 | End-of-Year Message from the Principal Dear Green Bear Families, As we approach the final days of the school year at Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. We have so much to celebrate as we bring it to a close. This has been a year filled with growth, achievement, and meaningful moments in and out of the classroom. Now is the time for students to finish strong. Final exams and major assessments are ahead, and we encourage all students to take full advantage of review sessions and the support available in the Foundry. Whether your child needs a quiet place to study, help from a teacher, or peer tutoring, those resources are ready and waiting. Please see the schedule below for specific dates and times. As a reminder, students should also be returning all school materials, including textbooks, athletic uniforms, and other borrowed items. Please make sure any outstanding fees or fines are taken care of, and encourage your student to submit any remaining late work, if applicable. Students need to clean and empty out their lockers by the end of the day on Thursday. We are proud of all that our students have accomplished this year and grateful for the ways you’ve supported them along the way. Let’s keep the momentum going as we wrap up the year on a strong and positive note. We hope you will join us in celebrating the Class of 2025 at Commencement at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Warm regards, Ben McMurray, Principal
Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School |
Fees & Yearbooks
Any unpaid fees and fines need to be resolved as soon as possible. Yearbooks will not be distributed to students with any outstanding fees or fines. Any senior with fees will not receive a diploma. The online portal can be accessed via PowerSchool or the district website. Yearbook distribution will take place Friday, May 23. Students will have time to have their classmates sign yearbooks during May Day festivities. Click here to access PowerSchool! |  |
 | Spring Cabaret Tickets are now on sale for the Spring Cabaret! Friday, May 23 7pm Saturday, May 24 7pm Sunday, May 25 2pm Onstage at the high school auditorium. Students can get $5 tickets by using code "students" at checkout. Click here to purchase tickets! |
Exams May 27-30
Please see below for the second semester exam schedule. All students will be dismissed at 2:00pm each exam day if they do not have any make up exams or other obligations to teachers.
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Exams May 27-30
Please see below for the second semester exam schedule. All students will be dismissed at 2:00pm each exam day if they do not have any make up exams or other obligations to teachers.
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Get Ready for Exam Jams in The Foundry!As we head into exam season, we know the pressure can build—but you're not alone! The Foundry is here to support our students every step of the way with Exam Jams: Spring 2025—a series of dynamic academic and social-emotional support sessions designed to help our junior high and high school students tackle exam week with confidence. Our incredible Foundry staff and Peer Tutors can’t wait to assist you through the challenges and stress that exams can bring. Whether you’re looking for extra help in Chemistry, English, Math, History or Government, or needing a boost in organization, prioritization, and motivation through our Finishing Strong Workshops, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out the Exam Jam Spring 2025 calendar below to see the full lineup of supports available. Most importantly, don’t forget to fill out the Google Form to reserve your space in any of the sessions—spots may fill quickly! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Foundry Director Darrin Broadway at dbroadway@ohschools.org or Lead Tutor and Academic Coordinator Jessica Loudermilk at loudermilk@ohschools.org. Let’s finish strong together—see you at The Foundry! Click below to sign-up: Chemistry Pre-Algebra Algebra II Geometry JH Green Bear Strong HS Finish Strong Workshop |
Get Ready for Exam Jams in The Foundry!As we head into exam season, we know the pressure can build—but you're not alone! The Foundry is here to support our students every step of the way with Exam Jams: Spring 2025—a series of dynamic academic and social-emotional support sessions designed to help our junior high and high school students tackle exam week with confidence. Our incredible Foundry staff and Peer Tutors can’t wait to assist you through the challenges and stress that exams can bring. Whether you’re looking for extra help in Chemistry, English, Math, History or Government, or needing a boost in organization, prioritization, and motivation through our Finishing Strong Workshops, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out the Exam Jam Spring 2025 calendar below to see the full lineup of supports available. Most importantly, don’t forget to fill out the Google Form to reserve your space in any of the sessions—spots may fill quickly! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Foundry Director Darrin Broadway at dbroadway@ohschools.org or Lead Tutor and Academic Coordinator Jessica Loudermilk at loudermilk@ohschools.org. Let’s finish strong together—see you at The Foundry! Click below to sign-up: Chemistry Pre-Algebra Algebra II Geometry JH Green Bear Strong HS Finish Strong Workshop |
