Great Day for Green Bear Basketball
Kendell Skiver earned her place in the record book on Thursday night, scoring her 1,000th career point during the Green Bears’ decisive 54-34 victory over Maumee Valley. The crowd erupted in a thunderous standing ovation the moment the milestone basket dropped, celebrating a feat rarely seen so early in a high school career. The celebration served as a bridge between the program's past and future, as Kendell was welcomed into the elite "1,000 Pt. Club" by the program's all-time leading scorer, Lauren Kruse Cicala, and fellow legend Lee Ann (Woodward) Henry.

The evening was filled with tribute and tradition beyond the scoring milestone. Before the tip-off, the Green Bear community gathered to celebrate Senior Night, honoring Sophie Van Slooten and her parents for her dedication and leadership within the program. The night also featured a special moment of gratitude for former coach Sean Mercer, who was in attendance and honored for his immense contributions and years of service to the program. Additionally, Lauren Kruse Cicala was formally recognized for her historic career achievements. As the reigning all-time leading scorer in Green Bear girls' basketball history with 1,529 points.

Kendell’s 1,000th point is just the latest highlight in a historic stretch of basketball. During the previous matchup against Maumee Valley, Kendell broke the school record for the most points scored in a single game with a staggering 43 points. By reaching this milestone in just her sophomore season, Kendell joins an elite group of prolific scorers, including: Lauren Kruse (1,529), Lee Ann Woodward (1,436), Katherine Jamieson (1,052), Allie Dewire (1,043), Olivia Van Slooten (1,032), and Megan Jamieson (1,013).

A special thanks goes out to Coach Tim Lambert and his staff, as well as Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz, for their hard work in organizing such a memorable evening. We also extend our gratitude to everyone who attended last night's game to make it so special for Sophie, Kendell, and the entire team. Reaching 1,000 points as a sophomore highlights the incredible impact Kendell has had since her freshman debut. Her scoring prowess, combined with the veteran leadership of seniors like Sophie Van Slooten, proved too much for Maumee Valley to handle.

Congratulations to Sophie on a wonderful Senior Night, to Coach Mercer and Lauren for their enduring legacies, and to Kendell on these historic milestones.

HOSA Visits UT’s Immersive Simulation Center

Our students recently stepped out of the classroom and into the high-stakes world of modern medicine during an immersive field trip to the University of Toledo Health Science Campus. This experience provided a deep dive into the postsecondary pathways that lead to careers in healthcare, bringing science textbooks to life through high-tech robotics and the complexities of human biology.

The trip focused on two primary locations that gave students a full spectrum of medical education. At the Immersive Simulation Center, students entered a simulated hospital environment featuring high-fidelity mannequins. These advanced tools breathe, have pulses, and react to treatments just like real patients. Students observed how medical professionals monitor vital signs and practiced the precision required for IV insertion.

The group also visited the Anatomy Lab and Plastination Museum. For many, the most profound part of the day was the opportunity to interact with a cadaver prepared by medical students. This firsthand look at human anatomy, including the chance to examine preserved organs, offered a level of insight that digital screens simply cannot replicate.

Beyond the technology, the trip served the vital purpose of connecting classroom theory to real-world practice. By engaging with medical students and faculty, our students gained a clearer understanding of the dedication and skill required for healthcare careers. Whether they aspire to be surgeons, nurses, or medical researchers, they returned with a newfound perspective on where their studies can lead.

This incredible learning opportunity was made possible by the dedicated staff and organizations that support our students. Special thanks go to HOSA advisor Nurse Brandon Ku for coordinating the experience and to our bus driver, Erica Swisher, for providing safe transportation. We are also deeply grateful to the Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation and the OHS Parent Association, whose ongoing support for extracurricular activities ensures our students have access to the experiences that define a world-class education.

Writers Shine at Power of the Pen Tournament

On Saturday, the Ottawa Hills Power of the Pen team showcased their creative writing talents as they competed against junior high and middle schools from across Northwest Ohio in the highly competitive district tournament in Tiffin. The team, comprised of Annie Lim, Jo Mullan, Nikola Isailovic, Chloe Choi, Janeen Smidid, Aurelia Cavalieri-Heller, Allison Leeds, Manal Zaidi, Gabriella Hreish, Tabitha Mezo, and Allison Chen, demonstrated their storytelling abilities and critical thinking skills throughout multiple rounds of competition.

Among the standout performances, Janeen Smidi finished in 6th place and Jo Mullan in 5th place. Additionally, the seventh-grade team as a whole placed 2nd, reflecting their strong collaborative efforts and dedication to refining their writing craft. The eighth-grade team won 3rd overall with medals for several of our writers. Manal Zaidi placed 7th, Gabriela Hreish in 4th place, Tabitha Mezo in 3rd place, and Allison Leeds earned 1st place.

Power of the Pen is Ohio’s original interscholastic writing contest, designed to challenge students to think creatively and express themselves through compelling narratives. According to the organization's website, “We empower young people to find and develop a creative voice that is uniquely their own by engaging students in interscholastic writing tournaments and providing a platform for publication.” This competition not only enhances students' writing skills but also fosters confidence and a love for storytelling.

A special thank you goes to advisor and English teacher Karen Fischer, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in the team’s success. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to parent volunteers Shelley Cavalieri and Elizabeth Leeds, who generously gave their time to assist with the event.

Finally, many thanks to the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association for their continued support of this valuable extracurricular activity.

ACT-Grade 11