💰🎓 CASH, GRADUATION & GLORY — FAFSA PAYS OFF! 🐾
Way to go, Class of 2026! 62% of our seniors have already completed their FAFSA, and we’re excited to celebrate that momentum.
Very soon, WHS will begin distributing $100 gift cards to seniors who have completed theirs — and we can’t wait to recognize their effort and Panther Pride.
Haven’t finished yet? There’s still time. Let’s keep the momentum going — Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop.
Way to go, Class of 2026! 62% of our seniors have already completed their FAFSA, and we’re excited to celebrate that momentum.
Very soon, WHS will begin distributing $100 gift cards to seniors who have completed theirs — and we can’t wait to recognize their effort and Panther Pride.
Haven’t finished yet? There’s still time. Let’s keep the momentum going — Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop.
📊 Graduation Rate Growth — A Reflection of Our Commitment to Students
We are proud to share encouraging graduation rate data that reflects the steady progress our school community has made over the past several years. The upward trend shows the impact of the collective effort from our teachers, support staff, families, and students working together toward a common goal — student success.
Behind every percentage point is a story of perseverance, support, and dedication. Our Panther team works intentionally every day to remove barriers, provide academic and emotional support, and ensure students have the tools they need to reach graduation. Whether through mentoring, academic interventions, attendance supports, or simply building strong relationships, our focus remains on helping each student achieve their goals.
This growth is something we can all celebrate, and it motivates us to keep pushing forward. We remain committed to creating opportunities, supporting every learner, and making sure all students have a pathway to success beyond high school.
Thank you to our staff, families, and community for partnering with us in this important work.
We are proud to share encouraging graduation rate data that reflects the steady progress our school community has made over the past several years. The upward trend shows the impact of the collective effort from our teachers, support staff, families, and students working together toward a common goal — student success.
Behind every percentage point is a story of perseverance, support, and dedication. Our Panther team works intentionally every day to remove barriers, provide academic and emotional support, and ensure students have the tools they need to reach graduation. Whether through mentoring, academic interventions, attendance supports, or simply building strong relationships, our focus remains on helping each student achieve their goals.
This growth is something we can all celebrate, and it motivates us to keep pushing forward. We remain committed to creating opportunities, supporting every learner, and making sure all students have a pathway to success beyond high school.
Thank you to our staff, families, and community for partnering with us in this important work.
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE PARENTS!
WHS is BUZZIN' this week! Don't miss this update!
https://app.smore.com/n/6hwdj3
https://app.smore.com/n/6hwdj3
The WHS Art Department is proud to announce this year’s student submissions to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts High School Juried Show. Fifteen talented students have entered work into this prestigious competition, which draws hundreds of submissions from nine counties across Southwest Michigan.
Accepted works will be announced in early March, and selected pieces will be featured in the final exhibition. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, creativity, and willingness to share their artwork at such a high level.
Accepted works will be announced in early March, and selected pieces will be featured in the final exhibition. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, creativity, and willingness to share their artwork at such a high level.
The WHS Art Department is proud to announce this year’s student submissions to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts High School Juried Show. Fifteen talented students have entered work into this prestigious competition, which draws hundreds of submissions from nine counties across Southwest Michigan.
Accepted works will be announced in early March, and selected pieces will be featured in the final exhibition. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, creativity, and willingness to share their artwork at such a high level.
Accepted works will be announced in early March, and selected pieces will be featured in the final exhibition. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, creativity, and willingness to share their artwork at such a high level.
The WHS Art Department is proud to announce this year’s student submissions to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts High School Juried Show. Fifteen talented students have entered work into this prestigious competition, which draws hundreds of submissions from nine counties across Southwest Michigan.
Accepted works will be announced in early March, and selected pieces will be featured in the final exhibition. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, creativity, and willingness to share their artwork at such a high level.
Accepted works will be announced in early March, and selected pieces will be featured in the final exhibition. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, creativity, and willingness to share their artwork at such a high level.
Panther Pride Spotlight 🐾
We are incredibly proud of Senior, Natalaya Desjardin for a beautiful act of kindness this past Saturday. On her own initiative, she visited the Cancer Center in Kalamazoo and placed roses along with uplifting notes on cars in the parking lot for patients and their families. The attached photos capture just a small glimpse of the compassion and thoughtfulness she shared.
Natalaya’s gesture reflects the very best of Panther Pride — showing care for others, spreading encouragement, and making a meaningful difference simply because it’s the right thing to do. We couldn’t be more proud of the example she continues to set. 💛
We are incredibly proud of Senior, Natalaya Desjardin for a beautiful act of kindness this past Saturday. On her own initiative, she visited the Cancer Center in Kalamazoo and placed roses along with uplifting notes on cars in the parking lot for patients and their families. The attached photos capture just a small glimpse of the compassion and thoughtfulness she shared.
