Belleville High School will honor four Distinguished Graduates who will be inducted into the BHS Hall of Fame on Sunday.
They are Alesia Hermosillo, Tim Marsh, David Medley, and posthumously, Karen Renton Reynolds.
The public is invited to attend the induction ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20 at the BHS Auditorium.
The ceremony will include induction of students into the BHS National Honor Society.
Alesia Hermosillo, ‘78
Alesia Hermosillo is honored as a distinguished graduate for her contributions to the community.
Alesia graduated from BHS in 1978. She was involved in the business and co-op programs and worked for General Motors at the Hydra-Matic plant. She graduated from Concordia College in 1993, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration. She earned her Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Eastern Michigan University in 1997.
Alesia has spent most of her career as part of material management for General Motors. She has received much recognition for her efforts in quality control and team management including the UAW-GM People Make Quality Happen award. She served on the UAW-GM Joint Resource Team, the QNPM board, and the Maximo team. She is currently a member of the Labor Relations Team at the GM/UAW Center for Human Resources.
As a champion for public schools, Alesia concentrates much of her efforts and energy in helping the Van Buren School district. She served as co-chair of the Edgemont Elementary parents-teachers group and was the PTO president. She was a parent volunteer and Den Mother for the Cub Scouts. Alesia currently assists BHS in countless projects for the Band Booster program, the BHS swimming team, and Tiger Swim Club. She served on the principal selection committee and educational focus groups in 2010.
Alesia became an advocate for the American Cancer Society while facing her own diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. She has organized and participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, the Reach for Recovery program, chaired local fundraising events of the ACS, and has served as a motivational speaker to inspire others currently battling cancer.
Alesia shares her life with her husband, Michael, and their two sons Michael and Zachary along with her four step-children Traci, Jan-Luc, Matthieu, and Kyle, and a new grandson Noah.
Tim Marsh, ‘79
Tim Marsh is honored as a distinguished graduate for his contributions to the community.
Tim graduated from BHS in 1979. As a student, Tim was a stand-out whose work earned him an entry into the Cranbrook Wildlife Art Competition and a selected sketch published in Water Under the Bridge. Tim went on to win First Place 3-D and Best in Show his senior year. He then went on to study art at Eastern Michigan University.
Tim is a published artist, an art instructor to all ages, and the proprietor of his art studio Nature 2 Nature. He is a published poet and his art has been featured in Art Showcase Magazine, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and at the White House. He is a member of Visual Arts Association of Livonia, The Detroit Artists’ Market, The Guild, and the Colored Pencil Society of America. Tim’s work had been included in many state, national, and international exhibitions. His many awards include being a seven-time recipient of the People’s Choice Award of which he is most proud.
Tim serves his community by sharing his passion for art. He presents at local schools to encourage students to explore their artistic sides, he provides class and private instruction and studio tours to influence and inspire others. He is a founding member of the Belleville Area Council for the Arts and participated in the Art Colony of Belleville.
Tim measures his own success by the level of inspiration in others. His life’s work is to help foster an appreciation of nature and artistic expression in others.
Tim shares his life with his wife, Karen, and daughters Emily, Kate, and Megan.
David Medley, ‘67
David Medley is honored as a distinguished graduate in the field of education.
David graduated from BHS in 1967. While attending BHS, David played and lettered in cross country and track while serving as team captain for both. He was the senior class artist, a member of National Honor Society, and the recipient of a Kiwanis scholarship.
David graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1971. He received his teaching certificate with a concentration in art. He earned his Master’s Degrees in Social Foundations and Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University in 1979 and 1988.
David spent most of his career in the Van Buren School district. He was an art teacher, art department chair, coach, and assistant principal for BHS. He served as a union representative, negotiator, and president for the VBEA. He was a club sponsor for Art Club and Running Club.
David was the vice-president of his local school board in Saline and has been involved in many athletic programs through the Saline schools such as cross country and track. He also coached basketball with the Saline Community Recreation program. He served on the MHSCA Board, and is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association. He is also a member of the United Methodist Church in his community.
As a teacher, coach, administrator, board member, and mentor, David has served his community, Van Buren Schools, and the educational community in many ways. His positive example and encouragement paved the way for many students. He is known and well-liked for his fair, compassionate, and knowledgeable manner.
David shares his life with his wife, Claire, and his three children: Natalia, Andrew, and Landon.
Karen Renton Reynolds, ‘87
Karen Renton Reynolds is honored posthumously for distinguishing herself professionally with her efforts to change the work environment for women and parenting.
Karen graduated from BHS in 1987. As an honor roll student, Karen participated in powder-puff football and the business co-op program. Through co-op, she worked in the Van Buren Township Treasurer’s Department and Hydra-Matic. She received the co-op award her senior year from Hydra-Matic.
Karen attended Cleary College and graduated with honors from Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in 1993. While studying at WCC, she worked for General Motors at the Willow Run Hydra-Matic plant as an Executive Secretary. Karen spent the majority of her career at the Ann Arbor Toyota Research & Development Center as an Administrative Assistant. She was recognized for her design contributions to the Toyota Tundra.
Karen was a pioneer for working mothers by establishing “mothering rooms” at Toyota for employees who were breastfeeding. In a male-dominated workforce, she paved the way and served as inspiration for other women to choose both family and career.
Karen served her community in many ways, but she dedicated most of her time in organizing events and fund raising for cancer research. She volunteered her time on a committee and participated in the annual Relay for Life from 2003 to 2006. She was recognized as the Top Fundraiser in 2004 and 2005. By advising and leading by example, she helped many stay strong and positive as they or their family members battled cancer.
Karen shared her life with her husband James and their children, Noelle, Tayler and Kassidi. Karen lost her battle with cancer in 2007. As a model of optimism, compassion and empathy, she touched many lives.