Fun in the Valley
Homecoming Week was packed with energy, spirit, and tradition as Lions across the district came together to celebrate.
On Wednesday night, the Powderpuff game under the lights drew a big crowd, with the Juniors defeating the Seniors 18–10 in an exciting matchup.
On Thursday, the spirit spread to the younger Lions with assemblies held at Maplewood and Fuller Street Elementary. The excitement carried into Friday, where the Junior High and High School gathered for their own spirited assembly.
That evening, the community lined the streets of Nashville for the Homecoming Parade, which featured an impressive 31 entries. The parade and Friday night’s football game honored this year’s Grand Marshals, Tony and Brenda Joostberns, who were recognized for their many years of dedication to the school and community.
At halftime, the 2025 Homecoming Court was crowned:
Prince: Teegen McDonald
Princess: Kaylee Williams
King: Tyrese Robinson-El
Queen: Addison Shank
The Spirit Week competitions brought plenty of fun rivalry between the classes:
Dress-Up Day Placings
1st – Freshmen (Class of 2029)
2nd – Seniors (Class of 2026)
3rd – Sophomores (Class of 2028)
4th – Juniors (Class of 2027)
Float Placings
1st – Juniors (Class of 2027)
2nd – Seniors (Class of 2026)
3rd – Freshmen (Class of 2029)
4th – Sophomores (Class of 2028)
Overall Placings
1st – Freshmen (Class of 2029)
2nd – Seniors (Class of 2026)
3rd – Sophomores (Class of 2028)
4th – Juniors (Class of 2027)
The celebrations wrapped up on Saturday night with the Homecoming Dance, held in the high school cafeteria from 7–10 p.m., where students capped off the week with music, laughter, and plenty of Blue & White pride.
From spirited assemblies and a lively parade to Powderpuff action, class competitions, and the crowning of the Homecoming Court, this year’s Disney-themed Homecoming brought the Lion community together for a week full of memories.
Check out more of Fall Homecoming here: Fall Homecoming Page
Sports
For sports schedules, please visit the Athletics Website: Upcoming Sporting Events
On September 8th, the High School Cross Country team competed in the Coach B Thornapple Kellogg Invitational at the Yankee Springs Rec Area.
The girls’ team had an outstanding day, with all four runners medaling in the small school division. Izabelle Soper led the way, cutting 30 seconds off her personal best. Close behind her in the top 10 were Melanie Jones and Lydia Emerick, who also ran a new course best. Ada Blakely rounded out the group with a strong finish in the top 25, improving her course best by over a minute.
The boys’ team also turned in strong performances. Cameron Murray earned a medal with a top 25 finish and crushed his course best by more than two and a half minutes. Grady Wilkes just missed the top 25 but finished with an impressive race time.
On September 13th, the High School Cross Country team competed in the Hopkins Invitational at Jijak Camp. Despite the rain and a tough, hilly course, both teams turned in some of their best performances of the season.
The girls’ team was led by Melanie Jones, who medaled in the top 30 with one of her best times. Other strong finishes came from Izabelle Soper, Lydia Emerick, and Ada Marie Blakely.
The boys’ team was led by Tyler Curtis, who also medaled in the top 30. He was closely followed by Cameron Murray, who set a new personal record by over 40 seconds. Grady Wilkes also ran a personal best by 30 seconds, while Quincy Page posted a season best by more than 2 minutes.
On September 13th, the Junior High Cross Country team competed in the Hopkins Invitational and turned in their best times of the season on a wet and hilly course.
The girls’ team finished 7th out of 13 teams. Both Raegan Jones and Adelita Tobias placed in the top 15, earning medals and running their fastest times of the season. Other top finishers included Rece Nevins, Jojo Tobias, and Karlee Davis, who also ran her season-best time.
The boys’ team placed 8th out of 13 teams. Porter Bryson was the overall champion, taking 1st place with a new junior high school record of 11:27. Also medaling for the Lions was Jaxson Eye, who placed in the top 15 with his fastest time of the season.
On September 8th, the boys’ soccer team hosted Bronson, battling hard in a close match. The Lions came up just short, falling 1-2.
On September 11th, the Boys Soccer team hosted Barry County Christian in a competitive match. The Lions played with plenty of heart and energy, but ultimately fell 2–4. Maple Valley led at halftime 2–1, showing grit and attacking strength, but Barry County Christian came out strong in the second half to pull ahead.
On September 11th, the JV football team traveled to Reading for a tough matchup. The Lions put points on the board but couldn’t keep pace, falling by a score of 17–38.
On September 12th, the varsity football team hosted Reading for this year’s Homecoming game. The Lions played hard under the Friday night lights but came up short, falling 7–28. Despite the loss, the night was filled with school spirit as the community celebrated Homecoming festivities, honored the grand marshals, and crowned this year’s court.
On September 9th, the JV and Varsity volleyball teams traveled to Bronson. Both teams battled but came up short, with JV falling in straight sets 0–3 and Varsity also dropping their match 0–3.
On September 13th, the Maple Valley varsity volleyball team competed at the Perry Invitational. The Lions faced tough competition throughout the day. In Game 1, they fell to Hastings (8–25, 6–25). In Game 2, they battled Perry, dropping the match (13–25, 16–25). In Game 3, the Lions showed fight against Durand, keeping the second set close before falling (10–25, 20–25).
Senior Highlights
Kaitlyn Garlinger
After high school, Kaitlyn plans to attend Purdue University in Indiana to study for a career as an FBI Special Agent. The staff member who has had the greatest impact on her is Mr. Saari, as he has encouraged Kaitlyn to help her succeed in many different areas. No matter what, he is always there for her when she needs support, and he has taught her important life lessons and things she will remember forever. After graduation, Kaitlyn is looking forward to starting her career and her life. Some advice she would like to give to incoming freshmen is, “Be Kind. Being mean helps nothing.” Kaitlyn is looking forward to making memories with the people she’s been with during school for a long time.
Madison Trowbridge
After high school, Madison plans to attend college to go into the physical therapy field. The staff member who has had the greatest impact on her is Mrs. Webb, as she is like a second mother to Maddie, and she always makes sure all of her work is done and encourages her to be successful. After graduation, Maddie is looking forward to her career that she has studied and researched for a long time. Some advice she would like to give to incoming freshmen is, “Stop complaining and just do your work! It takes more time to complain rather than actually doing it.” Maddie is looking forward to making unforgettable memories on the senior trip.
