The Lakeshore Alumni Association and the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation have announced that Suze (Reifschneider) Miller is the 2026 recipient of the group’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Miller, a 22-year veteran educator at Lakeshore, has distinguished herself both inside and outside the classroom. Upon learning of the honor, she expressed shock, amazement, and deep gratitude. “I’m just a Baroda girl trying to be the teacher I’d want my own kids to have,” Miller said. “To be on the same list as the prior recipients is quite an honor, and I am humbled.”
A member of Lakeshore’s Class of 1999 Top Ten, Miller earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, with a major in English and a minor in speech communications, from Western Michigan University in 2003. After one year of teaching at Mishawaka High School, she returned to Lakeshore in 2004 as an English teacher – fulfilling a long-held dream inspired by her own teachers. She credits former educators Mrs. Stover and Mr. Sotnyk as key influences, describing them as impactful figures who shaped her approach to teaching.
Students consistently describe Miller as both hardworking and compassionate. Known for bringing energy and positivity to the classroom each day, she embraces working with students who may find school more challenging. “I enjoy working with them and try to find the light that gets them focused on schoolwork,” she said. Miller describes her teaching style as grounded in knowledge, caring for all students, and a daily commitment to excellence. She also dedicates significant time to mentoring students at various stages of life, from high school to adulthood.
Miller attributes her success to building strong relationships with students, colleagues, and families, along with maintaining a “never give up” mindset. Her involvement in the school community is extensive, including roles as a past class advisor, yearbook and newspaper advisor, academic challenge coach, mentor teacher, and currently, assistant varsity football coach.
Her contributions have earned her accolades, including Lakeshore’s R. James Johnson Teacher of the Year Award (2020–2021) and Moody on the Market’s Bold Women of Business Award (2025).
Miller resides in Baroda with her husband, Derrick, and their two children, Henry and Adeline. She is the daughter of Larry and Joanne (Myers) Reifschneider, both Lakeshore graduates (Classes of 1965 and 1968).
Lakeshore Excellence Foundation Chairman, JC Anderson, says the nomination committee could not have picked a better candidate for the award.
“Suze is a living testament to the Distinguished Alumni criteria,” says Anderson. “She is the first recipient to be back at Lakeshore Public Schools giving back to her high school and mentoring her students to succeed.”
Miller is dedicating this honor to her late father, Larry Reifschneider, who recently passed away after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. “He was one of my first teachers and the first to encourage me to pursue teaching,” she said. “Even at the end of his life, he was still teaching me the importance of family, friendships, and cherishing every moment. He was my encourager and supporter throughout his entire life. He would be so proud of me for receiving this distinction.”
The Lakeshore Alumni Association and Lakeshore Excellence Foundation will recognize Suze Miller, at a special reception on May 21, followed by an awards presentation during Lakeshore High School’s Graduation Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at Al Stockman Stadium in Stevensville.
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Suze (Reifschnelder) Miller – 2026 Lakeshore Distinguished Alumni
