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.
CONGRATULATIONS to your SENIOR January 2026 Student of the Month--SOPHIE GREAR!!
My family consists of my mom, Gina Grear, who is a senior director at Moody’s and also serves on the Watervliet School Board; my dad, Mr. Gregory Grear, a retired teacher who is now a stay-at-home dad to our seven cats; and my sister Stella, who is 25 and works as a pharmacy technician at the Meijer pharmacy in Stevensville. Along with them, we have seven cats, four ferrets, and some ducks and chickens.
My favorite class has been Mrs. O’Toole’s Anatomy class during my junior year. It was really interesting learning about the human body and doing dissections. I also had my favorite foreign exchange student, Eider, in that class, which definitely made it one of the best parts of my day.
My favorite teacher is Mrs. Hollandsworth. She always pushes me to be the best musician I can be, and I can talk to her about how my day has been. She has given me many amazing opportunities to learn new instruments and to help teach 5th, 6th, and 7th/8th graders to love music as much as I do. I always enjoy talking with her, and she has carried this band program for a long time. I’m very grateful I’ve been able to be part of it for so many years.
I am not currently in a winter sport, but I ran cross country earlier this year. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, cooking, and playing games with friends.
After high school, I plan to attend Southwestern Michigan College, majoring in Social Work. I also plan to join their band and orchestra.
I am proud to be a WHS Panther because I’ve been part of an amazing band program with an incredible teacher, and I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way that I’m truly grateful for.
My family consists of my mom, Gina Grear, who is a senior director at Moody’s and also serves on the Watervliet School Board; my dad, Mr. Gregory Grear, a retired teacher who is now a stay-at-home dad to our seven cats; and my sister Stella, who is 25 and works as a pharmacy technician at the Meijer pharmacy in Stevensville. Along with them, we have seven cats, four ferrets, and some ducks and chickens.
My favorite class has been Mrs. O’Toole’s Anatomy class during my junior year. It was really interesting learning about the human body and doing dissections. I also had my favorite foreign exchange student, Eider, in that class, which definitely made it one of the best parts of my day.
My favorite teacher is Mrs. Hollandsworth. She always pushes me to be the best musician I can be, and I can talk to her about how my day has been. She has given me many amazing opportunities to learn new instruments and to help teach 5th, 6th, and 7th/8th graders to love music as much as I do. I always enjoy talking with her, and she has carried this band program for a long time. I’m very grateful I’ve been able to be part of it for so many years.
I am not currently in a winter sport, but I ran cross country earlier this year. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, cooking, and playing games with friends.
After high school, I plan to attend Southwestern Michigan College, majoring in Social Work. I also plan to join their band and orchestra.
I am proud to be a WHS Panther because I’ve been part of an amazing band program with an incredible teacher, and I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way that I’m truly grateful for.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR SENIOR January 2026 Student of the Month --JENNA RITTER!
My family consists of my mom and several brothers and sisters. Throughout my senior year, my favorite class has been JMG (Jobs for Michigan Graduates) because we are constantly interacting with other students and learning about a variety of career paths.
My favorite teachers are Mrs. Irmen and Mrs. Brush because they are both very understanding and encouraging. I am a captain of the varsity cheer team and have cheered for both football and basketball for the past two seasons.
After high school, I plan to major in Sonography, with a focus on cardiac sonography. I am proud to be a Panther because of the experiences and opportunities our school provides.
My family consists of my mom and several brothers and sisters. Throughout my senior year, my favorite class has been JMG (Jobs for Michigan Graduates) because we are constantly interacting with other students and learning about a variety of career paths.
My favorite teachers are Mrs. Irmen and Mrs. Brush because they are both very understanding and encouraging. I am a captain of the varsity cheer team and have cheered for both football and basketball for the past two seasons.
After high school, I plan to major in Sonography, with a focus on cardiac sonography. I am proud to be a Panther because of the experiences and opportunities our school provides.
