With opponents from both schools pulling out of scheduled games, Grand Rapids Union and Godwin Heights decided to take the field against each other as the Red Hawks emerged with a 48-18 victory on Thursday.
Godwin pulls ahead early, Union’s depth leads to win
The Wolverines had an early lead, and even had an opportunity to lead by multiple scores after a blocked punt. However, Godwin Heights was unable to take advantage.
Lack of depth played a factor, according to Godwin Heights coach Brandon Kimble.
“We knew when we took the game on short notice they had more depth than us,” Kimble said. “We just needed to be more conditioned and execute, and in the beginning we did that.”
Senior quarterback Jamarion Collins added two more touchdowns, after a five touchdown performance a week ago.
Coach Kimble explained the decision to play Union on short notice after their previous opponent dropped the game due to a shortage of players.
“For us, it was more important to make sure we had a game to play,” Kimble said. “Last season we went 5-3, and had a team on our schedule drop down to 8-man and we were unable to reschedule.
“We just didn’t want to put ourselves in that same exact situation.”
Under the old playoff system, a team that won six of nine games or five of eight was guaranteed a playoff spot, but the MHSAA has opted for a points-based playoff model.
Grand Rapids Union (2-0) will face Wyoming next Friday at 7 p.m., while Godwin Heights (1-1) travels to Hopkins for a 7 p.m. contest on Sept. 9.
Send us your live game photos
We are always looking for great football game photos to post with our WKTV Journal stories on Friday nights. Please email your cool game night football pix to greer@wktv.org
WKTV Game of the Week
Our Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD.
The Stray and Godwin Heights Public Schols are partnering to present the exhibit “Identity” tonight at The Stray, 4253 S. Division Ave.
The event will be from 6 to 10 p.m. and will feature work from Godwin Heights students on the theme “Identity.”
Through a Facebook post for the event, it states that “Godwin acknowledges its individual uniqueness and celebrates each other’s differences. They explore their own identity through personal reflection and art-making and learn more about each other was they view and appreciate the effort, skill, and growth of others.”
Part of the mission of The Stray is to build community collaboratives. Hunter VanKlompenberg, the music and arts manager for The Stray, said The Stray team reached out to Godwin Heights art teacher Deanne Basse about finding ways to collaborate.
“Part of our aim is to be an accessible venue to all ages and provide space for teens to display their creative gifts,” VanKlompenberg said. “With Godwin right down the road and sharing the same neighborhood, it seemed like there was a bridge to be built between us. This is our first collaborative event together and we hope to have more down the road.
“We’re excited to showcase work culminating from the semester’s projects from a mixture of graduating seniors and younger students as well.”
Ashley Santiago, Jazmin Guillen-Reyes, Jaylynn Verhulst, and Timothy Dillard take measurements in Plaster Creek with Bill Mull, science teacher at Godwin Heights Middle School
Who would head outside in sub-freezing temperatures, as snowflakes are swirling, and jump in a creek? The Godwin Green Team, that’s who.
Bill Mull, seventh-grade science teacher at Godwin Heights Middle School, started the extracurricular club last year to increase student opportunities to get outside and learn. So far, membership is at 15 seventh- and eighth-graders.
Recently, the team visited a tributary of Plaster Creek near Hillcroft Park, just west of school, and tested the characteristics of the water for depth, flow rate, pH levels, E. colicontent, and more. The students will test the stream periodically throughout the school year to see how it changes and to understand how those changes affect the levels of pollution.
Bill Mull gives directions to members of the Godwin Green Team prior to water sampling
Mull said that through its affiliation with the Groundswell program, a coalition of community partners that creates opportunities for hands-on environmental education, students could look at improvements that could be made for the health of the stream.
“We know now that we cannot take clean water for granted and that we need to work to preserve the health of our streams for ourselves and for the future,” he said. “Between what we do with Groundswell and in this club, we want students to understand that they can be stewards in this process and that their actions can have an impact in maintaining and improving stream health.”
Green Team member Nikolas Ransom, who said he camps almost weekly with his family, has a great appreciation for the outdoors. Nikolas said the Green Team matters because “We all live here.”
Seventh-grader Zadrea Rochelle said Green Team is the first extracurricular activity she’s joined.
Sidney Kremer collects water samples from a tributary of Plaster Creek dubbed ‘Wolverine Creek’ because it’s located next to the Godwin Heights Wolverines’ stadium
“I wanted to learn more about the environment,” she said. “Like Nikolas said, ‘We all live here.’ If we don’t take care of it, we can’t live here anymore.”
The club dabbles in a variety of activities, such as keeping the aquarium clean and the fish alive for the school’s Salmon in the Classroom program. Projects on the horizon for the group include growing native plants and tree seedlings, establishing a school recycling program and learning about orienteering and geocaching.
Mull said the Green Team hopes to conclude the year with a camping trip to the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area.
“I think our club is important in that it can foster an interest in the outdoors and nature that students in our district may not otherwise have access to,” he said. “Anytime we can get them outside, in a greenhouse, working with fish, or doing something other than sitting in front of a video screen, that will be meaningful for our students.”
Grand Rapids Community College is the recipient of a $2.1 million, six-year grant from the U.S. Education Department to boost chances for all students to succeed in college and beyond.
The competitive federal program provides resources to promote college awareness; improve performance in math and writing; increase high school graduation rates; and improve students’ transitions from middle school to high school, and from high school to college – particularly for at-risk, low-income and first-generation students.
GRCC is the only Michigan college to receive the federal grant this year.
The funds will serve a cohort of seventh-graders, following them from middle school to high school and off to college or career training. GEAR UP funds also can provide college scholarships to low-income students.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer."
- Abraham Lincoln
A Side of Facts with that Beer
Harmony House might not be that harmonious this Wednesday, Oct. 24, as the Westside brewery will be hosting a segment of Michigan Radio’s “Issues & Ale.”
According to supplied material, “Issues & Ale” is an ongoing event series designed to get the public talking about issues in Michigan in an informal environment. The events take place throughout Michigan Radio’s listening area and are always free to attend.
Michigan Radio’s “It’s Just Politics” co-host Zoe Clark will host the panel of Grand Rapids political experts. The program is from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the brewery located at 401 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.
And the Wolverines win!
It wasn’t just the University of Michigan Wolverines who scored big this weekend but also the Wolverines of Godwin Heights, which defeated Wyoming Lee to secure a spot in the MHSSA’s playoffs for the fourth time.
Godwin Heights is set to play their first playoff game against South Christian at East Kentwood High School at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, which will be the WKTV featured game of the week.
This week’s WKTV Featured Game (which on Oct. 19 was East Kentwood’s home win against Rockford) and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.
It’s a Monster Mash
And it has been such a graveyard smash that The Salvation Army Kroc Center will once again be hosting its annual “Monster Mash” Friday, Oct. 26.
The event, which is from 5 – 7 p.m., is free and will feature “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot, among other activities. More than 2,000 people attended last year’s event with organizers expecting at least that many this year.
Since little monsters are not that fond of the rain, the event will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or lightening.
Fun Fact:
Name that Sound
In Hollywood movies, it is often the shrill cry of a red-tail hawk that is used as a stand in for an eagle's high-pitched whistle. Fortunately in Blandfold Nature Center's Birds of Prey Photography class, you will not have to worry about the sound as you snap photos of these beautiful animals. The event takes place on Friday, Oct. 27, and there is a registration fee.
"Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world."
-Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate
‘Book’ on over
The new KDL Bookmobile was unveiled at a special event at Steelcase. The Steelcase Foundation helped to launch the project with a $208,000 grant.
This week the Kent District Library unveiled its new Bookmobile, or as KDL Executive Director Lance Werner called it, “a library on wheels.” The Bookmobile, loaded with books and materials, will be heading out to service underserved areas and places where there is not a library readily available.
The goal is to help improve reading proficiency with students, Werner said, adding that the target age is third grade as students who are not at a reading proficiency by third grade could face more problems as they get older. The bookmobile has a rotating collection that can be curated for the places it visits whether it be a school or a senior center.
The KDL Bookmobile is scheduled to come to the KDL Kelloggsville Branch, located at the Kelloggsville High School, 4787 Division Ave. on Nov. 17 and to the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, Nov. 24. For a list of locations, visit kdl.org/bookmobile.
Godwin Heights will face off against Wyoming Lee this Friday in hopes of getting its sixth win and securing a place in the playoffs. And of course, WKTV will be there to cover all the action.
The playoff schedules will be announced on Sunday, Oct. 21 with Pre-District games kicking off the following weekend. All games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.
