June 2012 School Report - Ionia Public Schools

250 East Tuttle Road
Ionia, MI 48846-9698
June 2012
SCHOOL
REPORT
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE IONIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Rotary Scholarship Winners!
Ten graduates in the Class of 2012, from left, Shelby Atkinson, Nicholas Blackmer, Jarrod Blundy,
Cole Colwell, Savanna Curtis, Ezekiel Hill, Autumn Luginbuhl, Abigail Talbot, Joseph Voet, and
CeJay Wolvers earned Ionia Rotary Club scholarships presented by Rotarian Brian Talbot.
Academic Leaders
Scholarship Jarrod Blundy, Salutatorian Savanna Curtis, and
Valedicatorian Shelby Atkinson were recognized as the top academic
leaders of the Class of 2012. Congratulations!
Retirement Tea Honorees!
Ionia Public Schools congratulated eight staff members who have retired or are retiring with
the 2011-2012 school year with a combined total of 238 years of service to education. Honored
were, from left, IMS Teacher Jim VanSyckle, 37 years; IMS Secretary Nancy Hutchinson, 17 years;
Custodian Marty Huntley, 27 years; IHS Cook Barb Bell, 25 years; Custodian Phil Patterson, 30
years; Bus Driver Rochelle Makley, 23 years; Boyce Teacher John Fate, 41 years; and Jefferson
Teacher Deanna Hotchkin, 38 years. Congratulations.
IBC Scholar-Athletes
Jacob Heppe and Ashley Babcock, named the Independent
Bank Scholar-Athletes of the Class of 2012, were awarded $500
scholarships each by Brian Talbot, Senior Vice President, Independent
Bank.

Highlights of the Board’s May 2012 Meeting
1. With four members present, the Board approved the following actions:
-- approved the June 2011-2012 School Year Calendar.
-- tabled consideration of Support for the Ionia ISD Budget Resolution; the Ionia ISD Budget Resolution was approved at a Special Board Meeting on May 30.
-- approved the Camp Jack student trip
-- approved a new 6th Grade Teaching Position for 2012-2013
-- approved the Reproductive Health Video and Pamphlet for the IHS Health Class as recommended by the IPS Reproductive Health Advisory Board and DSICC.
-- approved the second reading of Board Policy 5517.01 - Bullying and Other Aggressive Behavior Toward Students.
-- approved the second reading of Policy 3120 Post-Issuance Tax Compliance Policy for Tax-Exempt Obligations and Tax Credit Bonds
-- following a presentation by the IPS Scholarship Fund Board, approved the establishment of a scholarship program, under the guidelines of the Scholarship
Committee, to benefit Welch High School graduates going on to college.
2. IHS Teacher Scott Pischea, pictured on left, presented on the real life experience IHS Government students have when they
participate in Teen Court at the Ionia County Courthouse with Probate Judge Robert Sykes. Mr. Pischea noted Teen Court is a
real trial where students determine punishment, students take roles as jurors, bailiff, clerk and jury foreperson; and the student jury
deliberates and announces the punishment. Teen Court, which is a National Program which all Ionia County schools participate
in, addresses many Government standards. Cost of busing for all 3 Trimesters is covered by fundraiser in the Fall.
IHS Teacher Scott Pischea
3. Board Vice President Dave O’Mara, who is also a member of the IPS Scholarship Fund Board, gave an update on membership,
fund balances, goals, and events and activities designed to create awareness and give recognition.
4. Welch Principal Jack Manciu shared information on the American Academy’s No Dropouts Program as a potential resource for Welch High School. The goal
of partnering with an organization like the American Academy would be to provide one more way to prevent students from dropping out before they achieve graduation.
Representative Janice Barnes shared details on how the program works, including staff, technology support, and costs. She noted 20 districts in Michigan utilize
services of the American Academy.
5. Director of Finance Don Wilcox noted his expectations that the State would pass a State Aid Bill by the end of May and encouraged residents to express their
concerns to our representatives on a timely basis. At the time, Mr. Wilcox expressed his concern about whether the State would restore the $470 cut from the 2011-
2012 per pupil funding in light of the good news that state revenues exceeded projections by $100 million.
He also discussed concerns about current debate about changes
to the Retirement System, the School Bond Loan Program, and
the Personal Property Tax.
