Maple Valley Schools Lion's News February 23rd - March 1st Volume 3, Issue 8

Sports

For sports schedules please visit the Athletics Website: Upcoming Sporting Events

On February 26th, the Varsity boys’ basketball team faced off against the Potterville Vikings in the MHSAA District 75 Semi-Final, delivering an unforgettable, nail-biting performance. In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Lions emerged victorious with a hard-fought 64-63 win!

On February 28th, the Varsity boys’ basketball team competed in the MHSAA District 75 Finals, facing off against a tough Pewamo-Westphalia Pirates squad. Despite their best efforts, the Lions fell 38-76.

Maple Valley Schools Go Lions!

On February 25th, the girls’ varsity basketball team hosted the West Michigan Aviation Academy and emerged victorious with a close 31-27 win. The game was a nail-biter, with both teams displaying strong defense and determination. In the end, the Lady Lions’ resilience and teamwork secured the hard-fought victory.


On February 28th, Filip Nowak competed in the MHSAA Individual State Wrestling Tournament. Unfortunately, Filip only won his first round and did not move on. Congratulations Filip on a great wrestling season.

Activites/Clubs

JH & HS Band and Color Guard Concert

On February 23rd, the Jr./Sr. High Concert Bands had their Pre-Festival Concert to get ready for the MSBOA Festival on March 4th. The Color Guard and Jazz Band also performed. They played Mad Anthony arranged by Andrew Balent, Joy arranged by Frank Tichelli, and ended the concert with Moscow, 1941 arranged by Brian Balmages.

5th & 6th Grade Band Concert

On February 27, the 5th and 6th grade bands had their first concert in the High School Auditorium. The 5th grade started the concert with Hot Cross Buns, Rolling Along, Split Decision, etc. They also played section highlights to show off the sounds of each instrument. The 6th grade played Down By The Station, Lightly Row, Farm Out, etc. They performed a variety of solos and ensembles.

Robotics Competition

Last Friday, the MV TITANS FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team left the high school to load in for their first competition of the season. A total of 14 students and 3 coaches/mentors went to Battle Creek and participated in 12 qualifying matches, where in the end, they ranked 18th out of 38 teams. This event went from Friday, February 28 through March 2. While there, they had the opportunity to work with other teams, build lasting relationships, and compete for State ranking points. The team received the “Rising All-Star” award and earned 18 points towards their State standings. There is hope to be in the top 160 teams to earn a spot in the State Championship.

Class of 2025 Craft Show

The senior class held a craft show on Saturday, March 1, in the high school cafeteria.  There were approximately 20 vendors who participated. The items ranged from fresh bread, jewelry, personalized tumblers, 3-D printed objects, crocheted animals, and goat milk soap to candles. The seniors also had a bake sale booth. All proceeds from the craft show will go towards paying for the senior breakfast and refreshments for senior honors night. The craft show was organized by senior class president, Riley Skinner.

Senior Highlights

Makenna Barnum-Suttles

After high school, Makenna wants to go to college and become a forensic psychologist. The person who has had the biggest impact on her is Mrs Webb, Makenna says she has kept her on track and helped her whenever she struggled. After graduation, Makenna looks forward to starting her career. She would advise incoming freshmen to do well academically both their freshman and sophomore year, and it pays off. Having a good foundation for your last two years in high school is great. The highlight of her senior year was her friends.

Emily Eisner

After high school, Emily wants to attend KCC and go through their Radiography program. The teacher who has had the biggest impact on her was Mr. Wilhelm, she says he's helped her through the years. Some advice she would give to incoming freshmen is to pass your classes, it will count later. The highlight of her senior year was everything.

Evan Fisher

Evan wants to get a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering to work in designing automotive or aircraft at either GM plants or Lockheed Martin. The teacher who had the biggest impact on him was Mr. Rosin. Rosin has taught Evan the most, not only about interesting facts and school subjects, but the functions of music and basic ways to live life. He's always there to help students no matter who they are as long as they are willing to improve. Something he looks forward to after graduation is to move on in life and build a family. Some advice he has for incoming freshmen is to “take risks with classes, experience what the school has to offer. After you leave high school, you'll regret not doing that one thing you missed. I'm proud because I did almost everything the school has to offer. It's hard. But it's most definitely worth it.” The highlight of his senior year is joining the football team, which was probably one of the greatest decisions he could've ever made, he's never felt that much like a part of a team and part of a family. He fought to progress through the season and his teammates supported him the entire way, which is something he's never experienced before.

Staff Highlight

Mr. Patrick DeWitt is the newly hired Maple Valley Jr/Sr Band Director. He was a long term sub last year and chose to return to fill in for the previous director. Mr. DeWitt retired from being a band director a few years ago and decided to make a comeback. He enjoys playing music in community ensembles and plays a variety of instruments on his own time. Mr. DeWitt also does private lessons for students and judges for band competitions. The band is grateful to have his experience and teaching ability to strengthen the band program.