By the Meter
Ada Limon
Two award-winning poets will be heading to Grand Valley State University Thursday, Oct. 18, to discuss their work.
Part of GVSU’s Fall Arts Celebration, poets Ada Limón and Carl Phillips will begin the discussion at 7:30 p.m. at GVSU’s Eberdhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Limón is the author of five books of poetry, including her new book The Carrying (2018). Phillips is the author of 14 books of poetry, including his most recent works, Wild Is the Wind (2018) and Reconnaissance (2015).
The Spanish work for a person who teaches music, usually referring to a woman. (Maestro is the male word.) This month, St. Cecilia Music Center announced its new Grand Band conductor Robin Connell. For more, click here.
There are still a few days left to help area students get ready for school this fall by donating school supplies to the annual School Supply Santa campaign.
Set to wrap up on Aug. 8, School Supply Santa is actually the idea of Byron Center resident Denise Kooiker. In 2007, Kookier, a hair stylist, decided to hold a drive to collect school supplies when one of her clients told her about numerous families not being able to purchase backpacks, crayons, pencils, notebooks and other items that students need to start the school year.
Eleven years later, the program has grown, helping students in several school districts such as Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, Wyoming, and Godfrey Lee. Now the organization collects boxes of school supplies that are distributed to the various schools.
There are numerous sites throughout the West Michigan area that are collecting items such at Kellogg Community Credit Union at the Metro Health Village and at its Patterson Avenue location; the YMCA Spartan location on Gezon Parkway; Byron Center’s South Harbor Church; Peach Wave along with several businesses in the Metro Health Village; For the Kids Gymnastics on 44th Street; and several local Starbucks. For a complete list of locations, visit the website, schoolsupplysanta.com.
Items that are needed are backpacks, crayons, colored pencils, dry erase markers, ear buds, folders, glue sticks, Post-it notes, Kleenex, pencils, markers, notebooks three-ring binders, and composition notebooks. Monetary donations also are accepted.
Jeff Wainwright was quick on his feet. In the Godwin Heights High School lunchroom, just after getting a hug from sophomore Krystal Jackson and a chat with senior Elizabeth Lemos about gardening, a fight broke out between two boys.
Within seconds of fists flying, Wainwright intervened, separated the boys and led them to the office to meet with administrators. Wainwright looked distressed. The boys are good students and athletes, he said, glad he was steps away to break things up.
For certain, Wainwright would rather be passing out tidbits of advice or catching up with students about spring sports and prom. But once in a while springing into action is necessary and — more often than that — settling verbal disputes is his on-duty job.
“What we do more than anything is put out the fires,” said Wainwright, who is the district’s safety supervisor, about the security team he heads.
Usually students don’t get to the point of a physical altercation, he said. The school’s 600 students, 500 of whom Wainwright estimated he knows by name, often come to him when things are boiling up. Usually, he can help de-escalate by serving as an intermediary while students work things out.
“Here at the high school, we like to build that strong relationship,” he said. “The better the relationship, the less likely we have to get physical.
“Our relationship is what saves us 90 percent of the time.”
Godwin Heights Safety Supervisor Jeff Wainwright works in front of a schedule of tornado, fire and lockdown drills planned for this school year
‘He’s Chill with Everybody’
But that Monday morning was eventful. Along with having to deal with the sudden scuffle, Wainwright was keeping in close contact with North Godwin Elementary Principal Mary Lang. A fourth-grader brought to school a round of .45-caliber ammunition, which he told school officials he had found in his yard. The child’s mother arrived to help address the situation and confirm his story.
From his desk in the second-story office of the high school, Wainwright, who has worked security in the district since 2006, constantly scans who’s in the buildings on the security monitors, which he can also bring up on his phone. That day, he was also busy doing paperwork, making sure potential volunteers passed background checks.
On top of everything else, he had a tornado drill planned at North Godwin Elementary that afternoon, one of the scheduled fire, tornado and lockdown drills this school year that he and his security team leads.
He also helps track things down, like senior Austen Veloz’s missing baseball glove. The senior stopped in the security office with his friend, senior Angel Torres, to ask for help finding it. Angel said Wainwright is easy to approach.
“He brings a good vibe,” Angel said. “He’s chill with everybody. He does his job right, but he tries to chill at the same time. He creates a bond with us.”
Added Austen: “He keeps things organized. He’s the sheriff around here.”
Godwin Heights Safety Supervisor Jeff Wainwright checks security camera monitors while talking with seniors Angel Torres, left, and Austen Veloz
The Face of Security
The district has extensive security at the high school, middle school, North Godwin and West Godwin elementary schools, the Learning Center, where students attend to complete their GEDs, and South Godwin, which houses preschool programs. Wainwright and six other security officers make up the safety team, making sure all exterior doors are locked at all times, checking them at least twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. About 275 security cameras are constantly monitoring the school buildings and grounds.
Wainwright is a Godwin Heights employee, while his team is employed through DK Security, a Grand Rapids-based firm. Wainwright trained through the National Association of School Resource Officers, of which he is a member. He has also had active shooter, FEMA, First Aid, CPR and AED training, as well as in several other areas.
DK Security officers hone their skills monthly through the company and Wainwright. Two officers have trained with local law enforcement, and all have criminal justice degrees. Wainwright also is a certified firearms instructor and trains the security staff here monthly at various shooting ranges.
Officers observe lunch and hallways during passing times, and check the bathrooms. On camera monitors, they watch for students gathering at times they shouldn’t be, look out for doors cracked open and anything else out of the norm.
“We want to be, first off, a deterrent for outsiders, a peace of mind for parents and community members and a caring staff member for our students,” Wainwright said.
And while he is filling the role of a school resource officer in nearly every regard, he is unarmed. He carries handcuffs and is in close contact with local law enforcement. After the Feb. 14 Parkland, Florida school shooting, the idea of arming staff members in schools made headlines nationwide, with a proposal to allow certain, specially trained teachers to voluntarily carry weapons drawing both criticism and support.
But at this point, Wainwright said he and his team plan to remain unarmed.
“Everybody on our security staff has been trained and has the ability to become armed if our district sees it necessary,” he said. But during previous conversations, Wainwright and administrators decided against it. He said there hasn’t been the level of threatened violence at the schools to justify being armed.
“It was going to send the wrong message, because our kids looked at me so much that it was like, ‘If he’s afraid, what is he afraid of?’”
Reassurance after Parkland
The Parkland school shooting had everyone on edge, Wainwright said, but they had proper security practices in place.
“The only thing we increased was our vigilance and our awareness. Now you have people approaching you to ask questions they should have asked eight or nine years ago. After an incident on a national scale, you get a million questions.”
Another part of Wainwright’s job is calming students and parents, sometimes when the rumor mill kicks into high gear.
Recently, two students at the Learning Center led to one leaving and saying he was “going to get his stick,” Wainwright recalled.
The district went on lockdown. Police searched the man’s belongings and determined there was no threat, but by the next day the story had morphed and people believed someone had threatened to shoot up the high school.
“This particular student had never been inside the high school,” he said. “A lot of our parents freaked out. … I had to explain that story about 15 times.”
Building Trust is Key
Wainwright said a big piece of keeping schools safe is getting to know students. They stop by his office or talk to him in the hallways, referring to him as “Jeff.”
“I’m more than a shirt and tie,” he said. “For most of our students, I convince them ‘I used to be you’ and they trust that. Once they start to trust that, our relationship can grow from there. But they have to trust you.”
He’s gotten to know many of them over the years. “Watching our students grow from first or second grade all the way through high school is the biggest reward I think I could ever have,” he said.
That kind of compassion isn’t always part of the narrative of communication between youth and those in uniform, but Wainwright said it’s what makes things go smoothly.
He and other staff members recently raised money for senior Jadah Jackson, a teenage mother who couldn’t afford a ticket for prom. He handed her an envelope with $50 inside when she visited his office.
“I wasn’t expecting it, to be honest, but he’s kind of like a second dad to me,” she said. “It feels good. I’m very grateful.”
Jadah said it’s nice to know Wainwright is in the building. “There are a lot of students who know they can say anything to him and it won’t get out, unless they are harming themselves. I feel like I can talk to him about anything. … He gives the best advice.”
Like Family or Friend
Wainwright said he knows what life is like for children living in harsh circumstances. He grew up on the south side of Chicago. “Most of the things I’ve seen here are nothing compared to growing up there.
“I thought it was normal, but it was really rough,” he said, referring to the area he grew up in. “I didn’t realize that wasn’t how life had to be until I got out of there, until I came to Grand Rapids.”
