WEST MICHIGAN — Your senior year in high school is something many will remember for the rest of their lives, especially those last couple months. But, for the graduating class of 2020, these times of course, will be remembered much differently.
It's why Fox17 started a new segment called, 'Senior Spotlight,' meant to highlight seniors all across West Michigan and their hard work. So, every Friday on our morning newscast, we will recognize different seniors, sharing their accomplishments, goals for the future and giving them the recognition they deserve. If you are interested in featuring your senior, send Deanna Falzone a message with a picture and short write up. We will feature them every Monday and Friday and try to get to as many as we can.
JADEN SOVA - WEST MICHIGAN AVIATION ACADEMY
He has always had a passion to fly. He has taken private pilot lessons. He plans on joining the Air force in the fall with his goal to become a commercial airlines pilot. His family says they are so proud of him.
MADISON SHUMAKER - GRAND HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL
She was on the varsity softball team and the past two years was their number one pitcher. Her mom says, her heart was set on finishing her senior year with her friends, closest teachers and her goal of making All District and All Conference for her last Varsity year of Softball. But in August she will heading to Lawrence Tech University to play softball and will be studying Manufacturing Engineering. Her mom says, she can’t wait to see her take the field again.
QUINCY WILLIAMS- WYOMING HIGH SCHOOL
His mom says he has been a shining example of what you want in a student athlete. He finished his senior year on the Wyoming Varsity basketball team. While still navigating his plans for the future he has made his family and community proud!
ZOEY ZUPIN - CALEDONIA HIGH SCHOOL
She is a member of the Cross Country team, National Honor Society, Student Council and very active in the Future Famers For America Organization. She’ll be attending Michigan State University this Fall to become an Ag teacher and FFA advisor!
JULIE GRAFTEMA - ORCHARD VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Her dad says, through high school Julie made tons of friendships that will last a life time. The relationships she had with her teachers will be cherished forever. She enjoyed Friday night football, and also played one season. Growing up her dream was to serve our country. August of her senior year (2019) she enlisted in the United States Army. Her dad says, missing out on her last memories with her classmates she’s grown up with is hard. But she’s got new friendships to look forward to in the Army!
JAKE HOFSTEE - UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
He’ll be attending Northern Michigan University to study computer engineering. His mom, who is a nurse says he has supporting her and her coworkers during this pandemic by printing filters and ear savers on his 3D printer. He misses school and hanging out with his friends this last year of school and all that goes with it!
ANNALIESE JONES - CALEDONIA HIGH SCHOOL
She's on the track and field team. She's also part of the orchestra program. Her mom says the kids have worked so hard to take part in their Senior Showcase concert, which will no longer be taking place. As parents, we know that these disappointments will wane over time, but to our kids it's EVERYTHING. Her mom says she has some health issues growing up and while at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital, the child life specialists made a big impact on her. She's decided to explore that field herself and in the fall will be attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona with a major in Behavioral Health Science. Her mom says, "we're excited to see her acceptance of what our reality is right now and her determination to focus on what is to come."
BRENDAN CASSEL - PEWAMO-WESTPHALIA HIGH SCHOOL
His mom says, he’s active in band, bowling and the Fire/Ems program. In the fall he plans to go to Lansing Community college for Fire Science and EMT. Congratulations to all of the graduates this year!
DESIREE WISE-CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
Her mom says she is so very proud of her for pushing through during this time, still working on her AP classes from home and even still working at a local nursing home during all of this. She will be attending Central Michigan University for education.
HENRY SCHENKEL - GRANDVILLE CALVIN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
Henry's big sister nominated him. She says he is a driven student, athlete, and friend with a compassionate heart. She says, I know he is dealing with the loss but that isn't stopping him from make a difference for the class of 2020. He is making a senior video to close out their memories. It is a hard ending, but I know his future holds a lot of good things. He plans on attending Calvin University in the fall and is excited to go into film studies & videography. His strength, as well as the strength of all the seniors, has been a reminder to me of the goodness in this broken time.