Negotiations Update
As of June 2012, Ionia Public Schools has not reached
contract agreement for 2011-2012 with the IEA (teachers).
On June 12, the Negotiation Teams for the Board of Education
and the IEA will meet with a Mediator.
A hearing on the Unfair Labor Practice charges originally
scheduled for June 5 in Lansing has been postponed at the
request of the IEA’s MEA attorney. Ionia Public Schools is
awaiting a new date for the hearing.
Based on the new legislation and advice from the District’s
legal counsel, the Board of Education passed a resolution on
March 19 to initiate unfair labor practice charges against the
IEA.
These charges maintain that the IEA has not bargained in
good faith by insisting that illegal or “prohibited” matters be
included within the contract now being negotiated.
The unfair labor practice charges will be heard by the
Michigan Employment Relations Commission, the agency
that administers the Public Employment Relations Act.
Ionia VFW is Community Partner for May
Representatives of the Ionia VFW and Auxiliary received a standing ovation at the Ionia Public
Schools Board of Education when the organization was honored as the May Community Partner.
Pictured are from left, Board Vice President Dave O’Mara who presented the certificate, Commander
Shane Houghton, Service Officer Jim Huver, Senior Vice Commander David Richardson,
Auxiliary Guard Mary Richmond, Trustee Dave Richmond, Jr. Vice President, Auxiliary Madolyn
Richardson, Guard Frank Slagel, Ellis King, Jr. Vice Commander Kevin Defrates, and Chaplain
Russ Roberts.
Among the many activities, the VFW is well known for posting the colors and raising and lowering
the flag at many school events as well as educating young students on the significance of the
stars and stripes and each fold of the flag.

Congratulations to
Jefferson Teacher Karen
Adgate, who was awarded the
Frederic Chappell Special Educator
Award for 2012.
Karen, who has been teaching
at IPS for 26 years, is a very
special person as well as an exceptional
teacher.
As an individual, Karen goes
above and beyond to provide
the very best in all she does.
This valuable trait carries into
her dedication to teaching.
She truly has a strong and
natural love for all children and
is a master teacher.
IHS Teachers Rachel Shattuck, left, and Jessica Golombisky,
right, earned Ionia County Youth Advisory Council grants.
Jessica received an award of $625 for a Special Education
Banquet Congressional to recognize Medal the academic of Merit achievements recipient students with
special needs, especially seniors, during their school career.
Rachel, SADD Advisor, was awarded $760 for an expanded
Peer Resistance Program not only for 5th graders but also for
8th graders. IHS junior Macky Lynn, center, also a YAC
representative, presented the grants.
The May Boyce Breakfast Buddies, which served 344, also
served as a Young Authors Celebration. Fred Hearld had the
opportunity to read his granddaughter’s book. Writing is a major
focus at Boyce Elementary and throughout Ionia Public
Schools; the Young Authors Celebration is an opportunity to
showcase the work of each student.
Class of 2012 set its own mark!
Celebrating Success at Ionia Public Schools
Graduations and Class
Nights are good reminders of
the hard work and success we
love to celebrate.
In a year everyone has
worked diligently to teach and
to learn subject matter more
rigorous than ever, I want to
thank the staff, students, parents
and board members who
made good things happen.
In a year when reduced financial
resources have challenged
our ability to maintain
a full range of classes, athletics
and extracurriculars, I am
grateful to the students, staff,
parents, board and community
for supporting the needs of
our district.
I believe our ability to offer
the vast variety of courses,
projects, programs, and sports
allows all IPS students to shine!
The IHS Class of 2012 is
a prime example of “shining
stars”.
Thirty-seven achieved Senior
Scholar status for high
academic performance. Fourteen
students graduated with
grade point averages above 4.0
and many more achieved very
close to that high mark of excellence.
These seniors, now graduates,
led our bands, choirs,
sports and academic teams,
NHS, SADD, Student Council,
FFA and more to superior
achievement.
The Class of 2012 set and
achieved goals; these students
serve as examples for all of us!
In this June edition of the
School Report, pictures of honors
and rewards for those honors
(scholarships!) abound.
My congratulations to the
Class of 2012, their parents,
and their teachers.
by Superintendent Dr. Patricia L. Batista
Your Class has made its
Bulldog imprint at IHS and will
be missed. I wish all of you
the best as you take the next
steps in your life journeys!
