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The Appleseed
June 2023
Update from the Superintendent
As we approach the end of the academic year, I am writing to express my gratitude for your continued support and collaboration throughout this school year. It has been a challenging period for all of us, and I am incredibly proud of how we have worked together to ensure the best possible educational experience for our students.
With summer just around the corner, I want to share some vital information and key messages as we enter this well-deserved break:
Construction: Once again, this summer, we will be occupied filling open positions, deep cleaning our buildings, and seeing our construction projects continue. The field house at the high school will continue to evolve and should be open by mid-November, and the new 5/6 building will be ready to open this coming fall. In addition, we still have major construction plans for Bauer and Park Elementary next school year.
Reflection and Celebrations: Let us reflect on our students' achievements and growth this year. On May 22, we celebrated the graduation of 478 high school seniors and the impact they left on our school system. They have performed in the classroom, on the stage, in the field, and throughout our community. I want to congratulate all our seniors for how they have represented Hudsonville Public Schools. Thank you for allowing our staff to be a part of your educational career, and we wish you all the best life has to offer for your future. These students have been resilient throughout all the challenges thrown their way, and every one of them will make our world a better place. It's important to celebrate their successes, both big and small, and acknowledge the hard work they have put into their studies. Their accomplishments are a testament to their resilience and dedication.
Rest and Rejuvenation: Summer break offers a valuable opportunity for our students to recharge their batteries, explore new interests, and spend quality time with family and friends. Please encourage them to engage in activities that nurture their overall well-being and promote a healthy balance between relaxation and exploration. While the summer break is a time for rest, it is also crucial to maintain a sense of continued learning. Please ensure your children read, explore educational programs, and engage in activities that stimulate their minds.
Ballot Proposals: Hudsonville School District Voters approved our Non-Homestead Millage and Sinking Fund. I appreciate everyone who took the time to vote. This raised over six million dollars for operational purposes to support our students. Thank you!
Communication Channels: Even during the break, our lines of communication will remain open. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact the district office. We will do our best to assist you and provide the necessary support.
Looking Ahead: While we embrace the summer break, it is natural to start looking ahead to the upcoming school year, which will begin on Monday, August 21. The school calendar for next year is posted on our website.
Again, thank you for your unwavering support, trust, and commitment to your child's education. I continue to be honored and humbled by the privilege to serve as your superintendent, and I am genuinely grateful for the partnership we have built together. I wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable, and rejuvenating summer. Thank you for making Hudsonville a fantastic place to live and grow.
Warmest regards,
Dr. VanderJagt, Superintendent
Highest Honors Graduates for the Class of 2023
ALYSE ABBRING
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.255
TRISTIN ALSTON
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Performance Award
Central Michigan University
- Maroon and Gold Merit Award
GPA: 4.032
NATALIE ARNOYS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Grand Valley State University
- Award for Excellence
GPA: 4.212
BRYCE BAAR
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Michigan Technological University
- Presidential Platinum Scholarship
- Award for Excellence
- Leader Scholar Commended
GPA: 4.203
DREW BAINE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in Math Award
Grand Valley State University
- Faculty Scholarship
GPA: 4.177
ELLERY BAKER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Concordia University
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- CUAA Athlete Leader Scholar
- CUAA Distinguished Scholarship
- CUAA Athletic Scholarship
- CUAA Early Filing Scholarship
GPA: 4.048
JABEN BAKKER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Seal of Biliteracy Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Music Band Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.203
GISELLE BALIVET
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Creative Writing Award
Excellence in Music Orchestra Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language German Award
Grand Valley State University
- Award for Excellence
- Honors College
GPA: 4.220
BROCK BEEMER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
National Honor Society
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Excellence in Science Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.371
MORGAN BELKA
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Science Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
University of Michigan
- Alumni Club of Grand Rapids Scholarship
GPA: 4.308
MICHAEL BIGGER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in World Language Chinese Award
Michigan State University College of Engineering
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Michigan Resident Excellence Scholarship
GPA: 4.083
ALYSSA BIRD
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Creative Writing Award
