My name is Harry Werkema. I have been in law enforcement for almost 40 years. I have also worked with students through teaching, coaching, presenting the “The Dare Program,” and as athletic director of a small private school.

After my first retirement, I became the School Safety Officer for Wayland Union Schools, which is where I found my passion for protecting and educating students to be safe.

After fifteen years with the Wayland Union Schools, I joined the Attorney General’s Office to teach the “OK2SAY Program” throughout Michigan. This is a program that provides a confidential tip line and encourages anyone who has information about a student safety threat to submit that tip while remaining completely confidential. While this program was downsized, I still support the program.

All of these experiences led me to my current endeavor: “It’s in Your Hands,” a student safety program educating students about issues they face in school. This program provides options that the students can use in response to various issues, and also teaches them to trust their instincts, talk with trusted adults, or go to authorities about these issues.

It is my goal to encourage and empower students to use their voices, to stand up for what they believe in, and play an active role in staying safe in school.