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Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

‘Seeing the world through the eyes of someone else’

East Grand Rapids Beth Heinen Bell

Whether it’s reading ancient Greek texts in their original language or discovering how one’s native language can affect perspective, everything about linguistics is intriguing to this recent graduate...

Leading by example

East Grand Rapids Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

When Ayden Steffens saw a first-grader on the playground who needed help, he immediately knew what to do...

Inspired by grandfather, he inspired generations of students

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

After 40 years of teaching vocational ed, Larry Ridley retires from the profession that picked him...

A dream builder

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Senior Elijah True hopes that by going into construction, he can help others achieve their dream...

Hoping to see the world through a camera lens

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A natural talent has led Angel Vargas into a passion for photography with dreams of traveling the world...

‘I know I’ve got it in me’

Byron Center Alexis Stark

After beating cancer at 4 years old and succeeding academically, graduate Jessica O’Neill will pursue her goal of becoming a nurse at Davenport University this fall...

She chose math over snakes and cold, and students win

Kelloggsville Sean Bradley

Thinking in numbers, this Southeast Kelloggsville second-grade teacher’s love of education shines through...

Supportive friends, family & teachers made the difference

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

This recent graduate will be the first member of his immediate family to attend college...

Focus, trust helped this grad overcome pandemic setback

Caledonia Alexis Stark

Senior Juan Martinez came a long way from facing the possibility of not graduating to walking with his class to receive his diploma...

His most enduring style: a diploma

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

This Godwin Heights High School senior made up missing credits, fashioning his approach after his drive to create his own clothing brand...

New Crestwood principal a familiar face in Rockford

Rockford Allison Poosawtsee

Meet Kyle Avink, Crestwood Elementary’s new principal approved by the Rockford Board of Education, after he spent much of the school year as the school’s interim head...

Positive energy as bright as spring sunshine

Forest Hills Carol Lautenbach

Three words from lead teacher Amy Goebels led Nancy Sullivan to bring her affinity for young children to life in Collins Elementary’s Great Start Readiness Program...

Big dreams propel TKHS senior to business school

Thornapple Kellogg Allison Poosawtsee

Business and performance extracurriculars played a key role in prompting graduating senior Natalie Alden to fulfill her dream to study business...

Making learning ‘as local as we can’

Grand Rapids Erin Albanese

Stephanie Nielsen, the Region 3 Michigan Teacher of the Year, leads her students into the wild schoolyard around them to discover peas, dandelions, trees and cross-curricular connections...

Teacher’s mom makes positive impact in kindergarten classroom

Comstock Park Karen Gentry

A teacher and her volunteer mom team up to benefit Stoney Creek kindergartners...

No excuses, even in the face of loss

Kelloggsville Sean Bradley

After loss, Kelloggsville senior resilient ahead of graduation...

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School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent County, which enroll more than 90,000 students. Founded in 2013, we are an editorially independent news site funded by Kent ISD, local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and photojournalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues that enhance or discourage student success, and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

Second-grade teacher: literacy is a civil right

Her motto of ‘always work hard’ leads to early graduation

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

‘You can do anything and everything’

Book battle promotes literacy, teamwork

Future health care pros sample multiple career focuses

Young readers follow the recipe for perfect pound cake

Young engineers turn paper into a wild ride

Red Hawk Rivals episode 2: ‘Cornhole’

High-school journalists provide behind-the-scenes look at news production

Basketball team unites students, promotes inclusion

His heart is in the health care field

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

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