CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR JUNIOR FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--Aaron Alvarado!
I have eight family members. My favorite class is a very close tie between ASL and AP U.S. History. ASL is very interesting and is allowing me to expand my linguistic skills. As for AP U.S. History, I’ve always loved history and learning more about it. Mr. Linderman teaches in a way that makes it easy to understand, and I’ve enjoyed his class since freshman year when I took his World History course.
My favorite teacher is also a close tie between Mrs. Irmen and Mr. Linderman. Both of their classrooms are great places to be; they make learning easy and always manage to put a smile on your face.
I play soccer and basketball for the school, which takes up much of my free time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I plan to attend LMC and major in History. I’m proud to be a Panther because of all the people I’ve met and the lessons I’ve learned that will carry me through the rest of my life.
LET'S GO PANTHERS!!
CONGRATULATIONS to YOUR SOPHOMORE FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--BRYCE STRONG!
My family includes my dad, Daniel, who works as a sales representative for Four Branch; my mom, Jacqueline, who works as a nurse clinical coordinator at Elara Home Care; my older brother Brenden, who is a senior in the WAY program at Watervliet; and my younger brother Brayden, who is a sixth grader at Watervliet.
My favorite class this year is Basic Woodworking because I enjoy working with my hands and designing and creating new things. My favorite teacher is Mr. Dennison because he is an amazing teacher, and I really enjoy his class.
I play football, will be playing golf this spring, and am a member of Virtue Club. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. After high school, I plan to attend trade school for welding to become a welder.
I am proud to be a WHS Panther because this school offers many programs that I enjoy and value.
My family includes my dad, Daniel, who works as a sales representative for Four Branch; my mom, Jacqueline, who works as a nurse clinical coordinator at Elara Home Care; my older brother Brenden, who is a senior in the WAY program at Watervliet; and my younger brother Brayden, who is a sixth grader at Watervliet.
My favorite class this year is Basic Woodworking because I enjoy working with my hands and designing and creating new things. My favorite teacher is Mr. Dennison because he is an amazing teacher, and I really enjoy his class.
I play football, will be playing golf this spring, and am a member of Virtue Club. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. After high school, I plan to attend trade school for welding to become a welder.
I am proud to be a WHS Panther because this school offers many programs that I enjoy and value.
CONGRATULATIONS to YOUR SOPHOMORE FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--Madalein Myers!
My family includes my dad, CJ, who works at the Cook plant and is the wrestling coach for Watervliet High School; my mom, Ashley, who works for neurosurgeons; and my four siblings—my older sister Liv, older brother Colton, younger brother Deagan, and younger sister Grace.
My favorite class is Mrs. Hunt’s Advanced Art. I enjoy this class because I’m able to express myself in a variety of ways, and I genuinely love creating art. I am a member of the varsity wrestling team and also attend Virtue Club on Fridays.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hanging out with my friends. After high school, I plan to attend college and become a pediatric or NICU nurse.
My family includes my dad, CJ, who works at the Cook plant and is the wrestling coach for Watervliet High School; my mom, Ashley, who works for neurosurgeons; and my four siblings—my older sister Liv, older brother Colton, younger brother Deagan, and younger sister Grace.
My favorite class is Mrs. Hunt’s Advanced Art. I enjoy this class because I’m able to express myself in a variety of ways, and I genuinely love creating art. I am a member of the varsity wrestling team and also attend Virtue Club on Fridays.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hanging out with my friends. After high school, I plan to attend college and become a pediatric or NICU nurse.
CON GRATULATIONS TO YOUR SENIOR FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--Dylan Collins!
My family includes my dad, Cory, who works as a machinist/operator for LECO, and my sister Lily, who is a sophomore at the high school. My favorite class this year has been U.S. History In Depth because I enjoy gaining a deeper perspective on important topics like the Holocaust and the Vietnam War. Likewise, my favorite teacher is Mr. Andrews—not just because he teaches my favorite class, but also because of the respect and influence he commands in the classroom, as well as how kind-hearted he is.
Outside of school, I spend much of my time working at McDonald’s in Coloma. After high school, I plan to attend Southwestern Michigan College to pursue a career in Finance or Education.
My family includes my dad, Cory, who works as a machinist/operator for LECO, and my sister Lily, who is a sophomore at the high school. My favorite class this year has been U.S. History In Depth because I enjoy gaining a deeper perspective on important topics like the Holocaust and the Vietnam War. Likewise, my favorite teacher is Mr. Andrews—not just because he teaches my favorite class, but also because of the respect and influence he commands in the classroom, as well as how kind-hearted he is.
Outside of school, I spend much of my time working at McDonald’s in Coloma. After high school, I plan to attend Southwestern Michigan College to pursue a career in Finance or Education.