He wanted to make his mother proud and didn’t find success in Chicago. So Wainwright moved to Grand Rapids and started working in security, first at Grand Valley State University and then in Godwin Heights. He was contracted through DK Security until they created the district safety supervisor position for him.
Principal Chad Conklin said Wainwright’s presence diffuses stress.
“Obviously, the most important thing is his appearance around the building,” Conklin said. “It gives everybody a general calm to have someone as high character as Jeff, who’s always looking after things in the building to make sure it’s a safe and secure learning environment. It certainly keeps students and staff at ease.”
English teacher Jessica Molloy said Wainwright provides the assurance she needs concerning safety.
“From a student perspective, the thing Mr. Wainwright does best is makes himself more of a family member rather than a resource officer,” Molloy said. “He’s more of a dad or an uncle or a friend, or just someone they feel comfortable with. That gives him the opportunity to really get to know our kids at a different level and keeps him in the loop with what’s going on in their lives, so he can step in long before things become problems.”
After the Parkland incident, Molloy eased fears by assuring students that Wainwright was more than capable.
“A lot of our students were scared because there are a lot of unknowns, and when there are those unknowns, that’s where our fear comes from.
“The one thing I always told students was that if Mr. Wainwright says the school is safe, then the school is safe.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan
The music is rising to a crescendo at Godwin Heights High School, where Band Director Jake Castillo is building off the excitement of the Marching Band’s first-place state championship by launching new opportunities for his musicians.
Masked conductor Eyvin Miranda leads from the bleachers
Castillo is extending opportunities past the marching band season by starting an after-school jazz band, which Godwin hasn’t had in several years, along with wind and percussion ensembles. He also recently led an All-Wyoming Honors Band concert with students from Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee, Wyoming and Kelloggsville high schools.
“I’m passionate about it and I want the students to have the opportunity to play jazz outside of school,” said Castillo, who manages one of the most rigorous marching band schedules in the area, including a two-week band camp onsite at the school.
Godwin Heights’ 80-member Marching Band earned a score of 91.35 to take first place in Flight IV at the State Finals at Detroit’s Ford Field on Nov. 4. The show, Sideshow, incorporates elements for a circus, with students performing stunts, while playing Big Top-themed songs. Other first place finishes this year took place in competitions at Grant, Belding, Jenison and Reeths-Puffer schools.
Mauricio Bresso plays way low on the tuba
The state championship is Godwin’s first under Castillo, who is in his third year as director. The band has won seven state titles since 2004.
In Godwin Heights, nearly 90 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch. The district pays for all students’ instruments, and allocated $80,000 to the band program from the bond issue voters approved in May.
Senior Eyvin Miranda, conductor, said it’s the culture of the program that creates success. “It’s the family aspect. It brings us together and inspires us to keep going.”
Senior marimba player Adriel Vera-Soto echoed that sentiment. “One thing that makes us really successful is we are committed and united as a family. Blood, sweat and tears has made this season so worth it.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
The second Tuesday of the month is always the primary election and while this year is certainly not as busy as the 2017 primary election, there is one issue on the ballot that Godwin Heights Public Schools is rallying voters in its district to get out and vote on.
The school district is seeking a renewal of its operating millage. The proposal would allow the district to continue to levy a rate not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except primary residences and other property exempted by law, required to receive the state per pupil foundation allowance.
According to school officials this is not a new tax and it is not a tax on primary residences. If you can answer no to owning commercial/industrial property, vacation property, rental property or a second home in the Godwin Heights area, then the non-homestead property tax does not apply to you, according to school officials.
The proposal does include an additional three mills to help recover reductions from the Headlee rollback. The Headlee rollback was approved in 1978 by Michigan voters and provides provisions on state and local taxes.
The request is for 10 years. The estimated revenue in the first year for the district is about $2.94 million.
Those voting on the Godwin Heights proposal are in the following city precincts: Precincts 1 and 2 are voting at the Godwin Physical Education Building, 31 36th St. SW; Precinct 3 are voting at Gethsemane Lutheran, 3152 Clyde Park SW; Precinct 5 are voting at the Grand Valley Armory, 1200 44th St. SW; Precinct 9 are voting at the Kentwood Community Church, 2950 Clyde Park SW; and Precinct 19 are voting at the KDL Wyoming Library Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. Polls for the primary election will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
WKTV’s high school sports coverage crew was at Monday night’s tipoff of the opening round of the MHSAA district tournament at Godwin Heights. We will be there for the finals Friday. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
This week WKTV’s featured Friday night high school sports event will be the finals of the boys MHSAA Basketball Basketball District 50 tournament at Wyoming Godwin Heights.
In Monday opening-round games, tournament host Godwin Heights had an easy time in a 80-32 win over West Michigan Aviation Academy, and (in WKTV’s covered feature game) Wyoming Kellogsville scored a 87-49 win over Kentwood’s Grand River Prep.
Tonight (Thursday, March 9) games will find Kellogsville (now 18-3) trying to avoid the upset by Wyoming-Lee (10-10) in the 6 p.m. game. Then Godwin Heights (20-1) will face off with Grand Rapids South Christian (10-10) at 8 p.m.
The winners of those games will play Friday, with WKTV cameras on hand, for the District title and a berth in the Region 11 Regional Tournament next week.
Th game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in January, see now.wktv.org/sports/
DVDs and Blue-Rays of each game are also available for purchase at $20 including shipping. For more information, visit WKTV.org
Godwin Heights seniors Donta Sanders and Damien Bell peeled the skin off green Granny Smith apples in long strips. They later assembled the tart apple slices, sweetened up with sugar and cinnamon, into pies.
“I’ve never made a pie before. It’s a cool experience to make pies with my friends,” said Damien.
Art teacher Deanne Basse led the after-school apple pie-making extravaganza with about 40 ninth- through 12th graders, explaining how to measure, peel and criss-cross strips of dough into lattice to top their pies.
It was the second year for the pre-Thanksgiving event with the mission of sending students home with pies.
Art teacher Deanne Basse teaches students to make pies to bring home for Thanksgiving.
“Not a lot of the kids have a lot of experience in cooking,” said Basse, who loves to bake. “This is a way they can contribute to their families.”
Bill Shafer, high school director of information services, donated more than 300 apples, and other staff members chipped in with supplies as well.
Students left with ready-to-pack pies, but it was questionable whether the pastries would last much past Thanksgiving.
“I’m eating it today,” Donta said. “My mom will give me a hand.”
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
After school on Mondays through Thursdays, more than 40 middle school students participate in TEAM 21, where they do homework, eat, play sports and participate in activities.
But a recent night was all about fun, complete with doughnuts and apple cider, slime-making and pumpkin ring-toss. Students participated in Lights On Afterschool, a national event that celebrates after-school programs.
TEAM 21 is run through a partnership between the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and Godfrey-Lee, Wyoming, Godwin Heights and Kelloggsville Public Schools. Fifteen schools offer programs for more than 2,000 students ranging from kindergarten to ninth grade.
Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool promotes the role of after-school programs in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and helping working families. The effort has become a hallmark of the after-school movement and annually sees more than 1 million Americans celebrate at more than 8,000 events nationwide.
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Esperanza Mercado wants her children — kindergartner Coral, first-grader Yra, and fourth-grader Adrian — to have big goals. “I want them to get their master’s degrees,” she said.
“I didn’t get much education,” she said while attending an English literacy class at North Godwin Elementary School. Mercado’s formal education ended in sixth grade. An immigrant from Mexico, she moved to the United States more than 20 years ago.
She’s attending the intermediate-level class, offered by the Literacy Center of West Michigan and led by Americorps instructors, for two hours twice a week to improve her English-speaking and reading skills. At North and West Godwin elementary schools, where more than 40 percent of families are English-language learners, basic and intermediate classes are offered all school year long. Grand Rapids Public Schools also offers the program.
Mercado already speaks basic English, but wants to build confidence.
Parents study the usage of ‘will go’ and ‘am going to go’ during class
“I want to be able to communicate with people who speak English,” she explained. “I want to help my kids with their homework, attend meetings with no helper interpreting. I want to be capable to speak without someone else to help me.”
The fact classes are held at school is ideal, said Sarah Schantz, North Godwin Kent School Services Network community school coordinator.
“Having it here makes it a lot easier,” Schantz said. “It’s right after school starts. Parents stay for class after dropping off students. Having them here gives them the extra opportunity to stay after class and help out with things that they like to.”
The class helps parents connect in other ways too. It’s for all non-native English speakers, not just Spanish-speaking.
