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Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

Scholarship winner has her eyes on the stars

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Hana Hasanovic’s dream is to work for NASA, and she’s one giant leap closer thanks to a University of Michigan aerospace engineering scholarship.

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.

Administrator reflects on negatives, positives of the past decade

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Assistant Principal Tony Petkus said he sees more flexibility in schools, opening them up for more work-based learning and trade school options.

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.

Making music makes this junior feel ‘fulfilled, proud’

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Kai Christiansen is laying tracks for a future filled with music.

Montessori educator talks passion, challenges & upsides of profession

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Though the job is tough, this upper elementary teacher says the ‘rewards in the field of education are sterling.’

Senior shutterbug lives to capture moments in time

Sparta Riley Kelley

A Sparta High School senior is getting a head start on his dream to pursue professional photography.

Afghan student shares story of escape, survival & the hero who helped him on the way

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Wyoming senior Sami Ayazi is on a quest to find the man who saved his life during the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

Parents learn English, form school connections

SNN 10th Anniversary Erin Albanese

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, your School News Network team is re-publishing some early stories from each school district. This story, originally published in November 2014, profiles the Parent Education Program helping Kelloggsville parents learn English and remove barriers to family involvement.

High school junior earns high honors in culinary

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

This Comstock Park High student is cooking up a delicious career.

For pro swine handler, it’s all about family bonding

Kent City Beth Heinen Bell

Macy first got a pig of her very own to care for when she was 3; now this eighth-grader is an expert at raising and showing pigs.

Her dream: to sing on Broadway

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Byron Center High School senior Alyssa Sherman dreams of singing on Broadway and, eventually, on the stage of her own theater.

From struggling to role model, thanks to strong teacher support

Lowell Erin Albanese

Senior Kenny Dysard went from being completely disconnected from school to becoming a volunteer reader to kindergarten students at his former elementary school.

Second-grade teacher: literacy is a civil right

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Oriole Park Elementary School teacher Sarah Buys-McKenney’s mission is to make sure all her students have the foundational skills to excel in school.

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.

‘This is when my life starts getting better’: EGR senior pushes through painful loss

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

This high-schooler overcame challenges, including the untimely loss of a parent, on his path to earning his diploma.

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ABOUT US

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.

Inspired by Taylor Swift, she wants to be on stage

What it means to be a ‘Grad with Grit’

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

National Merit Scholarship winner plans career in medical field

Did you hear the news? Longtime director leads final show

Partnership between district and church creates opportunity in the arts

Healthcare leaders ask students for ideas, solutions

Invention the focus of summer camp

‘Red Hawk Rivals’ episode 4: Percussion

Students learn today — and also lead today

What do teachers think of AI in school?

Dune ride caps learning for English language biology students

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

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