Each year Meridian Public Schools honors parents who go above and beyond to help support teachers and students throughout the district.

Michael Van Veckhoven was awarded the Parent of the Year honor for 2011-2012.

Van Veckhoven is involved in the Study Buddy program, in which volunteers tutor and mentor students, and is the president of the Parent/Teacher Association at Poplar Springs Elementary School.

Van Veckhoven says each parent who is active in the district is a winner.

"I was honored, but the parent of the year award really goes out to the thousands of, not just parents, but community members in Meridian who volunteer a lot of hours in an effort to strengthen our public schools," said Van Veckhoven.

"Michael Van Veckhoven's commitment to the Meridian Schools is nothing short of outstanding," said superintendent Dr. Alvin Taylor. "And he is so involved that sometimes people think he is an employee of the district. We truly appreciate his hard work for the students of the Meridian Public School District."

Van Veckhoven attended Meridian High School, and his son currently attends Poplar Springs Elementary.

The following are Parents of the Year at each school:

Darry and Tanya Clark, Crestwood Elementary

Kim Houston, Oakland Heights Elementary

Denise Pugh, Parkview Elementary

Crystal Dubose, T.J. Harris Elementary

Tanija Pierce, West Hills Elementary

Stephanie Thomas, Carver Middle

Felicia Brown, Magnolia Middle

Jackie Dunn and Paige Corey, Northwest Middle

Brad Huff, Meridian High School