“It helps them be able to communicate with us, with their students, with helping them with homework,” ” Schantz said.
Helping Students Read Proficiently
Marti Hernandez, director of the Family Literacy Program at the Literacy Center of West Michigan, said the program serves a huge need as the Hispanic population continues to grow.
Americorps instructor Kari Moss teaches English
The program’s aims are tied to third-grade literacy, helping parents help their children be fluent readers by then, said Hernandez, a former principal at Burton Middle School. “Our goal is to help the parents learn English so they can be more involved in their child’s education, and be more informed on what’s going on in their child’s school and what the goals are for their child,” Hernandez said.
“It also helps them with employability,” she added. “You need to have some sort of English in order to get a job and to just survive.”
Parents also learn the importance of promoting literacy in the home. Monthly Family Activity Nights are offered for families.
“I am so pleased to see so many of my parents participating in our English Literacy classes,” said North Godwin Principal Mary Lang. “They are so committed to learning the language so they are able to better support their children through their educational process.”
Participant Maria Nunoz, mom to kindergartener Gadiel, sixth-grader Adan and seventh-grader Lorenzo, said she’s continuing to study English so she can better help them in school.
“I help Gadiel with homework, and the alphabet pronunciation,” she said.
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
With his mother at home and his father back in Guatemala, Oliver Lorenzo is grateful he’ll be the first in his family to graduate from high school and attend college. But he’s only able to afford his first year at Davenport University, he says, because of guidance from a counselor at Godfrey-Lee Middle/High School.
“If I wouldn’t have had it, I would have missed out on the opportunities of getting help,” said Oliver, who’s relying on grants, scholarships and the Michigan Tuition Incentive Program, as well as $4,000 he’s saved. He’ll live with his mother while going to school.
Michelle Shepardson, left, and her mother, Julanne, go over Michelle’s financial-aid package with teacher Gabe Snyder
“I see the struggle she faces every day,” he said quietly. “I just want to continue to be that support for her,” and make his parents “proud that all the sacrifices they made are paying off.”
His is the kind of success story officials are trying to replicate in Godfrey-Lee, by linking students early on with the counseling and resources they need to enroll and do well in college. The district recently held its inaugural “Rebel College Bootcamp” to help students nail down the financial aid they need, as well as navigate the other requirements of enrolling in college this fall.
In a low-income district where many students are first in their families to attend college, the process can be overwhelming, said Superintendent Dave Britten. All too often students who’ve been accepted don’t enroll because they haven’t filed required forms or gotten the help that’s available, he said.
“You start to hear in August, ‘I’m going to wait and go in January,’ because they didn’t meet a deadline,” Britten said, adding sometimes students end up not going at all. “The biggest thing I wanted out of this is that they felt comfortable, and know if they run into something and they don’t get it, don’t’ be afraid to ask. There’s all kinds of help.”
‘We Don’t Want to Lose These Kids’
Many need help with things like the FAFSA financial aid forms, because their parents struggle financially and don’t have college experience, Britten and others said. Most district graduates are accepted to college, but fewer than half end up attending — often because they need to work and don’t know the aid that’s available.
“Most all the time, the money is there but they don’t understand it,” said Kathryn Curry, Lee Middle/High School principal. “The myth is out there that you can’t go, it costs too much, when it’s just the opposite – the less you have, the more resources are provided.”
The recent event in the school media center aimed to help about a dozen students who showed up for pizza and guidance from counselors and teachers, along with handouts on studying and scheduling. Two representatives of Grand Rapids Community College also were on hand.
Teachers Gabe and Jodi Snyder went online to show Michelle Shepardson her financial aid package and what she still owed Michigan State University beyond that – close to $5,000. They discussed options such as work-study. Gabe advised her, “You have got to show up on campus and talk to someone” – which she and her mother decided to do the next day.
Superintendent Dave Britten talks over college plans with Dino Rodas, who plans to study filmmaking at Grand Valley State University
Michelle didn’t relish paying more out of pocket than she’d planned, or taking out thousands of dollars in loans.
“It scares me, because there’s always interest,” said Michelle, who will major in hospitality business. “It’s like, ‘Here’s $4,000, but you’ve got to pay 12.’”
Many students contact teachers at the last minute to fill out forms, said Jodi Snyder, who helped organize the event: “We always have a few that just don’t make it into college, because they didn’t have anyone to talk to.”
“We don’t want to lose these kids,” she added. “It’s not fair to them just because they don’t know who to ask for help. We need to help them find a way, whatever it is.”
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
The historic season for Tri-Unity Christian is officially in the books after losing in the state quarterfinals. South Christian will make a trip to the Breslin Center this weekend to play for a state championship.
On the boy’s side, Tri-Unity Christian prepares for a regional final game against Benton Harbor Countryside.
Girls Recap
Class B – State Quarterfinals
South Christian – 67
Dearborn Heights Robichaud – 51
South Christian found themselves in a one point game with four minutes to play. It was an uncanny night with top-scorers Markayla Vander and Jennifer DeBoer only registering seven first half points, combined!
Then those final four minutes happened and the Sailors finished on a 16-1 run to put an end to any title hopes the Bulldogs’ might have had. It was part of a huge second half where South Christian scored 21 and 25 points in the third and fourth quarters.
Vander finished with 20 points and DeBoer added 17 of her own. For Vander and DeBoer, it’s their second trip to the state semifinal in three years. South Christian lost in the championship back in 2014.
With the win, South Christian will head to the Breslin Center on Friday night to play defending state champion, and number one ranked, Detroit Country Day.
Class D – State Quarterfinals
Pittsford – 71
Tri-Unity Christian – 30
Tri-Unity Christian ran into a buzzsaw in the quarterfinals. Pittsford used their full court press to hassle Tri-Unity and proved why they are the top-ranked team in the state.
For the Defenders, it was the program’s first taste of the big lights. After winning regionals for the first time in history, Tri-Unity saw what it’s going to take to reach the next level. The team was outrebounded 35-15 and gave away too many second-chance opportunities.
It was a great season for the program and helped pave the path for next year’s team to take the next step.
Boys Preview
Class D – Regional Final
Tri-Unity Christian (18-5) vs. Benton Harbor Countryside (12-3) – 6:30pm at Benton Harbor Countryside
Tri-Unity Christian looks to keep their season alive tonight against Benton Harbor Countryside.
The Cougars of Benton Harbor come in having played only 15 games but carry a 12-3 record. They had a very close call – a 57-55 win – in the regional semifinal against Kalamazoo Pheonix.
The Defenders have held strong all season and look to add a regional title to their successful 2016 campaign.
The winner will face either Morenci or Adrian Lenawee Christian in the State Quarterfinals.
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results
Girls
Class A
East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian
Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union
Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian
South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – W (67-51) Dearborn Heights Robichaud
March 18
State Semifinals – Detroit Country Day
Class D
Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – L (30-71) Pittsford
West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House
Boys
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills
Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – L (55-57 OT) Williamston
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights
South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep
Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – W (52-38) Marcellus Howardsville
March 16
Regional Final – Benton Harbor Countryside
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House
West Godwin Elementary first- through fourth-grade students spent an evening working as mini-entrepreneurs at the T21 Marketplace, selling candy and other goodies, masks and chances to shoot hoops and bowl.
The event, hosted by the after-school program Team 21, introduced students to real-life concepts of buying and selling goods or services, said Betsy Berry, West Godwin Team 21 coordinator. While Berry purchased materials, students cooked, created their products, advertised and cashed out at the end of the evening. Each good or service cost one Berry Buck, fake money students had earned for good behavior.
“The purpose of learning about being a consumer as well as a producer was beyond achieved,” Berry said.
And then there was one. After a heartbreaking overtime loss, Godwin Heights was eliminated from the playoffs in the Regional Semifinal. The loss leaves one area boys team, Tri-Unity Christian, left in the tournament.
South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian are in action for the girls tonight in the State Quarterfinals.
Boys Recap
Class B – Regional Semifinals
Williamston – 57 (OT)
Godwin Heights – 55
The defending Class B State Champions weren’t going to go down easy. In fact, it took an extra stanza to outlast the Wolverines, but Williamston pushed through thanks to a 37 point performance from Riley Lewis.
Trailing by five entering the fourth quarter, Williamston was able to stifle Godwin Height’s potent offense and allow for the overtime period. Leon Redd notched 23 points for the Wolverines, but it wasn’t enough down the stretch.
With the loss, Godwin Heights’ season is in the the books. Over the past three years, the Wolverines have a stunning 71-6 record.
