On Tuesday, the varsity track team traveled to Lakewood high school to compete in a GLAC tournament against Lakewood and Lansing Christian. Evan Brandenburg finished first in the 100 and 200-meter dash. Jeremiah Penny finished 3rd in the 400 and also competed in the 4x200 relay and the 4x400 relay. Nic Martin placed first overall in pole vault with a height of 10 '0. Nic Martin and Jericho Payne competed in the discus event, Martin coming in 2nd and Payne coming in 3rd. James Penny placed 1st in the men's discus with a distance of 32’ 10.5. For the girls, Athena Morehouse placed 1st in the 200-meter dash. Sienna Lowe came in 3rd in the 200-meter dash, she also competed in the 4x100 relay. Madison Koons finished 1st in the girl's 300-meter hurdles with a new PR of 1:01.45. Mackenzie Decker tied for 2nd in the girl's high jump. Also on Tuesday, the girl's soccer team competed in a home game against Perry with a final score of 2-1, a win for the maple valley girls. Thursday the girl's soccer team had a home game against Olivet with a final score of 9-1, a loss for the girls. On Saturday, the Varsity track team once again traveled to Lakewood for an invitational meet against Lakewood, Marshall, Mason, Webberville, Otsego, Ionia, Hamilton, Grand River Prep, and West Michigan Aviation.

Where did you go to school/ currently going to school?

“I studied at CMU.”

What made you want to become a teacher?

“It allowed me to continue to pursue my favorite areas of music, being a concert band, jazz band, and marching band as well as composing.” 

What is your favorite part about being a teacher at Maple Valley?

“The students make my job fun.”

How would you describe your teaching style?

“I would describe my teaching style as developing. I have more experience running a rehearsal than a class, but I try to keep myself empathetic.” 

What do you feel is the most challenging part of becoming a teacher?

“Learning all of the things that college didn’t teach me.”

Meet Penelope Olsen! After high school, Penelope plans to take a gap year and travel. The teacher who had the biggest impact on Penelope’s life has been Mr. Rosin because he has always seen Penelope’s potential and pushed her to be the best performer she can be. Penelope’s favorite part of being a senior is goofing around with friends and knowing it’s her last year. Some advice Penelope would give to incoming freshmen is to be yourself and don’t stress too much about school because it’s not worth it. The highlight of Penelope’s senior year has been finding herself. 

Thank you, Penelope, for being senior of the week!Meet Casey Bowerman! After high school, Casey plans to pursue an associate's degree in dental hygiene. The teacher who had the biggest impact on Casey’s life has been Mrs. Deo because she has always encouraged Casey to be involved. Casey’s favorite part about being a senior is finishing school and having more freedom. Some advice Casey would give to incoming freshmen is to never be afraid to get involved. The highlight of Casey’s senior year has been joining DECA and going to Orlando. 

Thank you, Casey, for being a senior of the week!