Laura (Okkonen) Latsch

National Honor Society:  Sophomore, Junior, Senior years       

Student Council:  Sophomore, Junior, Senior years

Jr. Rotarian:  Senior year

Track:  Varsity - 4 years

All-State - Sophomore year

All Conference - Freshman, Junior and Senior years

Most Valuable - Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior 

School Track Records - 1 mile and 2 mile 

State Track Meet - 2nd Place - sophomore 

                                   3rd Place- Junior          

Boys Cross Country:  Freshman, Sophomore, Junior year

College:  Michigan State University 

Track and Cross Country: 1977 and 1978 

Third place finish overall in the Old Kent

River Bank Run - 1980. 

Team McAllen (Texas) bicycle racing team - 1984-1986

Laura married another Sparta High School graduate from the class of 1977, Greg Latsch. They have three children: Joel 7, Michael 4, and Leeann 5 months. The Latsch family lived in Texas for seven years. While there, Laura worked as a Mental Health Case Manager and County Health Department Project Coordinator. Laura graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. 

Currently, Laura is employed as a proofreader for Rogers Printing, Inc. She is also an active school volunteer and the school board secretary for Ravenna Public Schools. She says her current athletic endeavors revolve around her family. She enjoys walking and riding bikes with her children. She is also a spectator at her boys’ baseball and soccer games. 

Laura says, “Set goals for yourself and work towards them diligently. Balance academics with athletics.”