Be
wise, be
safe, be
happy,
and be
sure to
use all
your talents
to
the best
Dr. Patricia L. Batista
Superintendent
of your abilities.
I acknowledge, too, the
critical role our staff members
play in the success each and
every graduating class
achieves.
Our students shine year
after year because of the dedication
of our staff, the support
of our administrators, and
the leadership of our board
members.
Great things are going on
at IPS in the area of curriculum
development and professional
training.
Great things are taking
place at the Board level in the
areas of policy, board training,
and strategic planning.
Great things are happening
in the classrooms because of
the support of community
partners and organizations that
provide grants.
With the positive changes,
I believe our school district is
on the edge of bigger and better
things; I believe fantastic
new opportunities will provide
even greater impact on student
success at IPS.
I believe that working together
we will continue to provide
all the building blocks our
students need to reach their
full potential.
This IS the mission of
Ionia Public Schools:
To educate all students in
an environment that fosters
their preparation as
responsible citizens.
With the approach of summer,
let’s take time to get reenergized
and ready for the
difficult work we have ahead
as educators.
I wish everyone a wonderful
vacation filled with sunshine,
relaxation and fun with
family and friends.
Officer Pickens teaches 5th graders to D.A.R.E.
Fifth grader speakers had many positive messages they
learned in D.A.R.E. Using the D.A.R.E. decision making model,
Officer Craig Pickens teaches these young students to Define,
Assess, Respond, Evaluate! Fifth grade teachers and
students appreciate D.A.R.E. as very valuable lessons for
making healthy decisions, learning to deal with peer pressure,
facts about drugs and alcohol, and the foundations of friendship.

Another Fine Michigan Breakfast at Rather!
Rather Elementary celebrated Michigan’s “Past, Present and
Future” at its 45th Annual Michigan Breakfast. Above, the third
graders present “Sing a Song about Michigan”.
Below, left, Master and Mistress
of Ceremonies welcome
special guests under the guiding
eye of Principal Darin
Magley.
The 4th graders presented
information on Endangered
and Threatened Species and
all performed the traditional
“Tulips Are Blooming”.
Summer
Kindergarten
Registration set
for August 8
Parents of five year olds
who missed the Spring Registration
for Kindergarten are invited
to call Jackie at 616-527-
9280 for an appointment for
the summer registration session
planned for August 8.
Administration, Middle
School and High School offices
are open during the summer.
Signing to play softball with LCC
IHS senior Ashleigh Babcock, center, signed a letter of intent
to play softball at Lansing Community College next year. This
outstanding pitcher/batter was joined by her parents Todd
Babcock and JoEllen Babcock, coaches standing from left,
Dave Weisgerber, Craig Patterson, Andy Barr, Marc Kibby, and
the IHS team catcher.
Coach Barr shared that Ashleigh is the 10th IHS softball
player since 2006 to play at the collegiate level.
Among the songs performed by the IHS Symphonic Band, pictured
above, at the Spring Concert was “Oriental Battlefront”
composed by IHS senior Ryan Elvert. Pictured below, Kerry
Braun and Ten Jirapornsuwan perform a duet with the IHS Concert
Band’s presentation of “Soliloquy”. Both bands are directed
by Scott Beyer.
Preschool Info
Meeting for
Parents of
4-year-olds
Associate Superintendent
Ben Kirby invites parents of
students who will be 4 years
old by December 1, 2012 to
attend one of three scheduled
information meetings most
convenient to them.
One common preschool
application is available for all
FREE preschool programs for
4 years olds.
Meetings are planned for
Tuesday, June 12 from 8 a.m.
to 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 12
from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., and
Tuesday, June 19 from 5 to
5:30 p.m.
All meetings will be held in
MCC Room 304 at the west
end of Ionia Education Center,
250 E. Tuttle Road.
Any questions, please call
527-9280.
K-12 Summer
School
begins July 9
at IPS!
Talking about Careers at Welch High
Welch High School students heard about career and employment
opportunities during the school’s annual Career Day Program.
Nancy Wilson, assisted by Larry Tillitson, of Wilson’s
Heating and Cooling spoke with students about work ethic,
customer service and job skills. Also volunteering to present
were Amy Gregory of Gregory’s, Jim Edlin of Edlin Automotive,
Rick Feehan of Feehan Builders, Martha Bailey about nursing,
and JoAnn Six, cosmetologist with Manciu’s Main Street Salon.
