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 FOX 17 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 Friday and try to get to as many as we can.
OLIVIA CAMPBELL - EAST KENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Her mom says although she is bummed that the end of her senior year has been cancelled and is unable to be with her friends she is still trying to stay busy working at her job and helping out at home. She plans to go to cosmetology school later this year. Her whole family is very proud of her!
ANDREW STALLARD - HOPKINS HIGH SCHOOL
He has been a member of the Hopkins Chamber Choir for four years. His mom says he is dual enrolled through Davenport University, and leads by his loving, Christ-centered heart. This year he enjoyed spending part of his days with the 5th graders at Sycamore Elementary. He plans on attending Davenport University in the fall to pursue a Sports Management degree. His family says he is by far the biggest Detroit Tigers’ fan!
LOGAN WERT - ROCKFORD HIGH SCHOOL
He is getting ready to ship out in July to join the Army. His mom says he has dedicated 6 years to serve his country so he will be, Private Wert Air traffic controller. He enjoys spending time with friends, fishing, playing video games, and being a jokester. His mom says, “I am so proud of the man he is becoming and look forward to all of the wonderful things that await him in the future!”
SAMANTHA RUSCHE - CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
She is on the tennis team and also loves bow hunting. She is attending GRCC in the fall and will be taking their Radiology Technology Program. Her mom says they are so proud of her for working on her Ap class during all of this as well as helping her younger sister cope with the stresses of not being in school and missing out , even though Sam is missing out on times she has been looking very forward to. “We are so excited to see where she is headed next and proud of her and the class of 2020.”
MALORIE FOX - NORTHPOINTE CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
Her parents say she is their miracle child. She has spinal muscular atrophy and wasnt expected to live past 2 years old! But here she is, 17 and graduating! She is a member of the the National Honor Society. She will be attending Cornerstone University in the fall to study Psychology and Child Development - in hopes of working as a Child Life Specialist in the future. Her parents say they know God has the most wonderful things planned for her life and thank Him daily for getting her to this point.
BRIANNA VOLPE - FOREST HILLS NORTHERN
She believes in supporting her community and is currently a Student Ambassador for VanAndel Institute’s Purple Community as an advocate in the fight against Cancer. She also volunteers at the Michelle Lunn Hope Foundation, who’s mission it is to raise funds to support critically needed blood cancer research. Her other passions include volunteering for Kids Food Basket and the Humane Society. In the fall she plans on attending Michigan State University and is seeking a degree in Business for Supply Chain Management
DAWSON MILLER - LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL
At 2 years old he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. His mom says they didn't know if he would ever walk or talk, but he has come so far and will be attending college in the fall.
MADISON PESKIN- NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
She is graduating Cum Laude, dual enrolled at GRCC, Girls State Rugby Runner Up and headed to MSU for Psychology . Her best friend actually nominated her and said she is full of love and determination, spreading kindness wherever she goes. She cares endlessly for those around her and is always looking for ways to help others
TREVOR VAN POLEN - THORNAPPLE KELLOGG HIGH SCHOOL
He played saxophone in the marching band and has been on the bowling team for 4 years and even helped lead his team to a conference title and participate in the state finals. He will continue that passion at Davenport University on the bowling team, while studying business finance. His parents say they are so proud.
JA'BRI ABDULLAH - KELLOGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Her mom says her favorite memory of high school is playing basketball. And an accomplishment she is most proud of is managing to keep getting good grades even though she was going through a lot at one point of time in her life. Her mom says she is so proud and can't wait for her to continue her journey at GRCC.
JACKSON BUSH - UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
He played football for 4 years and this would have been his 4th season of baseball. This year for football Jackson made the football dream team for the state of Michigan. Beyond the field, he volunteers for the youth football program and his mom says when some of the younger boy’s dads couldn’t make it to the annual father son football game, Jackson made sure he and some other varsity players showed up to play instead. He'll be attending Hope College.