Don’t miss this week’s Roar Report — it’s packed with celebrations, important updates, and powerful Panther Pride moments you won’t want to miss! 🐾✨
https://app.smore.com/n/zc96u
https://app.smore.com/n/zc96u
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FEBRUARY 2026 NOMINEES FOR STUDENT OF THE MONTH! Winners at each grade level will be announced on Monday!
FRESHMEN
Amber Bryant
Sam Casiano
Ayvah Domingo-Sturgeo
Josh Koch
Ellie Norman
Kendrah Robart
Braiden Robards
Aleksander Rogers
Daniella Romero-Chairez
Aubrey Winnell
Caroline Weber
SOPHOMORES
Jose Cruz
Anahi Howell
Kevin Johnson
Emma Kirksey
Sophia LeChuga
Leah Melton
Madalein Myers
Cadence Phillips
Karina Short
Bryce Strong
Ava Thomas
Connor VanLente
JUNIORS
Aaron Alvarado
Mackenzie Birmele
Jaqueline Brito-Lorenzo
Ashton Colemen
Braydon Collins
Sienna Harris
Max Kirby
Lucy Logsdon
Gage McKie
Olivia Mitchell
Claire Moore
Emma Owens
Jayden Reed
Landon Schlipp
Seniors
Adriana Adams
Alina Bell
Dylan Collins
Natalaya Desjardin
Cole Getz
Landon Layer
Leila Liberto-Taylor
Destiny Lynch
Sam Milham
Ashlyn Petty
Grace Ripley
Issabella Sanchez
Austin Tomes
Keira Tremblay
Dimetric White
FRESHMEN
Amber Bryant
Sam Casiano
Ayvah Domingo-Sturgeo
Josh Koch
Ellie Norman
Kendrah Robart
Braiden Robards
Aleksander Rogers
Daniella Romero-Chairez
Aubrey Winnell
Caroline Weber
SOPHOMORES
Jose Cruz
Anahi Howell
Kevin Johnson
Emma Kirksey
Sophia LeChuga
Leah Melton
Madalein Myers
Cadence Phillips
Karina Short
Bryce Strong
Ava Thomas
Connor VanLente
JUNIORS
Aaron Alvarado
Mackenzie Birmele
Jaqueline Brito-Lorenzo
Ashton Colemen
Braydon Collins
Sienna Harris
Max Kirby
Lucy Logsdon
Gage McKie
Olivia Mitchell
Claire Moore
Emma Owens
Jayden Reed
Landon Schlipp
Seniors
Adriana Adams
Alina Bell
Dylan Collins
Natalaya Desjardin
Cole Getz
Landon Layer
Leila Liberto-Taylor
Destiny Lynch
Sam Milham
Ashlyn Petty
Grace Ripley
Issabella Sanchez
Austin Tomes
Keira Tremblay
Dimetric White
JMG students Jenna Ritter, Isaias Mendez, and Jeremy Morton (accompanied by Ms. Irmen and Mrs. Tyler) traveled to the Michigan State Capitol for Legislative Day, where they had the opportunity to speak directly with state representatives about the impact of Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG). During their visit, they shared personal experiences and highlighted how JMG supports students in building career readiness, leadership skills, and pathways to success after graduation. Their advocacy helped amplify student voices and demonstrated the real-world value of JMG programs across Michigan.
💜 Calling All Inspiring Women Leaders! 💜
Watervliet High School is hosting our Women Who Inspire Us Day on Friday, March 13 from 1:00–3:00 PM, and we are looking for incredible women from our community to share their stories with our students.
We would especially love to connect with:
✨ WHS graduates
✨ Women in leadership roles
✨ Female Business owners
✨ Women in non-traditional career fields
✨ Women in sports or the arts
✨ Female Community change-makers
Students will rotate through small-group sessions, giving you the opportunity to share your journey, lessons learned, and advice with multiple groups of young people who are eager to learn and be inspired.
If you are interested — or if you know someone who would be a great fit — please email Christina Powers at cpowers@watervlietps.org
.Let’s show our students what leadership, courage, and Panther Pride look like in action.
Can’t Stop • Won’t Stop • Panther Pride 🐾💜
Watervliet High School is hosting our Women Who Inspire Us Day on Friday, March 13 from 1:00–3:00 PM, and we are looking for incredible women from our community to share their stories with our students.
We would especially love to connect with:
✨ WHS graduates
✨ Women in leadership roles
✨ Female Business owners
✨ Women in non-traditional career fields
✨ Women in sports or the arts
✨ Female Community change-makers
Students will rotate through small-group sessions, giving you the opportunity to share your journey, lessons learned, and advice with multiple groups of young people who are eager to learn and be inspired.
If you are interested — or if you know someone who would be a great fit — please email Christina Powers at cpowers@watervlietps.org
.Let’s show our students what leadership, courage, and Panther Pride look like in action.
Can’t Stop • Won’t Stop • Panther Pride 🐾💜
💰🎓 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?!?!?