Ball State University
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.085
MORGAN BLOUW
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Art Award
Excellence in English Elective Studies Award
Excellence in Family & Consumer Science Award
Excellence in Yearbook Award
GPA: 4.040
JENNA BLUM
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Business Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
- Hope Legacy Award
GPA: 4.060
JACK BRADLEY III
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Science Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Chinese Award
Cedarville University
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.373
CELIA BROUWER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Art Award
GPA: 4.132
TREYTON CARR
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Science Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language German Award
University of Michigan
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship, part 1
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship, part 2
GPA: 4.238
KIERSTEN CHRISTNER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.055
ELISE CONKEL
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Cornerstone University
- Presidential Scholarship
- Pastor’s Scholarship
- Athletic Scholarship
GPA: 4.242
CECELIA CONTRERAS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in Achievement Award
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.024
KAITLIN COUSINO
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Grand Valley State University
- Award for Excellence
GPA: 4.002
SOPHIA DAVIS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Creative Writing Award
Excellence in Music Orchestra Award
GPA: 4.119
LINDSAY DEHAAN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in World Language German Award
Wayne State University
- Honor’s Dean Award
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship, part 1
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship, part 2
- WSU Warrior Scholarship
GPA: 4.140
SIDNEY DEKOCK
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Science Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.226
TALIA DELINCK
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.060
ETHAN DELINE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Saginaw Valley State University
- Presidential Scholarship
DK Sprague Education Scholarship Endowment
GPA: 4.211
LAUREN DEVREE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
GPA: 4.009
GABRIEL FASBINDER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
National Merit Scholarship Finalist
GPA: 4.160
CLARA FEENSTRA
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Achievement Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Physical Education Award
GPA: 4.123
MOLLY GARRETT
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.243
MADISON GROENLEER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in Yearbook Award
Excellence in World Language Chinese Award
The University of Alabama
- Alabama Competitive Academic Scholarship
GPA: 4.063
KEVIN HALL
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Music Band Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.226
GIBSON HEETHUIS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.167
SAREA HEFER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Science Award
GPA: 4.313
JENNA HEFFELBOWER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Grand Valley State University
- Award for Excellence
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
GPA: 4.120
NORA HENDGES
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.260
KAILEY HERR
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.096
AVERY HOBSON
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language German Award
University of Michigan
- HAIL Scholarship
GPA: 4.280
PAIGE HOLWERDA
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Bethel University
- Bethel University Scholarship
- Bethel University Cheerleading Scholarship
- LMCCOA Cheerleading Scholarship
- Bissell Scholarship
GPA: 4.187
RYAN HUBERT
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Excellence in Vocational Education Award
GPA: 4.140
TARYN HUSSEY
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Ferris State University
- Provost’s Scholarship
GPA: 4.005
LAYNE KRIKKE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in Math Award
Grand Valley State University
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.097
AMELIA KUIPER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Art Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Creative Writing Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.012
BRENDAN LAFRENIER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
- Legacy Award
GPA: 4.326
KAYCIE LAWRENCE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
National Merit Scholar Commendation
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Michigan State University
- Distinguished First Year Scholarship
- West Michigan Spartans Outstanding Junior Scholarship
GPA: 4.395
MADISYN LEYENDECKER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Music Band Award
Excellence in Science Award
Liberty University
- LU Champion Award
- Early Deposit Award
- LU Academic Scholarship
- LU Marching Band Scholarship
GPA: 4.176
ZACHARY LITTLE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.013
SAMUEL LOBBOZOO
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Science Award
Colorado State University
- Green and Gold Scholarship
GPA: 4.185
LINCOLN LOUGHIN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Business Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Math Award
GPA: 4.022
ANDREW MACIEJEWSKI
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Math Award
Western Michigan University
- Bronco Merit Scholarship
