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He can’t tap dance or juggle, but he’s honored to be a Knight 

Meet Your Administrator: Zach Christian

Kenowa Hills — On the first day of school at Kenowa Hills Middle School, staff and students gathered in the gym for a kick-off assembly hosted by new Principal Zach Christian. 

Christian introduced each staff member to the students and shared a fun fact about them to help alleviate any first-day jitters.

Everyone learned their new principal cannot tap dance or juggle and does not swim with sharks for fun, but he is very excited for the upcoming school year. 

Principal Zach Christian hosts a kick-off assembly for staff and students on the first day of school at Kenowa Hills Middle School
Principal Zach Christian hosts a kick-off assembly for staff and students on the first day of school at Kenowa Hills Middle School

“The best part of the first day of school is watching the kiddos start to set their routines, seeing all the teachers and all the new bulletin boards in the hallway,” Christian said. “For me, this is the greatest professional honor of my career, and I’m really excited to be a Knight.”

Other positions you have held in education:

  • Spanish teacher for 16 years, Montague High School
  • Principal, Shelby High School

Education:  

  • Bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature and history, Grand Valley State University 
  • Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, GVSU

Family: 

Christian met his wife, Kelly, while they both studied Spanish at GVSU. Together, they have two daughters, Izzy, 12 and Zoe, 8. 

Kenowa Hills Middle School’s new principal, Zach Christian, and his two daughters Izzy, left, and Zoe
Kenowa Hills Middle School’s new principal, Zach Christian, and his two daughters Izzy, left, and Zoe

What is a lesson you learn from your students? “Students in general are good people and they just want to do their best. They’re pure, they’re happy, they’re energetic and that’s why we get into (teaching): for that energy and teaching them to be good citizens.” 

What is your hobby or hidden talent? “In addition to speaking Spanish, I love playing pickleball and even got some students and staff into playing it at one of my former schools.”

 

Read more from Kenowa Hills: 
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Alexis Stark
Alexis Stark
Alexis Stark is a reporter covering Byron Center, Caledonia, Godfrey-Lee, Kenowa Hills and Thornapple Kellogg. She grew up in metro Detroit and her journalism journey brought her west to Grand Rapids via Michigan State University where she covered features and campus news for The State News. She also co-authored three 100-question guides to increase understanding and awareness of various human identities, through the MSU School of Journalism. Following graduation, she worked as a beat reporter for The Ann Arbor News, covering stories on education, community, prison arts and poetry, before finding her calling in education reporting and landing at SNN. Alexis is also the author of a poetry chapbook, “Learning to Sleep in the Middle of the Bed.”

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