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.
“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.
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.”
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