MASA’s regional Hall of Fame Awards were presented at MASA Region meetings during March through May. The Hall of Fame Award acknowledges retired MASA members for their career-long service and their continued passion for education and community throughout retirement. The dedication of these individuals to their former schools and communities serves as a model for all administrators, and their districts are left with the impact of their efforts far longer than the span of their careers.

The 2008 Hall of Fame Winners are as follows:

• Region 1 Edward H. Kukuk, Iron Mountain Public Schools
• Region 2 Ronald G. Berg, Inland Lakes Schools
• Region 3 Dr. Mike Washburn, Forest Hills Public Schools
• Region 4 Thomas Gilstad, Bullock Creek Schools
• Region 5 William H. Tunnicliff, Flushing Community Schools
• Region 6 Daniel G. Pappas, Waverly Community Schools
• Region 7 Daniel C. Pratley, Ph.D., Lawton Community Schools
• Region 9 William Putney, South Lake Public Schools

MASA is very grateful to these members who have taken MASA’s slogan “Your Success, Our Passion” and applied it to their career and to their lives. These individuals have influenced the lives of many children, colleagues, and friends, and their work and accomplishments will not be forgotten. Their names will be engraved on a permanent plaque displayed in the MASA office in Lansing .

Thank you again to all Hall of Fame winners, and congratulations on all your achievements.

Region 1

Edward H. Kukuk
Retired superintendent of Iron Mountain Public Schools
MASA member for 24 years

Edward H. Kukuk was selected for his 32 years of service to the Iron Mountain community in the role of teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. When Edward “Babe” Kukuk passed away January 8, 2006 , the community lost a giant in the education world. “His tenure in eachposition was outstanding,” said nominator Denny Chartier, current superintendent at Iron Mountain Public Schools. “He was the type of educator who could combine caring ways and sincerity with firm discipline and strong ethics, earning him the respect of students and staff for many years." Hailed as a man who always "did the right thing,” Ed exemplified the honorable characteristics that the Hall of Fame represents. The leadership he displayed and the numerous organizations and committees on which he served reflected his dedication to service in the Iron Mountain schools and community.

Region 2

Ronald G. Berg
Retired superintendent of Inland Lakes Schools
MASA member for 10 years

Ronald G. Berg was selected for outstanding leadership as an administrator at Inland Lakes Schools and for his continued involvement in education. Berg has served as Interim Superintendent at Vanderbilt Area Schools and Littlefield Public Schools . He's served as coordinator of transition services for students with special education services at COPESD. At present Berg is supervisor of student teachers for Lake Superior State University and Spring Arbor University . Ron shows his commitment to community and service by his active involvement with Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Inland Lakes Educational Foundation, Indian River Kiwanis, Baraga Broadcasting Board and the Tuscarora Township Committee.

Region 3

Dr. Mike Washburn
Retired superintendent of Forest Hills Public Schools
MASA member for 28 years

Dr. Mike Washburn was selected for his continued leadership and service to schools and his community. While superintendent of Forest Hills Public Schools, Dr. Washburn was considered a leader among his peers. “He was an excellent communicator and had a long tenure (21 years) in a district known for high standards and expectations.” said MASA Region 3 president Roxanne DeWeerd. While at Forest Hills , he was able to pass several bond issues and an enhancement millage. In his retirement, Dr. Washburn continues to work with over 50 school districts, assisting boards of educaiton with goal setting, governance, superintendent searches and personal audits.

Region 4

Thomas Gilstad
Retired superintendent of Bullock Creek Schools
MASA member for 7 years

Thomas Gilstad was selected for his continued leadership and service to schools and his community. Tom Gilstad is an educator who has devoted his entire adult life to the wellbeing of students and his community. He has served Bullock Creek Schools in almost every capacity possible during his 31 years of service. “Throughout his long and successful career, Tom embodied a positive attitude about students and public education,” said MASA Region 4 President Charles Schnetzler. “Tom was a long-time member of MASA and is still active in Region 4 activities for retirees.” Gilstad has served as a suporter and mentor for succeeding generations of administrators, including those that followed him as Superintendent. He has also served on numerous boards and has participated in many civic activities, including Dow Corning Community Advisory Board an the West Midland Family Center Board.

Region 5

William H. Tunnicliff
Retired superintendent of Flushing Community Schools
MASA member for 28 years

William H. Tunnicliff was selected for continued leadership and service to schools and to the Flushing community. While Bill Tunnicliff was superintendent, he served as a MASA Region 5 officer from 1986-1990. He served on the MASA Legislative Committee, serving as chair from 1989-1994. Bill was known as a strong proponent of SAPAC (School Administrators Political Action Committee) and served on its board from 1990-1994. During his superintendency at Flushing Public Schools, Bill was active in the Flushing Rotary Club. He also continued his leadership role after retiring, working with the Middle Cities Educational Association. “Bill's understanding of the political process has been extremenly helpful as he monitored and lobbied for or against legislation related to educational issues,” said Region 5 president Ralph Coaster. Understanding the need for school leaders to become involved in running for state office and supporting those in office who were advocates for education, Bill took an active role in the Heroes of Pubic Education (H.O.P.E.). He was an active board member for the cause.

Region 6

Daniel G. Pappas
Retired superintendent of Waverly Public Schools
MASA member for 4 years

Daniel G. Pappas was selected for his K-12 work as well as his outstanding efforts on behalf of the Michigan Institute for Educational Management (MIEM). As associate executive director for MIEM, Dan has been a proponent and energizer to help school leaders get more from the association’s professional development conferences and meetings. After Dan left formal employment as a K-12 administrator, he jumped right back into serving his former peers by contributing to the Courageous Journey certification endorsement program, developing targeted administrative seminars, and turning MASA’s biannual conferences for school administrators into true learning experiences. Dan also remains an active contributor to his local Rotary, church, and community theater. “Dan has been relentless in his quest to make educational leaders more professional and inspire them to create vibrancy for kids,” said Region 6 president William DeFrance of Eaton Rapids.

Region 7

Daniel C. Pratley, Ph.D.
Retired superintendent of Lawton Community Schools
MASA member for 11 years

Daniel C. Pratley, Ph.D. was selected for professionalism and genuine care for students not only during his professional life abut also in the years since his retirement. “Dan has always been approachable and sincere,” said nominator Joe Trimboli, current Lawton superintendent. “He is always willing to listen to his colleagues and render possible solutions to their concerns.” Dan serves the State of Michigan as an Official Count Auditor, which gives him an opportunity to keep in touch with his colleagues in southwest Michigan . While tending to his tasks, he always provides a healthy perspective and suggestions for improving districts' reporting procedures. Dan completed his career as a superintendent in 2003, but remains a consummate educator and continues to keep involved thorugh various activities.

Region 9

William Putney
Retired superintendent of South Lake Public Schools
MASA member for 5 years