

Owen also makes a difference as a community volunteer, having helped the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee, the Vacation Bible School program at Central Wesleyan Church, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Great Lakes Hospice.

“I enjoy volunteering at different community events and have found it amazing the amount of support the Jackson community has to give,” Owen said. “I am proud to raise my two children in a community that assists me in showing them it is rewarding to help others less fortunate than us.”

Peter Kofflin

As an Eagle Scout, Peter Kofflin lived by the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared.” But even he wasn’t prepared for the opportunities that came his way as a result of becoming a volunteer.

Shortly after graduating from Western Michigan University, Kofflin was approached about helping on a capital fundraising campaign for Camp Teetonkah. As the campaign secretary and coordinator, Kofflin was instrumental in helping raise more than $700,000. An internship offer and eventually a full-time job ensued.

“My active involvement with fundraising in the community has put me in the position I am in now,” Kofflin said. “If I hadn’t been active and meeting the people I have met, I would probably be in a different city in a much different role.”

In addition to his work on behalf of the Boy Scouts, Kofflin helped raise more than $35,000 this year as part of Racing for Dollars, which benefited a number of Jackson charities, including St. Luke’s Clinic.

At Citi Smith Barney, Kofflin handles a number of customer service duties ranging from administrative requests to providing market quotes.

“I enjoy my work because each day I am presented with new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” Kofflin said.

Heather Bridgewater

Heather Bridgewater said one of the reasons she entered the non-profit world was to have a career that would allow her a chance to give back on a daily basis. She does that not only through her position marketing the mental health services available through Lifeways, but through a variety of volunteer efforts as well.

For the past five years, Bridgewater has been a team captain for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, which she describes as “a staple for my summer.” Earlier this year, she organized a blood drive for the American Cancer Society. She is also a member of the Jackson County Emergency Needs Coalition.

Bridgewater spearheaded a movement that resulted in 130 local citizens participating in the annual “Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally” at the state capitol in May.

Bridgewater credits joining the Jackson County Democratic Committee in 2004 with broadening her political horizons “far beyond my expectations,” and has been encouraging others to get active in the politics of their communities.

“Jackson offers us a great community in which we can go to learn, work, and grow into the future leaders we are all destined to be,” Bridgewater said.

Kara Beer

In her first two jobs out of college, Kara Beer has played a key role in the development of her hometown, coordinating efforts of non-profit groups and some of the county’s top businesses.

First, as a marketing associate with the United Way of Jackson County, Beer managed seven campaign divisions generating more than $1 million, created the Teen Advisory Panel (a youth leadership program focusing on volunteerism), and supervised many of the organization’s volunteer programs.

For the past 2 ½ years, Beer has shifted her attention to Jackson’s business community through her work with the Chamber of Commerce, where she is responsible for developing sponsorships and special events.

A lifelong Jackson native who graduated from Napoleon High School and Central Michigan University, Beer is involved with 100 Women Who Care, Jackson Business and Professional Women, Jackson Race Week Festival and the Downtown Development Authority’s Economic Restructuring Committee.

Beer has also served as the varsity gymnastics coach at Jackson High School since 2000.

“Jackson is where I have called home my entire life and I am very proud of that, my family and dear friends are here,” Beer said. “This community has wonderful people, families, history, generosity and a strong sense of community.”

Jeff Clanton

Jeff Clanton grew up in Jackson County but brings a world of experience to his second grade students.

Clanton spent the first half of this summer backpacking through Europe. This month, he is making a surprise visit to Costa Rica where he plans on proposing to his long-time girlfriend, Rebekah Marks, who is studying abroad this semester. As a student at Spring Arbor University, Clanton also studied overseas as part of an Africa Studies Program in Kenya.

But it is in Brooklyn where his work is earning praise from the principal and parents alike.

“If there was a model for what an elementary school teacher should be, he would be it,” one parent wrote.

Clanton serves as the school’s reading improvement chairperson, led his students in singing carols at local merchants and coordinated a school-wide Arbor Day celebration. He is also an active member of the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church and runs recreation activities for their Vacation Bible School program.

