This Calls for a Celebration!

Meeting the stellar minds of Spring Lake High School's graduating class of 2024. From conquering calculus to mastering the art of friendship, these grads are setting the bar high!

Eli Goosen 
Mr. Rabideau was my favorite teacher because I really liked gym class. I like all things sports-related and appreciate the energy he brings to the class and how boisterous and fun he can be.  My favorite high school memory has been the senior all-nighter. I enjoyed all the activities and hanging out with friends/classmates. I have participated in cross country and track, which were newer sports for me in high school. I plan to continue exploring the trades post-graduation and trying to figure out what I am interested in doing for a career.  My advice for the grades below me is…. take lectures, go to the dances, and put yourself out there to try new things.  Everyone will tell you four years goes by so fast and it’s so true!  
 
Megan Norton 
My favorite class was AP World History Modern taught by Mr. Ryan.  Even though it was an AP class, he made it super fun! My favorite high school memories come from the time I spent at band camp as we mixed music with crazy impossible water balloon fights. I was involved in the D&D club and NHS. I played lacrosse for 6 years, which I was unable to play my senior year, due to a concussion.  I still stayed close to sports by helping our school’s athletic trainer as a student athletic trainer. I have also been in the band since 5th grade. I plan on going to college at Kent State University Honors College and pursuing ASL Interpretation. My advice to the next graduating class would be…… whatever you like, do it, try new things, even if it’s intimidating!
 
Cory (CR) Holmes II
My favorite class at SLHS has been Advanced Physical Education.  Mrs. VanderMuelen is an amazing teacher who I had the privilege to also have as a third grader at Jeffers and then again as a junior in a food class.  My favorite high school memories include attending pep assemblies, cheering on our football and basketball teams as a student section leader, and playing lacrosse.   I have been playing lacrosse for the Westside traveling team and Spring Lake for the past nine seasons.  After graduating, I plan to attend Aquinas College to pursue a major in business with a focus on accounting. I am also excited to continue playing lacrosse for the Saints.  Advice for the incoming senior classes….embrace and cherish every moment of your senior year because time flies by faster than you can imagine!
 
Maura Archambault
My favorite high school class so far has been psychology which I took my junior year and it was also with my favorite teacher Mr. Reed. He’s very encouraging and makes his students feel comfortable with his great sense of humor.  My favorite high school memory is sophomore year when homecoming was outside. They set up a tent and had a really good DJ!  The club that I’m most involved in is NHS, ‘National Honors Society.’ I was also a part of the BeNice club and Interact club. I run varsity track and I’ve been doing that since 7th grade. I love the comradery, the energy, and just the overall sport itself. I’ve also been playing soccer since I was 5 and play for a local team. I plan on studying psychology and becoming a psych major with a criminology, criminal justice, or forensics minor.  My advice for the next class of seniors……Try not to not get too burned out with everything this year entails but don’t take it for granted either!
 
 
Maizie Holmes
 Throughout my four years of high school, I would say my favorite class would be AP Psychology with Mr. Sineath.  My favorite teacher is Mrs. Gwinnup. She always makes class inviting and enjoyable. My favorite High School memories would be Homecoming spirit week and Friday night football games. It’s so fun to watch everyone dress up and see all the fun outfits. And the student section is always so full of energy and excitement. I have been involved in Peer Up, Be Nice, and NHS clubs for the past couple of years.  I also play lacrosse and got to be a part of the first-ever girls’ field hockey team.  I would love to further pursue a major in business management and am currently exploring my options.  My advice to the next group of seniors…Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way!
 
 
Sam Schafer
My favorite class at Spring Lake High School was AP Statistics. Mr. Mitchell makes learning interesting by using real-life examples. My favorite high school memory is beating our rival, Mona Shores, in a come-back lax game freshman year.  I have been on the football and lacrosse teams all four years of high school. Last year, I was awarded 2nd Team All-State and Academic All-American. I was Team MVP, and Team Captain and was given the privilege to wear the #22 to honor Jarred Coleman.   In addition, I am a member of the National Honors Society.  I will be attending Amherst College in Massachusetts for lacrosse. My advice to the grades below me……Always put forth your best effort, and you will be rewarded!

