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There’s Nothing Better

“There’s Nothing Better!” Judy Radtke Reflects On a Career at TC Christian

i am proud of the fact that my students find themselves successful in college math classes and that i have helped prepare them well. i am also proud that in some small way i have been able to speak into their spiritual and emotional lives and help point them closer to god.”

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For some TC Christian alumni, Judy Radtke’s name inspires awe as they remember her Calculus class. For others, she’s a mentor and friend who cared deeply for her students and ‘mentees’, taking them on retreats to the family cottage at Grand Marais. And for a select few, she’s ‘Mom’ and ‘Grandma’.

Judy Radtke is something of an institution at TC Christian. On staff since the high school’s earliest days, Judy can rightfully claim to have taught almost every graduate. “I just love this place. I love the community that’s here. I love that I can be part of helping train students for what God has prepared them for in their future. I so value that I can speak truth and love into my students’ lives.” Judy grew up in Scotts, a small town between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. “We lived in a one room schoolhouse which, over time, my parents expanded,” remembers Judy. “I guess I was meant to be a teacher!”

After high school, Judy attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, with Minors in Chemistry and Physics, along with a Secondary Education certification. It was in college that Judy met her future husband, Andy.

“Andy was studying Chemical Engineering and we just clicked.” Andy’s career in the oil and gas industry ultimately brought them to Traverse City where they put down roots and raised their three children, Melissa, Doug, and Jeremy.

In 1994, Judy and Andy attended the first public meeting to introduce TC Christian to the community. “Melissa was a student on the first day the school opened”, says Judy, “And Doug joined the next year when he was old enough.” Youngest son, Jeremy, followed soon thereafter.

Sending the children to TC Christian caused a sadness in Judy’s heart, but not in the way you might expect. “Honestly, I was jealous they got to be a part of such a great community every day and I wanted to do that, too!”

Judy started subbing “anywhere they needed me”, and when a vacancy opened in the Math department, Judy leapt at the opportunity.

Fast forward 24 years, and Judy Radtke’s passion for teaching and for TC Christian remains strong. “I get up every morning excited about spending time with my students. They are great people and I learn as much from them as they do from me”, says Judy. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges as the school has weathered its share of financial and personnel storms. But in every case, Judy has seen God move. “The greatest constant at TCCS is that God is faithful,” said Judy. “There has never been a moment that He hasn’t held us in His hands. Some periods of time were challenging, and others have been amazing, but every step of the way God has shown up. He led our founders to start this school and He has not let us down one single moment.”

Today, Judy and Andy attend Harvest Bible Church in Traverse City where Judy serves in the nursery. When not teaching and coaching, she enjoys relaxing with a good book or going on a scenic hike. Judy and Andy have a cottage in Grand Marais in the Upper Peninsula which is their goto retreat. “We love Lake Superior and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore”, said Judy.

And all of Judy’s grandchildren - the progeny of both Melissa and Brent, and son, Doug, and his wife, Piper

(Hamlet, Class of 2002) - attend TC Christian. Rounding out the family involvement is youngest son, Jeremy, who runs the sound system for the TC Christian worship team.

Looking forward, Judy has huge dreams for TC Christian’s future. “I see TCCS being the school of choice for Christian families in the area,” said Judy. “Especially our alumni. I see an auditorium for chapel and the performing arts and more classrooms full of students, a second gym, sports fields, and highend technology.” And then she pauses. “Importantly, we need to ensure there’s an endowment for tuition assistance so that finances are never a reason to prevent a child from attending Christian school.”

Ultimately, Judy brings it back to what stirs her heart, namely God and His mission at TC Christian. “I love being part of a community of God’s people seeking to help parents train their children to love, honor, and serve God in all that they do,’ says Judy. “There’s nothing better!”

(Adults L to R): Doug and Piper Radtke, Jeremy Radtke, Judy and Andy Radtke, Melissa and Brent Wheat. (Children L to R): Adelaide, Declan, and Corban Radtke, and Evan, Reagan, and Zachary Wheat The entire Radtke family continues to play a huge role in the school’s community. Daughter Melissa is now on staff teaching Middle School English and Social Studies. Melissa’s husband, Brent, along with Judy and Andy, coach the school’s powerhouse JV and Varsity Bowling teams which last year brought home their first State champion.

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