|
|
In the Archives...
Community/Alumni and District News |
|
| | [Middleville, MI] – The board president and superintendent from Thornapple Kellogg School recently joined nearly 1,000 colleagues from around the country as part of the National School Boards Association’s Federal Relations Network Conference to call on Congress to make public education a priority this year. This year’s conference was especially important with the new administration and the billions of dollars being considered for public education under the federal stimulus package.
With local school districts across the country facing economic hardships, school board members, administrators and other education advocates asked Congress to approve much needed funding to support their schools. At stake is $14 billion for school construction projects and $26 billion to better serve special education and at-risk students. “Every dollar we get from the federal government for school construction is a dollar we don’t have to ask the local community for,” said Don Haney, TK School Board President.
School districts have been chronically underfunded from the federal government for special education mandates and school districts spend millions of dollars meeting the requirements set forth by the federal government. The stimulus funding would provide the necessary first step for school districts to receive full funding for these critical areas, and would free up limited resources for other essential education areas.
| | | | | TIM JOHNSON HAS A LONG LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS THAT STARTED IN THORNAPPLE KELLOGG SCHOOLS IN HIS HOME TOWN OF MIDDLEVILLE. HE CAN NOW ADD WHITE HOUSE FELLOW REGIONAL FINALIST TO THE LIST.
ONE OF 108 NATIONWIDE SELECTED, JOHNSON WILL COMPLETE HIS INTERVIEW MARCH 17, AND HOPES TO BECOME ONE OF JUST 30 SELECTED AS A NATIONAL FINALIST BY THE PRESIDENTS COMMISSION.
NATIONAL FINALISTS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT TO A ONE-YEAR TERM AS A FELLOW TO SERVE AS ASSISTANT TO WHITE HOUSE STAFF, TAKE PART IN ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS WITH RENOWNED LEADERS AND GO ON TRIPS TO STUDY U.S. POLICY, DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONALLY.
"IT'S A HUGE HONOR," JOHNSON SAID OF THE NOMINATION. "I'M VERY EXCITED AND I JUST WANT TO DO MY BEST."
JOHNSON WAS CLASS PRESIDENT THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL TAKING LEADERSHIP ROLES IN MANY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
HE WON APPOINTMENT TO THE U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY AND GRADUATED WITH ACADEMIC DISTINCTION IN THE TOP 11 PERCENT OF HIS CLASS IN 2002 AND A DEGREE IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH. "I CHOSE TO BE AN ANALYST, RATHER THAN A PILOT, SO THAT I COULD CONDUCT STUDIES AND INFLUENCE DECISION-MAKERS," JOHNSON SAID.
STATIONED AT THE PENTAGON AS ITS YOUNGEST OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST, HE WORKED ON HIGH VALUE TARGETS AND REFUELING EFFICIENCY, EARNING AN ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL AND ALSO COMPLETING HIS MASTER'S DEGREE AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY.
MARRIED AND LIVING IN CROFTON, MD, WITH HIS WIFE AMANDA, HE IS THE SON OF JANET JOHNSON, A TEACHER AT PINE STREET ELEMENTARY IN WAYLAND AND BILL JOHNSON, BARRY COUNTY JAIL ADMINISTRATOR.
WHILE HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY, JOHNSON EARNED AN ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL FOR HIS WORK IN THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR.
JOHNSON IS NOW EMPLOYED AT BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON, A STRATEGY AND CONSULTING FIRM, WHERE HE PROVIDES OPERATION RESEARCH SUPPORT ON A CLASSIFIED HIGH PROFILE BILLION DOLLAR PROGRAM, AND LEADS RECRUITING. HE DEVELOPED A WAY TO OPTIMIZE THE COST PROPOSAL GENERATION PROCESS WHICH WAS ADOPTED WORLD WIDE BY THE 20,000-EMPLOYEE FIRM. HIS VOLUNTEER WORK INCLUDES WORKING WITH YOUTH LEADING A MATH/SCIENCE DEGREE OUTREACH PROGRAM, WORKING WITH UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH AND TEACHING CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN SCHOOLS.
| | | | | Rachel Whitney, a Hope College junior from Middleville, submitted a written piece entitled "Harry, age 63, keeper of the boardwalk down by Brighton Beach, recovering alcoholic and self-proclaimed optimist..." to the Opus, Hope College's student-run literary magazine published, once each semester.
Whitney is the daughter of Debra Whitney of Middleville. She is a 2006 graduate of Thornapple Kellogg High School. | | | | | Traditional art from Thornapple Kellogg High School artists is now on view at Kent ISD. Photography, paintings, graphite drawings and ceramic art can be viewed in the lobby at 2930 Knapp NE during business hours now through April 3.
The student artists in grades 9-12, taught by Thornapple Kellogg High School art teachers Tonya Woods and Barb Maring, have been studying portraits and self expression. Students studied the work of Frida Kahlo as they explored the concept of identity. They also learned about facial proportions and included personal symbolism in painted and photographed self portraits. Other students expressed their inventive thinking and created pieces showing ordinary objects in new and unusual ways.
“Using a combination of art history and new skill sets, we encourage students to delve deep into creative thinking and problem solving to come up with unique creations,” says Woods.
|  |  | | | Congratulations to Lee Elementary for being designated as a Green School. On April 22, 2009, Lee Elementary will receive a Green School Certificate award from Kent ISD and Kent County. To receive this award, 10 of 20 environmental activities must be completed. | | | | | Wednesday, March 25, 2009
By: Tony Tagliavia, WoodTV 8
Middleville, Mich. (WOOD) - The steps to get there sound relatively simple. The first one: changes in heating and cooling. "In the morning, we don't turn the buildings on until maybe a half hour before school and in the evening -- this building lets out at 2:40 -- everything goes down at 2:40 and that's been a huge savings, especially in natural gas," said Gary Thaler, energy manager for Thornapple Kellogg Schools.
"The district has, probably, 1,300 computers in it," he said. "So shut them down" when the school day's done. And of course, keep the lights off when you're not using them.
You could call Thaler the energy enforcer for Barry County's Thornapple Kellogg school district. "Well they call me quite a few things. Energy manager's what I prefer."
Thaler came out of retirement about two years ago, now working with help from outside energy consultant Energy Education, Inc., or EEI.
Districts using EEI -- and some who are not -- are avoiding hundreds of thousands and in some cases millions of dollars in energy costs by taking those relatively simple steps toward energy conservation. EEI calls it "cost avoidance" rather than savings because it's an estimation of money the district would have spent -- but didn't -- thanks to conservation.
Thaler makes roughly 10 energy checks a week in the district's different buildings to make sure what's supposed to be turned off is. Thaler has caught, among others, the high school principal. "Several weekends, when I found Mr. Koski's computer on, I found quite a few computers on," he said. "And I have little sticky notes that I leave. Nice little notes -- I don't leave any threatening notes or anything."
"There were about two or three or four times before I finally broke the habit of leaving my computer on," Principal Tony Koski recalled.
The consultant provides advice and software. Leaders at Thornapple Kellogg and other districts say the cost of bringing in EEI -- and a typically part-time energy manager -- is small compared to the avoided cost. Thornapple Kellogg pais EEI roughly $60,000 per year and Thaler $16,000 per year. For Thornapple Kellogg, EEI estimates a "cost avoidance" of $365,000 since January 2007. The district has seen real cost savings as well. Thornapple Kellogg saw energy costs increasing 12 to 18 percent a year between the 2002-2003 and 2005-2006 school years.
The district started its conservation program started in January 2007. And Thornapple Kellogg saw a less than 1 percent increase in energy cost from 2005-2006 to 2006-2007. From 2006-2007 to 2007-2008, costs decreased by 5.5 percent.
Cedar Springs started working with EEI in May 2004, avoiding $900,000 in spending. Forest Hills has its cost avoidance pegged at $2 million since July 2006. Lowell and Rockford have been working with EEI since 2004, with avoidance tallied at $2.5 million and $2.09 million, respectively.
Zeeland Public Schools, which has used its own energy conservation techniques, estimates $750,000 in costs avoided over five years. West Ottawa school leaders say their relatively new buildings can automatically take some steps like powering computers off and Portage Schools has just signed on with EEI. Caledonia has its own extensive energy-savings plan, including heating and cooling restrictions as well as four-day weeks during summers, that leaders said saved $105,000 in its first year.
At Thornapple Kellogg, leaders say it's part of an overall conservation effort. Students, for example, have encouraged the district to use more cost-efficient lightbulbs. "It's becoming a lot more pertinent that we start focusing on the environment," said high school senior Quinn Konarska, who heads the student environmental action council.
An online presentation on the website of Washtenaw County's Dexter Community Schools lists other West Michigan as clients of EEI, including districts in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Comstock, Parchment, Sparta, Paw Paw, Byron Center, Mattawan, Allegan, Ostego, Jenison, East Grand Rapids, Fremont and Newaygo.
| | | | | Thornapple Kellogg schools puts retirement incentive atop list of approved cutbacks
by The Grand Rapids Press
Monday March 30, 2009, 8:38 PM
MIDDLEVILLE -- Retirement incentives for teachers and support staff are part of a plan approved by the Thornapple Kellogg Board of Education Monday night to reduce the 2009-2010 budget by at least $1 million.
District leaders hope the incentives attract at least six teachers and two support personnel. Superintendent Gary Rider said they are a way of reducing staff without forcing layoffs.
Personnel will have 45 days to apply for the retirement option.
Other budget reductions approved at Monday's special session: reducing textbook purchases, eliminating an elementary technology position; eliminating an audio visual repair position; self-operating the food service program instead of contracting for services; and eliminating in-school suspension programs.
Reductions also will be made in school athletic costs, although those have not been specifically detailed yet. Athletic cuts likely will include reduced funding for uniforms and equipment.
District Finance Director Chris Marcy said the 2009-2010 budget deficit is projected at about $1.8 million. The district hopes to reduce costs by about $1 million and dip into its fund balance for its additional needs.
| | | | | The Grand Rapids Press
By Julie Makarewicz
Thornapple Kellogg Middle School students Luke Poholski and Travis Lanning planted trees. Matt Ranes and Austin Webster picked up garbage along M-37. Tara Oram is volunteering at Lake Haven Rescue Animal Shelter, and Kaleb Amon collected pop cans to raise money for the animal shelter.
Almost 200 seventh-graders went beyond homework by performing community services. They showed off their efforts in a recent open house for parents and fellow students.
Social studies and language arts teachers collaborated on the service learning lessons. The student had to research and write about their areas of concern, and design plans to address them -- as well as "dream plans" that would involve government aid.
Their efforts ranged from stopping animal abuse and protecting the environment to helping those dealing with illiteracy, autism and unemployment.
Liz Rogers raised money to send to grace Haven House in Ohio, which helps young women who have been involved in human trafficking.
It's modern-day slavery," she said. "There are tons of different forms of it from drug trafficking and other stuff. I just wanted to do something to help."
Tara said she plans to continue volunteering at the animal shelter even after finishing her assignment.
"I learned there's a lot of abuse out there, and its sad," she said.
I think this is great for the kids," said Tara's mom, Robin Oram. "it get them involved in something that's important to them. They get really excited and motivated and see they can make a difference in their world."
Social studies teacher Stephanie Langschied said the personal involvement was a key part of the lesson.
"I hope they can be active members and realize they can make a difference just by doing little things," she said. "And it's something all students can do."
Hannah Naylor said her work at Green Gables in Hastings, a center for women and children was eye-opening.
"Helping out definitely makes you feel good," she said. "And it's easier than you think it's going to be. Definitely -- one person can make a difference.
Principal Jon Washburn said he was impressed by the student's passion as they showed parents their displays and information.
"This is about the real world and responsibility," he said.
Kids really get into this and it gives them that real world connection that we're trying so hard to offer.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz
The Grand Rapids Press
Thursday May 14, 2009
MIDDLEVILLE -- Recently completed renovations at Village Hall mean more elbow room and efficiency for employees.
Residents can take a look at the remodeled hall, 100 E. Main St., during an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.
"We've used this building the way it was for 19 years," Village President Lon Myers said. "It was time to do some work to it and add some more space."
The project added almost 1,525 square feet to the facility, including a meeting room that accommodates more than 40 visitors. "The old meeting chamber was just too small," Myers said. "We couldn't fit very many people in. So this is just a lot better."
The village purchased the building, formerly owned by Bradford White Products, in 1990 for use as the hall.
New restrooms are accessible even when the hall is closed. Myers said they will be especially convenient for people who use the Paul Henry trail and the Stagecoach park area at the trail head.
