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2005 Belleville High School Honors
Distinguished Graduate Inductees

Mr. Paul Dygert

Class of 1950

Paul Dygert graduated from Belleville High School in 1950.  During his years at Belleville High School, he was named salutatorian and received his varsity letter in tennis.

In 1954 Paul received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, with honors in economics.  He continued his education at the U of M, receiving his Masters and Ph.D. degrees in economics as well.

After two years in the army, Paul received an academic and research appointment at the University of California, Berkeley, working with graduate students in transportation engineering.  While at UC Berkeley in the 1960s Paul participated as a staff member on the California governor’s transportation task-force.  The task-force membership consisted of business executive in California, and its purpose was to establish an overall framework for transportation planning in the state.  He also served as a consultant to the World Bank on issues of airport investment in developing countries.

In the 1960s Paul published a paper on the economic analysis of airport noise and was invited to participate in a conference on airport noise held under the auspices of the Office of Science and Technology in the Executive Office of the President in the Lyndon Johnson administration.

In the 1970s and ‘80s Paul had the opportunity to work on a number of projects in foreign countries.  He served on a team working on the plan for new city in Egypt; and has had consulting assignments in Taiwan, Indonesia,  and Trinidad as well as other locations.

At present, Paul holds an academic appointment in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  There he teaches economics and business courses to bachelors and masters students planning professional and business careers in aviation.

Ms. Mildred Baker


Class of 1944

Mildred Baker graduated from Belleville High School in 1944 and has been participating, volunteering, and heading many activities in the Belleville Area for many years.

Besides being a 4-H Club Leader for over 20 years, Millie was a member of the Belleville High School Band Boosters, a Member of the St. Paul’s Evangelistic Church, a leader of the Young Peoples Society, a member and past-president of the Belleville Business and Professionals Women’s Club, volunteered with the American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, and the Salvation Army. 

Mille was also a member of the PTA, and worked as a secretary at Edgemont Elementary and then as secretary to the Van Buren Public Schools Director of Education for 22 years. After retirement Mille began to work with her husband at their Hardware and Electrical Contracting Business in Willis, Michigan.  She worked there as manager and accountant. 

Millie is also responsible for forming the very successful group who holds the All Class Reunion for the Belleville High School Graduates and others that attended Belleville.  During its first five years that the All Class Reunion has been held it has successfully brought in over 500 people. 

Mr. Larry Tabor

Class of 1962

Larry Tabor graduated from Belleville High School in 1962.  During his high school years he was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Football team and the track team.  After high School Larry went on to Eastern Michigan University were he received his bachelors degree with a major in Mathematics in 1967, his masters degree in Mathematics in 1971, and his Educational Specialists degree in Educational Leadership in 1976.

After obtaining his bachelors degree in 1967 Larry Tabor started working with the Van Buren Public Schools were he distinguished himself as a hardworking math teacher and coach.  His outstanding work ethic, organizational skills, and disciplined demeanor were clearly recognized by the District; in 1974 he became the assistant principal of Belleville High School.

Larry became the Belleville High School principal in 1985 and moving into the position Director of Curriculum for the District in 1995.  He met great success in this position due to his critical thinking skills, knowledge of curriculum, and commitment to the Van Buren Public Schools.

In May of 2000, Larry was appointed to the position of Superintendent of schools.  His three year tenure was challenged by governmental issues and extensive budgetary concerns.  Larry Tabor retired in 2003 after a 36 year tenure with the Van Buren Public Schools district.