Watervliet High School

Good Morning Watervliet Panthers! Today is Wednesday May 1st. My name is Ella Harris and I am your Wednesday morning announcement reader. Today’s lunch is Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Pasta Salad, Frito Corn Chips, Baby Carrots, Strawberries Tomorrow’s breakfast is a cereal breakfast kit, string cheese & peach cup There are no birthdays today. There’s an optional ASVAB test on May 6th. Additional information and permission slips are in the main office. The ASVAB is the test that you must take to enter the military. Students at any grade level can take the test. After School Detention is canceled for today. SENIORS: Memory Boards are due in Mrs. Tyler’s office on Monday. Email pictures that you want included in the video for the Baccalaureate Ceremony to Annie Saylor by this Monday as well. Mr. Coburn is here again on Thursday of this week. See him in the media center if you need his assistance with anything. Prom tickets will be sold during lunch. Tickets are $30 each, seniors are free. Class dues must be paid in order to purchase tickets. Prom Guest Passes are now available in the HS office. Make sure to include a photo ID of your guest if applicable. The deadline to submit passes is Wednesday, May 8th. No late passes will be accepted. Junior Day at SMC is May 17th for most of the entire school day and we are sending a bus for interested juniors. Come pick up a permission slip in the counseling office if you would like to attend. This is counted as a school related absence. At this time we ask you to stand. The privilege of this day was made possible by those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we enjoy. Let us respect and honor their efforts by standing, placing our hands on our hearts, and reciting the pledge of allegiance. If you are wearing a hat, please remove it. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Those are all of our announcements for today. Make it a great day or not Panthers, the choice is yours!

CONGRATULATIONS ABBY LOMORO!

YOUR JUNIOR April 2024 Student of the Month --Erick Jimenez! I have 2 older brothers and 1 older sister, they all have already graduated from high school and are near their end of their time in college. And I still have my support from my parents in my home. I have two favorite teachers, Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Hickman. I like them because their classrooms always felt welcoming and I liked the fact that they had left after I had my time with them. My favorite class is the same from before, Mr. Hickman and Mr. Hoffman. They had best classmates, having many memories from those classrooms. The Sport that I play in is soccer, but I'm planning to take other sports later in my senior year, like track and maybe basketball but probably not. In my free time, I like to do things that are fun to me. For example, playing video games. I am also picking up soccer and things that help with my fitness. After school, things that I would like to do is to do my dream job, content creation, but another thing as my backup job would be to take on a trade/skill or get a career in something with chiropractor. I am proud to be a WHS panther because of memories that I had made and the fact that I have been here since Pre-school.

YOUR Junior April 2024 Student of the Month--NATALIE VANLENTE! My family consists of my Mom, Dad, older sister and brother, my twin sister, and my younger brother. My favorite teacher has been Mr. Andrews because he makes his class fun. My favorite class has been art because I like seeing what I can make and it is relaxing. I play volleyball, basketball, and soccer. In my freetime I like to read and go outside. After high school I want to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because there are plenty of dual enrollment opportunities.

YOUR SOPHOMORE April 2024 Student of the Month--SOPHIE GREAR! In my family there’s my dad my mom and my sister my dad works at the school as a math teacher and my mom is an executive director for a company called Moody’s. My sister is working in a pharmacy and going to school online. My favorite teacher is Mrs.Hollandsworth because I’ve been in her class for 6 years and it’s not just a class I’ve learned so much not just about instruments but about leadership, building connections, and just having fun. There’s never a bad mood in that class and no fights and it’s not just the kids Mrs.H does so much more behind the scenes that keeps the class together and that’s why she’s my favorite teacher. I’m in band/marching band and sometimes I take pictures for yearbook. In my free time I like to sleep, playing video games with my friends, and art. After high school I’m gonna go to a community college for social work. I’m proud to be a WHS panther because of our community.

YOUR Senior April 2024 Student of the Month--NATALIE HART! Grant and Wendy Hart are my parents and I have one sister named Hannah. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Brant because she is always there for me when I need someone and she is an amazing leader. My favorite class is Yearbook because it is so fun to be able to capture all of our school year memories in our yearbook. I played Varsity volleyball for all four years of High School. In my free time I love to play with my new puppy Lucy. After graduation I am attending the University of Alabama to pursue a career as a Nurse Anesthetist. I am proud to be a WHS panther because this is place where I established who I am as a person and made all of my best friends.

