Tonya Schmitt

Tonya Schmitt, who served 15 years as the volunteer coach of the Reitz Memorial High School Tigerettes dance team, is given a group hug by team members during a party held in her honor.

“It’s an honor to become a Tigerette because of her work,” Schmitt’s daughter, Terra Therapos, said. “She has been a positive role model for everyone. She expects a lost of the Tigerettes, but she taught them to be more responsible and more respectful.”

“She never was the center of attention,” said Laura David, a parent whose three daughters benefited from Schmitt’s tenure as coach. “She made sure the spotlight was always on the girls and their performances.

The Message photo by Tim Lilley.