CAROLYN WEBER STUCKUM
Class of 1959
Politics/Volunteerism
Carolyn Stuckum was a 1959 graduate of Covert, Valedictorian of her class, and recipient of a B.S. degree in Secondary Education from Western Michigan University. She taught Home Economics and Art at Covert Schools. Carolyn left teaching to be a "stay at home" mom raising two adopted children.
Her government service began in 1970 when she was appointed township trustee followed by 30 years as Covert Township treasurer, a position she still maintains. She was named Van Buren County treasurer of the year for 1989. She was also an organizer of the Van Buren County Treasurer's Association and served on the Tn-County Van/Cass/Cap Board.
Carolyn has served the community in a variety of activities including: Covert Queens Committee for several years, Board of Directors of Covert Alumni Association, treasurer of Covert Unified Appeal, a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sunday School teacher, a teacher with the Lutheran Pioneer Youth group, a member of the Covert Township Lion's Club for which she has served as president, secretary and treasurer. Carolyn was selected as Covert Township Lion of the Year, named Melvin Jones Fellow by Lion International, chairman of State Lion's Eye Health Program, chairman of District Diabetes Committee and received Covert Township Lion's Service Award. Elizabeth Freeman, who served with Carolyn, said, "Lion's Club motto is 'We Serve' and Carolyn has committed herself to serving with dedication, integrity and leadership in helping others." Carolyn has helped with such projects as fund raisers for computer equipment for blind students, collecting household goods, furnishings and clothing for victims of fires, Christmas food baskets and toy projects fund raisers to help with local and surrounding area Lion projects.
As co-workers for eight years as Township clerk, Geraldine Rood wrote that Carolyn is knowledgeable in every aspect of her position as Covert Township Treasurer. She often goes well beyond the "call of duty" in terms of extra hours and chores that are not a part of her position. One rarely sees a person with this degree of commitment. Carolyn has been married to John Stuckum since 1962 and they are parents of two grown children. Carolyn Stuckum has given and continues to give the very best of service to the people of Covert.