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End-of-year health reminders Medication pick-up: Week of May 19 for over-the-counter medications; May 30 (last day of school) for emergency medications. Unclaimed medications will be disposed of. Vaccinations: Incoming 7th graders need Tdap and meningococcal vaccines before next school year. Vaccine waivers must be renewed annually. Action plans: All emergency plans (diabetes, asthma, allergies, seizures) and medication forms must be renewed annually. Find forms on our website under Health Services. Questions: Laura Ann Baird, RN, BSN at lbaird@ohschools.org |
End-of-year health reminders Medication pick-up: Week of May 19 for over-the-counter medications; May 30 (last day of school) for emergency medications. Unclaimed medications will be disposed of. Vaccinations: Incoming 7th graders need Tdap and meningococcal vaccines before next school year. Vaccine waivers must be renewed annually. Action plans: All emergency plans (diabetes, asthma, allergies, seizures) and medication forms must be renewed annually. Find forms on our website under Health Services. Questions: Laura Ann Baird, RN, BSN at lbaird@ohschools.org |
 | Girls High School Tennis Attention all girls currently in grades 8-11 who are interested in playing high school tennis. Please plan to attend a short interest meeting on Monday, May during lunch in the main gym with Coach Harst. Please direct any questions to jefftopspin@yahoo.com |
 | High School Dance Team For any student interested in the high school dance team, please plan to attend an interst meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 3:15 in the athletics office. Please direct any questions to Sophia Heidenreich at sophie.heidenreich.04@gmail.com. |
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Celebrating Decades of Dedication: Diane Drabek and Sean Mercer On Saturday evening at The Garden at Glass City Metropark, current and former staff from Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School gathered to honor the extraordinary careers of two beloved educators: math teacher Diane Drabek and social studies teacher and girls basketball coach Sean Mercer. Sean and Diane have over 60 years combined service to Ottawa Hills Local Schools. The retirement celebration was a heartfelt tribute to their decades of dedication to students, colleagues, and the school community. Organized by Mr. Bobak, Madame Hanlon, and the Social Committee, the event was filled with laughter, memories, and well-deserved recognition. Guests shared stories, raised glasses, and expressed their deep appreciation for the impact both Diane and Sean have had over the years—in the classroom, on the court, and beyond. Each honoree was presented with a beautiful commemorative clock and a piece of original artwork created by former art teacher Steve Wipfli, making the evening even more meaningful and personal. Diane and Sean leave behind legacies marked by compassion, commitment, and dedication. We thank them for their remarkable service and wish them all the best in retirement. They will be missed, but their influence will continue to be felt for years to come. Special thanks to Mr. Bobak, Madame Hanlon, the social committee, and the staff from The Garden for creating a beautiful tribute to two exceptional educators. |
Celebrating Decades of Dedication: Diane Drabek and Sean Mercer On Saturday evening at The Garden at Glass City Metropark, current and former staff from Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School gathered to honor the extraordinary careers of two beloved educators: math teacher Diane Drabek and social studies teacher and girls basketball coach Sean Mercer. Sean and Diane have over 60 years combined service to Ottawa Hills Local Schools. The retirement celebration was a heartfelt tribute to their decades of dedication to students, colleagues, and the school community. Organized by Mr. Bobak, Madame Hanlon, and the Social Committee, the event was filled with laughter, memories, and well-deserved recognition. Guests shared stories, raised glasses, and expressed their deep appreciation for the impact both Diane and Sean have had over the years—in the classroom, on the court, and beyond. Each honoree was presented with a beautiful commemorative clock and a piece of original artwork created by former art teacher Steve Wipfli, making the evening even more meaningful and personal. Diane and Sean leave behind legacies marked by compassion, commitment, and dedication. We thank them for their remarkable service and wish them all the best in retirement. They will be missed, but their influence will continue to be felt for years to come. Special thanks to Mr. Bobak, Madame Hanlon, the social committee, and the staff from The Garden for creating a beautiful tribute to two exceptional educators. |
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Senior Choir Concert Celebrates Voices, Growth, and a Heartfelt Farewell. Photo by J. Loudermilk The auditorium was filled with harmony and emotion as Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School presented its Senior Choir Concert, a night that celebrated musical excellence and paid special tribute to graduating seniors. Led by Vocal Music Director Hayley Hoss, the concert featured performances from every level of the choral program—from junior high singers to seasoned Choraliers—highlighting the growth and spirit of our vocal music students.