- WMU Alumni Legacy Scholarship
- Books for Broncos Scholarship
- AOPA Foundation Scholarship
GPA: 4.263
ANNA MAKI
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Elective Studies Award
Excellence in Science Award
Miami University~Ohio
- Red Hawk Excellence Scholarship
GPA: 4.176
ABIGAIL MARTIN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Northern Michigan University
- Wildcat Merit Scholarship
- Waldo Scholarship
GPA: 4.077
LUKE MARTIN
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Science Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Grand Valley State University
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.500
ERIKA MARVIN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Music Choir Award
Michigan State University
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Michigan Resident Scholarship
GPA: 4.008
NOLAN MARX
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.077
DYLAN MAST
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.053
JENNIFER MATTHYSSE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.025
AIDEN MCDOWELL
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Music Orchestra Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Grand Valley State University
- Award for Excellence
GPA: 4.088
SKYLAR MIKLUSICAK-WHITNEY
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Lake Superior State University
- Distinguished Scholarship
GPA: 4.258
JACOB MILWARD
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.027
ZACHARY MILWARD
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.195
NOAH MOLCHAN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.044
AMAYA MORREN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Performance Award
Excellence in Music Choir Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Michigan State University
- Leprino Foods Scholarship
GPA: 4.083
AVERY MORREN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Family & Consumer Science Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
University of Michigan
- LMCU Hutt Scholarship
- Leprino Foods Scholarship
GPA: 4.297
SIENNA MURPHY
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Seal of Biliteracy Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.139
GAVIN NIPPA
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Music Choir Award
Excellence in Science Award
GPA: 4.142
VINCENT NITTOLO
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Grand Valley State University
- Presidential Scholarship
- Fredrick Meijer Honors College
GPA: 4.297
BRADY O'BRIEN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Art Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Newspaper Award
Excellence in Vocational Education Award
Grand Valley State University
- Presidential Scholarship
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
GPA: 4.160
SYDNEY OVERWEG
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Achievement Award
Excellence in Math Award
Wheaton College, Illinois
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.123
SIERRA OZOLINS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in English Creative Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.165
CASEY PALMBOS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Art Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
- Hope RCA Award
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
GPA: 4.178
AARON PARKER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Music Band Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.023
BRODY PARKER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Western Michigan University
- Bronco Merit Scholarship
- Legacy Scholarship
GPA: 4.050
OLIVIA PELL
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.172
ALAINA PLASKEWICZ
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.088
JILLIAN POEL
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Music Band Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
- Reformed Church in America Scholarship
GPA: 4.025
OLIVIA RAYMOND
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.155
ELLA REIFSCHNEIDER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Saginaw Valley State University
- Founders Scholarship
- Valley Housing Scholarship
- Athletic Scholarship
GPA: 4.207
KAELIN ROBERTS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Family & Consumer Science Award
Butler University
- Academic Scholarship
GPA: 4.205
ASHTON RODENHOUSE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Family & Consumer Science Award
Samford University
- Marion Scholarship
- Davis Scholarship
GPA: 4.039
GABRIEL ROWELL
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Grand Valley State University
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.234
SARAH SCHNEIDER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.180
HERMIONE SHUPICK
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Performance Award
GPA: 4.007
SAMANTHA SOKOLOVE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Achievement Award
GPA: 4.032
SIDNEY SPARKS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
GPA: 4.170
HALEY STRAUB
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.168
KELLER SWIATLOWSKI
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Vocational Education Award
Michigan Technological University
- Presidential Scholarship
- Leading Scholar Scholarship
GPA: 4.085
HOPE TERHAAR
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Art Award
Excellence in Music Orchestra Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language German Award
Aquinas College
- Merit Scholarship
- FASFA Priority Scholarship
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
GPA: 4.083
PARKER TOCKSTEIN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Music Orchestra Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Excellence in World Language German Award
