Raiders for Academic Excellence
Lee A. Moser (Class of 2003) While in high school, Lee participated in football and baseball, contributing to the 2002 and 2003 state championship baseball teams. He also participated in a mentoring program for elementary students. Lee attended Kellogg Community College and Aquinas College, playing baseball and earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education. After a short career in professional baseball, Lee turned to the field of financial advising. He has created a successful business in Decatur, earning multiple advisor of the year awards. He serves as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority, and is heavily involved in raising fund for families in need. Lee also continues to provide financial support for youth education in Decatur.
"I believe with the right attitude and hard work a person can accomplish anything. Even if you are from a small town."
Michael Dickinson (Class of 1983) Participated in band, National Honor Society, student council and drama. Graduate of Hope College and the University of Michigan Medical School (MD). Completed an internship at the Naval Medical Center. Completed residency at Blodgett/Butterworth. Participated in fellowships at Michigan State University and the Cleveland Clinic. Michael is currently the medical director for heart transplant for the Richard Devos Heart and Lung Transplant Program gild the medical director for Mechanical Circulatory Support at Spectrum Health. He is the chair for cardiovascular diseases and a member of the West Michigan Heart Executive Committee. He has built an advanced heart failure program, a ventricular assistance device program, and a heart transplant program. Michael has received the Navy Commendation Medal on two occasions, a national award for research by the Heart Rhythm Society, an award for research by the Cleveland Clinic, the synergy Spirit Award, and the Nurses' Choice Award. Michael served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy. He has worked as a general medical officer, a flight surgeon, and a reserve physician in the PRIMUS Program.
"Whatever you do, do it well. Strive to be an expert in what you do."
Katie (Northrup) Marshall (Class of 2006) While in high school, Katie participated in basketball, volleyball, and softball. She was the valedictorian and president of her class. She was a member of the national honor society, participated in science olympiad, and traveled to Costa Rica and Belize on advanced biology trips. Katie graduated with honors from Ferris State University with a Bachelors of Science in Applied Biology in 2010. She then attended the Indiana University School of Optometry, graduating in 2014 with a Doctorate of Optometry. During her training, Katie worked in clinics in Chicago, a VA hospital in New York, and a military hospital in Fort Knox Kentucky. Katie currently works as a doctor for Southwest Vision Center in Dowagiac. She specializes in primary care optometry for all ages and participates in school screenings in neighboring communities. She is a member of the Dowagiac Rotary Club and is seated on the Foundation Board for Ascension Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital. She is a member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Katie also teaches religious education classes at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur.
"Don't let the fear of failure keep you from pursuing your dreams. You might fail, but it could open other doors that you have never considered."
Clayton "Derek" Reynolds (Class of 1995) While in high school, Derek participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. After graduation, Derek took a position as a chemical engineer with the United States Navy. He became an expert in designing, building, and operating chemical nitration plants for the production of explosives used to support soldiers. Dereck has served as a chemical plant engineer, design engineer, project engineer, and technical expert. He is currently the Chemicals Development and Manufacturing Branch Manager. In this position Derek oversees all large scale production operations, a chemical scale-up facility and the chemistry lab developing the latest energetic molecules. He has received many awards and recognition for his leadership of multiple programs supporting our armed forces.
"Pursue a career in something that interests you and then never stop learning about it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't pursue a certain career because you don't have the grade's. If you have the passion and are willing to work hard at something, you can achieve it. It may not always be easy, but keep going. People succeed in life because they believe in themselves. Others will believe in you because of your success."
James H. Creagan (Class of 1973) Jim participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was a class officer during his junior and senior years, a member of the national honor society, and announcer for the marching band. He was a member of the varsity club and served as a boys state delegate and master of ceremony for the high school talent show. Jim graduated from Notre Dame in 1977 with a degree in business administration. He began working at Decatur First State Bank in 1978 and currently serves as President and CEO. Jim has served on the Decatur Village Council and has held leadership positions on the Decatur Hamilton Fire and Quick Response Boards. He is a trustee for the Webster Memorial Trust, a member of the chamber of commerce, and a member of the Cerven Scholarship Committee. He is a member of the Holy Family Church and has served on the finance committee. Jim has served as a long-time board member of the Decatur Downtown Association.
"We should accept ourselves as nature made us but realize that she gave us the power to improve both ourselves and the world in which we live."
Dr. Daniel Benson (Class of 2005) While in high school, Daniel participated in baseball and basketball, was a member of the 1st place math team, science olympiad team, and the national honor society. Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Michigan University with a degree in biomedical sciences. Graduated from Michigan State University's Medical School as a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Completed residency at Lakeland Hospital specializing in family medicine. Member of the American Osteopathic Association, spent time working at the United Brethren Hospital in Sierra Leone, volunteered with the American Red Cross, and worked as a volunteer at Herbie Clinic in Benton Harbor for patients without health care. Was named the Western Michigan University Foreign Language Student of the Year for his work in Russian. Currently works in family medicine through Lakeland Hospital.
"Limitations are for those not willing to work harder than anyone else to achieve their dreams. Nothing is impossible for those who want it enough."
Jeremy Gleason (Class of 1989) While in high school, Jeremy participated in baseball, basketball, band, drama and the talent show. Jeremy attended Western Michigan University, naming a Bachelors of Business Administration degree with emphasis in advertising and marketing. He began his professional career in sales and marketing, producing radio commercials, audio-for-video, and phone system audio for Coca-Cola, Chevrolet and Hershey. He later moved to Las Vegas and built a very successful photography and videography business, winning 12 national awards for service and quality. Jeremy has demonstrated outstanding citizenship in the communities where he has lived. He has donated photography services to 10 charities, founded a service project called "Sharing is Caring" and donated money and services to many local school systems.