The evening opened with the Junior High Choir’s touching rendition of Rewrite the Stars from The Greatest Showman, bringing youthful energy and polished sound to the stage. The junior high choirs then joined forces for a moving performance of Can’t Help Falling In Love, a timeless favorite that showcased their developing blend and musicality. The Junior Chorale offered a dynamic performance of Die with a Smile, featuring a standout solo by Gabriella Hreish, whose expressive voice captivated the audience. The Concert Choir delivered an emotional interpretation of Hallelujah, followed by a spirited and confident rendition of I’m Still Standing, symbolizing resilience and joy.
A highlight of the evening was The Wish, a special dedication to the senior class. Accompanied by student pianist Rose Hajjar, the combined choirs honored their departing peers with heartfelt emotion and gratitude. The Choraliers performed Dirait-on, For the Longest Time, and Landslide. The set concluded with I’ll Be on My Way, featuring a poignant solo by Kadin Brown. The concert concluded by bringing all voices together for Do You Hear the People Sing? from Les Misérables, featuring soloists Sam Kapadia, Nicolas Grossi, and Miles Wharry. The powerful anthem was a fitting close to a night of musical celebration and senior recognition. Congratulations to all the performers, and thank you to Ms. Hoss and accompanist Rose Hajjar for leading with heart and harmony. Special thanks to the Ottawa Hills Music Theater Association for their ongoing support. |
Senior Choir Concert Celebrates Voices, Growth, and a Heartfelt Farewell. Photo by J. Loudermilk The auditorium was filled with harmony and emotion as Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School presented its Senior Choir Concert, a night that celebrated musical excellence and paid special tribute to graduating seniors. Led by Vocal Music Director Hayley Hoss, the concert featured performances from every level of the choral program—from junior high singers to seasoned Choraliers—highlighting the growth and spirit of our vocal music students.
The evening opened with the Junior High Choir’s touching rendition of Rewrite the Stars from The Greatest Showman, bringing youthful energy and polished sound to the stage. The junior high choirs then joined forces for a moving performance of Can’t Help Falling In Love, a timeless favorite that showcased their developing blend and musicality. The Junior Chorale offered a dynamic performance of Die with a Smile, featuring a standout solo by Gabriella Hreish, whose expressive voice captivated the audience. The Concert Choir delivered an emotional interpretation of Hallelujah, followed by a spirited and confident rendition of I’m Still Standing, symbolizing resilience and joy.
A highlight of the evening was The Wish, a special dedication to the senior class. Accompanied by student pianist Rose Hajjar, the combined choirs honored their departing peers with heartfelt emotion and gratitude. The Choraliers performed Dirait-on, For the Longest Time, and Landslide. The set concluded with I’ll Be on My Way, featuring a poignant solo by Kadin Brown. The concert concluded by bringing all voices together for Do You Hear the People Sing? from Les Misérables, featuring soloists Sam Kapadia, Nicolas Grossi, and Miles Wharry. The powerful anthem was a fitting close to a night of musical celebration and senior recognition. Congratulations to all the performers, and thank you to Ms. Hoss and accompanist Rose Hajjar for leading with heart and harmony. Special thanks to the Ottawa Hills Music Theater Association for their ongoing support. |
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Spring Band Concert Showcases Growth, Talent, and Musical Joy Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School recently celebrated its annual Spring Band Concert, featuring outstanding performances from our 5th Grade Band, 6th Grade Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band. From beginning musicians to seasoned performers, each group demonstrated remarkable growth, dedication, and musical expression.
