His tranquil presence and warm smile has graced the Northview district for 17 years.
He stands outside of his office between most hours greeting students as they pass by.
James VandenHeuvel, the man who has counseled, created, and altered expectations for students is resigning from his position at Northview.
“Being an employee in the district has been one of the best jobs in my entire life,” VandenHeuvel said.
In 2002, VandenHeuvel embarked on his career as a student counselor at Highlands Middle School. 15 years later a new opportunity to work in the high school as an education specialist was offered.
“I would talk with students that are feeling unjust and feeling like the system is putting these barriers up,” VandenHeuvel said. “Then I would push through those barriers with students to help them feel like they can make a change in their world.”
VandenHeuvel’s role in the school has not only benefited the lives of numerous students and parents, but he has helped transform the Northview community into a place of peace and justice.
“Much of my work involves connecting people, students and families to resources in the community for help,” VandenHeuvel said.
After 17 total years of being a wildcat, “Mr. Van”, the man who has watched students grow from sweaty, loud 5th graders to mature high schoolers, is following another passion of his: being the State of Michigan’s year round camp licensing consultant.
In this new position VandenHeuvel will serve as a point of contact for various camps as they have questions, concerns, or are in need of advice regarding their own camp. Additionally, he will spend a majority of his time traveling all over the state to support camps.
At Calvin College, aside from studying social work and school counseling, VandenHeuvel also majored in recreational therapy as his undergraduate. But it wasn’t until 10 years ago while he was looking for a summer job, that an opportunity for VandenHeuvel to go back to his “roots” was offered to him as a camp inspector.
“I’m excited to help other camps become the best that they can be,” VandenHeuvel said.
Besides helping students and supporting various camps around the state, VandenHeuvel and his wife have raised two daughters, junior Cora and freshman Abby.
“I’m excited for my dad’s new job because it is an opportunity for him to combine his love for the outdoors with his passion for helping others,” Cora said.
His devotion to helping those around him on a daily basis is recognized not only by his peers, but most importantly, his daughters.
“He has taught me by example how to care for and love others, which has influenced how I act at school” Cora said.
For years VandenHeuvel has influenced the community to be one that respects and defends everyone.
“My dad has such a big heart for caring about everyone around him,” Abby said.
From signing year books at the end of every school year, to giving advice to students in need, VandenHeuvel avoids writing long paragraphs to each student. Instead, he simply writes two words that deliver a strong message.
Choose peace.
“You get to decide how you approach this life that you live,” VandenHeuvel said. “And if you choose, choose an action or a value towards the goal of peace, then you’re choosing a path for building community and helping people live well together”.
As the 2019 school year comes to a close the seniors won’t be the only ones leaving the community to fulfill their passions and change the world.
Mr. Van will be right behind them.
“Although there have been moments when I have felt embarrassed, mostly back during the Highlands days, I have always been proud to call him my dad,” Cora said.