The almost $350,000 project also included remodeling the 1,670 square feet of office to make better use of the space.
"Things were just getting pretty tight for everyone," said Myers. "Now we have a conference room where we actually have room for people to make presentations. We have it wired for technology so people can plug in their computers and put their presentations up on the screen."
The Barry County Sheriff's Department has its own entrance and office, with a small holding area.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz
The Grand Rapids Press
Monday May 25, 2009
In blue tights, bright red shorts, rainbow-striped socks, goggles and a swim cap, Zero the Hero is greeted with a chorus of "Yeahs" when he walks into each McFall Elementary classroom.
"Today is the 160th day of school," he announced, before leading the students in counting to 160 by 10s. It's a scene that's played over and over again throughout the year -- each time students reach a number of school days ending in a zero.
The visit always includes a counting story -- today it's "Warthogs in the Kitchen" -- and a cookie for everyone.
Zero the Hero is just one of the roles Bill Rich has played as McFall's principal for 29 years. He retires this spring, and an open house honoring him will be held 4-7 p.m. Thursday in the school's cafeteria, 509 W. Main.
Rich is a 1969 graduate of Thornapple Kellogg High School who went on to Western Michigan University before returning to the district to teach. He started with fourth grade, them moved to a middle school reading program. That eventually led to a job as district-wide reading coordinator and then the McFall principal job.
It's a 36-year career with TK that Rich said he finds unbelievable even today. Forty years ago, he sat with his graduating class wondering what his future held. This year, he stood before the class of 2009, offering advice and thanks -- and wondering again about his own future.
"More than anything I'm going to miss the kids and the enthusiasm they have every day," Rich said. "I feel like I've taken more than I've given with this job. You just can't have a down day here. There's just too much positive energy all the time."
He has become well-known for his passion about reading.
"Our goal is to get kids to love to read and make sure every one of them knows how to read," he said of his job at McFall.
He started the popular Saturday Reading program, and more than 100 students this year earned an overnight stay at the school as reward for near-perfect attendance.
In 1999, Rich was elected president of the Michigan Elementary Principal Association. He was later elected to the board of directors for the national elementary school principals group, representing Mchigan, Wisconsin and Iowa.
"We're going to miss him a lot," said kindergarten teacher Shelley Erb, who has worked with Rich for 20 years. "He's just so into literacy and truly enjoys being with the kids. He greets them in the morning and sends them off in the afternoon. He comes into the classrooms and reads to them all the time. He's going to be missed."
| | | | | The awards ceremony for the Meijer Great Choices Film Festival ( www.meijergreatchoices.com) was held Saturday, June 20 in Grand Rapids at Celebration Cinema North. 2009 TK Senior Dayton Dimond entered 3 PSA's to the contest in March, he found out in May that 2 of his PSA's placed in the top 3.
Saturday during the ceremony Dayton learned how he placed. His first video on "Diversity" for the audience of 7th-12th graders placed 3rd. For his efforts he won a $500 Best Buy gift card. Dayton's second video in the category of "Promoting Healthy Lifestyles" for the 7th-12th grade audience won 1st place, earning him a $2000 Best Buy Gift card. For a total of $2500. Dayton was the winningest student in terms of dollars at the Film Festival. There were 2 other students from around the state who had 2 videos honored, but he had the highest dollar total with a 1st and 3rd place.
There were over 350 videos submitted for 6 categories.
Dayton also received 2 plaques in recognition of his achievement. The winning videos in all categories will be available to all schools in Michigan, in addition, all the winning videos will be shown on cash register screens at Meijers throughout the state of Michigan sometime in the future.
| | | | | His dad described Nick Roush as an "avid car freak" who was "really determined to serve his country." He signed up for a five-year Army committment, put on weight and developed language skills that he knew would be beneficial.
Roush, 22, died Sunday in Herat, Afghanistan from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
He was a corporal in the Special Ops, his dad, Robert, told 24 Hour News 8. Roush spent time rebuilding cars, and while he was in high school, played golf for the Thornapple Kellogg team.
A Middleville native, he was last home at Easter. He left for Afghanistan right after his visit.
Besides his father, Roush is survived by his mother Donna and his brothers Bobby and Kyle. Funeral arrangements are pending.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
Monday August 24, 2009, 10:08 AM
MIDDLEVILLE -- Two neighboring school districts share a portion of their name, and now they will share a staff member as a way to save money. Thornapple Kellogg will share Delton Kellogg's food service director, Alan Walker.
Although it's the first time the two districts have collaborated on shared services, there could be other opportunities in the future, said Gary Rider, Thornapple Kellogg's superintendent.
"I think this is exactly the kind of thing districts are going to need to look for in the future so that we can operate more efficiently," he said. "There may be other ways to share some of these operational costs between districts. I think that's what the state is wanting to see."
Delton Kellogg administrators could not be reached for comment on the arrangement.
Thornapple Kellogg opted to not renew its contract with Chartwells Food Service in favor of operating its own program. When administrators began looking for a director, they decided there was an opportunity to share the services of Walker, who has been with Delton for two years.
Chris Marcy, Thornapple Kellogg's finance director, estimated the district will save at least $45,000 to $50,000. Thornapple Kellogg will pay $45,323 in salary and benefits for the director the first year. After one year, both districts will evaluate the shared service.
Last year's contract with Chartwells cost the district more than $100,000, Marcy said. "We're confident it will save money," Marcy said of the new arrangement. "We know this director will be in our district half of the time and will be available by phone and e-mail whenever we need him. Our districts are close enough that we think it will work out very well."
Thornapple Kellogg's Board of Education had to cut at least $1 million from the 2009-10 budget. Early retirement incentives to teachers provided much of the savings, and the district expects to dip into reserve fund balances to meet an additional $800,000 in expenses.
Thornapple Kellogg also collaborates with the Kent Intermediate School District, especially in areas of professional training and development. | | | | | By the Kalamazoo Gazette Editorial Board
Thursday August 27, 2009
Decades ago, there were many small Michigan public school districts that were staying afloat all by themselves.
Gradually, however, financial pressures and demographic issues led to change and, to some extent, a loss of some districts' individual identities. School districts merged and hyphenated names became commonplace. We've seen that happen in Kalamazoo County, although not in recent years.
A more popular approach lately is cooperation. The most recent example in our area is an action by the Thornapple Kellogg and Delton Kellogg districts, which are neighbors. The two systems have agreed to share the services of Alan Walker, who is food service director for Delton Kellogg. The savings to Thornapple Kellogg, which has not renewed its contract with a private firm, could amount to $50,000 a year, according to Chris Marcy, Thornapple Kellogg's finance director.
Interestingly, the agreement marks the first time the two districts have made a commitment to share services. It likely won't be the last. Gary Rider, Thornapple Kellogg superintendent, said that future opportunities could present themselves. "I think this is exactly the kind of thing districts are going to need to look for in the future so that we can operate more efficiently," he said. "There may be other ways to share some of these operational costs between districts. I think that's what the state is wanting to see."
Indeed, the revenue picture is dim for many if not most of Michigan's public school systems. Moreover, Michigan's economic crisis is ongoing, and most economists say they believe the state's full recovery is a long way off.
Although it might have sounded like a good idea at the time, Proposal A has come back to bite K-12 school systems. In March 1994, 70 percent of the Michigan electorate voted in favor of a dramatic change that shifted the burden of financing school operations from local property taxes onto the state. To make this possible, a proposal to raise the sales tax from 4 to 6 percent was approved. Obviously, when the state economy is down, sales tax revenue falls. Now, as we see, the state is having to reduce the amount it should be giving to schools.
| | | | | Los Angeles and New York photographer Kevin Schmitz (2002 TK graduate) returns to Middleville to receive a prestigious award and exhibit his work. As a nationally published fashion editorial and advertising photographer, Kevin has taken the photography industry by storm. From photographing a gripping documentary in Israel during the Gaza Conflict in 2009, to shooting fashion shoots of top models and celebrities, Kevin Schmitz has developed a strong conceptual vision in his work.
From September 23rd to 30th, Kevin will Exhibiting his photographic fine art exhibition: "Alchemy of a Dream: Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious" at the B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids. "As dreams have a unique way of transforming our unconscious into a limitless reality, photographs can trigger deep unconscious memories." Each piece is photographed as a multi-image composition of an archetypal figure meshed into a black & white negative background. this new style of fine art digital montage encompasses an ethereal feel that is represented by an inverse dreamscape of the collective unconscious.
As a Grand Valley State University Graduate, Kevin will be accepting the "Distinguished Young Alumni of the Year Award" on October 3, 2009 in Allendale, and guest lecturing at the university throughout the week. He will be the keynote speaker at the alumni gala event at Grand Valley as well as a speaker for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce on September 28, 2009.
| | | | | THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Students lined Main Street outside McFall Elementary School this week to show their support for bus driver Lupita Cowham, who will participate in a three-day cancer walk today through Sunday in Pennsylvania. Cowham was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and has been battling recurrences of the disease ever since. She's been a district bus driver for 23 years and is joined by co-worker Beth Blocksma on the team. "I just figure I'm still here and I just feel like I have to do something to try and help others," said Cowham. The team has raised nearly $25,000 so far. The other members of the "Pink Z-bras" are Teri Schrock, Cathy White, Gayle Welz, Nina Wiersma, Bobbie Taffee, Jamie Nanzer, Ann Bainbridge, Jeanne Kazemier and Sally Stahl. To donate: www.the3day.org. | | | | | By The Grand Rapids Press
Thornapple Kellogg's mildly cognitively impaired classes bring 17 students from kindergarten through third grade to YMCA's Camp Manitou-Lin for a six-week therapeutic riding program in the fall and spring.
| | | | | Attendance much better across most West Michigan
By Joe LaFurgey
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)
On Monday, 16 schools were closed due to swine flu and seasonal influenza concerns. As many as 50 schools were closed for the same reasons last week.
24 Hour News 8 placed calls to districts throughout West Michigan to see where their numbers stand.
In Bangor, where classes were canceled Friday, 26 percent of the student body was out last week. On Monday, 21.5 percent was out.
At Thornapple-Kellogg, the numbers improved. About 20 percent of students called in sick last week, compared to 11 percent out Monday.
In Belding, where school was closed Thursday and Friday, 500 students were out Wednesday. School officials say the number now stands at 190. In Sparta, 20 percent of the district's students were sick and on Monday, the number was down to 9 percent. The schools were closed Thursday and Friday.
Ada Christian was back Monday with more than 96 percent attendance. It was parents who supported the decision to close last week, school leaders told 24 Hour News 8.
"The response has been totally supportive," Ada Christian Interim Principal Daniel Day said. "I did not have one negative phone call or e-mail in return. People were supportive and understanding and appreciative of the action takes."
However, there were a few exceptions. In South Haven, absentees were up 6 percent. The Tri-County district opened Monday but closed down the rest of the week.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
October 30, 2009, 2:22AM
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Lee Elementary School's fundraising efforts for new playground equipment got a boost from Barry County Parks and Recreation. The county recently awarded the school a $5,000 grant to help with the $81,000 playground project.
The school earlier received a $5,000 grant from the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation and a $2,000 grant from the Heritage Day Committee. Lee administrators also applied for funding with the county's Youth Advisory Council. The district has $34,000 budgeted from bond funds.
The school has already put in a new climbing web for students as the first phase of this project. Principal Tim Shaw said he hopes to be able to have the play structure ready to place by early spring.
He said he's also hopes volunteers will be able to help install the equipment and ground covering.
| | | | | BARRY COUNTY — Four teens are powering up their “bird brains” for a shot at a national 4-H avian quiz team title.
“It would be cool to be the first team from Michigan to place,” said Trenton Bosworth, the youngest member of the team at 15 and a sophomore at Thornapple Kellogg High School.
Thornapple Kellogg also is represented by senior Tyler Agastini, 17.
Austin Blair, a 16-year-old junior, represents Hastings High School, as does Boone Basler, 19 and a 2009 graduate.
The four are members of county 4-H clubs and have shown birds for several years in 4-H and open contests around the state and region.
They make up the first Michigan 4-H avian quiz bowl team to make it to the national competition, which will be held Nov. 18 and 19 at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Ky.
“It is a first for Michigan and for Barry County,” said Bonnie White, who coaches the team along with Mary Guy. “We don’t really know what to expect.”
The real pressure is that the team members are restricted to only one quiz bowl competition in their lifetime.
“They can’t try again next year with a different team,” White said. “They get one shot.”
A stack of more than 200 index cards sporting questions created from a 193-page study guide is proof of the quartet’s commitment.