Class D – Regional Semifinals
Tri-Unity Christian – 52
Marcellus Howardsville – 38
After a high-scoring first quarter, Tri-Unity Christian put the clamps down on defense and propelled themselves to the Regional Final. The Defenders found themselves down 19-18 after the first eight minutes due to uncharacteristic defense.
Marcellus Howardsville could only muster 19 points the rest of the way.
Tri-Unity Christian evened out the scoring load with 12 points coming from Willie Otole and 10 each from Javi Cuevas and Braydon Sherrod.
The Defenders will play Benton Harbor Countryside for the Regional Final on Wednesday.
Girls Preview
Class B – State Quarterfinals
South Christian (23-2) vs Dearborn Heights Robichaud (18-6) – 7:oopm at Fowlerville
The Sailors sit three wins away from a State Championship, but they must get through Dearborn Heights Robichaud first.
The Bulldogs enter the quarterfinals having won Districts and Regionals for the first time in program history. They have also won 11 of their last 12. In those 11 victories, their average margin of victory is 21.5 points.
South Christian has only lost two games all season and knows how to close out games. Seniors Jennifer DeBoer and Markayla Vander lead a unit with their eyes on the ultimate prize.
Winner will play either Detroit Mumford or Detroit Country Day in the State Semifinal.
Class D – State Quarterfinals
Tri-Unity Christian (21-4) vs Pittsford (24-0) – 7:00pm at Springport
After capturing their first-ever Regional Title, Tri-Unity Christian prepares for their biggest task yet against No. 1 ranked Pittsford. The Wildcats have beaten their opponents this season by an average margin of almost 45 points.
The Defenders defense has been one of their calling cards all season, the team only gives up 37 points per game. The defense will need to be on point tonight for Tri-Unity to pull the upset.
Winner will face either Waterford Our Lady or Kingston on Thursday in the State Semifinal.
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results
Girls
Class A
East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian
Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union
Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian
South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Dearborn Heights Robichaud
Class D
Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Pittsford
West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House
Boys
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills
Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – L (55-57 OT) Williamston
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights
South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep
Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – W (52-38) Marcellus Howardsville
March 16
Regional Final – Benton Harbor Countryside
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House
Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian added a District Championship to their already successful season on Friday night. Tonight, they both look to make a claim for a regional title.
Boys Recap (& Preview)
Class B – Regional Semifinals
Godwin Heights – 88
Kelloggsville – 46
The first two meeting between these two squads ended with Godwin Heights winning in dominating fashion. The third game was much of the same. The Wolverines were led by 20 points from Lamar Norman. By the end of the game, every single Wolverines scored.
Kelloggsville found themselves down 51-27 at halftime and never found a way to get the game any closer.
Godwin Heights will play Williamston in the Regional Semifinal tonight at 6:00pm. The game will be played at Eaton Rapids.
Class D – Regional Semifinals
Tri-Unity Christian – 61
Holland Calvary- 47
Tri-Unity Christian defended their District Title and also topped Holland Calvary for the third time this season.
The Defenders have a tough game tonight against Marcellus Howardsville (19-3) in the Regional Semifinal. The game will be played at 6:00pm at Portage Northern.
Girls Preview
Both South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian play in the State Quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results
Girls
Class A
East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian
Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union
Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian
South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Dearborn Heights Robichaud
Class D
Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Pittsford
West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House
Boys
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills
Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – Williamston
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights
South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep
Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – Marcellus Howardsville
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House
South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian kept their seasons alive with Regional Championship victories. For Tri-Unity Christian, it’s the first time in program history.
On the boy’s side, three area teams have an opportunity at a District Championship.
Girls Recap
Class B
South Christian – 62
Portland – 49
Last season, South Christian found themselves in a precarious position. The team struggled relative to program expectations when they struggled to even make it out of districts. Fast forward a year later and things are back to normal as the Sailors wrapped up another Regional Championship with a win over Portland.
Markayla Vander scored 18 points and Jennifer DeBoer added another 17 in the win.
South Christian will play Dearborn Heights Robichaud in the State Quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Class D
Tri-Unity Christian – 58
Climax-Scotts – 46
For the first time in school history, Tri-Unity Christian can call themselves Regional Champions! The Defenders were led all season by Sarah Buffum, and this game was no different. Buffum scored 29 points, with most of her damage coming from the free throw line where she went 15 for 23, in the biggest win in program history.
After falling short last season, Tri-Unity Christian came in to 2016 with eyes dead-set on the next round. They now have that chance. The Defenders will play Pittsford on Tuesday.
Boys Preview
Class B
Godwin Heights (19-3) vs Kelloggsville (6-14) – 7:00pm at South Christian
Godwin Heights is looking for their 5th straight district championship. In two games this season, the Wolverines have outscored Kelloggsville by a score of 189-105.
Winner will face either Lansing Catholic or Williamston in the Regional Semifinal on Monday.
Class D
Tri-Unity Christian (16-5) vs. Holland Calvary (11-10) – 7:00pm at Holland Calvary
The Defenders are looking to repeat as district champions. Tri-Unity Christian and Holland Calvary have played twice this season, with Tri-Unity coming out on top in both contests. The combined score of those two games? 133-73.
Winner will face either Mendon or Marcellus Howardsville in the Regional Semifinal on Monday.
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results
Girls
Class A
East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian
Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union
Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian
South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Dearborn Heights Robichaud
Class D
Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Pittsford
West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House
Boys
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills
Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – Kelloggsville
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – Godwin Heights
South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep
Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – Holland Calvary
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House
Three boys teams took the next step forward in achieving a district crown, while five area teams had their season hopes dashed in the semifinals.
South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian are looking to keep their season churning along in the Regional Finals tonight in Class B and D, respectively.
Boys Recap
Class A
Hudsonville – 55
Wyoming – 52
Wyoming found themselves down 15 points and needed to dig deep to try to save their season. The Wolves did just that in the fourth-quarter by forcing overtime behind a 20 point performance from sophomore guard Grant Nabors. Wyoming had an opportunity to win the game at the end of regulation, but a three-point attempt by Chase Vander Klay couldn’t find the bottom of the basket.
In overtime, Hudsonville’s Riley Costen and Adam VanLaar were too much for the Wolves to handle.
For the third straight season, Hudsonville put an end to Wyoming’s season. The Eagle’s are seeking their sixth-straight District Championship.
Class B
Godwin Heights – 64
South Christian – 43
The Wolverines continue to go about their business as usual, beating South Christian by 21 in the District Semifinal. After getting passed Wayland Union on Monday night, the district looked to be Godwin’s to lose. That’s the way it’s shaping up as well.
Godwin Heights will play Kelloggsville in the District Finals on Friday night.
Kelloggsville – 65
Grand River Prep – 60
Grand River Prep received another inspired performance by Shahadah Camp to the tune of 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep Kelloggsville from taking the win and a spot in the District Final. Camp made 8 three-pointers but only converted 5-13 from the free throw line. Those missed opportunities ended up being costly down the stretch.
It was a tightly contested game that went back-and-forth for all four quarters. In the end, the Rockets have their season extend a couple more days.
Kelloggsville will play Godwin Heights in the District Finals on Friday night.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central – 70
Wyoming Lee – 24
The Rebels season comes to a close with a blow-out loss at the hands of Grand Rapids Catholic Central. A tough end to a long season.
Class D
Tri-Unity Christian – 65
Potter’s House – 60
Tri-Unity Christian beat Potter’s House by two early in the season and defended their crown when the two schools met a second time. Potter’s House found themselves down 17 in the second half but cut that deficit to 3. However, it was too little, too late as Tri-Unity Christian held on for the win.
The Defenders will play Holland Calvary in the District Final on Friday night.
Girls Preview
Class B
South Christian (22-2) vs Portland (15-9) – 6:00pm at Wayland Union
After taking consecutive trips to the State Semifinals and Finals in 2013 and 2014, South Christian dealt with a rare let down last season when they didn’t even make it out of the first round of districts. Oh, what a difference a year makes! The Sailors are cruising through the season with a 22-2 record and find themselves in the Regional Final once again. Senior sensation Jennifer DeBoer is looking to lead her team to the State Quarterfinals.
Portland is coming off of a close win over Eaton Rapids in the Regional Semifinal. It’s never efficient to use the transitive property when comparing teams, but Portland lost to Williamston twice this season, and both times by over 20 points. South Christian bested Williamston in their last playoff game by six.
Winner will face either Dearborn Heights Robichaud or Flat Rock in the State Quarterfinal.