Our youngest musicians, the 5th grade band, opened the evening with selections from Belwin Very Beginning Band Kit #1, including In the Calm of the Starry Sky, Bermuda Triangle, Our Tumultuous, Trustworthy, and Terrific Trumpets, and The Soul of Our School. They continued with Sawmill Creek, which featured a standout alto saxophone solo by Yusuf Smidi, and closed their set with the energetic Dragon Slayer.
The 6th Grade Band brought an exciting and diverse program to the stage with Let It Grow, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Trumpet Voluntary, Clarinet Cookin’, and Defender of Time. These selections showcased the ensemble’s developing skills and musical maturity.
The Concert Band delivered a dynamic and engaging performance with Raider’s March, Pyramid Power Polka, Summer’s Rain, Saxophonic Boogie, and Kamehameha.
The evening concluded with powerful and polished performances by the Symphonic Band, featuring John Williams: Movie Adventures, Spoken Softly with a Gentle Heart, Fresh Trash, Lassus Trombone, and Rampage!. The evening was a celebration not only of music but of the dedication and hard work our students have poured into their craft all year. A heartfelt thank-you to our instrumental music director Michael Leeds band for his leadership and encouragement, and to our families and community members for their continued support of the arts. Special thanks Val Timmerman, the Ottawa Hills Music Theater Association for their ongoing support. |
Spring Band Concert Showcases Growth, Talent, and Musical Joy Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School recently celebrated its annual Spring Band Concert, featuring outstanding performances from our 5th Grade Band, 6th Grade Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band. From beginning musicians to seasoned performers, each group demonstrated remarkable growth, dedication, and musical expression.
Our youngest musicians, the 5th grade band, opened the evening with selections from Belwin Very Beginning Band Kit #1, including In the Calm of the Starry Sky, Bermuda Triangle, Our Tumultuous, Trustworthy, and Terrific Trumpets, and The Soul of Our School. They continued with Sawmill Creek, which featured a standout alto saxophone solo by Yusuf Smidi, and closed their set with the energetic Dragon Slayer.
The 6th Grade Band brought an exciting and diverse program to the stage with Let It Grow, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Trumpet Voluntary, Clarinet Cookin’, and Defender of Time. These selections showcased the ensemble’s developing skills and musical maturity.
The Concert Band delivered a dynamic and engaging performance with Raider’s March, Pyramid Power Polka, Summer’s Rain, Saxophonic Boogie, and Kamehameha.
The evening concluded with powerful and polished performances by the Symphonic Band, featuring John Williams: Movie Adventures, Spoken Softly with a Gentle Heart, Fresh Trash, Lassus Trombone, and Rampage!. The evening was a celebration not only of music but of the dedication and hard work our students have poured into their craft all year. A heartfelt thank-you to our instrumental music director Michael Leeds band for his leadership and encouragement, and to our families and community members for their continued support of the arts. Special thanks Val Timmerman, the Ottawa Hills Music Theater Association for their ongoing support. |
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AP Art History Class Connects with Masterpieces at Detroit Institute of Arts The day after the AP Art History students took the AP test, they celebrated by exploring the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and making curriculum connections with the exhibits! The students explored the museum’s galleries to locate representative artworks, connecting what they observed with key themes and pieces from their AP Art History curriculum. According Ms. Shawaker, “Via Bridges and Libby Puffenberger saw the El Anatsui through the Medieval gallery, and audibly gasped with excitement.” Afterwards, they enjoyed the sunshine and botanical gardens on Belle Isle. A special thanks to the Detroit Institute of Arts for welcoming the students and providing an educational experience that brought art history to life. |
