Watervliet High School and Middle School instrumental music teacher Jennifer Hollandsworth was recognized for excellence at last night's Board of Education meeting as the newest recipient of the Panther Pride Award. This award was developed to recognize businesses, service groups, community members, parents, faculty, staff, and students who have provided exemplary leadership and service.
Superintendent Ric Seager and Board of Education President Bill Spaulding presented the award and had this to say about Mrs. Hollandsworth:
"She has been with WHS for nearly 25 years and has brought significant honor and distinction to our school. She has built an elite program that is shining brightly year-upon-year and has become a standard of excellence across the State of Michigan.
"She works tirelessly to get the most out of her students; producing performances that are intricate, tell a story, and elevate the talents of the students she teaches. She not only teaches all WPS students instrumental music and all marching bands, but she also teaches Music Appreciation for direct college credit at WHS. She has assisted with many musicals and manages the auditorium. Additionally, she is a leader with the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association.
"Most importantly, she develops great relationships with her students, who frequently cite her as their favorite teacher. She makes her program a “life experience” for her students.
"Mrs. Jennifer Hollandsworth has also helped her program achieve a level of excellence that is unsurpassed by any other program in WPS history. Her marching bands have returned three consecutive top-three finishes in state competitions, including two consecutive state runners-up. And - lucky for us - she is not yet finished!"
Congratulations to Jennifer Hollandsworth, Director of Bands for Watervliet Public Schools and Panther Pride Award recipient.