Natalaya’s gesture reflects the very best of Panther Pride — showing care for others, spreading encouragement, and making a meaningful difference simply because it’s the right thing to do. We couldn’t be more proud of the example she continues to set. 💛
Not sure if these guys are official Panthers, but they definitely showed some Panther spirit this weekend--taking it upon themselves to shovel snow off the football field so they could play soccer — talk about dedication! Nothing like a little teamwork, fresh air, and love of the game to make the most of a winter day. Gotta love the energy and determination!
Our Panthers were busy spreading the love today! Students took time to write kind messages to friends and staff, helping create a positive, uplifting atmosphere throughout the building. The banner filled with these notes will stay up for about a week so everyone can continue enjoying the encouraging messages.
It was wonderful to see both students and staff embracing Panther Pride by sharing kindness and appreciation with one another. Moments like these remind us how powerful simple acts of kindness can be in strengthening our school community.
It was wonderful to see both students and staff embracing Panther Pride by sharing kindness and appreciation with one another. Moments like these remind us how powerful simple acts of kindness can be in strengthening our school community.
Can you guess why it's her favorite day of the year?!?!?
Our Panthers continue to sharpen their claws — getting stronger, more confident, and better every week!
Check out this week's ROAR REPORT!
https://app.smore.com/n/16cvn
Check out this week's ROAR REPORT!
https://app.smore.com/n/16cvn
CONGRATULATIONS SPEAKERS! Being selected to speak at graduation is truly an honor that reflects consistent hard work, leadership, and the positive example these students have set throughout their time at Watervliet High School. Over the past week, we’ve spent time thoughtfully narrowing down these important roles, considering both academic dedication and contributions to our school community. We are proud to recognize the students who will be serving as graduation speakers this year. Please see the list of student speakers below, and join us in congratulating them on this well-earned privilege.
CONGRATULATIONS PANTHERS! Each year, Watervliet High School recognizes Greg Chisek Senior Scholars, an honor named after longtime WHS principal Greg Chisek, who was a strong advocate for academic excellence and student success. Seniors earn this distinction based on a combination of their cumulative GPA and SAT scores, recognizing those whose academic performance truly stands out. This year, only seven seniors met the qualifications, making it an especially meaningful accomplishment. These students’ dedication, perseverance, and commitment to learning reflect strong Panther Pride and the Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop mindset we value at WHS. We are proud of their achievements and excited to celebrate all they will accomplish as graduation approaches.
CONGRATULATIONS PANTHERS!
Team coil building 2026: Art I students learned how to build tall and fast using coils of clay. This challenge leads into their final clay creature project that they will begin next week.
A big thank you to Wyatt MacMillan and Sienna Harris for their thoughtful work in creating a new resource for our students. This idea came forward through our SAC student group, which works closely with the principal. Students shared that they wanted an easier way to let the counselor know they would like to meet, and Ms. Powers also wanted to provide students with another way to report any concerns they may have in the building. This box is the result of that collaboration and student voice in action.
Wyatt built the wooden box in Woodshop, and Sienna added the finishing touch by painting the lettering in Art class. It will be mounted outside the counseling office and will give students a simple, accessible way to communicate when they need support — whether they want to connect with the counselor or share something important with administration.
This project is a great example of student leadership in action and truly reflects Panther Pride and our “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” mindset — students stepping up, supporting one another, and helping make our school an even better place. We appreciate their creativity, initiative, and willingness to make a positive difference for others.
Wyatt built the wooden box in Woodshop, and Sienna added the finishing touch by painting the lettering in Art class. It will be mounted outside the counseling office and will give students a simple, accessible way to communicate when they need support — whether they want to connect with the counselor or share something important with administration.
This project is a great example of student leadership in action and truly reflects Panther Pride and our “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” mindset — students stepping up, supporting one another, and helping make our school an even better place. We appreciate their creativity, initiative, and willingness to make a positive difference for others.
Today’s Career Fair at WHS was a great success thanks to the hard work of our JMG (Jobs for Michigan Grads) students, Ms. Irmen, and the many professionals who generously shared their time and experiences with our Panthers. We are truly grateful for the incredible support from our community members and families who stepped in to speak about their careers and help our students explore future possibilities. Opportunities like this make a lasting impact, and we appreciate everyone who helped make the day meaningful for our students.
https://app.smore.com/n/7nmbq
This is a big edition with lots of senior scholarships and a celebration of our students of the month. Check it out!
This is a big edition with lots of senior scholarships and a celebration of our students of the month. Check it out!
Students in the sculpture class are currently engaged in a free choice project, exploring an impressive variety of materials from clay and tile mosaics to wire sculpture and painting.