“With the way the economy is right now, it would be very easy for people to give up,” Clanton said. “But if you look around, you can see evidence everywhere you go of our community leaders working hard to bring jobs and encourage more development of the arts and the enrichment that brings to our community.”

Brandon Dowley

Brandon Dowley spends most of his day behind the camera, telling the stories of other people. His work at JTV has helped to inform and inspire the community and has helped to showcase why Jackson is a great place to live.

Dowley was one of the first employees of JTV and helped create the station’s “Home for Dinner” show which has won a number of awards the past two years.

He is currently in the process of making an independent film called “The Turners,” which he bills as “primarily a drama with a dash of comedy.” Dowley hopes to finish filming in October and have it completely done in time for the 2008 spring film festivals.

Dowley also serves as a committee member for the American Red Cross “Everyday Heroes” event. He did video interviews with the recipients and then produced 3-5 minute segments that were aired during a ceremony at the Cascades Manor House. Dowley also regularly produces videos of charity events and non-profit organizations.

“Through the independent film that I’m making I’ve been able to meet all kinds of talented artist (musicians, actors, actresses, writers, painters, sculpters, etc.),” Dowley said. “I look at this as an opportunity to bring together all artists to work as one to create this film. In the process, hopefully bring exposure to Jackson and the individuals themselves.”

Alisha Cottrell

Alisha Cottrell said one of the things she enjoys about Jackson is that on any given weekend, “you can find family-related activities promoted throughout the community.”

Cottrell should know, the 1998 Rosequeen (and the first runner-up in the 2003 Miss Michigan pageant) volunteers with a large number of the groups promoting those activities.

She has been the chairperson for the Brooklyn Irish Hills Relay for Life and the 1461st Combat HET Company Homecoming Committee. She has also been involved with Junior Achievement, the Boys and Girls Club and the Boy Scouts.

At MIS, Cottrell serves as a liaison between the track, the community and government officials. She also manages MIS Kids, which conducts meet-and-greet sessions between children with life threatening illnesses and NASCAR drivers, and the MIS Diversity Program, which teams with the Lilly Missions Center to promote auto racing beyond its typical audience, and hosts a number of other non-profit activities at the speedway

“Jackson is an incredible place to raise a family,” Cottrell said. “I enjoy our area parks where you can have a picnic, a nice jog or bike ride, and the scenery really brings the country to the city.”

Christopher Fultz

Think of a theater production in Jackson during the last six years and chances are Christopher Fultz was involved in some manner.

Although one of his former teachers at Jackson Community College described him as “an amazing dancer, singer and actor,” you are just as likely to find Fultz working backstage, painting and designing sets or creating props.

Last month, he portrayed Ryan in Summer Stage Jackson’s production of Disney’s “High School Musical” at Grass Lake High School. That came on the heels of his work as a scenic artist for Center Stage Jackson’s production of “Man of La Mancha” in May.

“I’ve been involved with virtually every show in Jackson, backstage and onstage, since I was 13,” said Fultz, a 2004 graduate of Lumen Christi High School where he performed in four consecutive school productions.

“In the arts, you network with so many people in our community. It’s hard for me to be involved in a show now and not say ‘Hey, you need what? Hold on, I know someone, let me call them,’” Fultz said. “Jackson is amazing for that. As a younger person, it’s great to know that so many people want to help us and see us grow.”

Scott Ewald

As the manager of LaSalle Bank’s Airport Road branch, Scott Ewald has focused on developing relationships with new and existing clients and helping the bank manage strategic goal objectives.

As a community volunteer, Ewald has divided his attention on amongst a number of worthwhile projects.

Since moving to Jackson six years ago, Ewald has participated in the Jackson Blues Festival, American Red Cross online auction, March of Dimes Walk America, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.

A 2005 graduate of the Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Leadership Academy, Ewald has also been a member of the Business Network International, Jackson Area Association of Realtors, Kiwanis Club of Downtown and the Noon Rotary Club.

“Honestly, when I moved to Jackson in 2001 it was because I moved to be closer to friends, but that is not why I have stayed,” Ewald said. “I have remained in Jackson because I have found opportunity here! I have developed many ties to the community, opened doors to new career opportunities, and have made many friendships. After a few years, Jackson just began to feel like home.”

