Tecumseh Alumni Association holds Wall of Fame ceremony
- Jun 10
- 8 min read
By BRAD HEINEMAN
TECUMSEH — A new cohort of individuals were celebrated and recognized for their induction into the Tecumseh Alumni Association’s Wall of Fame last week.
The 2026 Wall of Fame award reception, held in the high school media center June 4, honored five individuals, each of them graduates from Tecumseh Public Schools or having accumulated several years of service to the school district, for having lived their lives with purpose, leading by example, and for having made meaningful contributions to the school, community and beyond, said Beth Kennedy, one of the six TAA committee members.
Dick Johnson, Class of 1965; Ramon Torres, Class of 1992; Brian Radant, Class of 1998; Jacob Wright, Class of 2009; and Judy Kastel, years of service, 1968-2005, were the 2026 award recipients. It was the first group of award inductees since the 2024 recipients.
“Last year (2025), we didn’t have enough group members (Tecumseh Alumni Association) to support and pull off the event in time, so they pushed it to this year,” Kari Mattson, TAA committee member, said in an email. “…Part of it is just getting people to nominate others; that takes a lot of time and attention. This is an annual award, and hopefully we can build momentum to make sure we have enough nominees each year.”
“The Wall of Fame recognizes alumni, employees and community contributors who have distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements, service, leadership and dedication to making a positive impact,” Kennedy said during her opening remarks. “Introduction into the Wall of Fame is one of the association’s highest honors and reflects the values and the spirit that make Tecumseh such a special place.”
The Tecumseh Schools Foundation (TSF) officially created the Tecumseh Alumni Association April 16, 2012, in cooperation with the Tecumseh Board of Education. The purpose of the TAA is to encourage pride in Tecumseh Public Schools and the community by supporting the mission of the TSF. The alumni association also serves as a resource of information and a network for friends and alumni.
In 2013, Jenny Shober, Class of 1924, was the inaugural inductee into the TAA Wall of Fame. Since then, 44 individuals — including the five newest inductees — have been welcomed into the Wall of Fame family. The TAA provided the following biographical sketches on each honoree.
Dick Johnson: Tecumseh’s biggest cheerleader
Raised in Tecumseh, Johnson grew up in a home centered on family, discipline and community. His father, Don Johnson, served as the high school band director while his mother, Betty, was the organist at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and even taught typing at the family’s dining room table.
At Tecumseh High School, teachers like Ron Croll and Jerry Nelson left a lasting impression on Johnson.
After graduating from THS in 1965, Johnson joined the Navy during the Vietnam era, including two years stationed in Morocco.
He and his wife, Susan, were united in marriage in 1986, and together they raised four children — Kelly, Nick, Ben and Beth — and built a family that now includes more than 20 grandchildren.
Professionally, Johnson built a successful career in the software industry, founding companies in Tecumseh. In 2001, the Johnson family transformed a former fire station into Evans Street Station, a destination restaurant that would become a cornerstone of Tecumseh’s downtown for more than two decades.
Johnson’s dedication to Tecumseh extended into public service, where he served two terms on both Tecumseh City Council and as mayor, guiding the community with vision, integrity and pride, the alumni association said.
Paula Holtz nominated Johnson for induction into the Wall of Fame “in recognition of his lasting impact on the Tecumseh community and school district.”
“He exemplifies the spirit of service, leadership and pride that this honor represents,” Holtz said. “Through his dedication, integrity and commitment to others, he has made a meaningful difference that continues to be felt throughout our community.…
“Dick is genuinely one of the best,” Holtz said. “He has quietly helped many throughout the years and is always willing to give of himself to others.”
While the inductees were not required to provide remarks, Johnson spoke briefly saying, “We have a lot of people who take this seriously about what Tecumseh is and what Tecumseh still can be. God bless them, and God bless you all.”
Ramon Torres models service
Through his lifelong commitment to Tecumseh, his dedication to youth, and his example as a coach, parent and alumnus, Torres’ niece, Stacy Munday, said he “embodies the spirit of the Tecumseh Alumni Wall of Fame.”
“His actions reflect the association’s vision and mission, and he serves as an outstanding role model for current and future Tecumseh students,” Munday said in her nomination letter.
And even though she is older than Torres, “I have always looked up to him,” Munday said.
At Tecumseh High School, Torres was a multisport athlete competing in football, track, baseball and wrestling while representing his school with determination and pride.
“His senior football season remains one of the most memorable, leading the team to the state semifinals in a year that brought the entire community together,” the TAA said. “He wasn’t just an athlete; he was a leader.”
That leadership carried Torres to the University of Toledo, where he became a letter-winning member of a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship football team.
After time away from Tecumseh, Torres returned home to build a life rooted in family, community and purpose, the association said.
Today, he gives back as a coach at Tecumseh High School mentoring student-athletes, shaping character and teaching lessons that go beyond the game.
Torres has been married to Terran for 25 years, and is the father of Olivia, Sophia and Isabella.
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Torres shared, “Choose your circle carefully. The people you surround yourself with will shape your mindset, standards and direction. Surround yourself with people who push you, not hold you back.”