Butler University
- Academic Scholarship
- Jordan College of the Arts Scholarship
GPA: 4.112
LEAH VANDEBUNTE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.097
BROOKE VAN DE BURG
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Grand Valley State University
- Award for Excellence
- GVSU Honors College
GPA: 4.200
DYLAN VANDERJAGT
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Music Choir Award
Michigan State University
- Dr. Pepper Tuition Scholarship
GPA: 4.165
JACOB VAN DYKE
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Merit Scholar Commendation
Excellence in AP Computer Science Award
Excellence in Math Orchestra Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.286
MAKALYNN VAN EERDEN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Science Award
Bethel University
- Merit Scholarship
- Athletic Scholarship
GPA: 4.200
HAILEY VELTMAN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Family & Consumer Science Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.100
LUKE VOSS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Grand Valley State University
- Award for Excellence
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
GPA: 4.072
GRACE WATERMAN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
GPA: 4.123
JOSETTE WEBER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Music Band Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Alma College
- Presidential Scholarship
- Music Performance Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Early Action Scholarship
- FAFSA Filing Scholarship
- Scottish Hospitality Award
- Provost Scholarship
GPA: 4.035
NICHOLAS WEISS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
GPA: 4.007
ALYSON WIDNER
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Business Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
Taylor University
- Faculty Scholarship
- Christian Leadership & Service Scholarship
- Young Life Scholarship
- Bloom Credit Union Scholarship
GPA: 4.122
JENNIFER WILLIAMS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.107
KELSEY WOLMA
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 4.065
ISAAC WOLTERS
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Seal of Biliteracy Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
Hope College
- Presidential Scholarship
- Heritage Award
- Hope RCA Award
- Michigan Competitive Scholarship
GPA: 4.027
RAELEIGH WOODWYK
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Excellence in Achievement Award
Excellence in English Academic Writing Award
Excellence in Physical Education Award
Grand Valley State University
- Award for Excellence
- Athletic Scholarship
GPA: 4.055
KARLEE WU
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in World Language Spanish Award
GPA: 4.003
LAYNA WUSTMAN
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.002
LILLIAN ZIELINSKI
Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude
Blood Donor for Life Award
Excellence in English Literature Studies Award
Excellence in Math Award
Excellence in Music Orchestra Award
Excellence in Social Studies Award
GPA: 4.215
HPS Instructional Coach Becomes a Published Author
During more than a decade as a middle school English teacher, Dana VanderLugt, who now works for HPS as an instructional coach, was well acquainted with giving her students writing assignments. But a few years ago, she gave herself one: to accomplish her lifelong dream of writing a novel.
While Dana had read, admired, and recommended hundreds of books written for a middle-grade audience, she had an idea of her own simmering. Enemies in the Orchard: A World War 2 Novel in Verse grew from the seed of a story passed on to her about the German POWs who picked apples during World War II in what would later become her grandfather’s orchard.
The book, which takes place during one apple season — September until November of 1944 — will be released by Zonderkidz on September 12, 2023, nearly the same day that the story begins 79 years before. It brings to light the little-known history of 400,000 German POWs shipped to the U.S. from Europe as a solution to our country’s labor shortage. Here in Michigan, 32 base camps housed German soldiers — some of whom were still teenagers — plucked out of war and in many ways, saved by being captured.
Dana’s novel tells the story of two young people struggling to survive the complex toll of war: Claire, a smart and ambitious 13-year-old, who longs to enter high school and become a nurse even as she worries for her soldier brother, and Karl, a 17-year-old German POW who’s questioning everything he was raised to believe and processing the war as he works on Claire’s family farm.
If you pick up a copy of the book, you’ll see that Dana’s Hudsonville students are among those she thanks in her Acknowledgements. She writes, “The students I was entrusted with and learned from over the years as a middle school teacher sat on my shoulder as I wrote these pages: my favorite part of teaching was match-making readers and books, and it’s an honor to have this book join the beautiful chorus of voices on classroom and library bookshelves.”
The book is currently available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other online retailers.
Park Elementary Student Raises Money for Veterans
After reading a book about veterans, fourth grader Mille felt a call to action. She knew she wanted to do something to honor the veterans in our area. Millie organized a read-a-thon for the fourth and fifth graders at Park Elementary to participate in. Students raised money two different ways. They raised money per page they read at home for a week or they sought a fixed amount donation. With Millie's leadership and the help of numerous 4th and 5th graders the West Michigan Veterans Coalition received a check for $1,419.57.