Sergio Garcia

During the past 10 years Sergio Garcia has received numerous awards and commendations for his work in law enforcement. But talk to him for a minute and you will find someone equally as excited about coaching T-Ball for the Southwest Little League or visiting a local park with his two sons.

“I enjoy raising my family in Jackson,” said Garcia, who was named Officer of the Year in 2004. “It is large enough to provide a variety of cultural events, art and entertainment, yet it keeps its small town charm.”

Garcia started in the department as a cadet in 1997. Through the years, he has accepted a variety of challenging assignments, including working as a field training officer working with new employees, and spending three years as an undercover officer for the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team. He was one of three coordinators who were responsible for providing instruction to members of the Reserve Police Program. He is also a member of the Jackson Special Response Team (SWAT).

In 2005, Garcia was a member of a Michigan law enforcement team that was sent to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief in Louisiana. Locally, he has been involved in the formation of a neighborhood watch and participated in several neighborhood clean-up efforts.

Deborah Weid

Take a look at the responsibilities Deborah Weid has for the city and you will be impressed.

Take a look at the long list of her community activities and you will be exhausted.

“You can tell by the numerous committees that Debi has served on that she is a tireless volunteer dedicated to promoting the City of Jackson, leaving very little time to herself,” Jackson community development director Carol Konieczki said.

After nearly six years with the Downtown Development Authority, including four as the organization’s executive director, Weid accepted a position as Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Jackson in January. There, she administers the city’s $400,000 Environmental Protection Agency Site Assessment grant for Brownfield redevelopment, assists businesses with expansion or relocation issues and provides project management for new development.

Away from the job, Weid is involved with a number of organizations or committees, including the Irish Hills Girls Scouts Board of Directors and the South Central Michigan American Red Cross Disaster Response Team.

“What I like most about Jackson is that it is just the right size to make an impact, but it is big enough to provide great resources and opportunities to pursue your interests,” Weid said.

Brenna Wheeler

Even though she only moved her five years ago, Brenna Wheeler is the person to call if you have questions about Jackson. Literally.

As the manager for the county’s 211 service, Wheeler oversees a program that provides callers with accurate, around-the-clock access to health and human service information.

“I am proud to be a part of a program that can bring so much value to the residents of Jackson,” Wheeler said.

She is a member of a number of community groups, including Heath Care for All, Continuum of Care, Project Access Executive Committee and is a board member of the Michigan Alliance of Information and Referral Systems.

“Jackson is a community that cares about each other,” said Wheeler, a self-described transplant from Metro Detroit. “This is clear the minute you cross our county line. The Jackson community embraces our positives and collaborates to strive towards resolving our needs.”

Wheeler is regularly involved in community service, doing fundraising for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the March of Dimes.

“Jackson is not the largest, nor the smallest community around, but it is a community that cares for its members – something we don’t see often enough anymore,” Wheeler said.

Elizabeth Woolworth

Elizabeth Woolworth speaks with pride when she talks about being “a small-town girl,” which makes Jackson a perfect fit for the Concord native.

“I think it’s great to walk into Daryl’s Downtown and see a bunch of familiar faces or enter the bank and be greeted by name by the tellers,” Woolworth said. “I love not having to sit in traffic – EVER.”

As a certified public accountant at Bond & Company, Woolworth is in charge of the audit, review and compilation engagements for privately-owned businesses, non-profit organizations and employee benefit plans.

As an active member of Hilltop Chapel, she serves as treasurer and teaches children’s church.

“It seems that in a small town there is more customer/client service and more cooperation between different professionals,” Woolworth said. “We are all working for the same client and feel personally responsible for the success of that client because if you mess up, the whole town will know. But if you excel, the same will happen and your reputation will grow.

“And, there is that feeling that we are all connected and need each other to survive. I know someone always has my back and I have the support system here to succeed.”

Lauren Youngdahl

Community involvement is something that Lauren Youngdahl grew up with. So it seemed only natural that she would carry that spirit of Jackson with her to Michigan State University, where she recruited student-athletes to work various community service projects.

