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 Monday and Friday and try to get to as many as we can.
CAYLA HINKLE - MUSKEGON HIGH SCHOOL
She’ll be attending Saginaw Valley University for Criminal Justice. She is the President of the National Honor Society, a participant of Upward Bounds, and on the soccer, cheer, and track team. Her mom says they are proud of their 2020 Grad!!!
AIDEN RODENHOUSE - CALVIN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
His mom says, his personality is as big as his smile! His positive outlook and sense of humor has helped him get through the disappointments of a shortened senior year. Aiden plans to attend GRCC, and later, Davenport. He plans to study IT and internet securities. His family is so proud of him, loves him so much, and is looking forward to his bright future!
DANIELLE DEYOUNG - BYRON CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
Her mom says, she is always striving to better herself, making people laugh as well as caring for others. She is always looking for God's will in her life for the future. She plans to attend Malone University for Zoo & Wildlife Biology and Marine Biology.
BRAYDEN LEE- WYOMING HIGH SCHOOL
He has been on the Deans list all four years. He’s been involved in many school activities, National Honors Society, Key Club, Leadership Council, Athletic Council. He also plays football and baseball. He’ll be attending Calvin University with goals to either be a doctor or computer engineer.
JESSICA VERBEEK - HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL
Her mom says she’s a hard worker who kept up her academics, enjoyed Honor’s Choir, Theatre and many other activities. She said its sad the theatre was unable to perform and the choir performances were canceled but the show must go on, as life does! And right now she is teaching her four younger siblings at home, volunteering, and headed to GVSU in the fall. She really encompasses grit, respect, empathy.
OLIVIA MARTINEK - CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
She was the FFA Vice President her junior year. She also shows goats in the local 4h Fair. She attends the KCTC Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology as the only girl in her session. She’ll be attending Lake Superior State University to study Wildlife and Fisheries management.
DAWSON HAMMING - THORNAPPLE KELLOG HIGH SCHOOL
He played in the band all throughout high school and was looking forward to playing his senior year of baseball. He qualified for States in Business Professionals of America the last 3 years. He'll be attending Davenport of Ferris to study Cyber Security.
BRIANNA KLUNDER - GRANDVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Her mom says she was born premature, at 23 weeks. She said she has to work extra hard in school and school wasn’t always easy for her, in fact doctors didn’t even know if she would ever be able to graduate. But she pushed her self and this year even made it into the National Honors Society and received the Seal of Bilteracy. She will be attending GVSU for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with a minor in Spanish. Her mom says, they are so proud of her!
ARTURO HERRERA JR. - ORCHARD VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
His stepmom says he played football, was on homecoming court, went on mission trips and had a job, all while keeping straight A’s. She says I couldn't be more blessed to have him as my stepson. “His father and I are so proud of him. He's still deciding what the future looks like and that's ok because we know whatever it is, he'll be successful and exceed. We love him so much!!!”
BROOKLYN LLOYD- ZEELAND WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Her mom says her biggest passions in school are dancing, soccer, and preparing herself for college earning. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis the summer before her junior year. But her mom says she has taken this challenge on with such bravery and doesn’t let it define her! Brooklyn will be attending Michigan State studying to become a NeoNatal Nurse. We are so proud of her that she wants to help families as Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has helped her!
MASHAYLA WHITE - LC MOHR HIGH SCHOOL
Her aunt actually nominated her. She’s a member of the diversity club. She was on the softball and volleyball team. Her aunt says she is a beautiful person in and out, loved by so many in their small town. She’ll be attending Jackson College.