YOUR FRESHMAN Student of the Month for April 2024--VIVIENNE SEXTON! My brother is a Junior in Watervliet, My Dad works in Indiana as an engineer, My mom works at a daycare and is the Township Clerk of Keeler Township. I don't have a specific favorite teacher since so many have helped me in my school career such as Mrs. Lefor, Mr. Grear, Mrs. Henderson, and Mrs. Zuniga. I participate in the marching band and as of recently Track& Field as a thrower. I like to listen to music, read, and visit my family in my free time. I am not sure what I plan to do after high school, but I know for sure I'd like to go to some higher form of education. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because the people can be welcoming and competitive at the same time and it creates this great environment.

YOUR Sophomore April 2024 Student of the Month--GRACE RIPLEY! I'm fortunate enough to have been blessed with a family that I can rely on. At my mom's house, it's just the two of us & Batman, our cat. My mom is a principal at a small school in Riverside. She models a hard work ethic and encourages me to show up as the best version of myself. My dad is remarried to my "bonus" mom, Amber. I also have a little brother named Dawson who's four. They encourage me to create and maintain strong friendships and to learn as much as I can about everything. My dad has been a professional drummer and in several bands my whole life. Because of that, I grew up loving music too. My favorite teacher is my Biology teacher, Mrs. O'Toole. I love having her as a teacher because she builds individual relationships with each of her students and she's easy to talk to. I appreciate her grading system because she usually grades almost immediately after you've handed in your work and she allows us to re-do assignments. It makes me feel good to walk away knowing my grade directly reflects my effort. My favorite class is Choir with Mrs. Brush. I love having her as a teacher because of her dedication to her classes and the opportunities she provides us with that allow us to explore a music career outside of the classroom. I've built my strongest relationships on a musical foundation, I love being able to connect with others in that way. I've been a Cheerleader on Varsity for 2 years now. In my free time, I like to spend quality time with the people I care about. I love going to the beach, doing artsy things, and singing on the worship team at my church. After high school, I plan to go to college and get my bachelors degree in Mortuary Science. I'm proud to be a WHS Panther because of the way the staff encourages us to get out of our comfort zone and try new things- it usually opens up a whole lot of other opportunities.