AP Art History Class Connects with Masterpieces at Detroit Institute of Arts The day after the AP Art History students took the AP test, they celebrated by exploring the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and making curriculum connections with the exhibits! The students explored the museum’s galleries to locate representative artworks, connecting what they observed with key themes and pieces from their AP Art History curriculum. According Ms. Shawaker, “Via Bridges and Libby Puffenberger saw the El Anatsui through the Medieval gallery, and audibly gasped with excitement.” Afterwards, they enjoyed the sunshine and botanical gardens on Belle Isle. A special thanks to the Detroit Institute of Arts for welcoming the students and providing an educational experience that brought art history to life. |
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Green Bears Join the Flock During Birding’s Biggest Week Students from Liz Puskala’s biology class took their learning into the field with a visit to Magee Marsh, one of the most celebrated birding hotspots in North America. There, students experienced the wonder of spring migration firsthand along the western shoreline of Lake Erie. The group had the privilege of meeting with Sarah Schott from Magee Marsh, who shared insights about the marsh’s history, current funding, and its critical role as a habitat for migrating birds. Each May, thousands of birders from across the country—and around the world—flock to Magee Marsh during The Biggest Week in American Birding. The region serves as a vital stopover for a wide variety of migratory birds, including colorful warblers, orioles, thrushes, and tanagers, as they journey north to their nesting grounds. Special thanks to chaperones Liz Puskala, Jessica Kozy, and Brandon Carter for making this experience possible and for supporting our students in connecting classroom biology to the natural world. |
Green Bears Join the Flock During Birding’s Biggest Week Students from Liz Puskala’s biology class took their learning into the field with a visit to Magee Marsh, one of the most celebrated birding hotspots in North America. There, students experienced the wonder of spring migration firsthand along the western shoreline of Lake Erie. The group had the privilege of meeting with Sarah Schott from Magee Marsh, who shared insights about the marsh’s history, current funding, and its critical role as a habitat for migrating birds. Each May, thousands of birders from across the country—and around the world—flock to Magee Marsh during The Biggest Week in American Birding. The region serves as a vital stopover for a wide variety of migratory birds, including colorful warblers, orioles, thrushes, and tanagers, as they journey north to their nesting grounds. Special thanks to chaperones Liz Puskala, Jessica Kozy, and Brandon Carter for making this experience possible and for supporting our students in connecting classroom biology to the natural world. |
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Teen PEP Leaders Inspire the Next Generation This spring, Ottawa Hills Teen PEP (Teen-Peers Educating Peers) leaders wrapped up a meaningful year of peer education focused on promoting healthy relationships, communication, and decision-making. In partnership with ProMedica, these trained student leaders led workshops for their peers on kindness, consent, and self-respect. Last week, they brought their message to the elementary school, connecting with the future of Green Bear Nation. Their visit encouraged younger students to be kind, make good choices, and grow into thoughtful, respectful teens. Advisor and health teacher Stacy Richards, "I'm so proud of the work done by this amazing group of students. They've made a huge impact among their peers about healthy relationships and equipped them with a mindset and set of skills that will help throughout their lives." We thank our Teen PEP leaders and Ms. Richards for their incredible impact on our school community. |
Teen PEP Leaders Inspire the Next Generation This spring, Ottawa Hills Teen PEP (Teen-Peers Educating Peers) leaders wrapped up a meaningful year of peer education focused on promoting healthy relationships, communication, and decision-making. In partnership with ProMedica, these trained student leaders led workshops for their peers on kindness, consent, and self-respect. Last week, they brought their message to the elementary school, connecting with the future of Green Bear Nation. Their visit encouraged younger students to be kind, make good choices, and grow into thoughtful, respectful teens. Advisor and health teacher Stacy Richards, "I'm so proud of the work done by this amazing group of students. They've made a huge impact among their peers about healthy relationships and equipped them with a mindset and set of skills that will help throughout their lives." We thank our Teen PEP leaders and Ms. Richards for their incredible impact on our school community. |
