Laura (Okkonen) Latsch
Sparta High School - Class of 1977
1995 Inductee
Sparta High School - Class of 1977
1995 Inductee
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.”