SAVE AUG. 23 FOR 6TH GRADE ORIENTATION
Members of the IMS WEB team of incoming seventh and eighth
graders did some training in strategies and leadership in preparation
for their role as leaders for the Sixth Grade Orientation set
for August 23. Advisor Niki Williams stressed the importance of
attendance at this fun, informational orientation.

Memorial Gift to FFA
The Ionia FFA is the recipient of more than $3,025 presented
in memory of Francis P. Stout, Ionia businessman and farmer
who enjoyed FFA while a student at Ionia High School and also
served as a National Officer. Pictured are from left, Ionia FFA
Advisor Jason Griffith, great-niece Kelbie Stout, current FFA
president; widow Betty Stout and daughters, Linda Stout and
Cathy O’Mara. Not able to be present were daughters Denise
McDonough of Beaver Island and Karen Quinn of Illinois.
The Ten Best Days of Summer
July 19-28, 2012
Promoting Bulldog Football
Emerson students were very attentive while this group of varsity football players, plus volunteer
coach Tom White, talked about the benefits of team sports, especially football. Pictured
above, three students have fun trying on a helmet, shoes and shoulder pads of the varsity players.
Recruiters include, from left, James Snarski, Tommy White, Coach White, and Ryan Klumpp.
Summer Food Service Program for Children
Ionia Public Schools received a grant for Summer Food Service Program for
Children. Free meals will be made available to all children 18 years of age and under
or persons up to age 26 who are enrolled in an educational program for the mentally
or physically disabled that is recognized by a State or local public educational
agency. The meals will be provided without regard to race, color, national origin,
age, sex or disability.
You do not have to attend summer school to receive meals.
Meals will be provided at the site (s) below:
Location: Dates/Days: Times:
Jefferson Elementary June 11 –July 13, 2012 Cafeteria
Ionia, MI 48846
July 4 th
420 N Jefferson
Monday – Friday
Lunch – 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
The Ionia FFA Greenhouse Team captured first place honors
at State competition once again. The team is composed of
Heartlands Plant/Animal Science students,
from left, Nicole Hufbauer,
Saranac; Isabelle Barna, Ionia; Alexandria
Finch, Ionia; Megan Murphy, Ionia;
and Danielle Struble, Portland.
IHS junior Kelbie Stout, who is the
president of the Ionia FFA, was elected
to the office of Sentinel for Region 5.
Kelbie was also recognized with her Outstanding
Junior Award and Bronze Academic
Excellence Award earlier this year.
Jefferson Elementary
420 N Jefferson
Ionia, MI 48846
Jefferson Elementary
420 N Jefferson
Ionia, MI 48846
Ionia Middle School
438 Union Street
Ionia, MI 48846
Twin Rivers Elementary
435 Lou Lemke Lane
Muir, MI
July 16 – Aug. 2, 2012
Monday – Thursday
July 9 – Aug 2, 2012
Monday – Thursday
July 9 – Aug. 2, 2012
Monday – Thursday
June 18 – Aug 2, 2012
Monday – Thursday
Closed July 4 th & July 5 th
Cafeteria
Lunch – 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Cafeteria
Breakfast – 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Cafeteria
Breakfast – 8:00 AM – 8:40 AM
Lunch -11:15 AM- 12:45 PM
Cafeteria
Lunch – 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Adults may purchase a lunch for $ 3.00 and Breakfast for $ 2.00
**************************************************************************
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited
from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USD, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 TTY. USDA is an
equal opportunity provider and employer.
***************************************************************************

In celebration of School Nurses Day, Superintendent Dr. Patricia Batista, far right, presented
certificates of appreciation to the wonderful team of Registered Nurses who serve IPS students
every day. They are, from left, Deanna Magley, substitute for 13 years; Lori Borup, substitute for
8 years; Denise Wireman, 12 years, currently IHS/Rather; Missy Kauffman, 14 years, currently
IMS/Jefferson; Laurie Rosekrans, 9 years, currently at Boyce/Emerson; and Sharon Grobbel, 18
years at Twin Rivers.
