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Student Leaders

Proudly sponsored by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, learn about students at all grade levels who put their passions to work, and go “above & beyond” to serve their school, peers and community in surprising ways.

On state council, junior hopes to ‘make school better for every individual’

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

East Grand Rapids High School junior Taj Osborne has been appointed to the Michigan Department of Education’s Student Advisory Council.

Fifth–grader demonstrates school pride in presentation

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Savanna Barry wanted to encourage her peers to have school pride, so the fifth-grader took it upon herself to spread the message.

Sophomore proves to herself and others: ‘I can do anything’

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

Lee High School sophomore Autumn Johnson succeeds on the track and in the classroom.

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.

As a female Eagle Scout, trailblazer devotes her project to women

Kentwood Erin Albanese

This East Kentwood student leader is one of the first two Black female Eagle Scouts in Michigan — and she’s dedicated her service project to the girls.

Her motto of ‘always work hard’ leads to early graduation

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Early graduate Andrea Ronzon Contreras plans to join the U.S. Air Force with the goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.

A plan for positivity: This senior is sharing the love

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Symone Gray is instrumental in leading Key Club, color guard and celebrations at Wyoming High School.

A voice for others, he inspires and educates

Lowell Erin Albanese

“When people say I overcome these disadvantages, they are not innate disadvantages within me,” he says, “they are disadvantages placed on me by the world.”

Senior shines on the soccer field, looks toward the future

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Henry Lopez-Pinedo’s plans after high school include continuing to play soccer, whether professionally or in college

Fourth-graders use their voice to lift up peers

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Delivering sack suppers, planning school improvements and helping kindergartners are all ways these fourth-graders are helping out.

Finding focus and a fresh start through auto mechanics

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A fresh start gives a Comstock Park junior a new perspective about school and his future.

‘Other kids look up to him’

Northview Morgan Jarema

A teacher at Highlands Middle calls this sixth-grader “very well respected” by other students and staff members.

His first mission: Honor Fighting Scots who served

Caledonia Alexis Stark

Before graduating high school, senior Brody Woodwyk is leading the effort to raise funds for a permanent veterans memorial at Caledonia High School.

Leading by example

East Grand Rapids Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

When Ayden Steffens saw a first-grader on the playground who needed help, he immediately knew what to do...

Student leader demonstrates ‘service above self’

Lowell Erin Albanese

Lowell High School senior Leah Davisdon has made service a part of her education as the organizer and volunteer recruiter for school and community events...

Leading the band, on field and off

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Carlos Soto-Castillo encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities at school to discover who they are...

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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.

Her career path was laid in first grade

She helps students develop language, read, write & grow

Not just a volunteer, but ‘a piece of the library’

He is demonstrating how important English is in business

Mobile Farm Science Lab ‘udder-ly’ engaging

Partnership pairs high-schoolers with scientists for real-world research

Simulated crime ties science, critical thinking & data analysis

Opportunities abound at first in-house career fair

Newcomer students experience first Thanksgiving

Learning life skills ‘where life happens’

State of the Student tackles four big topics

High-schoolers talk mental health with education leaders, legislators

Student Leaders

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