Gabrianna Vasquez
Mrs. Gwinnup was my favorite teacher. She makes learning easy and fun for everybody. She encourages you and allows you to express yourself in your work.  This year we inducted two new sports into SLHS; Field Hockey and Bowling.  It was amazing being a part of creating new sports and participating along with having my Dad coach for both teams.  I’ve been involved with Lacrosse for the past 7 years and field hockey and bowling this past year.  I was also a member of the National Honors Society and the Lacrosse representative for S.A.L.T. (Student Athlete Leadership Team).  In the fall I will be playing D1 lacrosse for Detroit Mercy and majoring in sports management.  My advice to incoming seniors would be to enjoy the moments and surround yourself with people who genuinely make you happy!
 
William Raha
My favorite class in high school is World Cultures with Mr. Warren.  He makes it easy to learn, and we had our “Fun Fridays.”  My post-graduation plans include attending a four-year university and by the time this issue is published, I’ll most likely have decided.   I was a member of the cross-country team for two years and the track team for two years. I joined Business Professionals of America as a senior and really enjoyed that experience. My favorite high school memories would have to be my senior year season of Cross Country. I was able to achieve all my personal goals.  My advice for the next class of seniors would be to……. Make your last days of high school count. Be present, soak in the moments, and don’t use it as a ‘slack off’ year!  
 
Alexis Miller
My favorite class is Advanced Healthcare, which I attended at the Tech Center.  I loved the ‘hands-on’ concept that helped me progress toward my future goals.  My favorite teacher is my Tech Center teacher, Mrs. Slater.  A favorite memory is going to the dances and getting dressed up with my friends.  I was on the lacrosse team all the way up to my junior year. I started going to the Tech Center and wanted to focus on my schoolwork and be able to work more instead of practice.   I will be attending GVSU for its renowned nursing program.  My advice is to get into some school events and don't let your senior year pass you by because you’ll blink and it will be done!  
 
Nathan Navarre
My favorite class and teacher was AP Biology with Mrs. Schanhals.  She always managed to make the class interesting and encouraged us to ask questions and think deeply. She was so passionate about biology, and I think that diffused into everyone in the class. My favorite memory happened during a water polo game during the district tournament.   I ended up scoring and all of my friends got to cheer for me.  I’ve been on the high school swim team all four years.  I am the NHS treasurer, I’m in the Future Health Leaders club, and I am an Eagle Scout. I’ve also been in the band since 5th grade. After graduation, I plan to attend college and pursue a career in physical therapy.   Advice: Work hard and always try new things!

Alyssa Fogel
My favorite high school class and teacher was Mr. Mitchell in AP Statistics.  He showed he cared about us as a person and a student.  My favorite high school memory was when I went on the trip to El Salvador with the Interact Club because it impacted me so much! Over my high school career, I have participated in Interact Club, Be Nice, and the National Honors Society.  I played lacrosse all four years and I picked up field hockey and bowling which are new sports here at SLHS. After graduation, I plan to study accounting at either Central Michigan University or Purdue University. My advice for next year’s seniors is to take advantage of every opportunity in high school. Put yourself out there and try new things!
 
Rylee Anderson
My favorite class was Agriculture and Animal Science, which I took at the Career line Tech Center. I learned so much from my Tech Center teacher, Tony McCaul. My favorite High School memory was all the school dances. I always enjoyed getting dressed up and going to the dances with friends. I am a part of the FFA ‘Future Farmers of America’ which I did through my Tech Center class. In FFA, we compete in a lot of different livestock categories.  We also do a lot of things to help the community.  I’ve won a few group awards in the FFA and last summer won Grand Champion for a cow I raised and entered into the contest!  After I graduate from SLHS, I plan on going straight into the workforce. My advice to incoming seniors……Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and take in every opportunity that crosses your path!  
 
Jax Bricker
My favorite high school class is AP Stats with Mr. Mitchell. He always made the class entertaining and incorporated sports within the lessons, which made it relatable to me.  
My favorite high school memory was Junior year basketball season when I went in late in the
game and hit a three-pointer in front of the student section and the whole team went crazy!
Here at Spring Lake, I am involved in the S.A.L.T Team (Student Athlete Leadership Team), National Honors Society, Soccer, and Lacrosse. My post-graduation plans are to go to the University of Alabama and study business. My advice to the next class of seniors……Cherish the moments you guys have with each other as a class because the year goes by fast, and you won’t be able to see a lot of the same people in one setting again.  
 