Science Walgreen Alive Manager at Boyce! Roger King and Walgreen Beauty Consultant
Mary Anne Besson were among the walkers for the
Rather Walk-a-Thon. Through its “Walk with Walgreen’s” Program,
the local store provided pedometers, coupons, and a bag
for each student and staff member. Special thanks to Kindergarten
Teacher Judi Boley for her leadership with this event.
Senior Scholars of Class of 2012 applauded
Boyce third
and fourth
graders
turn the
corner in
their run.
Boyce Scenic Run 2012
Continued from Page 8
Alexander Kusmierz, son of
Daniel and Kari Kusmierz, will
attend Hillsboro Community
College in Tampa to study math
with plans to transfer to the University
of Southern Florida to
study actuarial science.
Jordan Largent, son of Kelly
Largent, plans to study engineering
at Grand Valley State University.
Kaitlin Lenhard, daughter of
Linda Lenhard and the late Thomas
Lenhard, will major in Social
Relations and Policy at the
James Madison College at MSU.
David Lewis, son of Melissa
Starkweather and Randy Lewis,
will begin studies in engineering
at Grand Rapids Community
College.
Autumn Luginbuhl, daughter
of Robert and Marianne
Luginbuhl, will study Physical
Therapy at CMU.
Nathanyl Maroulis, son of
Linda Maroulis, will study Computer
Science at GVSU.
Albert Mayer, Jr., son of
Albert and Joanne Mayer, will
major in Music Education at
CMU.
Mitchell McPherson, son of
Darin and Antoinette
McPherson, will study Molecular
Biology at MSU.
Dylan Miller, son of Jimmie
and Sherri Miller, plans to major
in Computer Science at
Michigan Technological University
and pursue a career in
Video Game Development.
Conner Montgomery, son of
Laura Montgomery and Chris
Montgomery, will attend Wayne
State University to study Alternative
Energy.
Kyle Murray son of William
and Cynthia Murray, will study
Chemical Engineering at WMU.
Christine Nelson, daughter
of Russell and Theresa Nelson,
will major in Pre-Law at the
James Madison College at
MSU.
Brandon Piggott, son of
Kevin and Melissa Piggott, will
major in Aviation Maintenance,
studying first at LCC and later
as a Marine at EMU.
Jacob Rowley, son of Kim
and Chris Rowley, will study
Business or Marketing with an
emphasis on Design at LCC.
Matthew Schanski, son of
Pete and Saundra Schanski, will
pursue an undergraduate degree
in Pre-Med at the U of M with
aspirations to earn his PhD in
Anesthesiology.
Brittany Smith, granddaughter
of Andrew Kauffman and
Vickie Ramirez, will study
Criminal Justice at GVSU or
Ferris State.
Joseph Voet, son of The Honorable
Raymond and Barbara
Voet will study Biochemistry at
MSU with plans to pursue Optometry
at Ferris State.
Jorden Welton, son of Douglas
and Sandra Welton, will
major in Nursing at either Notre
Dame or Delta State University,
where he plans to participate on
the collegiate swim team.
Thomas White, son of Thomas
and Norma White, will play
football at Ferris State and plans
to pursue a degree in Optometry.
Candi Wise, daughter of Tim
and Lisa Jasman, has prepared
for her CNA following Heartlands
Health Occupations
classes and will attend LCC for
her Nursing Degree.
Members of the Young Fours Program taught by Shari
Bentoske and Lynette Kirby perform their end-of-year program
at Watt Auditorium. This talented group of four and five year
olds won huge applause from the capacity audience of family
and friends!
New in the District? New Child Care Arrangements?
Address Changed? Kindergartener not registered?
Moving this Summer?
Call Jackie at Central Office at 616.527.9280
Open all summer to help you be ready for school!
Vocal Music Teacher Rose Scheller conducts the combined
7th and 8th Grade Choir, joined by the IHS Choir, as they sing
“Waka Waka”, This Time for Africa, the official 2012 FIFA World
Cup song.

M.I.T.E.S. awards earned by IHS students
The IHS woodworking students pictured not only placed at
Regional M.I.T.E.S. but also at State M.I.T.E.S. In all 18 of 21 IHS
woods students in Teacher Chris Battle’s program placed at Regional
(6 firsts, 4 seconds, 4 thirds, 4 fourths, 1 5th, 1 6th and 1
honorable mention) and 9 placed at State M.I.T.E.S. (1 first, 2
fourths, 1 fifth, 2 sixths, 2 eighths, 1 tenth).