“We have to know a lot of different things about all kinds of birds,” Basler said. “It’s a lot to learn and a lot to remember.”
The study guide has eight sections: small turkey management; breeds, varieties and strains; raising game birds; “eggcyclopedia,” which includes spelling and definitions; contributions of poultry to the development of science;
biosecurity; embryology; and avian influenza.
Teams get 10 seconds to answer questions.
Give a wrong answer, lose five points. Get it right and gain five points. The team that finishes with the most points is the winner, moving on to the next round.
Bosworth said the trip to nationals shows how far-reaching 4-H can be.
“This is something I’m going to carry with me all my life,” said Bosworth, who plans to go into veterinary medicine. “I’ve learned so much through 4-H. How many kids get to play football after high school? But with 4-H, you can take what you learn and keep working at it all your life.”
Without 4-H, many youths might not choose to go into agricultural-related fields, Agastini said.
“It just gives you a chance to try so many things,” Agastini said. “We wouldn’t have the chance to do this if it weren’t for 4-H.”
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
November 06, 2009, 10:15AM
MIDDLEVILLE — Rojean Sprague knows there is more to teach than what’s in textbooks.
“We spend time studying the Constitution and the principles that make our country great,” said Sprague, a Thornapple Kellogg Middle School eighth-grade social studies teacher.
“We’re relating the sacrifices our soldiers make today to uphold those same principles for our country.”
Those lessons are being translated, as the school’s eighth-graders partner with First Baptist Church of Middleville to collect items through Nov. 17 to send to U.S. military overseas.
“I think it’s good that we can show we appreciate what all the troops do to give us our freedom,” said eighth-grader James Lawson, who has helped sort donations.
Emiley Jenkins’ father retired after 22 years in the military.
Now, she said, it is her turn to help out. “I think they actually see that we care about them when we send them stuff,” Emiley said.
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have a close local reminder. Cpl. Nick Roush, 22-year-old special operations soldier and Thornapple Kellogg High School graduate, died in August in an explosion in Herat, Afghanistan. His photo, and those of 11 other local men and women in the military, hang in the church’s hallway beneath a red, white and blue sign proclaiming: “Home of the Free — Because of the Brave.”
Jonathon Campbell, an eighth-grader, recalls Roush’s funeral and the overwhelming community support.
“I’ve never seen anything like it before,” Jonathon said. “It made me feel good to see all the people and that he (Roush) died for a reason.”
Care packages filled with candy, cards, gum, Chap Stick, magazines, disposable cameras, nuts, treats and personal care items are being prepared. They are to be shipped to the locals in the military. Donations, including calling cards, restaurant gift certificates, gas cards, books and
other items, are being collected for those soldiers’ families through Dec. 13.
Contributions can be dropped off at the school, 10375 Green Lake Road, or the church, 5215 N. M-37.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
November 13, 2009
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Three Thornapple Kellogg High School students recently were named to the regional Honors Choir.
Senior Cassie DeHaan and juniors Lauren Borrink and Audry Meads were selected to take part in the regional choir. They will spend Dec. 5 at Western Michigan University working the Jerry Blackstone from the University of Michigan.
They will also audition for the State Honors Choir. Their day at WMU will end with a performance by the 150-member regional choir.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
November 20, 2009
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- The Thornapple Kellogg community library is now open 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. The library moved into its new facility on the north side of Thornapple Kellogg High School this fall and has seen increased use throughout the week.
During the week, the library is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The library will close at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 25 and remain closed Nov. 26 through 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
December 04, 2009
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Lee Elementary School students will perform their winter concerts at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Thornapple Kellogg Middle School gymnasium, 10375 Green Lake Road.
District schools are also serving as Toys For Tots collection sites. The toys will be distributed to needy families in the area. New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off during school hours through Dec. 14.
| | | | | Toys collected in Barry County will the distributed through Love Inc. and the Thornapple Valley Church. Toys can be dropped off at any of the following locations in Barry County:
Advent Physical Therapy, Bob's Gun and Tackle, Chemical Bank (Hastings and Middleville locations), Curves, Gun Lake Fitness, Hastings City Bank, King's Electronics and Appliances, Michigan Career & Technical Institute, Middleville Family Dentistry, Middleville Tool and Die Co., Inc., Tendercare Hastings, Thornapple Valley Community Credit Union, Walker, Fluke & Sheldon, and Sam's Joint.
Please consider making a child's Christmas brighter this year by donating an unwrapped toy at one of the Angel Tree sites listed above.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
December 11, 2009
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Throughout the week of Dec. 14 to 18, Thornapple Kellogg High School students will participate in various fundraising activities for the Extreme Investment Fund. This fund helps Barry County senior citizens with electric and heat bills throughout the winter.
Students can purchase hot chocolate, have pictures taken with Santa, and buy hats and scarves in school colors. The power of the penny will be demonstrated with the penny wars all week.
Students are also encouraged to take an angel from the angel tree in the lobby and donate a gift for children in Barry County.
| | | | | MIDDLEVILLE -- Surrounded by classmates recently at Celebration Cinema South, Alexis "Lexi" Derosha's smile hid any inkling of the disease threatening her life.
"Today is probably a 17 on a scale of 1 to 10," said Lexi, ecstatic at the chance to be with friends from Thornapple Kellogg Middle School for a little while.
Lexi is battling a rare form of severe aplastic anemia that strikes only about three out of every 1 million people. It was diagnosed in March and has kept the 12-year-old out of school this year.
Her mother, Destiny Adgate, said doctors believe a virus attacked Lexi's liver. From there, her condition worsened, putting her in and out of the hospital, requiring surgeries, leaving her with few, if any, white blood cells to ward off infections or disease, and the inability for her blood to clot.
Since May, she has stayed alive with more than 100 blood transfusions -- now a twice-weekly routine. In January, Lexi is scheduled to receive a bone marrow transplant from an international donor at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, possibly the last option to beating the disease and one that doctors caution is still a longshot.
But Lexi has held onto her spunky attitude and isn't giving up. On the front of her lime green T-shirt is a quote she found online and has taken to heart: "When life puts you in tough situations, don't say, 'Why me?' Just say, 'Try me.' "
"I'm going to beat this," she reassures her middle school friends.
Thornapple middle school students annually have a holiday fundraiser for the children's hospital. This year, the drive took on a new emotional connection when students realized in a roundabout way they would be helping Lexi by helping the hospital.
On Friday, they brought a check for more than $2,250 to the theater, where radio station Star 105.7 FM hosts a fundraising event for the hospital.
In one week, the nearly 700 middle school students raised the money by selling candy, gum, doughnuts, paying to wear a hat, slippers or pajamas for a day, and gathering donations.
Seventh-grader Aiden Reigler gave $250.
"Every year my family donates to a family in need or something for Christmas. This year, we decided to give it to the fundraiser in Lexi's name," Aiden said.
Ethan DeVries, another seventh-grader, also gave big. Through a church program, his grandfather gave him $100, with the stipulation it had to be spent on a good cause or given to a charity. He decided to give it all to the hospital in Lexi's name.
Adgate is grateful for the support.
"TK has been amazing all the way around. She misses being in school so much, but the school has been great about helping us and being supporting and sending cards. And now this. It really says a lot," she said.
Seventh grade language arts teacher Stephanie Vandor tutors Lexi and helps with the student council-led fundraising. "We love doing this fundraiser every year, but this year even more. Lexi should be in my class with these kids."
| | | | | MIDDLEVILLE -- While other second- and third-graders at Thornapple Kellogg's Lee Elementary rolled snowballs and played football, Jake Maring dedicated much of a recent recess to running laps.
He said he hopes his work pays off, getting him first in line to climb to the top of a new "Mack Daddy" play structure after Christmas break.
"I like high places better than low places," said Jake, a second-grader, adding that he's already logged more than 30 laps. "I want to be the first one up there."
Construction of the $80,000 playground started earlier this month, and Principal Tim Shaw said he expects most of it to be completed by the time students return to school in January. It's been about a two-year effort to raise the funds needed for the new playground, which includes a climbing net installed last year, the massive Mack Daddy structure with slides, climbing apparatus, towers, tire swings, double glider and swings. Wood chips will replace the pea gravel base around the playground.
The construction work has left the students with only open space for recess. Shaw said that's when he came up with the idea of the challenge: Students who walk or run the most laps will get the first crack at Mack Daddy.
Second-grader Hunter Charles said he walks part of the time, but the allure of rolling snowballs sometimes is just too tempting.
"I just really want to play on the new stuff -- I can't wait," he said.
Second-grader Claudia Wilkinson said the walking gives her time to talk with her friends.
"I want to go on the zip line thing first, and the slides look like a lot of fun, too," she said, swirling her fingers in the air to mimic the spiral slide.
Students have a vested interest in the playground: They've helped raise funds, written grant applications, and even made a wish list of what they wanted.
Their efforts resulted in $5,000 grants from the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation, the Barry County Youth Advisory Council and the Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission. They also received a $5,000 anonymous donation and $2,000 grant from the Middleville Heritage Day committee.
Students participated in walk-a-thons and a coin drive, collected box tops and sold ice cream. And the district gave $37,000 budgeted from a bond approved two years ago.
"This is gong to be a community park," Shaw said. "We want kids playing here -- it's for the whole community."
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
January 07, 2010, 12:29AM
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Thornapple Kellogg High School's guidance department is hosting a college financial aid workshop at 7 p.m. Monday in the cafeteria, 3885 Bender Road.
David Steffee, Aquinas College's director of financial aid, will provide information about completing forms.
Information about local scholarships will also be available through the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation. Details: 795-5428.
| | | | | By Greg Johnson | The Grand Rapids Press
January 16, 2010, 2:55PM
If he didn’t have one, he would find one. Better yet, he would smile, shake your hand, lean in and prod you with a question that would help you see the answer.
Page was a teacher, coach, athletic director, administrator and man with a smile around Thornapple-Kellogg High School in Middleville for more over 30 years.
He was my friend. And once he was your friend, you had answers.
I was a kid, fresh out of Michigan State, armed with a degree in journalism and ready to set the world on fire in 1980. I landed first at a weekly newspaper/shopper, "The Reminder."
Primarily, I covered high school sports in Barry County, which at that time centered around high schools in Hastings, Nashville-Vermontville (Maple Valley), Middleville, Delton and Lake Odessa (Lakewood).
And the first time I asked a question in Middleville, Ray, a thoughtful assistant football coach under legend Bob White at the time, had the answer and a friendship to go with it.
Over the years we saw each other at games. He loved the games. I loved the games. He always made it a point to seek me out, and if I spotted him I would collect a hand shake and a conversation. He would call me with story ideas about the athletes and coaches. He would tell me he still was reading my stories. I would call him with questions. And he always had answers.
Ray Page died Thursday with his beloved family at his bedside. He was 78. His son Scott, a University of Michigan professor, one of four children of a proud Ray and Marilyn, sent me a note regarding his passing.
Scott knew I would want to know; God called, and Ray answered.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at the Beeler Funeral Home in Middleville. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Monday at Middleville United Methodist Church.
He will be buried in Yankee Springs Township Cemetery. Consider a memorial to the Thornapple Enrichment Foundation for scholarships for Thornapple Kellogg students, or to the Thornapple Kellogg Athletic Deparment.
| | | | | TK Schools are offering enrichment classes for students, starting in March. Please click on the following link to view the upcoming classes
| | | | | BIG RAPIDS - With the sick hops that launch him above the rim and a quick first step that allows him to blow past opponents, newcomer Jon Yeazel has become an instant hit on the hardwood at Ferris State University.
He had a one-handed alley-oop dunk earlier this season that fans still buzz about.
Yeazel, a native of Middleville who prepped for Thornapple-Kellogg High School, has traveled a long and winding road that has brought him to Ferris for his final season of college basketball. The journey began at the Division I level. Yeazel was a highly-sought-after player recruited by several mid-major schools (mostly from the Mid-American Conference). His skills ultimately eventually landed him at Central Michigan University where he played for two seasons, but maybe not the way you're thinking. Yeazel played at CMU during the 2005-06 season, transferred to Schoolcraft College where he played one season (and averaged 13.1 points and 7.9 rebounds) and finally returned to CMU where he played the 2007-08 campaign.
But, it just wasn't the right fit for Yeazel at Central, and ultimately the 6-foot-2, 205-pound high riser landed at his final stop: Ferris. He redshirted, during the 2008-09 season, but reemerged for his final year of college basketball.
Yeazel's transition proved far from easy. It took several games for him to get his body back in game shape and get back up to real game speed (the kind of speed that can't be simulated in practice or even scrimmages).
