HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

National Merit Scholarship winner plans career in medical field

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Two shoulder surgeries lead this Forest Hills Northern senior down the medical path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

With unbridled enthusiasm, School News Network founder showed ‘our public schools work’

All Districts Charles Honey

As she retires from Kent ISD, Allison Kaufman reflects on the founding of School News Network, the capstone of her long career.

This senior’s secret: Learn how to embrace change

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A move to a new district and the loss of her grandmother left its mark on Sarai Calderon, but she regrouped and is now headed to college.

Amidst chaos, ‘cycle-breaker’ charts her own course to complete high school

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

During senior year at East Lee High School, Gigi Martinez juggled school and multiple jobs to help provide for her family and earn her diploma.

Credit deficit? Map a plan, stick to it, says this grad

Caledonia Alexis Stark

After falling behind in the race to graduation, Caledonia High School senior Ryan Rivera stepped on the gas for the final lap and earned his diploma.

Anonymous survey seeks info on stressors, health

SNN 10th Anniversary Charles Honey

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, your School News Network team is re-publishing some early stories from each school district. This story, originally published in March 2015, takes a look at “LoWellness,” a first-of-its-kind initiative to assess the healthcare and mental health needs of Lowell students and residents.

The epiphany that got this senior to graduation day

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Senior Kaiden Powell said a change in attitude helped him achieve the goal of graduating with his class.

For this grad, it’s all about turning negative energy into positive actions

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

As senior Caleb Badour prepares for his next step, he looks back at the challenges he faced and the philosophy that helped him through school.

Amid chronic pain, graduate transformed behavior to reach finish line

Kentwood Erin Albanese

JB Barnes’ high school years were a mix of frustration, disruption and hospitalization, until his dad and teachers helped him turn things around.

He found a better pathway to graduation

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Senior Ronan Jameyson charted his own course towards earning his diploma from Pathways High School.

First-graders see, touch and talk numbers

SNN 10th Anniversary Erin Albanese

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, your School News Network team is re-publishing some early stories from each school district. This story, originally published in February 2014, looks at first-grade math exploration as districts make the switch from MEAP testing to the Common Core assessment.

Red Hawk finds peace, vows to advocate for abuse survivors

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

Class of 2024 graduate Rhiannon Proctor has earned her diploma, made plans for the future and found a tentative sense of peace after years of trauma.

Superintendent and teacher talk about a decade of challenges and rewards

Kenowa Hills Charles Honey

In this episode of Study Hall, veteran Kenowa Hills Superintendent Jerry Hopkins and teacher Robyn Bradford talk about how education has changed over the past decade.

Scholarship winner has her eyes on the stars

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Hana Hasanovic’s dream is to work for NASA, and she’s one giant leap closer thanks to a University of Michigan aerospace engineering scholarship.

Competitor to coach, senior reflects on Odyssey of the Mind

Thornapple Kellogg Alexis Stark

Senior Shelby Robinett recalls her time as an Odyssey of the Mind competitor and the lessons learned while a student coach.

Administrator reflects on negatives, positives of the past decade

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Assistant Principal Tony Petkus said he sees more flexibility in schools, opening them up for more work-based learning and trade school options.

1...345...38 Page 4 of 38

- Sponsorship -

GET OUR HEADLINES IN YOUR EMAIL

SUSTAINING SPONSORS

Join these sponsors

- Sponsorship -

MEDIA PARTNERS

School News NetworkA Window into Your Public Schools

ABOUT US

School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent ISD, which enroll more than 102,000 students. Founded in 2013 as an initiative of Kent ISD, we are supported by local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and multimedia journalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues facing students and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

Kent County Cup winner finds new career focus through esports

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

Retired teachers return as mentors

Friend, athlete, advocate uses abilities to help others

Marshmallows & math make for a sweet multiplication lesson

Senior makes artistic mark on snowplow

Initiative aims to double enrollment in career & technical education by 2030

Fourth-grade Choristers come together in song

High-schoolers share thoughts on school safety, engagement & more

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

On podcast, teen shares about major loss, forgiveness & gratitude

Poet pens work celebrating school library’s achievement

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

GET OUR HEADLINES IN YOUR EMAIL

SUSTAINING SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US

OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS