Waverly Community Schools Board of Education
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS:
President - Alicia Guevara
Alicia Guevara was elected to her first term on the Waverly Community Schools Board of Education in November 2018. Mrs. Guevara has a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School at the University of Texas at Austin. She is also an alumna of the Children and Family Fellowship with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Guevara is currently the Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy with the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), where she oversees a policy agenda focused on ensuring that all young children and their families in Michigan thrive. Member Guevara has spent the last 15 years advocating on behalf of better opportunities and outcomes for children and families in our state. Member Guevara strives to utilize these skills on the Board as she serves the community and works towards helping all students reach their full potential.
Alicia and daughter Marisela, who is a current Waverly student, and newest addition, Ariana, enjoy living in Waverly, attending youth athletic events and engaging with the community.
Vice President - Deborah Lopez
Deborah M Lopez was elected to her first term on the Waverly Community School Board of Education effective January 1, 2023. Deborah has a Bachelor degree of Science with a major in Human Biology from Michigan State University and a Bachelor degree of Nursing from Spring Arbor University. Professionally, Deborah has worked at EW Sparrow Hospital for the last 23 years. In her time at the hospital she has enjoyed working as an EMT, a bedside Registered Nurse, a Nursing Department Manager, and a Nursing Performance Improvement Specialist. Currently, Deborah serves as the hospital’s Clinical Student Liaison. During her years at EW Sparrow Hospital she has assumed several leadership roles and has completed leadership education on a variety of topics. Deborah has considerable experience with committee work and has serviced on the Nursing Quality Council, the Engagement Committee, and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. In addition, she has completed the Sparrow Women in Leadership Program and has serviced as an instructor for the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention education program.
Deborah and her husband Gabriel enjoy spending time with and supporting their children: Israel and Sarai, as they participate in a variety of Waverly High School sports, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Student Council, and Quiz Bowl.
Deborah is honored to have received such support from the community during the elections and is excited to utilize her personal and professional experiences while serving the Waverly Community as a productive Board member.
Secretary - Vince Perkins
Vince Perkins was elected to a four year term on the Waverly School Board in November 2022. Mr. Perkins is thankful to the Waverly Community for entrusting him to serve them in this new role. After graduating from Central Michigan University in December 1991, he started coaching and substitute teaching until finding a full-time teaching position in Northern Michigan where he taught English for four years, also coaching basketball and football. He earned his Masters Degree in Secondary Administration from Central Michigan University in 1998 and started his journey of educational administration that fall. He served as Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, High School Principal and Central Office Administrator in many districts during 20 years. The last 14 of those in Waverly Community Schools as Middle School Principal, High School Principal, and Central Office Administrator before retiring in June 2018.
These experiences as teacher, coach, and administrator have given Vice well-rounded experiences to begin this journey learning another role in education as a board member. He looks forward to the challenges, learning experiences, and rewarding times of working with and helping the community provide the best educational, co-curricular, and extra-curricular experiences for our children.
Vince enjoys announcing at many athletic evens. He, wife Christina (a Waverly alum), and step-son Derek (a Waverly student since Kindergarten) enjoy living in the community and attending many activities throughout the school year.
Treasurer - Catherine Pike
Cathy Pike was appointed to the Waverly Board of Education in March of 2022. Cathy welcomes the opportunity to serve the Waverly community. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1981 with a degree in English Education, Cathy began the journey to pursue her passion for teaching and helping others. Spending her career in the field of education, Cathy taught English at Lansing Catholic High School for twenty five years. Additionally, she has held positions as a substitute teacher, adult education teacher, and an alternative education teacher. These experiences provide a solid base from which to grow as a Board member and to serve the Waverly Community.
Cathy and her husband, Dave, have lived in the Waverly community for over thirty years. Their sons, Christopher and Matthew, both graduated from Waverly schools after participating in band, marching band, athletics, and other extracurricular activities including Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination.
Vice Secretary/Treasurer - Ty Liggons
Ty Liggons was appointed to the Waverly Board of Education in February of 2024. Following his appointment, he ran in the November 2024 general election and was officially elected to serve a 2-year term until December of 2026. Ty looks forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the Waverly district and assist in the future of Waverly youth. Ty is a proud Warrior and graduate of the 2003 Waverly Senior Class. Ty believes this opportunity has come full circle for him to serve the district where he grew up
Ty Liggons holds a Masters of Science Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelors in Communication from Siena Heights University and two Associates from Lansing Community College. Ty Liggons currently works at the State of Michigan as a Workforce Coordinator helping build the educational opportunities for construction professionals and business owners in the lead abatement industry. Prior to his current role, Ty spent over 10 years working with organizations like Mastercard/APCO Worldwide, Comcast, LCC, MSU, YMCA, BCBSM, GLAAHI, BCFI and many others to create educational programs for youth in the areas of professional development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and health awareness.
Ty believes in being a good steward and servant leader for the communities that he serves, and is looking forward to the opportunities to help the community grow. Ty has been a volunteer basketball coach in the Lansing area and the Waverly district for over 15 years now, and most recently with his daughter Cece’s team.
Ty and his wife Alicia enjoy raising their two daughters Sofia and Cece as future Waverly graduates. In their free time they enjoy activities with family, camping and traveling across this great state of Michigan. Ty and his family also enjoy being active members in the Waverly community.
Trustee - Andrea Torres
Andrea Torres was elected to her first four-year term on the Waverly Community Schools Board of Education in November 2024. Member Torres was born and raised in Lansing, MI. She is a dedicated wife, mother of four children, and a new grandmother! She has been a medical professional for over a decade; first as a certified ophthalmic assistant and now as an elder caregiver. She also counsels women and married couples. Member Torres is a strong advocate for family values and quality education. She spreads positivity through a nonprofit television station she and her husband run. In addition to broadcasting positive content, Member Torres and her husband organize and serve at regular outreaches and events in our community. These events allow her to directly connect with those that are less fortunate and show them they are not forgotten.
Trustee - Emily Lenneman
Emily Lenneman was elected to her first four-year term on the Waverly Community Schools Board of Education in November 2024. Member Lenneman was born and raised in Northern Michigan and moved to Lansing in 1999 after graduating from Baker College with a degree in Business Administration. Member Lenneman has worked in the field of law enforcement for 25 years, making student safety and accountability her number one priority as a board member. Member Lenneman has been a Waverly parent for 21 years and counting, so her love of the district and the Waverly community runs deep. Member Lenneman has always promoted the district as having the biggest heart for its students.