VanElst is a graduate of the Class of 1968 and is honored for his leadership in the areas f athletics and business. He was an exceptional athlete for TK during his high school career. He was All State in three sports - football, basketball and track.
During his freshman year, he set a school record for the shot put. He continued to improve that record throughout his career and held the state record in all classes for more than 30 years. He still has the Class C record and the TK shot put record today!
In 1964 and ‘65, TK won the Class C State Championship in football and Gary was an integral player on those teams. He went on to be named All American and played four years at Michigan State University. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and later played on semi pro teams in Flint and Lansing.
When he and his wife Kim decided to settle and begin their family, they returned to Middleville and operated G & G Pork Farm.
VanElst gave back to his school by serving on the TK Board of Education for 20 years. During that time, he was able to hand diplomas to both of his sons, Brandon and Darren.
His business sponsored numerous adult and little league teams over the years. And, he has been a generous supporter of the Barry County Fair, purchasing numerous animals at the livestock auction and providing animals for young 4-H members.
Alumni Association President Randy Eggers and historian Cindy Riva Middlebush made the presentation before the homecoming kickoff.
Past distinguished alumni include:
Class of 1950 Robert Wenger
Class of 1952 Walter Eavey
Class of 1954 Robert Bender
Class of 1955 Sharon Myers Schondelmayer
Class of 1957 Donald Williamson
Class of 1958 Donald Geukes
Class of 1960 Dr. James Gibson
Class of 1961 Janet Solomon Geukes
Class of 1966 Jody Helrigel Pratt
Class of 1969 Bill Rich
The TK Alumni Association annually awards at least one distinguished alumni award at homecoming and at the spring all-alumni banquet.
If you have a candidate for this Distinguished Alumni Award, please seek out a TKAA Board member or go to www.tkschools.org and look under the Alumni tab to download a nomination form.