After graduation, Youngdahl returned to the city to work for Consumers Energy and reconnecting with her hometown.

“Moving back to Jackson after my graduation from Michigan State was not in my plan, but three years later, I couldn’t imagine haven taken any other path,” Youngdahl said. “I have the opportunity to, one, work for a large corporation where I am utilizing my degree and further developing my skill set and education (through an MBA); two, be close to my family; and three, meet close, lifelong friends.

“It is a familiar place where I can walk down the street and more than likely know or recognize someone.”

A former member of the MSU women’s golf team, much of Youngdahl’s community service the past several years have revolved around the game. She has been a member of the Tony Open golf committee and was assistant to the tournament director for the Wendy’s Charity Golf Classic. She is a member of the “Go Red for Women” campaign at Consumers and of the solicitation committee for the St. Luke’s fundraiser “Racing for Dollars.”

Chad Greenslade

As a fourth and fifth grade teacher, Chad Greenslade works to ignite an interest in learning in his students.

As a lieutenant on the Spring Arbor Fire Department, Greenslade puts out flames to protect people and property.

As an active member of the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, he works regularly with area youth and does landscaping and cleanup work for those no longer physically able.

In other words, Greenslade spreads his time and talents around liberally.

“It’s kind of a way to say thanks to my community,” Greenslade said. “And, it gives me a sense of pride.”

Greenslade’s service on the fire department continues a family tradition, joining his brother, Scott, in following in the footsteps of their late father, former chief Dick Greenslade.

It was in memory of his father, who died of cancer four years ago, that Greenslade first became involved in the annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. He organized a team of firefighters that has won honors for most funds raised and most spirited.

A graduate of Western High School, Greenslade said he experienced teachers and administrators who cared for the students in their district. He sees his role at Parma Elementary as returning the favor.

“We’re preparing the next generation,” he said.

Jason Idziak

Jason Idziak describes the best part of his job as building relationships with clients and interacting with them to help better their future.

“It is my mission as a financial professional to make people feel comfortable in financial decision making and the investment process,” Idziak said.

Away from the office, you could say Idziak is involved in similar relationship-building work at opposite ends of the age spectrum, helping both high school athletes and retirees.

A Lumen Christi High School graduate, Idziak returned to the school to assist the football program, primarily with game preparation and film work, although he occasionally makes it out to practice to help out with drills.

He also sits on the board of directors of Vista Grande Villa Retirement Community, meeting monthly to review the activity, financial status and happenings of the group.

“It is a great experience because we are a very active board who deeply cares about the community and wants to make sure it continues to be the premier place for retirees to make their home,” Idziak said. “Since I have served on the board, I have learned so much on how Jackson has so many caring people trying to make the community a better place.”

Ben Latocki

Ben Latocki purchased his first house when he was 22 years old and enjoyed the process so much he decided to go into the real estate profession. In the subsequent six years, Latocki has purchased several local properties and remains bullish on the Jackson market.

His most notable reclamation project was the historic Flat Iron building on Wildwood Avenue which he completely renovated, leasing the first floor to Elite Care, an Ann Arbor-based home healthcare business looking to expand into Jackson, while refurbishing the upper floor into two affordable studio-style apartments.

Latocki has also bought, renovated and rented out five other residential properties.

“Jackson is a really well-kept secret,” Latocki said. “There is an amazing sense of community here. Jackson has all the amenities of a big city but still maintains a ‘small town’ feel.”

Co-workers at Coldwell Banker Archway praise Latocki for bringing several innovative multi-media marketing ideas into their office while building a large and loyal client base that encompasses home buyers and sellers in all price ranges.

“Jackson supports local businesses,” Latocki said. “If one has a vision and the drive to see it through in Jackson, they can become a successful business and entrepreneur.”

Megan Keersmaekers

Few people knew about the Jackson Friendly Home before Megan Keersmaekers made it her mission to save the facility, a non-profit residence for low-income elderly women on the city’s north side.