Alexa Carter
My favorite class and teacher had to be AP Statistics with Mr. Todd Mitchell.  He was a great teacher with a good sense of humor and made class fun.  I have so many amazing memories to choose from, but my JV Volleyball season always stands out.  We would go to dinner often as a team and have loads of fun during the season.  I’ve been playing softball and basketball since I was a kid and played four years on varsity for softball and three years for varsity basketball.  I was also a member of Turnin2 National Travel Softball.  Post graduation I’m excited to be attending Purdue University-Fort Wayne where I’ll be playing D1 softball.   My advice would be to cherish every moment with those you grew up with.  Time really does fly and before you know it, you'll be off to college soon!
 
Bryce Collins
My favorite teacher at Spring Lake High School has been Karl Sineath for all 4 years of my high school career. He taught my class well and I understood his method of teaching. My favorite high school memory is beating Unity Christian 2 years in a row and going back to the locker room to blast the song “Back-to-Back” by Drake! I’ve been playing football and wrestling since I was very young. I go to Harvest Church, and I serve with the Middle School kids and the youth. I will start employment at Mia’s Village Eats this spring and this summer. Next year I will be going to Hope College to continue not only my academic career but my football career as well!  My advice to any incoming senior……..Stay consistent and discipline yourself. Consistency beats random patches of hard work every single time!  

Gabriella 'Ella'  Alban 
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Peterson. She is the Spanish teacher at the high school. Mrs. Peterson has always made learning fun, even in one of the hardest subjects to learn. I have stuck with learning Spanish because of her!  I participated in field hockey and lacrosse for school.  I’m also a part of a couple of school clubs like Peer Up and World Language Club. After graduation, I plan to attend college and major in biology, though I am undecided about where I want to go.  My advice for incoming seniors would be to try new things! Even though you only have one year left, new sports and clubs made my senior year so much fun and I got close to so many new people!!
 
 
Gabe Isard
My time as a Laker has been incredible, thanks to the amazing teachers and coaches who've made a lasting impact on me, both in the classroom and on the field. My interests have always been a variety of activities, including golf, some basketball, and playing competitive lacrosse with Spring Lake. Additionally, I love to snowmobile and travel with my family.  Post-graduation, I am heading to the University of Kentucky, where I'll be joining the Gatton Business School's Management program.  The advice I would give incoming Seniors…..Treat every moment like it can be your last because high school goes by faster than you can imagine! 
 
Kyle Shelton
My favorite teacher is Mr. Reed because he's a genuine human being and wants to have a relationship with each of his students. My favorite high school memory is homecoming week during my senior year of high school, the football game and dance was such a riot. I'm involved in Varsity soccer, Peer Up, and the World Language Club. After graduation, I plan to attend Davenport University to continue my academic and athletic career playing soccer. My advice to incoming seniors is to never wish your time away and live life one day at a team. 
 
 
Kyle Wright
Mr. Green, my 5th-grade teacher, was my favorite because of how funny he was and how easy he was to talk to. My favorite high school memory was last year after the seniors left going outside every day for class, playing yard games, and listening to music. I played football and baseball all four years here at SLHS and enjoyed the success along with the challenges it has brought.  Post graduation, I really want to attend Ole’ Miss. Whether I head down in the fall or take a year at MCC first, that’s where I want to be!  My advice to incoming seniors is to have fun and enjoy the times you are still in high school to the fullest.
 
Oscar Anderson
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Gwinnup because on top of being a very supportive teacher, she was a good friend. She can connect with her students in a way no other teacher I’ve had does.  A favorite high school memory was watching two students Ari Bismarck and Nathaniel Sian perform their rap song in my sophomore geometry class.  I loved playing Lacrosse for SLHS and joined the new bowling team this year.  After graduation, I plan to attend Michigan State University.  My advice to incoming seniors is to work hard, have fun, and savor the time you have with your friends. It will go by fast!