--Alward Elementary Students Trade Recess Time to Help Beloved Custodian
"It has been an absolute honor to have them as students here at Alward, and they will be dearly missed. Thank you, Gentlemen, for showing true pride in our school and for your selflessness." -Mr. Matt
"Thank you for going above and beyond every day. You are great role models to the younger grades. Wishing you success at 5/6 G next year." -Mrs. Visco (lunch aide)
"You are going to be a blessing at the 5/6 Building next year!" -Mrs. VanEk (lunch aide)
"Way to SOAR every day!" -Mrs. Monroe (lunch aide)
"Thanks for your leadership in the lunchroom every day and staying during your recess to help out the staff to clean up! You will be missed next year! Best wishes at the 5/6 Building!" -Mrs. Nienhuis (lunch aide)
"Thank you for leading and taking care of our school! We are very proud of the example you are setting for the other students!" -Mrs. Mucha (principal)
Chromebook Policy
As a district we are fortunate to have a 1 to 1 Chromebook program, and we have seen many positive changes to teaching and learning over the last two and a half years. As the program evolves and we learn more about the best ways to support it, we decided that all 6th-11th grade students will keep their Chromebooks this summer. If students have any damage or malfunction in need of repair, they will turn in their devices at the end of the year. Seniors will turn their Chromebooks in before graduation.
We made this decision to encourage ongoing educational opportunities over the summer and to minimize difficulty with collecting and distributing devices. See below for more about what went into this decision and options for how you can manage / use them.
Advantages of students keeping their Chromebook:
Provides greater access to learning over the summer.
Promotes students ownership, responsibility, and care of their device.
Reduces the amount of time needed for the collection and distribution. No long lines at open houses and more time for instruction the first week of school.
Here are some ideas and resources for Chromebook use over the summer:
Parents can use our web filter management app. See this form for details and to request the app.
Students can access the student links page for core platforms and engagement activities we will be posting.
Eagles United Project at Baldwin Middle
Georgetown Elementary 3rd Grade Field Trip to DeGraaf Nature Center
The 3rd grade classes at Georgetown Elementary had an interactive experience at DeGraaf Nature Center Pioneer Days. This coordinated well with their Michigan History unit. Each class had the opportunity to make and taste cornbread. The students used tools to cut wood, and made pegs for building log cabins. This showed them how difficult it would be to make a home back in the late 1700s. They combed raw wool to make into yarn for the loom. Students also watched a presentation and were able to touch and handle artifacts.
A big thank you to DeGraaf Nature Center and their knowledgeable staff. This unique experience was made possible by funding provided by the fantastic Georgetown PTC.
HPS Staff Member Participates in the Boston Marathon
No matter what needs to get done, Maureen Pluger laces up her shoes and is ready to run. Maureen has been a custodian at Hudsonville High School and a fill-in bus driver since 2006. She can also be found setting up or tearing down the gym during basketball season. As humble as she is busy, Maureen was reluctant to be interviewed regarding her recent marathon achievement. But she eventually agreed, indicating that she would like to raise awareness of the incredible team of custodians who work so hard to keep our facilities pristine for our students.
Although Maureen has participated in the Boston Marathon six times, this was her first year in the 60-64 age category. "So I made sure to color my hair a few days before the race," Maureen said with a wry smile. On the day of the marathon, she was bussed out forty minutes to join around 30,000 other participants who ran through eight different Boston Burroughs on their journey to the finish line. Maureen reported she always buys a new pair of running shoes the week before a race. Her favorite courses are the ones that are bike friendly, so her husband can enjoy a nice ride during her race. She began running marathons in Chicago in 1999 and has completed over 30 races. Who better to keep up with our high school students? Thank you to Maureen and all the other fabulous custodians working for Hudsonville Public Schools.