This game will be filmed live by WKTV and aired on Comcast channel 24
Class D
Tri-Unity Christian (20-4) vs. Climax-Scotts (20-2) – 6:30pm at Climax-Scotts
Last season, Tri-Unity Christian made it all the way to the Regional Final before bowing out of the tournament. The Defenders are looking to take that next step this season, but it won’t be easy. Climax-Scotts comes into the game with only two losses on the season and they get to host the Regional Final game.
It’ll be a tough one from start to finish.
Winner will face either Pittsford or Hillsdale Academy in the State Quarterfinal.
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results
Girls
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian
South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – Portland
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – Climax-Scotts
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House
Boys
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills
Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – Kelloggsville
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – Godwin Heights
South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep
Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – Holland Calvary
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House
Two area girls teams have advanced to the Regional Finals with close victories. Seven boys teams from Wyoming and Kentwood are looking to set a date to the District Final.
Girls Recap
Class B
South Christian – 59
Williamston – 53
With the game knotted up at 49 with two minutes to play, South Christian dialed up a play for their leader Jennifer DeBoer. The senior struggled with her shooting touch throughout the game but she found it when it mattered most. Coming off a quick screen behind the arc, DeBoer sank a deep three to put South Christian ahead for good.
The Sailors finished out the rest of the game a perfect 6-of-6 from the line to ice the victory. South Christian never trailed.
With the win, the Sailors head to the Regional Finals on Thursday to play Portland. A date in the State Quarter-finals is on the line.
Class D
Tri-Unity Christian – 46
Athens – 44
The Defenders find themselves in the same position they were last year, one win away from a Regional Championship. With the win over Athens, Tri-Unity extends their win streak to 12 games, and 17 of their last 18.
Tri-Unity Christian will face Climax-Scotts in the Regional Final on Thursday.
Boys Preview
Class A
Wyoming (15-6) vs Hudsonville (15-5) – 7:30pm at Grandville High School
Wyoming has had Hudsonville dash their district title chances in each of the past two seasons. The Wolves are hoping the third time’s a charm. After upsetting West Ottawa 60-58 in the first round of districts, Wyoming is playing solid basketball with a lot of confidence. They’re playing as hot as anyone right now.
Hudsonville is looking for their sixth straight district crown. The Eagles hold wins over Godwin Heights, Grand Rapids Christian, East Kentwood and West Ottawa. This team is no slouch. Expect a tightly contested battle for all 32 minutes.
Winner will face either Jenison or Zeeland East in the District Finals on Friday night.
Class B
Godwin Heights (18-3) vs. South Christian (7-13) – 7:30pm at South Christian
As the Wolverines keep on rising with the tide, the Sailors are hoping to stay afloat. Godwin enters as one of the best teams in the state and looking to defend their State Championship from a year ago.
South Christian has struggled all year against teams at the top of the totem pole with loses to Wyoming, Wayland Union (twice), Ottawa Hills (twice), and East Kentwood. The Sailors will need to put together their best game all season if they want to upset the Wolverines.
Winner will face either Kelloggsville or Grand River Prep in the District Final on Friday night.
Grand River Prep (14-5) vs. Kelloggsville (5-14) – 6:00pm at South Christian
Shahadah Camp scored 34 points – 32 in the first three-quarters – against West Michigan Aviation Academy in the first round of districts. Grand River Prep is hoping that hot hand stays in the semi-final.
Kelloggsville has struggled mightily this season and will need an inspired performance to overtake Grand River Prep.
Winner will face either Godwin Heights or South Christian in the District Final on Friday night.
Class D
Potter’s House (16-4) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (15-5) – 7:00pm at Holland Calvary
Potter’s House put a thumping on West Michigan Lutheran in the first round by a score of 81-6. The semi-final should be much more competitive for the Pumas.
These two teams met way back at the beginning of the season where Tri-Unity Christian won a close game 41-39. The Defenders are looking to defend their district crown.
The last time these two met in districts was back in 2014. Potter’s House walked away with a win and the District Championship.
Winner will face either Holland Calvary or Byron Center Zion Christian in the District Final on Friday night.
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results
Girls
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian
South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – Portland
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – Climax-Scotts
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House
Boys
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills
Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semi-Final – Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semi-Final – South Christian
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep
South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep
Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semi-Final – Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House
The boys tipped off the postseason with fireworks in the first round of districts. Heart stopping plays, incredible performances, and down-to-the-wire finishes were the standard.
Two area girls teams prepare for their upcoming regional tilt.
Boys Recap
Class A
Ottawa Hills – 58
East Kentwood – 56
East Kentwood and Ottawa Hills battled all night, and then some, in a tight game from start to finish. With the score knotted up at 50 at the end of regulation, both schools needed an extra period to battle it out.
With the score tied at 56, East Kentwood missed a pair of free throws that would’ve given the Falcons the lead. Following the missed free throws, Bengals guard Ojani Echevarria took the ball the length of the court and made a shot as the buzzer sounded.
It was a tough way for East Kentwood to end the season.
Wyoming – 60
West Ottawa – 58
In a game as tightly contested as this one was, making the freebies at the charity stripe can decide a winner and a loser. Wyoming ended up a perfect 9-9 from the line. Contrast that with West Ottawa who struggled, 3-for-8, from the free throw line in the final 2 minutes.
The game was back and forth all night with both teams making plays and answering back. Wyoming senior Edwin Martinez made a three-point play in the final 15 second to put the Wolves up two. West Ottawa had a chance to tie things up but couldn’t get a bucket to fall as the clock wound down.
With the win, Wyoming will play Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night. Hudsonville has won six-straight district championships.
Class B
Godwin Heights – 65
Wayland Union – 52
Up 34-29 with the final second waning down in the third quarter, sophomore Markeese Hastings picked up a ball underneath his own basket and fired it towards the other end. The ball looked pure from the moment it left it left his fingers and hit nothing but net with the buzzer sounding. The gym erupted and the shot gave Godwin Heights three points to add to their lead entering the final stanza.
Behind the play of their strong first half defense, Wayland Union entered halftime with a three-point lead, stifling a potent Wolverines offense and holding them to only 16 points. Then came the third quarter where Godwin Heights put things together and outscored Wayland Union 21-10.
With the win, Godwin Heights is one step closer to defending their Class B State Championship. They play South Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night.
A replay of this game will be aired on WKTV on Wednesday, March 9 at 5:00pm
Grand River Prep – 65
West Michigan Aviation Academy – 44
Shahadah Camp scored a game-high 34 points as Grand River Prep defeated West Michigan Aviation Academy. Camp drained six 3-pointers and scored 32 points before the 4th quarter.
Grand River Prep will play Kelloggsville on Wednesday night in the District Semi-finals.
Class D
Potter’s House Christian – 81
West Michigan Lutheran – 6
The game was close when it was tied 0-0 at the opening tip. Potter’s House plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday.
Girls Preview
Class B
South Christian (21-2) vs Williamston (19-3)
After scoring 31 points in the District Final, Jennifer DeBoer looks to keep the wind in South Christian’s sails. They play Williamston, winners of 11 of their last 12, in the Regional Semi-final.
Class D
Tri-Unity Christian (19-4) vs Athens (16-7)
The Crusaders look to keep their season alive in the Regional Semi-final against Athens. They ended 2015 in the Regional Final, they’re looking to take the next step in 2016.
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results
Girls
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian
South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Williamston
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Athens
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House
Boys
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills
Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semi-Final – Hudsonville
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semi-Final – South Christian
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep
South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep
Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Class D
Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semi-Final – Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House
West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House
Godwin Heights High School senior Cameron Gray overheard a classmate telling Kent School Services Network community coordinator Duane Bacchus that he needed new shoes. Cameron stepped up, offering a brand-new pair of Nikes he had at home.
That kind of compassion is what Bacchus sees all the time in his job. While Cameron’s gift came unexpectedly, Bacchus regularly links students with resources they need, from glasses to clothing to food and housing needs, even mental health services. He also acts as a sounding board for students who are stressed, depressed or struggling with a problem at school or home.
“This room is sacred,” he said, of his office located in the school’s media center. Students popped in and out on a recent Monday morning. One wanted a letter of recommendation. Many just wanted to talk.
“I have a very strong open-door policy. You are welcome anytime in this room,” Bacchus tells his students. “A lot of the time it will be just kids stopping in to say, ‘Mr. B, today is crazy.'”
But sometimes it’s more serious.
“At the high school level, you definitely have the behavioral and mental health component that’s way more prominent,” Bacchus said.
