Tonya J. Porter

Tonya Reichle Porter passed away after a sudden illness on Sunday, September 1, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her parents Betty and Ralph Reichle and the love of her life, Bill Porter who for 5 lonely years was waiting for her with open arms.

 Tonya devoted her life to education and her impact on students, parents and colleagues was felt around the world.

Tonya’s contributions to the world of education began in her native state of Michigan, where after working as a Primary and special education teacher, she became the Principal of Caledonia Elementary School, which under her leadership was named a “National Exemplary School.” She was next appointed to be the Principal of Caledonia High School and again under her direction this institution earned the distinction of being deemed a “National Blue Ribbon School.”

 Her passion for education took her to Thailand in 1996, where she was appointed High School Principal at the International School Bangkok, and to New York City in 2001, where she served for six years as the Junior School Principal at the United Nations International School. She moved to Hong Kong in 2007 where she was the principal of the primary school at the Chinese International School for 11 years.

She believed in teaching and developing the whole child from head to heart, in and out of the classroom. She was known for her traditions that were created and built upon at each of her schools— a magic wand and fairy dust to grant wishes, peace tables for resolution, golden elephants for a lost tooth, and bracelets for birthdays — are just a few of the special touches that followed her around the world.

Tonya is survived by her siblings Renee (Mark) Chmiel, Don (Paula) Reichle and Ralph (Amy) Reichle as well as her beloved niece Caroline and nephews William, Charlie and Henry.

A celebration of her life will be planned for later in the year.

 In lieu of flowers, donations to the Children’s Advocacy Center Healing Garden are welcomed. https://cac-kent.org/healing-garden/ (in comments, please note that your donation is to honor Tonya Porter)

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