"It's important to have a great education, but equally important to get real-life experience, find something you love to do, and figure out a way to make a career of it."
Shannon Sikkema-Allen (Class of 1988) While in high school, Shannon participated in basketball, cheerleading, and softball. She was a class president, the editor of the yearbook and newspaper, and was involved in several drama productions. Shannon attended Grand Valley State University, Kalamazoo Community College, and Western Michigan University. Shannon worked as the General Sales Manager of radio stations for Federated Media. She created a digital sales division, and was promoted to Vice President of Digital Sales for 15 radio stations, The Elkhart Truth Newspaper, and the Federated Digital Solutions. She was also able to build a stand-alone digital division for a media company that generated over $3 million in new revenue. Shannon was featured as the keynote speaker at the national digital/media conference in Atlanta. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and a member of the endowment committee.
"If you find a career you love and put all of your efforts into it, you can not only find success but also love what you do."
Gary L. Latham (Class of 1994) Gary participated in football, wrestling, and baseball. He was a member of the national honor society and the high school marching band, serving as drum major for two years. He participated in science olympiad, drama, and was class president. He traveled with the advanced biology club to North Carolina and Costa Rica. Gary graduated from Lake Superior University with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Criminalistics. He gained employment with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety as a public safety officer and became a member of the crime lab in 2002. He has received over 300 instructional hours in general crime scene investigation, over 360 hours in accident reconstruction, over 150 hours of training in forensic video analysis, over 340 hours of training in controlled substance investigation, and over 150 hours of training in firearms and shooting scene reconstruction. Gary has been involved in over 100 homicide investigations and has given expert testimony over 100 times on cases within district, state, and federal trials. Gary is a member of the KDPS Honor Guard and volunteers his time with 4H, science olympiad, and the Decatur Robotics Team. Gary also runs a professional photography studio.
"Success is less about where you came from and more about where you are going and what you do when you get there."
Dr. Carl Druskovich (Class of 1976 ) While in high school, Carl participated in a variety of sports, was a class officer, a member of the National Honor Society and went on the first biology field trip. Carl completed his undergraduate studies at Hope College and graduated from the University of Michigan's Dental School. He opened and operated a very successful dental practice in Decatur. He has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Kalamazoo Valley Dental Society, has performed volunteer work both at home and abroad, and has volunteered countless hours as a trainer for Decatur athletics. Carl has served as the Hamilton Township Supervisor, a member of the Decatur Board of Education, a board member of the Decatur-Hamilton Fireboard, a member of the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, and a member of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce.
"The only limits you have are the ones you put on yourself!"
Russell Overton (Class of 1999) Participated in baseball and basketball. Member of the 1999 state championship baseball team. Was a member of the National Honor Society. Co-Valedictorian of the class of 1999. Attended SMC and KVCC before enrolling in WMU's College of Aviation. Graduated with honors with a degree in Aviation Administration. Enlisted in the Michigan Air National Guard and later attended Air Force undergraduate pilot training. He was commissioned as an officer in the Michigan Air National Guard at the Academy of Military Science, learned to fly the A-10 Thunderbolt, and earned the prestigious "SANDY 1" qualification as a combat search and rescue pilot. Has been deployed 3 times to combat zones and flew over 115 combat sorties. Russell has earned five Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border. Russell is currently the Chief of Standards and Evaluation as the Senior Flight Examiner in charge of standardization of training and evaluations of all A-10 pilots. He currently holds the rank of Captain and has been selected for promotion to Major.
"Don't let your grades be the reason you can't do what you want in life."
Brian Marks (Class of 1972) Participated in baseball, football, basketball, cross country, and the photography club. The first Decatur student to qualify for the final round of the Michigan Math Prize Competition. Valedictorian of the class. Earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Pharmacy from Ferris State University. Graduated with honors and was ranked 2nd in his pharmacy class. Worked for over 40 years as a pharmacist in Van Buren County. Currently a pharmacist at Paw Paw Village Drug. [lag received the Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce Award for the Business of the Year. Brian served as a basketball referee for 20 years. Built and maintained the Decatur Little League baseball and softball diamonds. Served as a member of the Decatur Athletic Boosters, the Decatur Public Schools Board of Education, and the Jaycees. Coached many youth league teams over the years. Brian is a life-long supporter of Decatur academics and athletics.
"Growing up in a small town like Decatur provides many advantages for students. Make the most of every opportunity and dream big!"
Terry W. Newell (Class of 1968) While in high school, Terry participated in football, basketball, baseball and track. He earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration from Albion College. He is the owner/president of Newell's Insurance Agency. Terry has coached Decatur's youth in football, baseball and basketball. He has served as a board member of the Decatur-Hamilton Fire Department, a Board of Review member of Decatur Township, a trustee of the Webster Memorial Foundation, and a member of the Steve Athey Memorial Foundation. Terry continues to be a strong supporter of Raider academics and athletics.
"Set goals and work hard to achieve those goals."
Warren B. Grosvenor (Class of 1957) While in high school, Warren participated in football, basketball, baseball, student council and band. He attended Kalamazoo College for 3 years and earned a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the Detroit College of Law. Warren has operated a successful law firm in Decatur for several years. He has served as the Village of Decatur and Hamilton Township attorney, a trustee of the Webster Memorial Library Trust, and president of the Van Buren County Bar Association. Warren has served as an elder and deacon of the Presbyterian Church of Decatur, a member of the Decatur Athletic Boosters and founded the Lake of the Woods Improvement Association. Warren continues to be a strong supporter of Raider academics and athletics.
"Decatur students can achieve anything they set their mind to."