"Any time you transfer it's going to take a few games to get back into the flow of things on the floor," said Yeazel, who has emerged as a versatile one-on-one scorer, a guy who sees the floor well and rebounds relentlessly. "You're new to it and guys are coming back and are already comfortable in the positions they were in last year. So, it was just a matter of me coming in and fitting in with the guys."
Ferris head coach Bill Sall fully understood the impact that Yeazel could have as a component of his lineup. The Bulldogs already are blessed with a dominating scorer in the paint in 6-foot-6 post player Justin Keenan. Keenan currently is the leading scorer in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Yeazel's a smart guy. Like his teammates, he knows where the ball needs to go for Ferris to be successful.
"A lot of what I try to do is to get the ball into Keenan. That makes everybody look good out there," said a smiling Yeazel, an admirer of the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, and who has a game that shares some similarities in terms of explosiveness and getting to the rim. "To be honest, I am not worried about scoring or anything like that right now. I am just focused on winning."
Right now, Ferris is 13-8 overall and 11-5 in the GLIAC.
Yeazel has been a big reason for that success so far this season.
He has been a fantastic addition to a Ferris team that was already expected to rank among the contenders for the GLIAC title. The one-on-one ability to break his man down off the dribble, get inside and score or dish to teammates, has increased his value. For Yeazel, it's not about scoring or other statistics. When he and his teammates lost in a 96-85 heartbreaker to Hillsdale College last week, everyone knew it was time to regroup with defending NCAA Division II National Champion Findlay coming to town.
Ferris did, in fact, bounce back for an 86-77 win over the Oilers to get back on the winning track.
"It felt really good because it kind of puts us back into contention after (the Hillsdale) game which was a letdown for us," said Yeazel, who is averaging 9.7 points and 4.7 rebounds for the Bulldogs through 21 games. "We had the streak going (the Bulldogs had won six in a row). This win, actually, would have been a lot better if we had beat Hillsdale."
Don't think that a win over the tradition-rich Oilers isn't special.
"Any time you beat Findlay it's good. They've been at the top of the pack for the last few years," Yeazel said. "Any time you can get a win over them, especially the way they did us at their place beating us by 25 or 30 points, it feels good.
"Now, we just have to keep it going," Yeazel added.
| | | | | MIDDLEVILLE -- When Mang Ling told friends he intended to wrestle, they immediately envisioned him slipping between the ropes, dusting off his sleeper hold and putting the hurt on Captain Charisma.
Considering Ling's history, that guess would be significantly closer to the truth than where Ling has wound up.
While his friends thought he meant he was signing on with World Wrestling Entertainment, the 18-year-old sophomore actually is on the Middleville wrestling team.
"I tell people that I wrestle and they freak out," Ling said. "They're like, 'Whaaaat, the WWE?'"
You can't blame Ling's friends for their surprise. One of three refugees on Middleville's team who hail from Burma, now called the Union of Myanmar, Ling has overcome the loss of both parents, worked as an electrician to support himself at 15, had a brush with one of the countless warring factions in Burma and survived a perilous boat trip to Thailand to land on his feet in West Michigan.
Trojan teammates Steven Cung Bik, who at 20-3 has the best record of any 145-pounder in the OK Gold Conference, and Van Thang, who has a 19-10 record as a 119-pounder, have similar stories as Ling, a 112-pounder who is called "Steve" by teammates.
All three were separated from their parents in Burma in their early teens and barely supported themselves through a variety of odd jobs before undertaking a dangerous journey to bordering Thailand and then to Malaysia, where they made contact with Bethany Christian Services. The agency helped settle them in Middleville.
The only time the three had watched wrestling before joining the Trojans varsity team was seeing the WWE on television.
Now, each of them has a chance to win a league title at Saturday's conference meet at Catholic Central.
The trio's unlikely story of fleeing a hard life in Burma to landing in an American high school is nothing short of amazing, said Middleville wrestling coach Tom Fletke, also a counselor at the school. The youngsters' friends at Middleville encouraged them to try wrestling, Fletke showed them a film of Olympic wrestlers and their natural athletic ability quickly took its course.
Fletke said the trio has more than made up for a lack of wrestling technique with advantages in physical strength, plus incredible mental toughness and a willingness to learn.
"They had no clue about wrestling. They're like cats -- powerful. Their technique just isn't that good, but they have this driving force to be better," Fletke said.
Wanting a better life drove them from Burma, a poor country of 50 million people located in southeast Asia. Known to most of the world as Myanmar since 1989, Burma is split by ethnic tensions and has been ruled by the military since a 1962 coup. Life there, Thang said, is hard for everyone, let alone parent-less teens.
"There are no jobs which pay money," Thang said. "It's hard to feed yourself when you're young and can't do anything.
"You don't choose your job. You do anything you can find."
Ling was separated from his parents by the military, for which he eventually ran errands. The military also hunted Bik's father, chasing him to India. In an attempt to get his father to return, the police threatened to jail Bik, whose first job at 12 was as an equipment packer.
Thang was a farmer and then a cook before he fled to neighboring Thailand.
The three teens, all of whom have physical scars from their life in Burma, tell the same harrowing tale of fleeing to Thailand. All were packed tightly into a boat and covered with a plastic tarp to avoid detection by authorities on the four-day trip to Thailand. There, they trekked through a pitch-black, snake-infested jungle for miles, with little food and in constant fear of being discovered and sent to jail by police.
"I was really scared. Sometimes, I would cry. I didn't like the jungle," Bik said. "When they say run, you run."
Once in Thailand, the three made contact with Bethany Christian Services. Thang and Ling, who enrolled at Middleville in 2008, live with host family Scott and Lynn Pierce. Bik, now in his third year at Middleville, lives with the Chad and Joanna Seeber family.
Fletke said he is amazed at what the teens have accomplished on the mat with little wrestling experience. He said the primary driving force among the three is identical. All have become good wrestlers because their culture equates a loss with letting their teammates down. Driven by that fear, the three will go to great lengths to improve as wrestlers.
"You have to give 100 percent and do anything you have to do to win," said Bik, who dresses up at other Middleville sporting events as the school mascot. "You keep fighting with everything you have. If that doesn't work, I'll practice more and not get down on myself.
"In our country, when you play a sport, you're part of a team. You look at yourself as (needing to be) better than anyone else. But if you lose, you have to work harder."
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
February 15, 2010, 10:48AM
MIDDLEVILLE -- Alexis "Lexi" Derosha can't play soccer, have sleepovers, or even go to school.
But the Thornapple Kellogg Middle School student has found a way to make a difference. Lexi, 12, created the Wish Upon A Star Alexis Rose Foundation to help children like herself who have life-threatening diseases involving blood and bone marrow.
Through the foundation, she is hosting free blood and bone marrow drives in partnership with Gordon Food Service, the American Red Cross, the National Bone Marrow Registry, and the Michigan Blood.
To date, her efforts have added 26 new names to the Be The Match national marrow registry.
"I don't want other kids to have to go through what I've had to go through," Lexi said. "I want them to be able to find a match and not be heartbroken like I was so many times.
"I know what it's like to have to wait for a match and then not get one."
Lexi is battling a rare form of severe aplastic anemia that strikes only about three out of every million people. It was diagnosed in March and has kept her out of school this year.
She's scheduled for a March 3 transplant at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital after months of waiting and heartbreak when donors either backed out or were eliminated as possible matches.
"People don't really understand about being a bone marrow donor," Lexi said. "They don't know how much people really need their help."
Lexi's mom, Destiny Adgate, said she's proud of the way her daughter has handled the past year. "The foundation is all her idea," Adgate said. "She's the one who wanted to get it started and do something. I think it's fantastic." "I just want to help," Lexi said. "It makes me feel warm and fuzzy -- and that's a good feeling."
Lexi's other project is making handmade, colorful pillowcases "to replace the boring white ones" kids have in hospitals. Each pillowcase comes with a personalized message along with her favorite quote, "When life puts you in tough situations, Don't say, 'Why me?' Just say, 'Try me.'"
She also plans to make small blankets and recently gave Valentines to patients at the hospital. She said she will use donations from her foundation to help support patients and their families.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
March 11, 2010, 8:45AM
MIDDLEVILLE -- A Thornapple Kellogg High School graduate says he was only doing the job he was meant to do in the Army.
But Sgt. Scott Brooks' actions on June 25, 2007, earned him the Silver Star Award, the third-highest military decoration that can be given to a member of the U.S. armed forces. It is also the third-highest award given for valor in the face of the enemy.
"It was just kind of a crazy, crazy experience," said Brooks, now stationed at Schofield Army Base in Hawaii. "I don't really know how to describe my feelings. It's kind of mixed emotions. I'm glad I was able to do what I did. I had a lot of good guys there watching my back."
In 2007, Brooks was an Army specialist assigned as a heavy equipment operator to the 618th Engineer Company in Iraq. While he was serving with the 1st Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry regiment, a vehicle with explosives detonated near his camp, blasting a hole in the security perimeter.
Brooks said he knew he had to secure that perimeter. During heavy combat, he ran for a nearby bulldozer and pushed 13 destroyed vehicles to barricade the opening.
"His actions on that day saved both coalition and Iraqi security force lives and were directly responsible for protecting U.S. and Iraqi forces against one of the largest coordinated attacks executed by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Qaida," the unit's commanding officers wrote.
"Spc. Brooks is truly an American hero whose willingness to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission and protect his fellow paratroops is indicative of his selflessness. He put himself in harm's way of the enemy to rebuild the perimeter during a firefight."
Brooks, 24, served 15 months in Iraq. He is a 2004 Thornapple Kellogg graduate and originally intended to play football at Northern Michigan University. But before college started, he changed his mind and joined the Army.
His mother, Cindy, works at Lee Elementary School.
"We are so proud of him," she said. "We've always tried to instill in our children that no matter what you do, you put forth your best effort. You don't hold back."
Her husband, Robert, and her older son, Jeremy, will be in Hawaii this week for the Silver Star ceremony.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
March 17, 2010
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- The district had 11 Odyssey of the Mind teams this year, with eight judged at the recent regional competition. Three of the teams -- one each from Thornapple Kellogg High and Thornapple Kellogg Middle schools and a combined team from Page and Lee elementaries -- advanced to the state competition in April.
Members of the advancing high school team are: Emily Walton, Cade Bowman, Ashley Mainke, Sara Anderson, Cassie Spencer and Ashley Reed.
The middle school team advancing to state is made up of: Maddie Lince, Amy Cutlip, Taylor Ward, Ryan Gorton, Nick Gonzales, Jacob Gorton and Megan Genther.
The combined elementary team is: Karson Raak, Dora Koski, Ellie Adams, Brian Chesnutt, Tuner Halle, Liz Cutlip and Grace Brown.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
March 22, 2010
MIDDLEVILLE -- Renewable energy sources appear to be a wave of the future and Thornapple Kellogg Middle School students will get some first-hand knowledge of the systems.
The school will get up to $30,000 in a Great Lakes Energy Services grant to install a 1-kilowatt wind turbine and a 1-kilowatt solar panel system along with energy-efficient technologies for the classroom.
Technology teacher Jamie Langschied said he applied for the grant and was thrilled when Great Lakes Energy representatives came to the school to look over the site and awarded the money.
"It's going to be a great opportunity for the kids here to see renewable energy systems in action and learn how they work," said Langschied, who teachesa class titled 21st Century Skills. "They'll be applying math and science skills and using those skills in practical applications. "We'll be able to monitor through computers how much energy is being generated on a daily basis and what that amount of energy would power."
The school will be able to store and sell the energy generated back to Great Lakes and potentially reduce the building's overall energy costs. Langschied said the best part is that this educational tool won't cost the district anything. He said the resources will fit in well with his curriculum, and he hopes math and science teachers also might be able to use the systems for their lessons as well.
It's unclear when the systems will be installed, but Langschied said he hopes they'll be ready by fall. He said he plans to learn as much as possible about renewable energy in the coming months and plan activities for the students. The grant also awards Langschied associated learning tools and an energy curriculum.
Great Lakes Energy is an energy co-op with more than 125,000 members in 26 Michigan counties.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
March 25, 2010
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Former students are working to create memorial fund in honor of Ray Page, a teacher, coach and mentor with the district for many years.
He died in January. Members of the classes of 1960 and 1961 are starting the Ray Page Scholar-Memorial Fund. Proceeds will be used to fund a scholarship in Page's name for a senior who plans to attend college or vocational school and to help students who require financial assistance to play a sport or attend a sport camp. Details: www.tkschools.org, and a Facebook page is being developed.
