On Friday, March 8, 2024, the stories of fond memories echoed throughout the walls of Hudsonville High School as Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame (DAHOF) Inductees, next of kin and family members gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the permanent installation of the DAHOF made possible by the generosity of the Wierda family in memory of their beloved wife and mother, Marcia Wierda, ‘58, educator and 2017 DAHOF Inductee.
The Distinguished Alumni, Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Trustees, District Superintendent, Administration, Hudsonville Education Foundation Board of Directors and DAHOF Committee gathered for lunch, conversation and a guided tour of the high school facility.
Dr. Elmer Vruggink (below), ‘45 and 2020/21 DAHOF Inductee and Dr. Robert Visscher (left), ‘47 and 2017 DAHOF Inductee were among the eldest esteemed alums, boasting graduating class sizes in the mid-thirties nearly eighty years ago.
A span of six decades separated the youngest and the oldest alums in attendance and while much has changed throughout the years, one thing remains the same: their shared pride in being a Hudsonville Eagle.
“Not only are we thrilled to be able to permanently honor the alumni who have blazed trails in their respective areas of influence, but we are equally excited for students to see the display as daily inspiration that they can achieve great things too. We are very thankful to the Wierda family for making this possible,” said Janessa Smit, Executive Director of the Hudsonville Education Foundation.
The 10ft x 6ft display resides between the Main Office and Fine Arts Auditorium on the north side of the Hudsonville High School campus in a high visibility area for students and community members to enjoy.
In partnership, Hudsonville Public Schools and the Hudsonville Education Foundation established the DAHOF in 2017 to celebrate the achievements and talents of distinguished alums. Since its inception, twenty-four alumni have been inducted at the Eagles of Excellence Gala, a formal awards program and ceremony held each fall.