Pictured are, from front to back, and their place at State: Devin
Collar, 8 th , oak TV cart; Eric Ruehs, 6 th , oak TV cart; Tyler Graham,
6 th , cherry gun cabinet; Andrew Sena, Aaron Whitmore, 1 st ,
oak podium; Michael Ferris, 10 th , oak night stand; Andrew Snarski,
8 th , cherry gun cabinet; and Austin Eddy, 4 th , cherry gun cabinet.
Also placing but not pictured is Corbin Kuhns, 4 th , maple/cherry
lamp; and 5 th , maple/cherry coffee table. Congratulations.
Photo by Beth Mason
Heartlands morning program award and scholarship winners named
Ionia County students recognized as program award winners and recipients of scholarships at
the morning Heartlands Awards Ceremony, included front row, from left: Justin Whitelock, Diesel
Technology; Holly Freeman, Dental Occupations, $500 Student Advisory Scholarship, Portland
St. Pat’s Distinguished Student; Alexandria Finch, Plant/Animal Science; Nicole Hofbauer, Plant/
Animal Science and $200 Culinary Scholarship; Brooke Sage, Dental Occupations and Saranac
Distinguished Student; Brandon Piggott, Aviation Technology and Ionia Distinguished Student;
back row, Kody Godwin, Machine Tool and $250 Scholarship; Jesse Davis, Criminal Justice; Collin
Coble, Automotive Technology and $250 Auto Technology Scholarship ; Samantha Duff, Health
Occupations and $500 Sparrow Ionia Hospital Foundation Scholarship; Mascha Hartwieg, Culinary
Arts; Megan Murphy, Plant/Animal Science and $1,000 Orleans Township Scholarship; Travis
Pierce , Culinary Arts, $500 GRCC Tuition Scholarship, and Portland Distinguished Student; and
$200 Culinary Scholarship; and Jalen Sella, Building Trades and Belding Distinguished Student.
Recipients not pictured are Taylor Barger, Student Advisory Scholarship $500; Lori Smith,
American Red Cross Scholarship $300; and Kyle Lardie, Culinary Arts Scholarship $100; Lori
Smith, Belding Distinguished Student; Royce Cook, Portland St. Pat’s Distinguished Student.
Heartlands PM program award winners
Afternoon Program Award winners included
Samantha Taylor, Aviation Technology;
Kyler Johnston, Automotive Technology;
Shane Ferris, Machine Tool and Ionia
Distinguished Student; and Jackson
Barna, Building Trades.
Award winners not pictured are Brooke
Hanner, Criminal Justice; Madeline
Hooker, Culinary Arts; Courtney Jegla,
Dental Occupations; and Tiffany Harden,
Health Occupations.
Courtney Jegla, Pewamo-Westphalia
Distinguished Student is pictured on right.
Photos by Beth Mason
Heartlands morning program award/distinguished students
Heartlands afternoon scholarship winners named
Photo by Beth Mason
Among the scholarship award winners presented in the afternoon Awards Ceremony for Heartlands
Institute of Technology were, front row, from left: Taylor Stephens, Culinary Arts Scholarship
$100; Autumn Shattuck, Ionia Rotary CTE Scholarship $500; and Mackenzie Porta, Culinary
Arts Scholarship $100; Back row Tyler Demski, Student Advisory Scholarship $500; Kyler Johnston,
Automotive Technology $250; Shane Ferris, Heartbeat for Heartlands Scholarship $500 & Machine
Tool Scholarship $250; Jocelynn May, Culinary Arts $500; and Jordan Bauerle, Culinary Arts
Scholarship $100. Not pictured: Madeline Hooker, Culinary Arts $200; Austin Conner, Culinary
Arts $200; Meghan Moon, Culinary Arts $100; Kayla Boston, Culinary Arts $200; and Kristine Bowen,
Culinary Arts $100.

Members of the Welch High School Class of 2012 gathered for a picture before receiving
their diplomas at the Commencement Ceremony on May 17 at Watt Auditorium. Pictured are,
front row, from left, Tori Cain, Heather Harrington, Brooke Bentley, Cassandra Bennett, Alyson
Kemp, Brianna LaVictor, Ashley Bardwell; second row, Ashley Vance, Jessica Duram, Megan
Bearden, Sydney Martin, Katlyn Smith, Shawna Groh; third row, Kamara Ryan, Angie Andrews,
Hayley Bodman; and back row, Michiel Sorgenfrei, Trevor Thacker, Owen Sayers, Cal Baldwin,
Devin O’Connor, Adam Bernath, and Brandon Currier.