Donations, with "Ray Page Memorial Fund" written on the memo portion of the check, may be sent to: Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation, P.O. Box 164, Middleville, MI 49333.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
April 11, 2010
MIDDLEVILLE -- To save money, the Thornapple Kellogg School District will purchase three used buses rather than new buses. Finance Director Chris Marcy said the district will save about $20,000 per bus.
Total cost for the three buses is $169,545 with funds from the 2007 bond. Each of the buses has fewer than 50,000 miles. Marcy said the district didn't purchase any buses a year ago and needs to continue replacement of some of the older vehicles in the fleet. She said the buses that will be retired are all from the early 1990s.
Some buses in the fleet currently have more than 240,000 miles, she said.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
April 08, 2010
MIDDLEVILLE -- Raquel Soyka and Carli Shellenbarger sold their last two "Cookie Pops" and closed their two-day-old business early. The seventh-graders are part of Stephanie Vandor's "E-generation" class at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School that teaches entrepreneurship.
"It was fun because it made you realize how difficult it really is to run a business," Shellenbarger said.
Emily Khodl ran out of handmade bracelets and quickly had to restock her inventory for a final day of sales.
"It's a lot of work, but I really liked doing it," she said.
The students advertised and sold their products during lunch hours. They had to create business plans and marketing ideas and will prepare a final project review.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
April 19, 2010, 2:56PM
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Replacing light fixtures with more energy-efficient on will save the district money over just a few years, administrators say.
It will cost about $98,000 to replace lights in the gymnasium and at Page Elementary, with money from the 2007 capital projects fund.
Energy experts said the district can also receive a $30,000 rebate from Consumers Energy and anticipate a payback of the total project in fewer than five years.
| | | | | By The Grand Rapids Press staff
April 23, 2010
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Three candidates are seeking two Board of Education seats. David Smith, a senior compensation consultant with Steelcase, has been on the board since 1994.
"The two highest priorities for the Thornapple Kellogg school board are to consider what's best for kids in every decision we make and to be fiscally responsible in the process," said Smith, 55.
Kim Selleck, a quality inspector for Kalamazoo Flower Group, has been on the board since 1994. "We focus on tightening our budget the best we can to keep the cuts away from the students as much as possible," said Selleck, 55.
Tim Whitney, 29, is a master electrician and electrical contractor with Whitney Electric Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. "The funding differences allowed by the legislation in the state of Michigan concerning the substantial difference in dollar per student amounts for schools districts in the state is an atrocity and needs to be put to an end," he said.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
May 04, 2010
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Four district facilities were honored as "green" schools. The Kent Intermediate School District awarded the designation to Lee and Page elementaries, Thornapple Kellogg Middle School and Thornapple Kellogg High School.
In addition, the district as a whole received the Chairman's Award from the KISD for demonstrating leadership and innovation in energy savings.
Overall, the district has save more than $500,000 in a three-year energy-saving program.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
May 10, 2010
THORNAPPLE KELLOGG -- Thornapple Kellogg Middle School was named the state winner in the Pine Tree Poetry contest.
English teacher Stephanie Vandor submitted more than 350 poems to the contest with 196 being accepted for publication in the book.
The district will receive $500 for the middle school library. This is the second year the school has won the award.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz, GR Press
June 08, 2010
Mike McLellen looks at the bean-bag chairs, inspirational posters and a bookcase filled with favorite novels and knows the legacy of his wife, Mary, will live on.
Mary McLellen, who died Feb. 6, taught language arts, Spanish and art at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School for 15 years and made special efforts to inspire students and teachers to read. This week, the school opened the Mary McLellen "Just Let 'Em Read" corner in the school library.
The corner is designed to give kids a relaxing place to just sit and read, with comfortable chairs, soft lights and a plush area rug.
"I think she would be very humbled and appreciative to be remembered in this way and so pleased that it's something that focuses on the kids," said Mike McLellen, who has established a scholarship fund for a student book club in his wife's name.
"She always said, 'It doesn't matter what they are reading, just let 'em read,'" said Stephanie Vandor, a language arts teacher. "She will have an impact on lives for many years -- that's beautiful," said Jolynne Dobson, the school's literacy coach. "If she could see this, I know she would be smiling."
Librarian Chris Boysen said the reading corner already is popular with the students. "There are always kids in these bean bags reading something, and that's what Mary would have wanted," Boysen said. "I can't think of one thing else that would make her happier."
Mike McLellan said he hopes students also find the corner inspiring with the "do your best," and "Follow your dreams" posters hanging around the reading center. Art students painted the ceiling tiles to depict their favorite book covers, such as "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "Twilight" and "Harry Potter." Boysen said she hopes art students will continue covering the ceiling with the favorite book titles.
Mary McLellan was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. When it returned two years ago after being in remission, students and staff surprised her by all wearing pink for a day.
| | | | | Monday, July 19, 2010
Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...
Two Boy Scouts from Troop 105 are working toward their Eagle rank with community service projects.
Eric Heynig recently conducted a flag-burning ceremony in Middleville and built two flag collection boxes for Thornapple Township Hall and the United Auto Workers Hall in the village. Middleville.
Heynig is a 2010 graduate of Thornapple Kellogg High School and plans to attend Northern Michigan University this fall.
Russell Ellinger built six handicap-accessible picnic tables for the Barry County Fairgrounds. Ellinger, who will be a junior at Thornapple Kellogg this fall, is a member of the West Thornapple 4-H Club and a teen superintendent in the dairy barn this year.
| | | | | MIDDLEVILLE -- Construction at Thornapple Kellogg High School is on schedule, under budget and should be ready for the 2010 school year, according to administrators.
Finance Director Chris Marcy said the district hopes to host an open house early in the school year to showcase the renovations.
The auditorium is the only part of the project that might not be done. It was originally scheduled for a November completion, but officials are hopeful it will be completed for the school year's start.
Voters approved a $27.9 million bond in 2007 for the construction. Renovations at the high school include additional classrooms, a new auditorium, a new main entrance, reconstructed main offices, improved art and technology facilities and other upgrades. The high school renovations cost about $20 million.
The bond also paid for additions and renovations at Lee and McFall elementary schools, which were completed a year ago.
| | | | | MIDDLEVILLE -- After more than two years of work, Thornapple Kellogg High School renovations will be complete when classes start after Labor Day.
The almost $21 million in construction -- including a new entrance, offices, locker area, auditorium and art, music and band rooms -- are nearly complete. New classrooms opened last year, with students winding through a maze of temporary walls and construction to get to them.
"It's really amazing when you think about it, that we were able to keep school open all the time in the last couple of years with all the construction going on," Principal Tony Koski said.
The high school renovations are the last of the projects from a $29.4 million bond approved in 2007. The main student entrance has flipped from the east side of the building to the west. In the center of the school, a common area filled with lockers and a student "main street" has replaced the library. The centralized lockers should make it easier for students to get to them between classes, Koski said.
The high school was built to accommodate 500 to 600 students. Today it has more than 900 who often found themselves jammed into narrow hallways. Lining the hallways with lockers only added to the congestion, and many students opted to not use their lockers, Koski said. "Our students have been so resilient in the last two years," he said. "It's going to be really nice to start a year without construction."
The art rooms look out on the "main street" with display cases and windows to showcase student work. Band and choir rooms have acoustical ceilings and room for storage. And the new auditorium seats 800 with a stage large enough to fit the entire orchestra.
"We're going to make sure the students know their parents' taxes paid for this, and it's their responsibility to take care of it and be proud of their school," Superintendent Gary Rider said.
A community celebration is being planned during homecoming weekend on Oct. 8 through 10.
| | | | | MIDDLEVILLE -- The annual Heritage Day celebration on Saturday carries a red, white and blue theme.
The parade will line up at 10 a.m. at Lee Elementary School, 840 W. Main St., and begin its march at 10:30 a.m., finishing at the Methodist church. A 5K run starts 8 a.m. at Stagecoach Park.
Other events throughout the day include a car show on Main Street, a craft show near Village Hall, and tractor pulls starting at 8 a.m. in front of the Thornapple Kellogg bus garage on Bender Road.
Scales Prairie Farms on Bender Road will also host a national barrel race on Saturday and Sunday.
| | | | | October 26, 2010
By Julie Makarewicz, GR Press
MIDDLEVILLE -- The Thornapple Kellogg school district has a voice in a national campaign to prepare a new generation of teachers.
The U.S. Department of Education recently launched the TEACH program to raise awareness of the teaching profession.
As part of the effort, a website has been established with testimonials from celebrities, politicians, teachers and former students. It also offers information about how to become a teacher, scholarships, financial aid available and finding jobs.
Scott Page, a 1981 Thornapple Kellogg High School graduate, gives two short testimonials on the site.
In the first, Page, now a professor at the University of Michigan, talks about one of his favorite teachers: Christine Schad, who taught fourth-grade at what was then known as West Elementary School. Page said every student in Schad's class felt like she really cared about them. She traveled the world, making her students believe they too could go anywhere or do anything they wanted in life, he said.
Page's second testimonial is a tribute to his father, teacher Ray Page. Scott Page said many former students attended his recent funeral, and one especially talked of the impact his father had on his life.
Superintendent Gary Rider said Page's comments speak volumes about district staff. "That's still kind of our philosophy here now," Rider said. "It doesn't matter how good we are, we always strive to be better. TK is still one of the best-kept secrets in West Michigan."
Page's videos are also posted at tkschools.org. They can also be found with the national campaign at teach.gov.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz, GR Press
October 27, 2010
MIDDLEVILLE -- Mitchell Middleton and classmate Grace Snyder used lightweight plastic pieces to build a handheld windmill. "It's really cool," said Mitchell, a second grader at Lee Elementary School. "I don't know if it will work or not though, the wind is really strong.
Lee students got hands-on lessons in energy conservation and renewable sources Wednesday through Great Lakes Energy Service Inc.'s mobile classroom.
Loaded with solar panels, a wind turbine, and even a solar-powered golf cart, the GLES mobile classroom, funded with a Michigan Public Service Commission grant, adapts to all grade levels. Educators plan events at Page Elementary and Thornapple Kellogg High schools later this week.
"I built this car all by myself from scratch and it really works," said second-grader Shane Coykendell as he hurried outside to test his solar-powered Lego vehicle. Second-grader Haven Beyer tested her knowledge on a computer. Pictures of corn, wood, natural gas, oil and other energy sources popped up on the screen, and she had to decide if they were renewable or nonrenewable.
"It's just a quick exposure for them to renewable energy sources," said Eric Proseus, assistant principal at Lee and Page elementaries. "We want them to understand how energy can come from different places."
Last spring, the nonprofit GLES installed a wind turbine and solar panels at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School that are connected to computer programs that allow students to monitor the energy generated.
Lee Principal Judy Scholten compared the energy lessons to the seatbelt education that took place several years ago.
"Now, most people don't even think about it," she said. "When they get in a vehicle, they put on their seatbelt -- it's automatic. We want that to happen with recycling and energy conservation, too."
GLES educator Shannon Norris said the mobile classroom will visit more than 50 schools in a year. "This is where changes start," she said. "We have to educate the kids so it becomes a way of life for them."
| | | | | Michigan community celebrates soldiers' homecoming
Lindsey Smith (2010-10-28)
The celebration and parade marked the return of the 180th Transportation Company.
MUSKEGON, MI (Michigan Radio) - Veterans, family and friends gathered inside Muskegon Catholic Central High School for the rally to welcome home the 180th Transportation Company. The unit spent 13 months fighting in the Afghanistan desert.
Among them was Private First Class Derrick Jackson. "It's great - great to see something that's green. Just being able to spend time with my family - it's a good feeling," Jackson said. Courtney Jackson's eyes light up watching her husband hold their 7 month old son Tyler. "It's so weird I'm used to doing everything by myself. It's kind of nice to have help," Jackson said.
In addition to hanging out with his son, Jackson says he's also looking forward to sleeping in and going hunting.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewics, GR Press
The first production in Thornapple Kellogg High School's new auditorium takes place Nov. 12 and 13. "Little Women," directed by Tricia Rickert, will be presented at 7 p.m. Tickets: $7 for adults and $5 for students; they are available online at www.tkschools.org or can be purchased at the door. | | | | | By Brett Bremer, Sport Editor
Hastings Banner
Even the most experienced runners can get thrown a little bit when the finish line is in view.
Thornapple Kellogg senior Allyson Winchester earned her fourth state medal, scoring her second runner-up finish with a new personal record time of 17 minutes 42.4 seconds at the Division 2 State Finals in Brooklyn Saturday. She was beaten out by Zeeland West’s Rachele Schulist, who won in 17:39.7.