Keersmaekers and two of her Jackson Community College classmates organized a community-wide fundraiser that netted $34,000 at a time when financial difficulties threatened to close the facility. For her efforts, Keersmaekers was presented the Outstanding Community Impact Award by the Michigan Campus Compact.

Her experience at the Friendly Home, first as a resident care assistant and later as a member of the board of directors, has encouraged her to pursue a nursing education at Michigan State University.

In addition to her studies and part-time work in the circulation department of the Jackson Citizen Patriot, Keersmaekers volunteers for a number of organizations and events, including Catholic Charities Linen Closet and Harriet A. Meyer Business and Professional Women. But it was a missionary trip to Honduras in 2000 that really put everything into prospective.

“I learned how one person could make an impact when they’re not engaged in the process,” Keersmaekers said. “By the end of the project, I came home a much more confidant woman who learned a greater appreciation for the things our age group took for granted.”

Melanie Majumder

In her first six months on the job, Melanie Majumder handled a whopping 343 cases for the Elder Law unit at Legal Services of South Central Michigan, a non-profit organization which provides free legal advice and representation to low-income clients in Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties.

“It’s a pretty high number,” Majumder admitted, “but, for our office, that’s pretty much the average.”

Majumder works with seniors in making sound advance planning decisions, protecting them from consumer scams and helping with medical issues.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to assist my clients and to know that I had a hand in making their lives a little better and a little easier,” said Majumder, a Hanover-Horton High School graduate who earned her law degree from Michigan State University in May 2006. “Our goal is to help people remain as independent as possible.”

Majumder worked in the LSSCM office during the two previous summers working with domestic violence victims, people at risk of becoming homeless and people who needed help getting medical care and incomes because of their disabilities.

“This job really gives me a whole lot of exposure to different things,” Majumder said. “I get to learn something new every day.”

Megan Merrill

Those who consider agriculture to be a dying profession haven’t talked with Megan Merrill. An agriscience and technology teacher at Springport High School, Merrill works closely with students to foster a love for farming.

As the advisor to the school’s FFA chapter, she coordinated Spartan Sparkle, a community service afternoon where all 350 students worked for two hours on clean-up projects and worked on Project RED (Rural Education Day) with the Jackson County Farm Bureau.

Merrill has also been the grant coordinator for the Springport Youth Farm Stand, was the co-coordinator of the Springport Pasture Cooperative and was a livestock coordinator for two years at the Jackson County Fair.

“Having been from a small community (Montague) on the outskirts of a bigger city (Muskegon), I felt at home in Springport,” Merrill said. “Part of the reason I felt so ‘at home’ was because of the great sense of community that I had seen during my student teaching year. Since then, I have immersed myself working with youth and finding new opportunities to teach about agriculture through multiple facets.”

Merrill further immersed herself in the community by becoming the secretary of the Springport Area Growth Association. The group raised $11,000 to donate to the village streetscape, which was completed in December.

Suzanne McCloskey

Suzanne McCloskey describes herself as a teenager being “one of the artsy kids with long dyed green hair. I enjoyed working and fell into random jobs that didn’t mind my not so conservative style. I had bills to pay, enjoyed meeting people, and liked the change of scenery.”

These days, McCloskey has allowed her hair to return to its natural color, but she still enjoys meeting people in a variety of settings.

McCloskey is involved with the Ambassador and Image committees for the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Development Authority Promotions committee, the Jackson Tobacco Reduction Coalition, Business Network International and volunteers seasonally at Foote Hospital.

“My calendar is full of things going on in Jackson through the rest of the year,” McCloskey said. “Summer concert series downtown and at the Cascades band shell, dance classes through the rec department, cruise nights … If you look for it, there’s plenty of things to do in this little town of ours.”

McCloskey, whose work at Anderson ranges from designing graphics to quoting jobs to customer service.

“Another reason I like Jackson is that for a lot of businesses, it’s not competition, it’s helping our neighbors and community,” she said. “I love that I can work WITH other local printers if need be and vice versa.”

Jennifer Paul

A principal described Jennifer Paul as being an “outstanding educator” who excels because she is driven, caring, knowledgeable, and charismatic. Students respond to her methods because she has the ability to relate to a variety of different types of learners.

