Otsego Public Schools would like to recognize 10 individuals who have spent their careers and lives in service to our students and community. We had the opportunity to honor them at our recent school board meeting and we ask you to join us in celebrating their careers. Each of these retirees had an administrator submit a note of gratitude and reflection on their strengths and gifts to Otsego Public Schools. Thank you to each of these individuals for the impact that you have left on students, families, and our community! 

Dan Cleypool

Throughout his career at Otsego High School, Dan Cleypool has shared his knowledge, passion, and dedication across multiple disciplines and roles. As a business, accounting, and social studies teacher, he helped students build practical skills while encouraging them to think critically about the world around them.

Outside the classroom, Dan also invested in students as a former wrestling coach, helping shape character, discipline, and perseverance. One of his lasting passions has been law and legal studies, and his enthusiasm for teaching those topics helped make learning relevant and engaging for generations of students. Dan’s commitment to students and the many roles he embraced have left a meaningful mark on OHS.

Robin Cleypool

For many years, Robin Cleypool has made a lasting impact on Otsego High School through her passion for preparing students for life beyond graduation and building a strong staff culture. She brought energy and vision to the school store, creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop real-world skills and experiences. Her commitment to personal finance education helped equip students with practical knowledge they will carry long after leaving OHS.

Robin also consistently invested in the people around her, serving as an advocate for teacher well-being and helping create a positive and connected school environment. Through her leadership, relationships, and care for both students and staff, she leaves behind programs, traditions, and a culture that will continue to benefit OHS for years to come.

Matt Grile

Throughout his career at Otsego High School, Matt Grile has made an impact both inside and outside the classroom through his creativity, leadership, and commitment to students. As a visual arts teacher, he helped students develop not only artistic skills, but confidence, expression, and pride in their work. Beyond the classroom, Matt invested countless hours coaching multiple sports and building relationships with students in different settings across the school community.

Matt also contributed to school culture through his involvement with O-Town News, helping showcase student voices and strengthen connections across the building. His willingness to serve in so many areas reflects a deep commitment to Otsego and to creating meaningful experiences for students that extend well beyond the school day.

Diane Hitchcock

Diane Hitchcock has made an incredible impact on Otsego Middle School through her unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to student success as our Student Success Coordinator. Students consistently describe Mrs. Hitchcock as a motivating and positive presence who always greets others with a smile and takes the time to check in on students, especially during difficult moments. Her ability to see the good in every situation and encourage others to do the same has helped create a supportive and caring environment at OMS.

Whether helping students work through challenging assignments, providing extra support and encouragement, or staying after school to ensure students find success, Diane has continually gone above and beyond for those she serves. Students and staff alike admire her perseverance, kindness, and positive attitude, as she always gives her very best and never gives up on anyone. Diane’s dedication to helping students grow both academically and personally has positively impacted countless lives and leaves a lasting legacy at OMS. We thank Diane Hitchcock for her years of outstanding service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Lori Laughlin

For 36 years, Lori Laughlin has been a dedicated and influential part of Otsego Public Schools, leaving an impact that reaches far beyond the classroom. Since starting in 1990, she has served in countless leadership and service roles including OSIC, the K–12 ELA Committee, department chair, debate coach, 9th grade class advisor, NHS advisor, and mentor to new teachers. 

Lori’s impact can also be seen in the relationships she built, not only with colleagues and through her work supporting positive labor relationships, but especially with the more than 5,000 students whose lives she touched throughout her career. Otsego has clearly been more than a workplace for Lori; it has been home.

Christy McEvoy

Christy McEvoy has made a tremendous impact on Otsego Middle School through her years of dedicated service as a middle school math teacher, department leader, mentor, and student advocate. As the OMS Math Department Head and teacher of Math 1, Math 3, and Math Mastery, Christy consistently challenged and supported students while helping strengthen instructional practices within the department.

Beyond the classroom, she served as an Otsego Virtual Academy Mentor, OMS Stand Advisor, Bulldog Success Coach, and coordinator for both the District and Allegan County Spelling Bees. Christy also organized the 6th Grade Field Trip and contributed to professional growth initiatives through MiPAC. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to student success have positively impacted countless students, staff members, and families throughout her career. Christy’s dedication to education and the Otsego community will leave a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt for years to come. We thank Christy for her outstanding service and wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Catherine Moore

Catherine Moore has been a staple in the classroom and on the campus of OPS for 26 years.  She has been a positive influence on the students and staff that she has served.  She served in the elementary classroom for years before branching out to a specials assignment.  She has introduced our youngest learners to the world of technology and helped them navigate both the digital and social aspects of learning.

Catherine also served a union leadership position.  To those she led, Catherine was far more than a representative—she was a trusted friend and confidant, always providing a compassionate ear and wise counsel. We thank Catherine for her years of service and wish her a joyful, well-deserved retirement! 

Tera Secord

Tera Secord has made a lasting impact on Otsego Middle School through her years of dedication as the OMS Health and Life Fitness Coordinator. Throughout her career, Tera worked tirelessly to craft and deliver meaningful health curriculum that helped students develop lifelong habits centered around wellness, fitness, and personal growth. Her ability to connect with students and create engaging learning experiences made her an important part of the OMS community.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Tera was a valued member of the School and Community Relations Committee, helping strengthen connections between the school and the greater Otsego community. Her passion, leadership, and commitment to students have positively influenced countless lives over the years. Tera’s contributions to OMS will leave a lasting legacy, and she will be greatly missed by students, staff, and families alike. We thank Tera for her outstanding service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Jackie Trometter

Over the course of a career spanning more than two decades, Jackie Trometter built a lasting impact through outstanding teaching, leadership, and service to students. After beginning in Southern California and joining Otsego in 2003, they became a cornerstone of the English Department, contributing through curriculum development, PLC leadership, CKH, accreditation work, department leadership, and ongoing professional growth.

Beyond the classroom, they transformed student opportunities by leading yearbook for 21 editions, creating journalism and a student newspaper, and establishing a book club that continues today. Known for strong relationships with students, collaboration with colleagues, and a commitment to meeting the needs of all learners, Jackie’s influence on OHS will be felt for years to come.

Beth Zartman

Beth Zartman has made a lasting impact on Otsego Middle School through her years of dedication, positivity, and commitment to students as a middle school ELA teacher. Students consistently describe Mrs. Zartman as someone who greets everyone with a smile and creates a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued and supported.

Her ability to make learning engaging and fun, while explaining assignments in ways that help students truly understand the material, has made her a favorite among many students at OMS. Beth has always gone above and beyond to encourage students, celebrate their successes, and help them grow both academically and personally. Her thoughtfulness, kindness, and passion for teaching have positively influenced countless students throughout her career. Mrs. Zartman’s dedication to education and the relationships she built with students and staff will leave a lasting legacy at OMS. We thank Beth for her outstanding service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.