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Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

It took a village to help this graduate reach the finish line

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
A single question was the turning point for Briaden Cashman, motivating him to ensure he graduated with his class in May.

Social work goal born of real-life experience

Lowell Erin Albanese
After losing both of her parents, this 2025 Lowell High School graduate has learned to be independent and keep looking forward.

‘I can’t be stopped’: Grad says struggle made him stronger 

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley
At the end of a high-school career marked by upheaval and strife, this Innovation Central High School grad is focusing on the positive. 

She can finally envision her future, and it’s looking bright 

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley
This Cedar Springs senior faced abuse and mental health issues, but she refused to give up on life.

Tech Center student’s trajectory: sparks and arcs

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Welding has become more than just a hobby for this senior.

After facing his own health issue, senior looks forward to helping others

Wyoming Erin Albanese
After a car accident left Wyoming High School senior Omar Blanco with double vision, he had to figure out how to get through school while working toward recovery.

Shop class, summer jobs pave the way for construction career

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley
Construction management is this Cedar Springs senior’s passion.

She can sing, she can lead, she’s the new principal 

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark
An inclusive leader and talented singer, Kathleen Veenstra Pool is near completion of her first year as principal at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center.

A 2,200-mile change in location made all the difference for this grad

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Lucero Delgado-Gomez didn’t know her vacation to Michigan was going to be her new home, but she admits it put her on the right path to graduation.

Teacher, minister, heart-attack survivor: the many lives of Aberdeen’s new principal

Grand Rapids Alexis Stark
Aberdeen Academy’s new principal, Shelley Miller, could write several different memoirs about significant events from her life.

‘Books make me so happy’

Lowell Erin Albanese
Fifth-grader Adia Wideman is working on seven books, as she hones her craft toward becoming a published author. And perhaps a horse-riding instructor.

She found her sense of wonder in elementary education

Rockford Riley Kelley
Third-grade teacher Rachel Schirmann believes that ‘every kid deserves somebody on their team.’

Apple farming the core passion of this high-school senior 

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark
Senior Claire Rasch loves eating apples and is learning how to better grow and produce them, thanks to her family’s fruit farming business.

PE teacher marvels at resilience, fortitude of students

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley
Derek Ash didn’t think he’d be in education long, but a physical education teaching gig at Cedar Springs ended up being the perfect fit.

Desire to help others draws her to health care

Wyoming Erin Albanese
Wyoming High School senior Leslie Gomez Lopez already has credentials as she works to become a nurse.  

Social studies teacher honored for service, sacrifice and supporting veterans

Caledonia Alexis Stark
Heather Tornes, Distinguished Citizen Award recipient and Caledonia High School social studies teacher, sees every day as a chance for her students to learn from the past to become better, more well-rounded citizens.
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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.

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