Brian Radant gives back
Strong communities don’t happen by chance, the alumni association said, “they are built by leaders who choose to serve.”
“Brian Radant is one of those leaders. His commitment to service led him into civic leadership, serving on Tecumseh City Council as mayor pro tem and now as mayor,” the TAA said.
For more than two decades, Radant has also served as a firefighter/EMT with the Tecumseh Fire Department after prior service with the Adrian Township Fire Department. Presently, he serves the Tecumseh community as its assistant fire chief.
From his days as a student at THS, Radant stood out, not just for his involvement in athletics and school activities but for his willingness to lead and give back.
Following graduation, Radant pursued his passion for the skilled trades, building a career rooted in hard work, craftsmanship and opportunity.
In 2007, he founded Radant’s Electric, growing it into a thriving business while opening doors for the next generation through job shadowing, apprenticeships and mentorship.
He has worked closely with Tecumseh Public Schools and the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) Tech Center — helping students discover career paths, gain real-world experience and build futures of their own.
In 2024, he was recognized as an LISD Tech Center Distinguished Alumni.
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Radant said, “You have no idea where this crazy thing called life will take you. Do what’s right, even when no one is watching, and you’ll be fine.”
Radant was nominated for induction into the TAA Wall of Fame by Mary Tommelein, but his award introduction was given by Tecumseh Fire Chief Scot Long, who referred to Radant as his friend for at least 30 years.
“All the things that make Brian a great person are many of the reasons we have remained great friends,” Long said.
Radant said he never expected to read what was written on the paper from the alumni association when he was selected as a Wall of Fame inductee.
“It’s an honor to accept this,” he said. “But I did look at the list; prior to tonight, I looked at all the names that have already been inducted and I’ve got a lot of work to do to catch up to those people that are on there. It’s a very proudful list of people that are on there.”
Jacob Wright grounded in community
Also nominated for Wall of Fame induction by Tommelein, Wright — from the Class of 2009 — said he is guided, grounded and lives his life by the values of hard work, reliability and community.
Through his current leadership role at Krieghoff-Lenawee Co. and his years of mentoring, job shadowing and conducting STEM presentations, Wright has connected “countless” Tecumseh students to careers in engineering, construction and design, the alumni association said.
In 2025, he won the Lenawee Community Foundation Incito Award, which was established to recognize a young person who has emerged as a community leader and demonstrates commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy and leadership.
Wright is involved with Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan and the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh where he founded and chairs the annual Tecumseh Community Canoe Race, and he oversees the Kiwanis Flag Program.
“He represents the very best of Tecumseh High School,” Tommelein said. “He is a leader who has never forgotten his roots. He shares his talent freely and he is a servant-hearted individual whose impact strengthens our community.”
Along his high school journey, Wright said he was influenced by teachers, coaches and mentors including Tim Mark, Carl Novak, Jason Mensing, Joe Linde and Matt Randall.
His grandmother — and favorite lunch lady — Joy Schmidt, reminded him that every role in a school community matters, the alumni association said.
Perhaps no one shaped Wright’s love for Tecumseh more than his grandfather, Don Schmidt.
“I cannot overstate the impact that my grandfather, Don Schmidt, played in shaping my views on this community,” Wright said. “He loved Tecumseh wholeheartedly. This honor is a direct reflection of his guidance, and I know this would mean the world to him.”
Judy Kastel helped inspire students
Born in Alabama and later making Michigan her home, Judy (Wickham) Kastel graduated from Adrian High School before pursuing a career in education.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Eastern Michigan University, Kastel dedicated 37 years to Tecumseh Public Schools teaching high school English, journalism and middle school classes.
“Judy loved teaching and she took great pride in the impact she had on countless students,” said Harvey Schmidt, a longtime friend of Kastel’s. “She genuinely cared for her students and developed lifelong relationships that continued long into retirement, keeping in touch with many people through Facebook and Instagram.”
Students in Kastel’s classes enjoyed her quick wit and humor, Schmidt said.
“Every student was seen and was special,” he said.
“She did see everybody,” said Kastel’s daughter, Corinne Kastel, a 31-year educator herself, currently at Manchester Jr./Sr. High School. “I hope I’m half the teacher that she is and can make a difference.”
She gave her time beyond the classroom, the alumni association said, advising student groups, supporting causes and creating spaces where students felt safe, supported and encouraged.
“For many, she was more than a teacher,” the association said. “She was a mentor, an advocate and a steady voice when it mattered most.”
Today, Kastel’s legacy continues through the Judy Kastel Memorial Scholarship, ensuring that her love for education will carry forward to future generations of Tecumseh students.
Kastel died Sept. 14, 2025, in Adrian at the age of 81.
She will forever be known as Mrs. Kastel, Mrs. K., Mrs. Wickham, Judy, Jude, Grammy and Mom.
“She loved every student who came through the halls of either Tecumseh Middle School or Tecumseh High School,” her son, Ed Kastel, said. “You didn’t need to have her (as a teacher) in order for that door to be open. If you needed an ear, she was there to listen. That’s the kind of mother we had. And we had a bunch of extended brothers and sisters as well.”
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