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Green Bear Athletes Commit to Competing at the Collegiate Level Ottawa Hills proudly celebrated nine outstanding student-athletes this week during a special signing day ceremony, honoring their commitment to continue their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level. Surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and classmates, these seniors were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and achievements both on and off the field. Congratulations to the following Green Bears: - Nick Anderson – Football, Gustavus Adolphus
- Jay Breed – Baseball, Lourdes University
- Alex Duran – Soccer, College of Charleston
- Maren George – Lacrosse, Augustana College (Illinois)
- Colin Hennessey – Baseball, Ohio Dominican University
- Warren Lampkowski-Sowle – Triathlon, Northern Kentucky University
- Reddik Pillarelli – Football, Ohio Wesleyan University
- Amalia Rybarczyk – Ice Hockey, Utica University
- Jackson Snyder – Baseball, Baldwin Wallace University
We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes and look forward to watching their continued success at the next level. Thanks to Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz and our parent volunteers for organizing this special event. Once a Gre en Bear, always a Green Bear! |
Green Bear Athletes Commit to Competing at the Collegiate Level Ottawa Hills proudly celebrated nine outstanding student-athletes this week during a special signing day ceremony, honoring their commitment to continue their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level. Surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and classmates, these seniors were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and achievements both on and off the field. Congratulations to the following Green Bears: - Nick Anderson – Football, Gustavus Adolphus
- Jay Breed – Baseball, Lourdes University
- Alex Duran – Soccer, College of Charleston
- Maren George – Lacrosse, Augustana College (Illinois)
- Colin Hennessey – Baseball, Ohio Dominican University
- Warren Lampkowski-Sowle – Triathlon, Northern Kentucky University
- Reddik Pillarelli – Football, Ohio Wesleyan University
- Amalia Rybarczyk – Ice Hockey, Utica University
- Jackson Snyder – Baseball, Baldwin Wallace University
We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes and look forward to watching their continued success at the next level. Thanks to Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz and our parent volunteers for organizing this special event. Once a Green Bear, always a Green Bear! |
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Boys Tennis Team Advances to Districts Congratulations to the boys tennis team on an outstanding performance at sectionals last week! Ian Marzano and Sahil Parikh captured the sectional championship in doubles, while Micah Walker and Bode Wray finished as runners-up in doubles. Chris Thompson also earned a runner-up finish in singles. The team now advances to the district tournament in Port Clinton on Wednesday, May 21. Please wish them the best as they represent Green Bear Nation at Districts! Well done to all the players and to Coach Dan Amato on this exciting achievement! |
Boys Tennis Team Advances to Districts Congratulations to the boys tennis team on an outstanding performance at sectionals last week! Ian Marzano and Sahil Parikh captured the sectional championship in doubles, while Micah Walker and Bode Wray finished as runners-up in doubles. Chris Thompson also earned a runner-up finish in singles. The team now advances to the district tournament in Port Clinton on Wednesday, May 21. Please wish them the best as they represent Green Bear Nation at Districts! Well done to all the players and to Coach Dan Amato on this exciting achievement! |
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Green Bears Dominate TAAC Track & Field Championships Ottawa Hills Track & Field had a banner day at the TAAC Championships on Saturday at Northwood High School, as both the boys and girls teams clinched conference titles in dominant fashion.
The Ottawa Hills girls team captured their third consecutive TAAC title, once again proving their depth and determination. Individual TAAC champions include Audrey Nixon in the 400 meters, Natalie Nixon in the 800 and 1600 meters, Emily Chen in the 3200 meters, and Mercy Alamina in the 300-meter hurdles. The 4x400 relay team of Audrey Nixon, Bella Drouillard, Mercy Alamina, and Natalie Nixon, and the 4x800 relay team of Audrey Nixon, Emily Timmerman, Emily Chen, and Freya Klaas also earned top honors. A special congratulations to Natalie Nixon, named TAAC Girls Athlete of the Year, for her outstanding performances and leadership on the track.