Good Morning Watervliet Panthers! Today is Tuesday April 30th. My name is Abby Lomoro and I am your Tuesday morning announcement reader. Today’s lunch is nachos supreme, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, tortilla chips, grape clusters Tomorrow’s breakfast is a Pina Colada Smoothie, Graham Crackers, Banana Happy birthday today to Brennan Gutowski & Officer Thornsbury Today is the last day to sign up for the Ft. Custer field trip on May 8th. Parent signed permission slips are due to the counseling office today. There’s an optional ASVAB test on May 6th. Additional information and a permission slips are in the main office. The ASVAB is the test that you must take to enter the military. Students at any grade level can take the test. Girls Varsity soccer beats Bridgman 1-0. Alyssa Brown with her burst of speed was able to open up the defense, but was unlucky with her shots in front of goal. In the 34th minute, Courtney Van Lente shot a floating cross that hit off the goal post, back onto the field that was met by Julie Rudell, who smashed the ball with her head past the left side of goalkeeper for the first and only goal of the game. In the second half, Emma Ferguson had a stellar performance on defense and made sure the team had control of the midfield. The team will have their first home game this Wednesday at 5pm against Fennville. Come out and support! Junior Varsity Softball beats Parchment 18-0 Mackenzie Birmele lead Watervliet JV Panthers past Parchment as she struck out 11 batters. Birmele allowed one hit and zero runs over five innings while walking two. Watervliet JV Panthers accumulated 18 hits. Aubrey Hayes led with four hits, Katelynn Kostrzewa and Kaitlyn Angelo each collected three hits. Emy Baldwin and Kelsie Gaston each collected two hits for the Panthers. Addison Smith, Aubrey James, Mackenzie Birmele, and Madison Eberhard each collected a hit. Addison Smith, Emy Baldwin, Kaitlyn Angelo, and Mackenzie Birmele each stole multiple bases. Junior Varsity Softball beats Parchment 15 - 0 In game two the JV Panthers defeated the Parchment Panthers 15-0 in the third inning. The Watervliet Panthers collected 15 hits. Mackenzie Birmele pitched for the Panthers giving up zero hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out five, and walking one. Kaitlyn Angelo had 3 fabulous bunts. Katelynn Kostrzewa had a solid catch on third base that ended game 2 Aubrey Hayes did a great job behind the plate. Watervliet Varsity Baseball welcomed the Blackhawks to town and got Game 1 mercy 15-0. Ben Parritt surrendered 0 Hits in the Win on the mound - Striking out 5. Panther Hitters: Wyatt Epple (3 Singles) 1 Double each for Chase Tremblay, Caleb Jewell and Emmett Williams Alex Hicks (Single) Game 2 saw the Panthers get the Win 11-1. Kaden Bierhalter got the Win on the mound in his pitching debut and Colton Swisher closed the game. Watervliet Hitters: Chase Tremblay (2 Singles) Jacob Querfurth (Triple) Owen Epple (Double) 1 Single each for Wyatt Epple, Logan Eberhard, Bierhalter and Ben Parritt. The Panthers now stand at 10-2 Overall (4-0 SAC Lakeshore) SENIORS: Memory Boards are due in Mrs. Tyler’s office on Monday. Email pictures that you want included in the video for the Baccalaureate Ceremony to Annie Saylor by this Monday as well. Seniors, you have received a slide via email that needs to be completed right away so that it can be shared out. Mr. Coburn is here Thursday of this week. See him in the media center if you need his assistance with anything. Prom tickets will be sold during lunch. Tickets are $30 each, seniors are free. Class dues must be paid in order to purchase tickets. Prom Guest Passes are now available in the HS office. Make sure to include a photo ID of your guest if applicable. The deadline to submit passes is Wednesday, May 8th. No late passes will be accepted. Junior Day at SMC is May 17th for most of the entire school day and we are sending a bus for interested juniors. Come pick up a permission slip in the counseling office if you would like to attend. This is counted as a school related absence. Seniors– if you wish to earn a Community Service honor cord to be worn at graduation, you must complete 40 hours of community service. The deadline to submit those hours to the HS office is TODAY. At this time we ask you to stand. The privilege of this day was made possible by those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we enjoy. Let us respect and honor their efforts by standing, placing our hands on our hearts, and reciting the pledge of allegiance. If you are wearing a hat, please remove it. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Those are all of our announcements for today. Make it a great day or not Panthers, the choice is yours!

CONGRATULATIONS LAUREN LAWS!

YOUR Senior Student of the Month for April 2024--MELISSA CARDOZO-AVILES! My family is just my parents, my four siblings, and me. My parents are hard workers who have done everything possible for me to succeed. I am grateful for all they have done. My siblings are just as motivated and hard-working as me. My favorite teacher has been Mr. Grear. He is a very good teacher and I have learned a lot of new things in his class. My favorite class has been Girl's Weight Training because it has been very fun. I have that class with my friends and I enjoy every day when we are lifting weights or playing a game. I do not participate in any sports or clubs. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family whether it be inside or outside. I always have a blast with them and we always have a good time. After high school, I plan to attend Michigan State University to study pre-veterinary medicine. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because of the opportunities I have and the people.

YOUR Freshman Student of the Month APRIL 2024--GAGE SIRK! I have two sisters--one being in 7th grade and the other one being 3, 1 brother who just turned 2, 1 doberman and 1 tuxedo cat. I don't really have a favorite teacher because I like them all. I normally do either football or track and in my free time I like to either sleep, or go outside, or spend time with family. After high school I plan on being a welder or an engineer and I am proud to be a WHS Panther.

WHS will offer an optional ASVAB test to any interested student on May 6th. Pick up a permission slip in the main office, if you are interested.

ATTENTION SENIOR FAMILIES!

ATTENTION SENIOR FAMILIES!

2024 Box Factory Awards Exciting news from the WHS Art Department! At the recent Box Factory High School Show, where 14 different schools showcased their talent, Watervliet stood out for its exceptional students. Courtney VanLente and Natalie VanLente were honored with the collaboration award for their outstanding truck painting. Nicole Bender's abstract painting earned her a $50 art scholarship from Berrien RESA. Additionally, eighth grader Kendra Goss, who takes art classes at the high school, also received a Berrien RESA scholarship. Congratulations are also in order for the 32 other talented art students whose work was featured in the show. The exhibition runs until May 5th.