“The whole race I was on her heels,” Winchester said, “then she started to pull away, then I made it up. I decided to take the lead with a little bit left (about 250 meters), but that only lasted for five seconds. I didn’t really think that through.”
Not far past the 2.5 mile-mark runners cross pit row at Michigan International Speedway and start a long stretch towards the finish in front of the main grandstand. The finish line is in sight.
“I was just anxious I guess,” Winchester said. “I thought I had it, but realized there was a lot further left.”
Winchester’s previous PR was set her sophomore season, when she placed second at the state finals. She was happy though to see that her time was faster than her older sister Rebecca’s collegiate PR at Grand Valley State University.
“She literally gave everything she had,” TK head coach Tammy Benjamin said. “It was a great race.”
Winchester’s teammate Casey Lawson, a sophomore, had a great race too, scoring her first state medal in her second appearance in the finals. She placed 21st in 18:38.6. The top 30 in each race at MIS Saturday earned state medals.
“I just ran a smart race,” Lawson said. “I took from last year and thought about all sorts of things I should have done.”
“The start definitely (was one spot where experience helped), just get out and go and then try to conserve a little bit for the end. I knew that was going to be the hardest part just because so many girls are pushing and trying to move up spots.”
It’s the first time the Trojan girls’ team has had two runners earn state medals in the same year since 2001.
“They were just ready to face,” Benjamin said. “I saw it at the regional meet, and this week in our training. This week we ran a hard five-mile Wednesday and I told them I thought ‘there’s nothing else you can do.’
“I would have been disappointed if they both weren’t up there (on the medal stand).” They were the only two local medallists. Hastings’ freshman Trista Straub was 180th in 20:44.8.
Grand Rapids Christian’s Julia Bos, who was fourth overall in 17:48.3, led her team to the state championship. The Eagles finished with just 111 points. Hamilton was a close second with 116 points, followed by East Grand Rapids 177, East Lansing 202, Forest Hills Eastern 220, Cedar Springs 236, Otsego 246, Ionia 274, Mt. Pleasant 291 and St. Johns 301 in the top ten.
Forest Hills Northern won the Division 2 boys’ championship on the day, with 108 points. Mason was second with 163 followed by Grand Rapids Christian 202, Fremont 213, Ionia 216, Sparta 238, St. Joseph 239, Otsego 264, East Lansing 264 and Haslett 266 in the top ten.
Thornapple Kellogg junior Dustin Brummel was 20 places and about 18 seconds out of the medals, finishing 50th in 16:28.8. Lakewood senior Tucker Seese was 118th in 16:59.6. It was the first state finals appearance for both.
Mattawan’s Alex Standiford won the Division 2 individual title, finishing in 15:19.6. Chelsea’s Bryce Bradley was second in 15:27.0.
| | | | | Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE — Alexis Derosha walked through Thornapple Kellogg Middle School to classrooms she had not seen at for almost two years.
“I was so nervous and kind of scared,” the eighth-grader said. “Everybody has changed so much and it’s all so different.”
During sixth grade, Lexi became ill. Doctors were stumped at first but eventually diagnosed her with a rare form of severe aplastic anemia, possibly brought on by an unknown virus attacking her liver.
She endured numerous tests, surgeries, treatments, isolation and more than 100 blood transfusions before doctors opted for a bone-marrow transplant. Months of waiting and matching slipped by until a donor was finally secured and a transplant completed March 3.
Last week, more than eight months after the transplant, Lexi, 13, finally got the news she had been waiting so long to hear.
“When they told me I could go back to school, I cried,” she said. “I couldn’t help it. I just wanted it so bad. I couldn’t believe it at first, but here I am.”
Since she’s been ill, Lexi has completed schoolwork online, and the district set up Skype this year so she could technologically be in the classroom.
But being there in person is so much better, Lexi said.
“I don’t think other kids my age understand why I like being back so much,” she said. “They say they would love to do online school, but it’s hard to explain to them how much I missed being here with my friends.”
While Lexi was ill, her classmates organized a fundraiser for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in her name, and Lexi herself hosted blood and bone marrow drives.
Her friends agree it’s good to have her physically back in the seats next to them.
“It’s just great to get to see her here every day and not just on Facebook,” said classmate Emily Adams.
Lexi’s mother, Destiny Adgate, admitted she was a little nervous about sending her back to school.
“I’m very thankful after losing donor after donor that someone finally committed to a selfless act and saved her life,” Adgate said.
“I have met the greatest people and I’ve seen who really stands beside me and is there for me,” Lexi said. “I’m so thankful for everything. It is what it is, and you just have to make the best of it every day.”
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE — The Downtown Development Authority has an idea that could bring winter traffic to the Calvin Hill Park basketball court.
Sheryl Ayriss, representing the DDA, won Village Council approval for a temporary ice-skating rink on the basketball court.
“It’s something a lot of parents came together and talked about, and we think it would be a good idea to try,” she said.
The DDA will pay for the materials for the temporary 45- by 95-foot rink, which will be made from a protective plastic liner ground covering, and lumber for a frame. Volunteers will build it and help clear snow from the ice, and skaters will be warned that they’re using the rink at their own risk.
Ayriss said the DDA is committing $1,100 to the project. Since the park lies just outside the DDA boundaries, the village will need to buy the rink supplies.
“We really think this will be a good activity for people in the village,” Ayriss said. “They can skate during the day. There won’t be any lighting, but if the moon is out bright, they can skate ... at night.”
Council President Charlie Pullen said he likes the idea and is eager to see how the community will respond. “It’s something different,” he said.
Ayriss said parents would like to have some benches for people to use to change into their skates. “We have a lot of parents interested, and I think it’s worth trying and let’s just see how it goes,” she said.
| | | | | Rhys VanDemark is one of our TK Dads. Click on the link below for the full story of his work at DeVos Children's Hospital.
| | | | | Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE -- The Holly Trolley will take passengers on a tour of holiday lights and decorations from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 21.
It will stop at Middleville United Methodist Church, at Church and Main streets, where hot chocolate and cookies will be available. Details: 795-9266.
| | | | | Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 12:31 PM
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE -- Thornapple Kellogg High School will host a “Red Out” night on Feb. 11 to benefit the American Heart Association.
The student council will sell T-shirts for $12, which will include admission in to the home girls and boys basketball games that night against Hastings. All proceeds from the shirt sales will be donated to the American Heart Association.
Varsity games begin at 6 p.m., with the boys’ game first, followed by the girls’ game.
| | | | | Monday, February 14, 2011
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE — When teens have problems with boyfriends or girlfriends, classes or grades, they sometimes don’t want to go to an adult.
Enter Thornapple Kellogg High School’s Peer Listeners program.
The program’s 13 members, ranging from freshmen to seniors, are ready to listen, encourage and advise.
“We were established with the mindset that for some topics, students want to go to other students rather than adults,” said senior Andrew Wingeier. “We’re here just to listen and help.”
“As high school students, we know what it’s like,” said junior Marissa Kurr. “We’ve been there, too. Some kids might be intimidated to go to counselors or their teachers and maybe they’ll talk to us instead.”
Junior Josh Christensen said many times the student with the problem already knows the solution.
“They know it in their heads,” he said. “They just have to talk to someone about it, and that usually opens them up to their own solution.”
The peer listeners also help students who are struggling with school, mediate disagreements between students and meet with middle school students to help make the transition to high school a little less intimidating.
“We talk to them (middle school students) so they kind of know what high school is really like,” said freshman Tom Williamson. “When they get to high school, it’s nice for them to see a familiar face.”
Members had to apply and be approved by others in Peer Listeners. They take a two-day training course through the Kent Intermediate School District.
All communications between students and the Peer Listeners group are confidential. Students who want to talk to another student just sign up in the counseling office. They’ll be paired with a listener or they can request someone.
Counselors Megan Roon and Nancy Iveson work with the group. “It’s just another way to service students and gives us one more way to reach out to them,” said Roon.
Iveson said it has taken awhile to get students to buy into the program, but she sees signs it works.
Students in the group said it’s a satisfying experience.
“It builds your confidence and it just feels good to be able to help,” said junior Dillon Blain.
| | | | | Navy Seaman Recruit Eryn M. Crux recently completed U.S. Navy Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
She is the daughter of Lynette and Erik Crux of Hastings.
Crux graduated in 2008 from Thornapple Kellogg High School, Middleville.
| | | | | MIDDLEVILLE — Like many 7-year-old boys, Lee Marentette has a room full of superhero toys, costumes and posters.
But Lee has one superhero who belongs to just him. His superhero can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound or use X-ray vision. Instead, Jessmary Burgos donated her bone marrow to Lee, even though he was a stranger in a different country.
Once a lethargic toddler with the deadly and rare IPEX autoimmune disease, Lee is now a bundle of seemingly never-ending energy — firing Nerf guns, driving remote-controlled cars, and boxing with his Incredible Hulk gloves. That transformation came with his successful bone marrow transplant on June 9, 2009, at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati.
“I’ve had to learn how to parent all over because he’s so active now,” said his mother, Anne Hamming.
In November, Lee, his mother and his 9-year-old sister Katie got to meet the woman who saved Lee’s life.
Through the Icla Da Silva Foundation, the family was flown to Burgos’ hometown in Puerto Rico. Icla Da Silva is the largest recruitment center for the Be The Match Registry in the United States. The foundation filmed the meeting as a fundraising and awareness effort.
Anne Hamming said she hopes people will watch the video posted on YouTube and register as donors. “We want and need people to sign up, but if they are called upon, they need to be sure they’re willing to do it,” she said. “Lives are literally at stake.”
On the video, Burgos says she signed up to help a young boy a few years ago but wasn’t a match. But then, three or four years later, Lee’s doctors contacted her. “I didn’t think twice,” she says in the video. “The only thing I want is to give thanks to God for giving me the opportunity to give life. If I had to do it another 1,000 times I would do it.”
“There’s just no way to say ‘thank you,’” Hamming said. “It’s impossible to thank someone that much.”
Although there was a language barrier when Burgos and Lee, now a kindergartner at Thornapple Kellogg’s McFall Elementary, met, there was no lack of communication.
“They couldn’t talk to each other, but there was a warmth and connection there instantly,” Anne Hamming said of her son, who waited three years for a diagnosis of his problems and then a transplant. “It was so beautiful to see. It was very emotional. “We called her our secret superhero — our real life superhero.”
To view the video, click the link below:
| | | | | Thursday, March 10, 2011
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE — When Martin Curiel first started school at Thornapple Kellogg, there was a language barrier for the Spanish-speaking youngster.
But now as a first-grader, his mother, Maria Valdez, says he’s learned plenty of English with help from teachers and tutors.
Martin is one of about 30 students at TK this year for whom English is their second language. As the number of these students grows in the district, middle school Spanish teacher and English Second Language coordinator Steve Gabrielse finds himself with more challenges.
The district hosted an open house literacy night at the high school and community library Thursday specifically to provide ESL students and families with more information about resources available.
The district has several Netbook computers available for families to use and even check out, all loaded with language-learning software comparable to what students use in the classrooms. Gabrielse said he’s hopeful the library can purchase more books in Spanish to accommodate what he sees as a growing culture in the district.
Claudia Mascorro said she will likely try to use the library more often, especially the computer resources. She has three children in the district who have learned English through the years.
Gabrielse said he’s glad to see more diversity coming to Middleville. “Every culture has a unique perspective or way of life and the way the world works. Sharing cultural experiences with others is a necessary part of life for all humans,” he said.
The district is still predominantly white with 2,727 of its 3,009 students registered as Caucasian. Still, the district has seen an increase in the Hispanic population, with 122 students claiming Hispanic ethnicity in 2011 compared to only 89 two years earlier.
Assistant Superintendent Tom Enslen said there’s also been an increase in other cultures. The district has at least eight Burmese students, and Gabrielse said there are at least six languages other than English currently spoken in the district.
Enslen believes increasing diversity is a benefit for all students. “We want our kids to experience the diversity representative of what they’ll have beyond high school,” he said.
Finding funding for ESL programs with such a small number of students can be difficult. For next year, Enslen said TK is working on a possible consortium with Caledonia and Lowell schools to collectively qualify for federal funding.
“We want to encourage our kids to stay in our district. We are continuing to look for ways to serve them,” said Enslen.
| | | | | Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 12:34 PM
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE -- Thornapple Kellogg High School’s student council and Middleville Emergency Services will simulate a car accident to illustrate the dangers of drunken driving for juniors and seniors.