The high school in September implemented the KSSN model, which includes Bacchus and site clinician Rob Conrad, to serve as a school-community link. It is funded by way of a $250,000 three-year Steelcase grant. Specific points of focus are attendance, reducing discipline referrals and suspensions, Principal Chad Conklin said.
“One of the main impacts we’ve had so far is just the opportunity to refer students and their families to services,” Conklin said. “That’s a huge impact for our students.”
Many Godwin Heights students have received new glasses through connections made by Kent School Services Network
KSSN, a countywide program, brings social and medical services to students’ schools and homes. It is run through a partnership with local districts and Kent ISD. North Godwin Elementary is also a KSSN school, along with more than 30 others in Kent County.
Most resources come from local churches, organizations, clinics and businesses. It’s Bacchus’ job to connect students with resources, and Conrad, a licensed social worker, links them to health-care organizations, doctors and counselors.
Someone to Talk To
Though he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Inter-American University in Puerto Rico, Bacchus’ career took a turn toward education after he and his wife had triplets. He worked as an intervention specialist at the high school for three years before the KSSN role became available. “I already had many great relationships here,” he said. “I wanted to maintain those relationship with kids.”
Much of Bacchus’ time is spent just talking to students who open up about stress in academics and social life. He teaches coping skills and refers them to Conrad if they need outside evaluation.
“This is the most stressed-out demographic,” Bacchus said of teenagers. “There are so many pressures, and social media makes it 10 times worse. You have societal pressures. They are coming from low-income, poverty-stricken areas…They just don’t know how to cope with all these pressures.”
Senior Romeo Edelen said Bacchus “knows how to talk to kids… He makes them feel comfortable. If they have a problem, he’s easy to come to.”
Added senior Carlos Martinez: “Students are always in here if they have an issue. I come in here when I get pissed off. He’s the teacher almost every student likes.”
If a student needs more, Bacchus refers them to Conrad.
“There’s a lot of anxiety and depression, stress over school and friends, and home life is tough,” Conrad said. “There are body image issues like anorexia and bulimia and self-harm.” After determining the level of care needed, Conrad refers them to counselors and other healthcare services.
Creating Lasting Links
A big mistake is to dismiss outside circumstances in students’ academics, Bacchus said. That’s why wrap-around services like KSSN are so important.
Senior Cameron Gray donated shoes to a classmate
“I’m so passionate about the KSSN model,” Bacchus said. ” One of the biggest mistakes we’ve made our in education system over the years is to separate what happens in these four walls and cut it out of what happens in everything else. It’s so connected.
“I truly believe in the product. I truly believe in what we are trying to do here.”
Bacchus works to create resources unique to Godwin, tapping into community agencies and organizations. A native of the U.S. Virgin Islands who has also lived in Puerto Rico, he also helps the districts’ high number of Spanish-speaking students and their families with communication needs. He plans to add a room for parents who speak English as a second language to help them stay abreast of their children’s academics.
Being part of Godwin has revealed to Bacchus the amazing love and energy in the district, he said.
“The heart of these kids is just amazing,” Bacchus said. “These kids are constantly thinking about how they can help each other. They see themselves as a family in many ways.”
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
School was out for the day, but students didn’t need to go far to get to their next project. On the West side of Godwin Heights High School, a variety of decorative plants and flowers were laid out in wait of the young green thumbs to put them in the ground.
“I just like to help the community, I love to plant stuff,” said student volunteer Vanessa Flores, who said she has a garden at home.
The beautification project was initiated by Marcia DeVos, a teacher in the Regional Emotionally Impaired program and a coordinator for Godwin’s Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports program (PBIS).
From left, Students Enida Jahaj, Juana De La Cruz, and Vanessa Flores
DeVos said the idea stemmed from the district’s recent improvements to security and building upgrades, made possible by a community-approved bond. “There hasn’t been money for anything but the essentials,” she said. “Beautifying an area of the school that has long needed it is part of our message of Godwin pride.”
Students delivered evidence of Godwin pride by getting their hands dirty on what was one of the last hot days of the season.
“I’m proud of how supportive Godwin Heights is with students and how positive and supportive everyone is with each other,” said student Felicia McCallum, while digging with her friends.
“It was so great to see our students take ownership of that project and put their time into it with no expectation of a reward other than helping our school look welcoming to the parents and community,” said DeVos after the event.
Arnell Scott, left, helps Katie Hoffman free a plant from its pot
Once again, the Godwin Heights community stepped up with anonymous donations for plant purchases. Kyle Groenink, an intern at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, volunteered to develop a landscaping plan and Mill Creek Farm Perennial LLC in Comstock Park sold plants to the school at cost.
Science teacher Katie Hoffman said the project was “all about building school culture,” and ties into an initiative by Principal Chad Conklin and other staff members to improve the school climate and involve students within the school community. “(DeVos) is a very hard worker, and probably doesn’t get enough credit for what she does,” added Hoffman about the project’s leader.
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
Regional Champions have been decided on the court and the field is set for the State Quarterfinals! Two Wyoming-Kentwood area teams are still breathing after winning their Region. Godwin Heights is alive in Class B and Tri-Unity Christian is coming together and making a strong push in Class D.
Godwin Heights won their third straight Regional Championship on Wednesday night and is hoping third time’s a charm after coming up short of the State Finals each of the past two seasons.
The Wolverines put a thumping on Charlotte in the final Regional game by a score of 81-37. Godwin ended the first half on a 29-0 run and 12 Wolverines scored a point in the contest. In the Regional, the Fighting Wolverines looked their best and destroyed the competition by a combined score of 157-76.
Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian are one game away from the Breslin Center
Two years ago the Wolverines beat Unity Christian in the State Quarterfinals before losing to Detroit Community in the Semi-Finals. Last season, they entered the Quarterfinals undefeated and lost to Benton Harbor. First year coach Tyler Whittemore is looking to get the Wolverines over the hump and into the State Finals in 2015.
Godwin Heights will face Spring Lake in the Class B State Quarterfinals on March 24. The game will be held at Rockford High School.
For the third time in five years, the Tri-Unity Christian boys basketball team is onto the State Quarterfinals after beating Mendon 60-42 in the Regional Final behind 23 points from Willie O’Toole.
While the Defenders 14-10 record may not look daunting, they’re a team on a hot streak! After starting the season 4-9, Coach Keeler’s team has ripped off 10 of their last 11, and they’re winning when it counts!
Tri-Unity Christian will play Morenci in the Class D Quarterfinals at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix High School on March 24.
Good luck to our Wyoming-Kentwood teams!
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Playoff Results
East Kentwood Boys
District Semi-Final – W Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (52-47)
District Final – L Ottawa Hills (56-59)
East Kentwood Girls
District First Round – L Byron Center (36-41)
Godwin Heights Boys
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (86-47)
District Final – W Wayland Union (63-56)
Regional Semi-Final – W Alma (76-39)
Regional Final – W Charlotte (81-37)
State Quarterfinals – 3/24 Spring Lake
Godwin Heights Girls
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (50-39)
District Final – L Wayland Union (32-75)
Grand River Prep Boys
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (34-80)
Grand River Prep Girls
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (46-76)
Kelloggsville Boys
District First Round – W Aviation Academy (85-34)
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (86-47)
Kelloggsville Girls
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (39-50)
Potter’s House Boys
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (44-55)
Potter’s House Girls
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (50-42)
District Semi-Finals – L Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (45-64)
South Christian Boys
District First Round – L Wayland Union (62-72)
South Christian Girls
District First Round – L Wayland Union (39-59)
Tri-Unity Boys
District Semi-Final – W Holland Calvary (60-43)
District Final – W Zion Christian (57-28)
Regional Semi-Final – W Kalamazoo Heritage Christian (72-44)
Regional Final – W Mendon (60-42)
State Quarterfinal – 3/24 Morenci
Tri-Unity Girls
District First Round – W West Michigan Lutheran (64-37)
District Semi-Final – W Zion Christian (51-43)
District Final – W Potter’s House Christian (64-45)
Regional Semi-Final – W Martin (48-38)
Regional Final – L St Joseph Michigan Lutheran (43-62)
West Michigan Aviation Academy Boys
District First Round – L Kelloggsville (34-85)
West Michigan Lutheran Boys
District Semi-Final – L Byron Center Zion Christian (27-55)
West Michigan Lutheran Girls
District First Round – L Tri-Unity Christian (37-64)
Wyoming Boys
District First Round – W Zeeland East (71-59)
District Semi-Final – L Hudsonville (64-77)
Wyoming Girls
District First Round – W Zeeland East (66-40)
District Semi-Final – W West Ottawa (57-53)
District Final – L Hudsonville (49-64)
Wyoming Lee Boys
District First Round – L Comstock Park (29-56)
Wyoming Lee Girls
District Semi-Final – L Catholic Central (6-76)
Going into the weekend, four Wyoming-Kentwood area basketball teams still envisioned playing in the MHSAA State Championship game at the Breslin Center. After the dust settled, two teams faltered while the other two were able to keep the dream alive.