The Green Bear boys team showcased talent across the board, earning a commanding TAAC Championship win. Individual TAAC champions include Hutch Carter in the 400 meters, Ian Jones in the 800 meters, Joe Mayer-Heckathorn in the 1600 and 3200 meters, Seamus Kling in the 300-meter hurdles, the 4x400 relay team of Ian Jones, Chris Culler, Seamus Kling, and Hutch Carter, and the 4x800 relay team of Joe Mayer-Heckathorn, Alex Cooper, Hutch Carter, and Ian Jones. Jace Neuendorf took first in the shot put, with a special shoutout to Jace and Cole Coy for finishing first and second—a feat not accomplished by Green Bears in a throwing event in several years.
Congratulations to Coach Jeremy Nixon, who was named TAAC Girls Coach of the Year for his leadership and dedication to the program. We extend our sincere thanks to the full coaching staff—Jeremy Nixon, Matt Mullan, Emily Nixon, Greg Neuendorf, and parent volunteer Carey Richardson—whose time and commitment make success like this possible.
Way to go, Green Bears! |
Green Bears Dominate TAAC Track & Field Championships Ottawa Hills Track & Field had a banner day at the TAAC Championships on Saturday at Northwood High School, as both the boys and girls teams clinched conference titles in dominant fashion.
The Ottawa Hills girls team captured their third consecutive TAAC title, once again proving their depth and determination. Individual TAAC champions include Audrey Nixon in the 400 meters, Natalie Nixon in the 800 and 1600 meters, Emily Chen in the 3200 meters, and Mercy Alamina in the 300-meter hurdles. The 4x400 relay team of Audrey Nixon, Bella Drouillard, Mercy Alamina, and Natalie Nixon, and the 4x800 relay team of Audrey Nixon, Emily Timmerman, Emily Chen, and Freya Klaas also earned top honors. A special congratulations to Natalie Nixon, named TAAC Girls Athlete of the Year, for her outstanding performances and leadership on the track.
The Green Bear boys team showcased talent across the board, earning a commanding TAAC Championship win. Individual TAAC champions include Hutch Carter in the 400 meters, Ian Jones in the 800 meters, Joe Mayer-Heckathorn in the 1600 and 3200 meters, Seamus Kling in the 300-meter hurdles, the 4x400 relay team of Ian Jones, Chris Culler, Seamus Kling, and Hutch Carter, and the 4x800 relay team of Joe Mayer-Heckathorn, Alex Cooper, Hutch Carter, and Ian Jones. Jace Neuendorf took first in the shot put, with a special shoutout to Jace and Cole Coy for finishing first and second—a feat not accomplished by Green Bears in a throwing event in several years.
Congratulations to Coach Jeremy Nixon, who was named TAAC Girls Coach of the Year for his leadership and dedication to the program. We extend our sincere thanks to the full coaching staff—Jeremy Nixon, Matt Mullan, Emily Nixon, Greg Neuendorf, and parent volunteer Carey Richardson—whose time and commitment make success like this possible.
Way to go, Green Bears! |
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Model UN Students Earn Top Honors at Metro Detroit Conference On Saturday, May 17, five members of the Ottawa Hills Model United Nations Club participated in the Seventh Annual Metro Detroit Security Council Conference at Brighton High School in Brighton, Michigan. The daylong event featured three topics in the General Assembly: the Reformation of the United Nations Security Council (Security/Legal), Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (Political), and the Protection of Journalists (Social, Cultural, Humanitarian). Two historical crisis simulations also took place: the 1919 Paris Peace Conference and the 1916 Cabinet of Tsar Nicholas II. Delegates debated, wrote resolutions, negotiated, and compromised as they grappled with the complexity of international policymaking. Representing Ottawa Hills were juniors Anushka Agarwal, Meral Humaida, and Quinton Smith, and freshmen Pranathi Gundabolu and Sungjoo Park. The team earned several accolades: - Pranathi Gundabolu received Highest Honors for Best Delegate in her crisis simulation.