CONGRATULATIONS LYVIA!

Good Morning Watervliet Panthers! Today is Monday April 29th. My name is Tia Caldwell and I am your Monday morning announcement reader. Today’s lunch is Italian Calzone Cottage Cheese & Pineapple Platter Marinara Sauce Spinach & Tomato Salad & Choice of Milk Tomorrow’s breakfast is cinnamon french toast slices Happy birthday today to Felipe Garcia, Marta Lucia & Hailey Yerington! The track and field team traveled to Kalamazoo Loy Norris for the Don Lukens Invitational On Friday. Out of 18 teams the boys placed 15th and the girls placed 11th. It was a day filled with spectacular competition, lots of personal records, and great team bonding. Both JT Davis and Tia Caldwell made it to the finals in the 200m run. JT Davis and Daijahnae Hatcher got a PR in the 100m run. Johanna Granados and Ian Coleman both got a PR in the 800m run. Johanna Granados, Marissa Lowell, Ian Coleman, Ezequiel Cardozo-Aviles, and Daniel Mandujano all got a PR in the 1600m run. Daniel had an impressive PR in the 1600m placing him 6th with a time of 4:33.43 placing him . Kim Romero, Lucas Isbrecht, and Daniel Mandujano, and Morgan Lowell all got a PR in the 3200m run. Morgan’s PR placed 6th with a time of 12:22.29. Daniel’s PR placed 3rd with a time of 10:00.03. Aleah Sexton had a PR in shot put and Anya Sexton placed 4th in shot put with a distance of 32’8”. Aleah Sexton had another PR in discus placing 4th with a throw of 100’10.5” and Anya Sexton placed 2nd in discus with a throw of 111’2”. Kyle Domingo-Sturgeon placed 4th in high jump with a jump of 5’8”. Great job to the entire distance team for getting PRs and to the throws team for placing in both events! Hard work truly does pay off! Exciting WHS Art news from the Box Factory High School Show, where 14 different schools showcased their talent, Watervliet stood out for its exceptional students. Courtney VanLente and Natalie VanLente were honored with the collaboration award for their outstanding truck painting. Nicole Bender's abstract painting earned her a $50 art scholarship from Berrien RESA. Additionally, eighth grader Kendra Goss, who takes art classes at the high school, also received a Berrien RESA scholarship. Congratulations are also in order for the 32 other talented art students whose work was featured in the show. The exhibition runs until May 5th. Seniors, you have received a slide via email that needs to be completed right away so that it can be shared out. Mr. Coburn is here on Tuesday and Thursday of this week. See him in the media center if you need his assistance with anything. Prom tickets will be sold during lunch. Tickets are $30 each, seniors are free. Class dues must be paid in order to purchase tickets. Prom Guest Passes are now available in the HS office. Make sure to include a photo ID of your guest if applicable. The deadline to submit passes is Wednesday, May 8th. No late passes will be accepted. Junior Day at SMC is May 17th for most of the entire school day and we are sending a bus for interested juniors. Come pick up a permission slip in the counseling office if you would like to attend. This is counted as a school related absence. Seniors– if you wish to earn a Community Service honor cord to be worn at graduation, you must complete 40 hours of community service. The deadline to submit those hours to the HS office is April 30th. Any senior interested in being considered for the outstanding boy/girl, please come pick up an application in the main office. They are due TODAY. All students have been emailed a field trip opportunity for May 8th to Fort Custer if you are interested in any kind of military career. Check your email and pick up a permission slip in the counseling office. At this time we ask you to stand. The privilege of this day was made possible by those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we enjoy. Let us respect and honor their efforts by standing, placing our hands on our hearts, and reciting the pledge of allegiance. If you are wearing a hat, please remove it. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Those are all of our announcements for today. Make it a great day or not Panthers, the choice is yours!

Junior Varsity Golf finishes 3rd place at South Haven JV Golf Jamboree Thursday, April 25, 2024 4:00 PM Meet Recap In the first match of the season the JV golf team got to go out and get some tournament experience. Skyler Blaylock lead the way with a 57. After that, all playing in their first matches were JD Zuniga, Dennis Frazier, and Nolan Sells; they gained valuable experience and hit some great shots. It was a good first tournament that we hope to build on in the future.

ATTENTION SENIORS!