The Godwin Heights boys basketball team took on Wayland Union in the District final on Friday night and came out victorious, 63-56, thanks to some poor free throw shooting (46 percent) by the Wildcats. The District Championship was a first for new head coach Tyler Whittemore.
After winning Districts, the Wolverines faced off against Alma on Monday night in the Regional Semi-Final. Their patented suffocating ball pressure did its job and allowed the Wolverines to jump out to a 47-16 halftime lead! Godwin ended up coasting to a 76-39 victory. The team plays Charlotte on Wednesday for the Regional Championship.
The Tri-Unity Christian boys team dominated Zion Christian on Friday night to get back on track with a District Championship. Last season, for the first time since 1999, the Defenders didn’t get out of Districts! That changed with a 57-28 win over Byron Center Zion Christian.
Then, in the Regional Semi-Final, Chris Osantowski led Tri-Unity Christian to a victory with an impressive stat-line of 18 points, eight rebounds, six blocks and three steals! That great individual effort was more than enough to hound Kalamazoo Heritage Christian and give the Defenders a 72-44 victory. Mendon awaits in the Regional Championship
Godwin Heights wants a high-five, they’re playing for a Regional Championship!
In the girls Regional Championship on Thursday night, the Defenders of Tri-Unity Christian squared off against St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran. The Titans jumped out to an early 7-0 lead and didn’t look back. Ball pressure and early three-point shooting become too much for Tri-Unity to handle as they fell 62-43. The Defenders finish their 2015 campaign with a District Championship and an 18-7 record.
East Kentwood played with fire all season, winning nine games by six points or less, but still stood undefeated entering the District Championship on Friday night against Ottawa Hills. This game was no different as Ottawa Hills held a 15-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The Falcons ended up storming back held a one-point lead with less than a minute to play.
Unfortunately, when you play with fire it’s eventually going to burn you, and East Kentwood finally felt the burn. Lance Windom hit a jump-shot with 12 seconds left to give the Bengals a 59-56 victory and a District Championship over the Falcons! It was a great season for East Kentwood as they finished with a 21-1 record.
This piece was edited on 3/19 to include the Tri-Unity Christian Boys Basketball team!
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Playoff Results
East Kentwood Boys
District Semi-Final – W Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (52-47)
District Final – L Ottawa Hills (56-59)
East Kentwood Girls
District First Round – L Byron Center (36-41)
Godwin Heights Boys
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (86-47)
District Final – W Wayland Union (63-56)
Regional Semi-Final – W Alma (76-39)
Regional Final – 3/18 Charlotte
Godwin Heights Girls
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (50-39)
District Final – L Wayland Union (32-75)
Grand River Prep Boys
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (34-80)
Grand River Prep Girls
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (46-76)
Kelloggsville Boys
District First Round – W Aviation Academy (85-34)
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (86-47)
Kelloggsville Girls
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (39-50)
Potter’s House Boys
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (44-55)
Potter’s House Girls
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (50-42)
District Semi-Finals – L Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (45-64)
South Christian Boys
District First Round – L Wayland Union (62-72)
South Christian Girls
District First Round – L Wayland Union (39-59)
Tri-Unity Boys
District Semi-Final – W Holland Calvary
District Final – W Zion Christian (57-28)
Regional Semi-Final – W Kalamazoo Heritage Christian (72-44)
Tri-Unity Girls
District First Round – W West Michigan Lutheran (64-37)
District Semi-Final – W Zion Christian (51-43)
District Final – W Potter’s House Christian (64-45)
Regional Semi-Final – W Martin (48-38)
Regional Final – L St Joseph Michigan Lutheran (43-62)
West Michigan Aviation Academy Boys
District First Round – L Kelloggsville (34-85)
West Michigan Lutheran Boys
District Semi-Final – L Byron Center Zion Christian (27-55)
West Michigan Lutheran Girls
District First Round – L Tri-Unity Christian (37-64)
Wyoming Boys
District First Round – W Zeeland East (71-59)
District Semi-Final – L Hudsonville (64-77)
Wyoming Girls
District First Round – W Zeeland East (66-40)
District Semi-Final – W West Ottawa (57-53)
District Final – L Hudsonville (49-64)
Wyoming Lee Boys
District First Round – L Comstock Park (29-56)
Wyoming Lee Girls
District Semi-Final – L Catholic Central (6-76)
The MHSAA basketball playoffs are underway this week for both boys and girls! While the boys teams are competing in the District tournament this week, the girls are through Districts and onto the Regional rounds!
Tri-Unity Christian is the only girls team left standing from the Wyoming-Kentwood area. After winning their District in class D by dispatching West Michigan Lutheran, Byron Center Byron Christian, and Potter’s House Christian, the Defenders of Tri-Unity Christian now eye the Regional Championship. The Defenders defeated Martin in their first regional game Wednesday night and play St. Joseph this Friday for a spot in the final 8!
The boys are just starting their District tournament this week and a few schools in the Wyoming-Kentwood area have their sights set much higher than just a District Championship.
After finishing the season undefeated, the East Kentwood basketball team has high expectations for March.
After finishing the season undefeated with numerous nail-biting victories, East Kentwood is looking towards a possible State Championship. The Falcons are the only team over the last two seasons to topple the Big Reds of Muskegon. That monster win early in the season put a massive target on the Falcon’s back as they have taken every opponent’s best shot. East Kentwood takes on Ottawa Hills Friday night for the District Championship.
Godwin Heights finished the regular season 19-1 with that lone blemish coming in a three-point road loss to conference rival NorthPointe Christian. Since that game in late January, the Wolverines have looked stellar and eventually avenged their loss to NorthPointe Christian with an eight-point win later in the season.
The Wolverines have the added benefit of playing the District tournament at home and play Wayland Union in the finals on Friday.
Check the website next week for a quick recap of each remaining team as they set their eyes on the State Championship!
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Playoff Results
East Kentwood Boys
District Semi-Final – W Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (52-47)
District Final – Ottawa Hills
East Kentwood Girls
District First Round – L Byron Center (36-41)
Godwin Heights Boys
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (86-47)
District Final – Wayland Union
Godwin Heights Girls
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (50-39)
District Final – L Wayland Union (32-75)
Grand River Prep Boys
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (34-80)
Grand River Prep Girls
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (46-76)
Kelloggsville Boys
District First Round – W Aviation Academy (85-34)
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (86-47)
Kelloggsville Girls
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (39-50)
Potter’s House Boys
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (44-55)
Potter’s House Girls
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (50-42)
District Semi-Finals – L Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (45-64)
South Christian Boys
District First Round – L Wayland Union (62-72)
South Christian Girls
District First Round – L Wayland Union (39-59)
Tri-Unity Boys
District Semi-Final – W Holland Calvary (60-43)
Tri-Unity Girls
District First Round – W West Michigan Lutheran (64-37)
District Semi-Final – W Zion Christian (51-43)
District Final – W Potter’s House Christian (64-45)
Regional Semi-Final – W Martin (48-38)
Regional Final – St Joseph
West Michigan Aviation Academy Boys
District First Round – L Kelloggsville (34-85)
West Michigan Lutheran Boys
District Semi-Final – L Byron Center Zion Christian (27-55)
West Michigan Lutheran Girls
District First Round – L Tri-Unity Christian (37-64)
Wyoming Boys
District First Round – W Zeeland East (71-59)
District Semi-Final – L Hudsonville (64-77)
Wyoming Girls
District First Round – W Zeeland East (66-40)
District Semi-Final – W West Ottawa (57-53)
District Final – L Hudsonville (49-64)
Wyoming Lee Boys
District First Round – L Comstock Park (29-56)
Wyoming Lee Girls
District Semi-Final – L Catholic Central (6-76)
By: Erin Albanese – 
“The purpose of learning about being a consumer as well as a producer was beyond achieved,” Berry said.
The defending Class B State Champions weren’t going to go down easy. In fact, it took an extra stanza to outlast the Wolverines, but Williamston pushed through thanks to a 37 point performance from Riley Lewis.
The first two meeting between these two squads ended with Godwin Heights winning in dominating fashion. The third game was much of the same. The Wolverines were led by 20 points from Lamar Norman. By the end of the game, every single Wolverines scored.