- Second Highest Honors were awarded to Anushka Agarwal, Meral Humaida, and Quinton Smith.
- The entire Ottawa Hills delegation earned Highest Honors for the conference overall.
Congratulations to our outstanding student delegates and to their advisor, Social Studies teacher Tom McCarthy, for continuing to lead this exceptional program. |
Model UN Students Earn Top Honors at Metro Detroit Conference On Saturday, May 17, five members of the Ottawa Hills Model United Nations Club participated in the Seventh Annual Metro Detroit Security Council Conference at Brighton High School in Brighton, Michigan. The daylong event featured three topics in the General Assembly: the Reformation of the United Nations Security Council (Security/Legal), Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (Political), and the Protection of Journalists (Social, Cultural, Humanitarian). Two historical crisis simulations also took place: the 1919 Paris Peace Conference and the 1916 Cabinet of Tsar Nicholas II. Delegates debated, wrote resolutions, negotiated, and compromised as they grappled with the complexity of international policymaking. Representing Ottawa Hills were juniors Anushka Agarwal, Meral Humaida, and Quinton Smith, and freshmen Pranathi Gundabolu and Sungjoo Park. The team earned several accolades: - Pranathi Gundabolu received Highest Honors for Best Delegate in her crisis simulation.
- Second Highest Honors were awarded to Anushka Agarwal, Meral Humaida, and Quinton Smith.
- The entire Ottawa Hills delegation earned Highest Honors for the conference overall.
Congratulations to our outstanding student delegates and to their advisor, Social Studies teacher Tom McCarthy, for continuing to lead this exceptional program. |
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Science in Action: Chemistry Students Share Research at UT GLOBE Event Students from Dr. Gloria Kreischer-Gajewicz's honors chemistry classes recently showcased their environmental research at the GLOBE Midwest Student Research Symposium, held at the University of Toledo. This annual event, organized by the UT's GLOBE Mission EARTH program, brings together students from across the Midwest to present their scientific investigations to peers and STEM professionals. Chris Culler and Gates Begeman won the Special Projects recognition. Jasmine Hajjar and Mary Lathrop won first place of all projects presented at the event. The GLOBE Program (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is an international science and education initiative sponsored by NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation. It empowers students to conduct hands-on environmental research, contributing valuable data to a global scientific community. Participating in such symposia provides our students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities. Engaging in authentic research fosters critical thinking, enhances scientific literacy, and inspires a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. As students collect and analyze real-world data, they develop skills that are essential for future scientific endeavors and informed citizenship. |
Science in Action: Chemistry Students Share Research at UT GLOBE Event Students from Dr. Gloria Kreischer-Gajewicz's honors chemistry classes recently showcased their environmental research at the GLOBE Midwest Student Research Symposium, held at the University of Toledo. This annual event, organized by the UT's GLOBE Mission EARTH program, brings together students from across the Midwest to present their scientific investigations to peers and STEM professionals. Chris Culler and Gates Begeman won the Special Projects recognition. Jasmine Hajjar and Mary Lathrop won first place of all projects presented at the event. The GLOBE Program (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is an international science and education initiative sponsored by NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation. It empowers students to conduct hands-on environmental research, contributing valuable data to a global scientific community. Participating in such symposia provides our students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities. Engaging in authentic research fosters critical thinking, enhances scientific literacy, and inspires a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. As students collect and analyze real-world data, they develop skills that are essential for future scientific endeavors and informed citizenship. |
Save the Date: Friday, May 23: May Day! Early release for all students at 1 p.m. Monday, May 26: Memorial Day-Schools closed Wednesday, May 28: Eighth Grade Recognition 6:00pm Friday, May 30: Last day of school Friday, May 30: Commencement 6 p.m. |
Save the Date: Friday, May 23: May Day! Early release for all students at 1 p.m. Monday, May 26: Memorial Day-Schools closed Wednesday, May 28: Eighth Grade Recognition 6:00pm Friday, May 30: Last day of school Friday, May 30: Commencement 6 p.m. |
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