The Traverse City Central High School Hall of Fame has selected two new members for official induction on Saturday, September 26: long-time TCAPS teacher and community volunteer Tanya Helman, and retired Mackinac County Sheriff and college instructor Scott Strait.
The inductees bring Hall of Fame membership to 67 former TC Central students and staff recognized for professional excellence, community service, and school spirit. The Hall of Fame spans educators, coaches, athletes, musicians, military and law enforcement personnel, healthcare workers, community leaders, and advocates. The 2024 class included Dr. Andrea “Annie” Kritcher, Kevin Elsenheimer, and Nina Merten.
Tanya Helman
After graduating from TC Central, Helman earned an associate degree with honors from Northwestern Michigan College while managing Courtade Elementary’s Extended Day Program, running Grace McDonald’s Summer Camp, and assistant-coaching TCC JV softball. She later earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with honors in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University (via University Center TC).
Her 25-year career with Traverse City Area Public Schools included roles at Glenn Loomis, Eastern, and Courtade Elementary (17 years), educating over 600 students. She authored the TCAPS 2nd Grade Science Program, served on district science and social studies committees, and led Instructional Rounds.
Helman created “The Den” for social skills development, founded Courtade’s annual “Graduate Day,” served on leadership teams, and co-hosted family events like Math Night. She also led community support initiatives, organizing clothing and furniture drives, providing gas cards and holiday gifts, and guiding 2nd graders in raising over $3,000 through a charitable lemonade stand.
Her volunteer work includes three years as Trojan Band Parent Organization Vice President, youth athletics support, and participating in local parades and events. In 2025, she received the Outstanding Educator Award and was nominated for Outstanding Person in Education (OPIE) and the TCAPS Compass Award.
She is the mother of five sons (including TC Central students Cameron, Class of 2026, and Carter, Class of 2028), continuing a multi-generational Trojan legacy.
Scott Strait
Strait began public service as a volunteer with the East Bay Volunteer Fire Department. A 1980 TC Central graduate who competed in football and wrestling, he started his law enforcement career in 1985 as a Marine Officer for the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in 1986 before joining the Mackinac County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff, K-9 Handler, and Training Officer.
He began instructing at the LSSU Police Academy in 1995, earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University in 2001, and served as Mackinac County Sheriff from 2005 until retiring in 2020. Under his leadership in 2009, the Mackinac County Jail became the first in the nation accredited under American Correctional Association Core Jail Standards.
His honors and roles include the 2011 “Crimefighter Award,” Michigan Sheriffs' Association President (2013), an international counter-terrorism delegation to Israel (2013), Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council appointment (2014), Master Sheriff award (2019), LSSU Outstanding Alumni (2019), and Michigan Sheriffs' Association Sheriff of the Year (2020).
Strait transitioned to full-time faculty as an Assistant Professor at LSSU in 2019 before retiring in 2023. He continues to instruct incident command and emergency response for the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Homeland Security Division.
His career includes official honors from the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Coast Guard, and three Michigan State Legislative Tributes. He also represented rural sheriffs on national and regional security committees protecting critical infrastructure like the Mackinac Bridge.
Married to Lisa (Maison, ’82) for 42 years, Strait is the proud father of Jacob, a paramedic/firefighter, and Jennifer, a radiation therapist.
Weekend Hall of Fame Schedule
Helman and Strait will be honored during halftime at the Homecoming football game on Friday, September 25, at Thirlby Field. The official induction ceremony takes place Saturday in the TC Central Auditorium, featuring an ice cream social at 12:30 p.m. and the ceremony at 1:00 p.m.
Nominations for the 2027 class are now open at the high school main office on Milliken Drive. Submissions require a nomination form, three letters of support, and an original candidate photo. Details are available at the TCAPS Alumni Page. Inquiries may be sent to Courtney Biggar at biggarco@tcaps.net.