Graduates not pictured are Taylor Reed, Nick Pierce, Danielle Foster, John Walker, Brittany
Stringer.
Class of 2012 graduates earning Ionia Business and Women’s
Sholarships presented by President Ginger Roberts, far right,
and BPW member Darlene Powell included, from left, Alexandria
Finch, Kaitlin Lenhard, Autumn Luginbuhl, Shelby Atkinson.
Valedictorian Shelby
Atkinson, daughter of John and
Julie Atkinson, leads the Class
of 2012 with a GPA of 4.2.
Shelby, recipient of the Congressional
Medal of Honor, will
study Genomics and Molecular
Genetics at MSU.
With a GPA of 4.17 Salutatorian
Savanna Curtis, daughter of
Kevin and Suzanne Curtis, will
major in Chemical Engineering
at Michigan Tech.
Senior Scholars 2012
Congratulations to the IHS Senior Scholars for IHS Class of 2012
Third with a GPA of 4.16 is
Jarrod Blundy, son of David and
Carol Blundy. Jarrod will attend
CMU to study Graphic Design
and Music.
The following Senior Scholars
are presented in alphabetical
order.
Gregory Botting, son of Jim
and Gwen Botting, plans to attend
Alma College and begin his
studies toward a law degree.
Logan Bowling son of
Ronald and Ellen Bowling, will
pursue studies in engineering at
MSU. He will also continue pilot
training.
Ruben Cardenas, Jr., son of
Ruben Cardenas and Maria
Delgado, will attend MSU for
studies in Pre-Optometry, followed
by doctoral studies at
Ferris.
Cole Colwell, son of Carol
Colwell and the late Brian
Colwell, will pursue a career in
Sports Broadcasting at CMU.
Austin Conner, son of Carrie
Rininger and Jeff Conner, will
study French and Foreign Languages
to become a Translator.
JoLynn Drysdale, daughter of
Juanita and Doug Hyland, plans
to pursue Physical Therapy at
GVSU.
Megan Eilar, daughter of
Keri Washburn, will study Psychology
at GVSU.
Ryan Elvert, son of Ronald
Elvert and Dana Anderson, plans
to pursue a degree in Music
Theory/Composition at CMU.
Alexandria Finch, daughter
of Lonnie and Sue Finch, will
attend Albion college for Biology
and Equestrian Studies.
Jacob Heppe, son of Donald
Senior Scholars for the Class of
2012, include, front row, from left,
Valedictorian Shelby Atkinson, Salutatorian
Savanna Curtis, Scholarship
Jarrod Blulndy, Greg
Botting, Logan Bowling, Ruben
Cardenas, Cole Colwell, Austin
Conner, JoLynn Drysdale, Megan
Eilar, Ryan Elvert, Alexandria
Finch; second row, Jacob Heppe,
Jordan Hersch, Ezekiel Hill, Andrew
Hoskins, Kyler Johnston,
Alexander Kusmierz, Jordan
Largent, Kaitlin Lenhard, David
Lewis, Autumn Luginbuhl, Nathanyl
Maroulis; back row, Albert Mayer,
Mitchell McPherson, Dylan Miller,
Kyle Murray, Conner Montgomery,
Christine Nelson, Brandon
Piggott, Jacob Rowley, Matthew
Schanski, Brittany Smith, Joseph
Voet, Jorden Welton, Thomas
White, and Candi Wise
and Karen Heppe, will pursue a
degree in Physical Therapy at
MSU.
Jordan Hersch, daughter of
Bruce and Marcia Hersch, will
continue her studies in the
Honor’s College at GVSU.
Ezekiel Hill, son of Stacie
Hill and Stewart Hill, will attend
Ferris State University to major
in Pharmacy.
Andrew Hoskins, son of William
and Jean Hoskins, will
study Nursing at LCC with aspirations
to become a Physician’s
Assistant.
Kyler Johnston, son of Kenneth
and Tina Johnston, will
study Automotive and Diesel
Technology at Baker College.
Continued on Page 6