The simulation will take place on the service drive between the middle and high schools from about 12:30-2 p.m. April 27. Students will see how emergency crews attend to victims, and a funeral.
| | | | | Saturday, April 23, 2011, 6:41 PM
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
KENTWOOD — Lexi Derosha’s eyes flashed with overwhelming surprise when she stepped into the restaurant and realized the man who saved her life was sitting right there.
“I don’t really know what to say — thank you for doing this — thank you so much,” the 13-year-old said after hugging the Missouri man who donated bone marrow about a year ago.
Tim Phillips, 51, a father of two, said he is just glad he was able to help.
“I’ve been able to help someone, and that makes me feel good, but I don’t really feel like I did anything special,” he said. “I had the easy part in all this. It’s Lexi that has had the hard part.”
Lexi was diagnosed in March 2009 with an unknown virus that attacked her immune system, caused liver failure and left her with severe aplastic anemia. Doctors said a bone marrow transplant was her only option.
On March 3, 2010, she received that transplant and has returned to a somewhat normal life. She has returned to school as an eighth-grader at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, and can spend time with family and friends outside sterile hospital settings.
“I thank God every day for Tim and for what he did for Lexi. It’s a lot to ask of a total stranger and I hope he knows how much we appreciate it,” said Debbie Bristol, Lexi’s grandmother.
Phillips and his wife, Sherri, and son, Brian, made the 15-hour trip from Missouri for the surprise meeting Saturday at On The Border restaurant. They planned to spend the day with Lexi and share in opening ceremonies with her at Berlin Raceway on Saturday night, where Lexi and Phillips were to ride in the pace car and drop the green flag on the first race of the year.
“They feel like family to us, even though we just met,” said Destiny Adgate, Lexi’s mom. “They will always have a special place in our family and in our lives.” Phillips, a child care specialist for the state of Missouri, joined the bone marrow registry about 10 years ago after reading an article about a child needing a transplant. Sherri Phillips said he had been waiting for the call ever since.
“I never thought twice about it when the call did come. I feel really blessed to be able to help in such a small way,” said Phillips, who wishes more people understood how simple and painless the process is and would join the registry.
Lexi also is encouraging people to become donors. About a year ago, she started the Wish Upon A Star Alexis Rose Foundation and, through it, has added more than 700 donors to the national bone marrow registry.
Destiny said it has been an emotional two years.
“But today is a good day — a very good day,“ she said.
| | | | | Tuesday, May 03, 2011
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE -- Thornapple Kellogg’s elementary Odyssey of the Mind team, made up of third- fourth- and fifth-graders at Page and Lee schools, qualified for the World Finals.
The seven-member team is working to raise $6,000 for the trip to Washington, D.C., from May 27 to 31. The team — Bennett Halle, Liz Cutlip, Grace Brown, Dora Koski, Ellie Adams, Sam Dickman and Turner Halle — finished second at the state competition, qualifying for the world competition.
This is the third TK team to compete at the world level in the past five years.
Upcoming fundraisers include a returnable can drive on May 14, garage sale on May 19, 20 and 21 at 8718 Little Bend Court, and a car wash at the Mid-Villa on May 21. To donate, send checks to: TK Schools Odyssey of the Mind, 10051 Green Lake Road in Middleville. The team will perform at the TK Fine Arts festival on May 22 and before the Board of Education on May 9. Details: Annie Halle, 269-945-8835.
| | | | | By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE — Staff attrition, spending into existing fund balance and contract negotiations with employee groups are all key components to Thornapple Kellogg Schools’ financial picture for 2011-2012.
While district officials are still waiting for final budget information from the state, they say they have to begin “agile” planning.
A community forum Wednesday night invited the public to offer input for cost-saving measures. “We will take any and all ideas into consideration,” said Superintendent Gary Rider.
He said administrators have been meeting with staff and employee groups to create a preliminary plan of action, but until the state numbers are final, nothing is final by the school board.
Rider said the district plans to save between $300,000 and $500,000 through attrition of jobs and other cost-cutting measures that will not affect employment levels or students programs. The district is not planning any layoffs at this time.
Rider said the plan also is to use all of the $668,000 in EduJobs funds awarded by the federal government, noting that is a one-time financial allotment and not a continuing revenue source.
The school board also agreed to allow possible spending of the existing fund balance below a 10 percent level for the 2011-2012 year.
The district may need to spend about $1.2 million from its existing fund balance that now sits at roughly 14 percent of one year’s operational needs. The district operates on about a $25.6 million budget.
Rider said although the plan for next year keeps cuts away from students and programs, if financial reforms aren’t implemented, the 2012-2013 year projections are even bleaker financially and drastic changes will be needed.
| | | | | Tuesday, May 17, 2011
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE -- Students at Page Elementary School created more than 2,000 paper cranes to help victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami.
The effort was part of a program sponsored by OshKosh B’gosh called “Cranes for KIDS giving Hope to the Children of Japan.” For every paper crane made, OshKosh donates a new article of clothing to children in Japan, up to 50,000 items.
| | | | | Tuesday, May 24, 2011
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE -- Seven Thornapple Kellogg High School students are among state finalists in the Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival.
More than 255 students from 46 high schools submitted more than 300 30-second public service announcements promoting positive choices. More than $20,000 in prizes will be awarded June 4.
The announcements targeted two groups, kindergarten through sixth grade or seventh through 12th grades. The contest was also broken into categories of character education, healthy lifestyles, and celebrating diversity. The winning announcements in each category will be reproduced on DVDs and distributed to schools across the state.
Among the 18 top prize winners receiving $500, $1,000 and $2,000 gift certificates are: Lauren Sweers and Paul Haney. Among the trophy winners from TK are Nick Bos, Autumn Andrus, Trevor Harrington, Erin Scheidel and Jakob Nelson.
| | | | | Wednesday, June 08, 2011, 12:37 PM
By The Grand Rapids Press The Grand Rapids Press
BYRON TOWNSHIP -- The 2011 Meijer Great Choices Film Festival organizers recently rolled out the red carpet for more than 255 students from 46 Michigan high schools at Celebration Cinemas North.
More than $20,000 in prizes were awarded to 18 of the top winners who submitted 30-second public service announcements promoting positive choices in the areas of Character Education, Healthy Lifestyles, and/or Celebrating Diversity, said Van Singel Fine Arts Center Executive Director Joyce Bower.
The festival was developed in partnership with Meijer Inc., the Meijer Family Foundation, Chemical Bank, the M.E. Davenport Foundation, Celebration Cinemas and the Van Singel Fine Arts Center.
Local first place winners, earning $2,000 each were Dylan Malburg, of Forest Hills Northern High School; Lauren Sweers, of Thornapple Kellogg High School, and Layne Vandenberg, of Forest Hills Eastern High School.
Local second place winners, earning $1,000 were Derick Brower, of Byron Center High School; Edgar Roa, of CareerlineTech Center; and Niki Sullivan, of Byron Center High School.
Local third-place winners, who earned $500 were Kelly Baker, of Rockford High School; Paul Haney, of Thornapple Kellogg High School; Rebecca Pitts, of Forest Hills Eastern High School; Katie Porter, of Byron Center High School and Taylor Sirard, of Greenville High School.
| | | | | GRAND RAPIDS — The first time Gregg Granger visited Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital it was for a ruptured appendix.
His second trip was a lot more fun.
On Thursday afternoon, the 13-year-old eighth grader at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School got the chance to meet several members of the Detroit Red Wings, including his favorite player, forward Drew Miller.
“It was really cool,” Granger said after posing for pictures and getting autographs. “I’ve never really met any sports players before.”
Miller, forward Justin Abdelkader and goaltenders Jimmy Howard and Ty Conklin visited the hospital as part of the team’s fourth annual Wings Community Tour before they headed north to Traverse City for the start of training camp. In the morning, the foursome visited the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.
Red Wings players also came to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in 2008.
Howard is familiar with the hospital. When he played in Grand Rapids in 2006, he started the “Howard’s Heroes” program, which donated Griffins tickets to the hospital for families and patients. He also regularly met with children who couldn’t leave the hospital.
“These kids, they’re heroes for us, too,” Howard said. “What they go through every single day, for me to be able to give back and allow them to go to a Griffins game and just get away from the hospital and not think about treatments and everything like that is good for their morale.”
| | | | | GRAND RAPIDS — ArtPrize 2011 opens today with nearly 1,600 works of art on display in the third annual exhibition and competition.
But what really caught Fran Jones’ eye during the first two events wasn’t the art itself. “The art is wonderful. What’s even more exciting is all the people,” Jones said. “So many people and so many different types of people, and so intrigued and so excited about looking at art and talking about art.”
That’s what inspired Jones to create the illustration you see on the front page of today’s Grand Rapids Press.
Jones, 52, of Middleville, is the winner of The Grand Rapids Press’ second “PressPrize,” a competition for Press readers to design the cover of the edition for the opening of ArtPrize.
Illustrator Robb Johnston, a Rockford native, was selected last year as the winner of the first PressPrize.
The title of Jones’ cut-paper art is “City Friends,” inspired in part by her years as a student at Grand Rapids City High School and a particular art assignment calling for her to portray an odd number of people using two complementary colors.
“Believe it or not, this goes back a long way,” she said with a laugh. Jones works as an aide in the special education department of Thornapple Kellogg Public Schools, but she has studied art at Kellogg Community College and the arts always have been a big part of her life.
During her days at City High School, she had the opportunity to work as an intern in the Grand Rapids Public Museum in its former home on Jefferson Avenue SE. She and her husband, Michael, are Grand Rapids Symphony season ticket holders.
Jones’ parents immigrated from Belgium in the 1950s. Her father and grandfather were architects, and she grew up surrounded by art.
“There always was art in the house, and we always made Christmas cards,” she said. “I’m still making Christmas cards every year.” She put in about seven to eight hours, scissors in hand, working on “City Friends.” “I find it very therapeutic,” she said. “There was a lot of paper on the floor when I was done.”
Jones plans several trips downtown for ArtPrize, one with a tour group of students from Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville. One venue she will be sure to visit is Huntington/50 Monroe Place, where her daughter, Jennifer Jones, who teaches at Kendall College of Art and Design, has a collage of paintings and drawings entered in ArtPrize, inspired by a trip to Tuscany, Italy.
“I’ll be down there a lot,” Fran Jones said. “I’m really intrigued to go down again and again.”
| | | | | Thornapple-Kellogg High School recently crowned Shannon Hooper and Charlie Harper as its 2011 Homecoming Queen and King.
| | | | | Friday, November 11, 2011, 5:55 PM
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE - Thornapple Kellogg High School students blinked back tears or quickly wiped away those that escaped as they listened to Bob Roush’s emotional plea to never forget men and women who have served this country.
Bob and Donna Roush's son, Nicholas, was a 2005 TKHS graduate who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.
“I admit, I started getting tears in my eyes,” said senior Evan Grinage. “It was really cool and it really makes you think and remember.”
Coming back to TK and addressing the students was obviously difficult for Bob as he hesitated a few times during his talk, fighting back tears and choking on words he wanted so desperately to share. “I’m thankful we have a day set aside to honor our veterans, but I’d challenge you to do that every day,” said Roush.
He encouraged students to talk to their great grandparents, grandparents, uncles and aunts and friends who have served. “Don’t let the heroic stories slip away. Don’t let their service and sacrifice be forgotten. Don’t miss an opportunity thank them.“
Junior Alexa Schipper says it gave her a different perspective. “I never really thought about it (Veteran’s Day) before, but I think I will now.”
Junior Kayla Strumberger said she’ll take time and stop to thank veterans.
Alex Roy said he was glad the school hosted the program. “My Grandpa passed away this year and he served in the Navy. This meant a lot to me,” said Roy, a senior.
About 80 veterans from all branches of the service attended the community ceremony and luncheon. They stood or raised their hands as their names were called, saluted the flag as the band played the National Anthem, and joined in a standing ovation after Roush’s talk.
This was the first time the school has hosted a Veteran’s Day ceremony involving the community and students. “We’ll do it again for sure. What a great way to honor our veterans and what a great learning experience for our kids,” said high school principal Tony Koski.
John Loftus, an 83-year-old Army veteran who helped organize the event, sat with pride in the front row of the veterans. “This community has a spirit that’s unlike anything else and hard to capture anywhere else. This was a great day for all veterans."
“All these kids need to realize freedom is never free. I don’t want them to forget,” said Loftus.
| | | | | WGVU Announces Middleville Cool Teacher!