Paul, a Spanish and English teacher, is the school’s National Honor Society advisor and was instrumental in creating a tornado plan for the building.

“As an only, adopted child and never knowing my biological parents, it is a deep comfort to know that I have established roots in this area,” said Paul, who graduated from Lumen Christi High School. “Most people probably take that part of their lives for granted. They know, undoubtedly, what their own family history is. I don’t have that, but what I do have is the luxury of being part of a community which is good, supportive and loving.”

Paul is an active participant in a number of community events, primarily through her involvement with the Jackson Jaycees, where she is the management vice president. Among her volunteer efforts are the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Friday night street parties, poetry contest, Wheels of Thunder, Hogs and Dogs, and Christmas Shopping Spree. The Jaycees are also planning their first haunted house in many years this fall.

Matt Phillips

Matt Phillips grew up in the Jackson area, graduated from high school, and, like many young people, decided to move away. But after a while, took his own advice and took another look at what the community has to offer.

“I have what I believe to be a ‘leg up’ on others in that I have moved from Jackson and experienced what is outside of our community,” Phillips said. “Jackson is the place to be.”

Having ventured away, Phillips now advises others that becoming connected to the community is the fastest way to secure one’s future by integrating your personal skills and meeting prominent citizens.

Phillips has become involved in the Jackson Jaycees, where he is the membership vice president, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Rives Baptist Church.

“The most important aspect that makes Jackson home to my family is the people,” Phillips said. “A friendly wave is a commonality among Jackson citizens. I feel safe asking or offering help to just about anyone I meet. A smile and a wave are a good representation of what Jackson means to me – a community, a neighborhood, a family.”

Autum Pickell

Two years ago, Autum Pickell spotted an opportunity to invest in Jackson and jumped at the opportunity, purchasing her first home, a downtown duplex. She still thinks it was a wise investment.

“I would like to own more rental properties within the downtown area … not just to own property, but it would help motivate me to monitor the progress of our community,” Pickell said.

“I think Jackson is a favorable place for most people because of its affordable housing, friendly residents, job and educational opportunities and many places for outdoor recreation.”

In her free time, Pickell enjoys running.

“My route leads me to the Cascades park where I enjoy the atmosphere, particularly seeing others walking and jogging,” she said.

Pickell is active in Toastmasters, having served as vice president for public relations and membership. She has done community work on behalf of several fundraising projects, including a Valentines benefit that raised money for assistance to those in need.

At Consumers Energy, Pickell has gained recognition for her efforts to improve work efficiencies. She is currently writing training documents for closing the books at the end of each accounting period.

Stephanie Ruhl

In her first year as a community relations specialist, Stephanie Ruhl successfully launched a “Community Partners” program to encourage participation in developments within Foote Health System.

The 2003 Rosequeen, Ruhl has the ability to connect with diverse audiences -- including patients, medical staff, and the community at large – and has a passion for the non-profit arena that greatly increases her effectiveness.

“I consider it a blessing to have grown up here in Jackson and it’s a joy to devote myself to a community that has provided me with vast opportunity,” Ruhl said. “Incredible people have invested themselves in my life, supported me, encouraged me, and continue to influence my life each day.”

Ruhl shares her influence among a variety of non-profit organizations, including the Friends of the Falling Water Trail, Westwinds Community Church, Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Red Cross, Kid’s Hope USA and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

As a student, Ruhl served as a presidential ambassador at Spring Arbor University, assisting in student relations, board of trustee functions and special university events.

“People shape community, and here in Jackson, people are making a difference,” Ruhl said.

Tom Schuette

In nine years as a sheriff’s deputy, Tom Schuette has seen the good and the bad sides of Jackson County.

“My career has provided me with the opportunity to interact with many people through the city and county every day and I’m continually reminded about the compassion and integrity most of the citizens possess,” said Schuette, whose father, brother and cousin are also in law enforcement.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Schuette has worked on the road patrol, the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team doing major crime investigations, and the Jackson Special Response Team, serving high-risk warrants and dealing with hostage situations. He is currently assigned to the traffic enforcement team, working in areas statistically identified as above-average in traffic crashes.

“It is truly a pleasure to serve this community as a law enforcement officer and I look forward to doing so for many years to come,” Schuette said.

A graduate of Hanover-Horton High School, Schuette married his high school sweetheart, Mel, in 2002. The couple has a 2-year-old daughter with another child due in September. Schuette is actively involved with the Hanover-Horton Lions Club and serves as assistant coach for the school’s junior varsity baseball team.

Rachel Stephens

Shortly after graduating from Jackson Community College, Rachel Stephens left the area “in search of more excitement or a different atmosphere.” After a year in Ann Arbor and only six months in Chicago, Stephens returned to her hometown “because I believe that Jackson has the potential to be a great city with much to offer.”

Stephens attends Spring Arbor University in addition to working at Great Lakes, where she works in the field as a staff nurse, visiting various homes around Jackson County while delivering service with a positive attitude and a ready smile.

As an active member of New Covenant Living Church, Stephens takes part in a number of activities ranging from youth ministry to community outreach, assisting people with household needs or transportation difficulties. She also helped organize a teen mission trip to Mexico.

Previously, Stephens danced with the Jackson Ballet Company and assisted with creative movement classes for children age 3-10. She has also worked on a balloon crew during the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee.

“I have learned to take pride in my city and to give 110 percent in my job and through my personal life to make Jackson a place that others can be proud of too,” Stephens said.

Carly Tenniswood

Carly Tenniswood was described by her principal as “a superb example of a teach who seeks out ways to involve her students in projects that address needs in the community.”

For example, at Christmastime, Tenniswood’s fifth grade class adopted a family from the “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” program.

“I only had 12 students this year (and) I was worried we wouldn’t be able to do a lot,” Tenniswood said. “But the students and their families rose to the challenge. We collected over $800 worth of gifts and necessities for the family. The biggest reward was when we received a thank you saying this was the first year they would have a happy Christmas.”

Her students also filled Easter baskets for the Interfaith and Aware shelters and then walked to the facilities to personally deliver them.

“Many of my students will not remember what they received for Christmas or Easter during the fifth grade, but hopefully they will remember how they helped someone and how it made them feel,” said Tenniswood, who will start her fifth year at the school this fall.

An avid golfer, Tenniswood is also fiercely proud of her family’s ancestry and is a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary and the Polish Falcons.

Betsy Vickers

Betsy Vickers grew up in Jackson, battling anorexia and bulimia, with seemingly no where to turn for help. After four years of searching, she finally found a therapist who helped turn her life around.

Since that time, Vickers has dedicated herself to making it easier for individuals with eating disorders to find the treatment they need. She has spent the past four years working as a therapist, first with the Eating Disorders & Education Network (EDEN) and then with Family Dynamics. This month, she is moving her practice to the DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Center on Ganson Street.

“I do not want individuals and families to feel lost and hopeless as I did when I was struggling with my eating disorder because there was no where to go for help,” Vickers said. “I am living proof that you can recover from an eating disorder and I wanted to be able to spread that hope to those who suffered with this deadly disorder.”

Vickers said her ultimate goal is to bring a residential treatment program to Michigan. Currently, clients needing that level of treatment have to go out of state. She also does fundraising and outreach on behalf of For Recovery and Elimination of Eating Disorders (FREED).

Quick Jump

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Stacey Squires
Cindy Owen
Peter Kofflin
Heather Bridgewater
Kara Beer
Jeff Clanton
Brandon Dowley
Alisha Cottrell
Christopher Fultz
Scott Ewald
Sergio Garcia
Deborah Weid
Brenna Wheeler
Elizabeth Woolworth
Lauren Youngdahl
Chad Greenslade
Jason Idziak
Ben Latocki
Megan Keersmaekers
Melanie Majumder
Megan Merrill
Suzanne McCloskey
Jennifer Paul
Matt Phillips
Autum Pickell
Stephanie Ruhl
Tom Schuette
Rachel Stephens
Carly Tenniswood
Betsy Vickers