(Grand Rapids, MI, November 16, 2011)
Mr. Wissink, 5th grade teacher at Page Elementary, is the latest teacher to receive the WGVU Cool Teacher Award. WGVU will honor Mr. Wissink and his class with a pizza party on December 8th at 11:30pm.
Justin Ort nominated Mr. Wissink for the award because he does cool science projects with his students and finds new ways to make learning fun for the students.
Each month WGVU judges all new entries and selects the three best letters based on the students’ evidence of learning. WGVU hosts a pizza party for the winning teachers and their classes, and videotapes the celebration to promote the winning teachers and the Cool Teacher program on the airwaves of the local public broadcast station. Each winning teacher and their nominating student will receive four vouchers each from Amtrak for a trip from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL on an Amtrak train. On May 2, 2012, WGVU will host a year-end awards celebration at Eberhard Center Conference Center on the downtown campus of GVSU to honor all of this year’s winning teachers.
| | | | | High School Special Education "Winter Carnival" Project Wins KISD Grant
The Kent ISD has approved High School teacher Lyndsey Fischer’s Service Learning Project grant request. As a result, the TK High School Teen Leadership class will receive $500 to help fund this year’s Winter Carnival for area high school special education students. Congratulations Lyndsey!
Grow and Give with Hydroponics
The KISD has awarded $500 to HS teacher Lyndsey Fischer and Lee Elementary teacher Nathan Fischer to support their project Grow and Give with Hydroponics.
Project Overview
Our second grade classes will grow plants using Hydroponics while studying parts of a plant and fulfilling the social studies standard of advocating for a local cause. Food that is produced using Hydroponics will be donated to the local Fresh Food Initiative of Barry County.
This project will address hunger in our community. Through class discussion, the students have learned about food banks and the need of donations in our community.
Students will grow fresh vegetables to be donated to our local Fresh Food Initiative.
Congratulations Nathan and Lyndsey!
| | | | | Thornapple Kellogg High School students are helping the Barry County United Way raise funds this week for its emergency relief fund.
Throughout the week, students have purchased "Live United" glow bracelets and TK travel mugs to benefit the fund, which helps families with winter utility costs. The students also organized an auction and talent show and a “Glow United" dance after the home basketball game on Friday.
Winter Week activities have become a tradition at the high school as a way for all students to participate in holiday giving.
| | | | | Josh Berenter | The Grand Rapids Press, December 30, 2011
MIDDLEVILLE — High school wrestling has come full circle for Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg coach Scott Szczepanek, whose team defeated his alma mater Grand Haven and his former coach James Richardson in the championship of the TK Duals on Friday afternoon.
Szczepanek, a 1999 Grand Haven graduate, was a senior when Richardson became the Bucs’ coach. Szczepanek said coaching against his mentor was bittersweet, though enjoyable.
“It was fun,” he said. “It was cool going up against the old colors. That’s where I started the sport.
“All the basics I know and continue to teach came from there.”
Middleville dominated its invitational by blanking Fennville
76-0 and beating Eaton Rapids 49-15, before capturing the championship against Grand Haven 48-17.
Szczepanek, in his sixth year on the Middleville staff, is a head coach for the first time. Richardson said his former pupil has the Trojans heading in the right direction.
“They wrestle wonderful,” said the 14th year Grand Haven coach. “I’m very proud of him, what he’s doing with his program. He’s doing a great job.
“There’s no question in my mind, he’s a very good coach and they’re going to continue to get better. TK is golden. Their kids wrestle hard, and that’s coaching.”
Szczepanek said he tries to model his program from what he learned at Grand Haven from Richardson. “A lot of how I approach building practice and building the season comes right from the same coach,” he said. “(Richardson) had a profound influence on how I still coach.”
Szczepanek said his ultimate goal is to win a state championship, and he hopes the Trojans’ character and toughness will help get them there.
“I was most impressed with our mental toughness,” he said. “Close matches that could have gone a different way, they came in our direction, and that goes to show the character of the guys we have.”
Among Middleville’s winners Friday were freshman Nic Iveson at 130 pounds, senior Austin Koel at 150 pounds and heavyweight Adrian Foster, a senior who defeated Grand Haven’s Ian Radde in the finals in a matchup of top heavyweights.
Grand Haven has had a tough stretch during the holidays, losing matches against Rockford and Hesperia on Dec. 21 before falling in the TK championship Friday.
One of the bright spots for Grand Haven was junior 171-pounder Connor Moynihan. A three-year starter, Moynihan, went 4-0, including a 7-2 individual victory in his championship match.
Richardson said his team has been decimated by injuries this season, but the Buccaneers continue to get better.
“Without question, we’re missing some pieces that will be very helpful,” he said. “But I’m proud of our boys. I thought they took steps in the right direction today. Without a doubt, they were a whole lot better than they were last week at this time.”
| | | | | Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 12:57 PM
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE — Thornapple Kellogg High School students will have opportunities to take two new courses.
The Board of Education approved a marketing II class to supplement the introductory marketing class. Board members also approved a cadet teaching course that will allow students to assist teachers in the middle and elementary schools and learn about education as a career.
| | | | | Wednesday, January 18, 2012
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE — The school district is hosting a forum on its superintendent search at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, 10375 Green Lake Road.
North Star Staffing Inc., which the district hired to help with the search, will run the forum. The district is already seeking parents’ input through an online survey.
Gary Rider, who has served as superintendent since 2007, has announced he will retire June 30.
| | | | | January 26, 2012 12:21 a.m.
The Unity Knights are a co-op hockey team from Wayland, Hopkins, Middelville, and Hastings. - (ADVANCE photo by JEFF SWAINSTON)BYRON CENTER -- Wednesday night's Tier III match-up at the Grand Rapids Edge Ice Arena was not what the Unity Knights wanted.
The Wayland/Hopkins/Middleville/Hastings hockey co-op, featuring netminder Connor Von Der Hoff, saw a barrage of pucks early from the visiting West Ottawa team, resulting in a 5-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of play. The Panthers held onto the lead and ended the night with a 8-2 conference win.
West Ottawa got a hat trick from Cam Fisher and two goals from Danny Matrosic. Colton Sluis, Alex Grosvenor, and Reece Lindeman all put away single goals.
Down 7-0 to start the third period, the Unity team sat on the brink of a mercy loss. The Knights relied on the line of Chase Judkins, Joe Smith, Taylor Klotz, James Isola, and Taylor Horton, who got a pair of scores just 20 seconds apart.
At 8:23, Smith found the back of the net on a pass from Horton, and at 8:06, Klotz put one away while Judkins got the assist.
"They never quit," said Unity coach Tom Elliott, "that's the best thing about them. They keep trying hard. We're just not putting it together. We're catching the puck better, passing it better, but we just aren't clicking as a unit."
On the ice, the Unity Knights suffer adversity week in and week out, but the team has had its share of a rough road just getting to the rink. When Southside Arena closed last year, the team was devastated by a lack of a home rink, as well as a shift in personnel.
"We're in our second year of the Unity program, so we are trying to make strides," said Elliott. "We made really big strides the first year, but when the rink closed that really hurt us.
"We were in such a bad position last year because we ended up with only two home games in a 24-game schedule. That really turned off a lot of the kids that could have played for us this year. We lost probably six players because they didn't know if the program was going to be back. That's tough."
Additionally, teammates that shouldn't really get along are working together to form a cohesive unit.
"In the locker room, they work together really well, which is surprising because we have Hastings and Thornapple-Kellogg," said Elliott. "They just want to kill each other in every other sport. They come together really well here. It's a good fit. I'm surprised because from what I hear about these four teams, they shouldn't want to play together."
The Unity Knights don't have the quit in them to throw in the towel and have a lot to play for in the coming months. The Knights are also giving back to their community. On Jan. 21, they competed in a Blood Match game with South Christian to raise money for bone marrow donors. Donations are still being accepted at http://www.eteamz.com/unityknights and then click on the Blood Match Game.
"Hopefully by the end of the year, we will be moving towards next year, because we have a really strong sophomore class," said Elliott. "Hopefully, other kids will see that we are still here and that we are making an effort to reach out to the community."
| | | | | January 27, 2012, 6:24 AM
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
MIDDLEVILLE — Thornapple Kellogg parents, school staff and community members on Thursday shared ideas about the qualities they want to see in the next district superintendent.
Communication, a strong moral compass, collaboration and having a passion for education and success for all students were among the priorities mentioned by two dozen people who attended a community meeting on how to replace Gary Rider.
Rider announced he will retire effective June 30 after five years in the school system.
Gene Young, consultant with the superintendent search firm North Star Staffing Inc., said he is gathering all ideas to help compile a profile for candidates.
Young said the goal is to offer someone the position by May 1 and have the person working in the district by no later than July 1.
The first step in the hiring process, Young said, is to gain input about the type of superintendent people want for the district. A community survey already is being conducted, and results will be tabulated and published on the district website. Young also has been meeting with various groups in the district to gather information.
Jennifer Craven said she appreciated the opportunity to be involved. “Hopefully, we can continue on our streak of finding quality leaders for the district,” Craven said.
Young said he expects to advertise the opening nationally and accept applications through March 30.
The Board of Education will screen applications April 12 and narrow the number for interviews that will take place the week of April 16-20. Second round interviews will follow tentatively on April 23 and 24.
Young said he thinks the district will get between 15 and 22 candidates after the job is posted nationally.
“This is such a darn good school district, I think there’s going to be a lot of interest,” he said. | | | | | The field has been narrowed to 120 applicants for the annual Scholar-Athlete awards presented by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
The program, which has been in existence since the 1989-90 school year, will honor 32 individuals from MHSAA member schools who participate in at least one sport in which the association sponsors a postseason tournament.
Twelve individuals in Class A — six male and six female — will be awarded $1,000 scholarships. Local finalists in Class A include Forest Hills Central’s Steve Fox (baseball), Jenison’s Josh Hoogendoorn (football) and Alexis Stanton (girls basketball), Caledonia’s Ellery Alexander (cross country, lacrosse) and Grand Haven’s Morgan Hawver (girls basketball).
Eight Class B recipients — four male and four female — will be selected. Grand Rapids Christian’s Jordan Daley (boys basketball, track and field), Middleville’s Nathaniel Iveson (football), Hastings’ Joseph Longstreet (soccer, boys basketball, golf), Comstock Park’s Dan Macalka (track and field, cross country), Spring Lake’s Nick Parnell (golf) and Emily Kendro (volleyball), Holland Christian’s Julie Buursma (tennis), Hopkins’ Kristen Gilbert (volleyball, basketball, track and field) and Keara Kilbane (football) and Hamilton’s Emily Oren (cross country) are among the finalists.
Morley-Stanwood’s Elyse Starck (girls basketball, track and field) is the lone local finalist in Class C. Six finalists — three male and three female— will earn scholarships. In Class D, two male and two female recipients will be picked. There are no local finalists in Class D.
Two more scholarships will be awarded as wild cards, regardless of class, to bring the total to 32. Winners will be honored March 24, during halftime of the Class C boys basketball state championship game at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | | | | | Friday, January 27, 2012
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press
HASTINGS — Prejudice, bullying, alcohol and drugs were just a few of the social issues teens addressed today at the third Barry County Youth Leadership Summit.
About 140 students from five high schools throughout the county gathered at Kellogg Community College to learn ways to handle pressures and influences in their own lives and help others.
“One of the hardest things to see is a young person going down the wrong path and making bad decisions like using drugs or alcohol,” said Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf.
John Poholski, James Vannette and Andrew Brown, all Thornapple Kellogg High School students, said they recognize the need to be above the social influences around them and make good choices about what they do and how they treat others.
“The Youth Leadership Summit allows teens to spread the message that we are above the influence,” said Marissa Kurr, a TK senior.
Each was encouraged to write something that wouldn’t influence them. Some teens wrote that they were above the influence of judging others, bullying, gossip or spreading rumors, or changing themselves to fit into a group.
Participants were told to take the messages and lessons they’ve learned at the summit back to their own high schools.
“When you let insecurities and opinions stifle your voice, the world hurts,” keynote speaker Shannon Cohen, with the Kent County Prevention Coalition, told the students. “Use your voice to change the world.”
With the help of funding through the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force and summit sponsors, students said they plan to organize events to inspire and encourage others.
“It gives us the tools to tackle specific issues,” said Tessa Johnson, a Hastings High School senior. “We can make a difference.”
Liz Lenz, coordinator of the task force, said she’s always inspired by the leadership demonstrated by the youth.
“The kids here today are to go back to their schools with a positive message that they can make a difference,” she said.
| | | | | Jacob Huyser, a Thornapple Kellogg High School junior, recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of Troop 105 in Middleville. | | |
|
|
|
|