Watervliet student-athletes Kara Liles & Bryant Kieft recognized as School Winners in Wendy’s High School Heisman scholarship program

 There are some students who set the bar. They work harder, show more passion and lead by example in the classroom, on the field, and within the community. Wendy’s High School Heisman recognizes Kara Liles, daughter of Rick and Karla Liles, and Bryant Kieft, son of Melissa Kieft and Randy Kieft, from Watervliet High School and their dedication to never cutting corners by naming them as School Winners.

“These students are known by their teachers and friends for their commitment to excellence. We are excited and honored that a program like Wendy’s High School Heisman is also recognizing their hard work,” said Brad Coon, High School Principal.

SHOULDERING THROUGH… Watervliet ath-letes Bryant Kieft and Kara Liles were selected as state fi-nalists in the national Wendy’s High School Heisman scholar-ship program. The student-athletes had to maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average, be considered a leader and role model in the community, and actively participate in sports.

Since 1994, Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy Trust have been running the same play to perfection: honoring more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed students. This year, Wendy’s will celebrate the accomplishments of thousands of the best high school seniors, awarding winners in five phases.

School Winners receive a School Winner certificate and a Wendy’s High School Heisman Patch.

The Wendy’s High School Heisman was created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas in 1994. Dave Thomas dropped out of high school when he was 15 years old in order to work full-time and went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history. While this nontraditional path led to his prosperity, it always worried Dave that others would follow in his footsteps and expect to achieve similar fame and wealth by not finishing high school or attending college.

Faced with this dilemma, at 61 years old, Dave enrolled at Coconut Creek High School in Ft. Lauderdale FL, and received his General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Inspired by this moment and with a desire to celebrate the outstanding achievements of youth in America, he launched the Wendy’s High School Heisman program.

Twenty-two years later, Wendy’s High School Heisman has honored more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors who share Wendy’s values of giving back to their communities, treating people with respect, continuing education and excelling on the athletic field.

The Wendy’s High School Heisman is a joint program between Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy Trust, host and custodians of the Heisman Memorial Trophy.

For more information, please visit www.WendysHeisman.com.

Coloma/St. Joseph KOA receives top awards

 For the first time in their 43-year history, the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA is pleased to announce that they have received KOA’s premier achievement, the KOA Founder’s and President’s Awards! This caps a successful 2017 season where they drew more than 10,500 guests to the Coloma/ St. Joseph/ South Haven area from across the United States and 11 international countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, New Zeeland, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The recipients of KOA’s premiere achievement share the vision and dream of KOA’s founder, Dave Drum, of providing the highest quality camping facilities while exceeding KOA guests’ expectations. As leaders in outdoor hospitality, KOA Founder’s Award recipients embody Dave’s vision of a KOA Nation providing excellence for generations of campers.

“We are humbled to have achieved this honor after our first, full season as new owners,” said Mark and Karla Lemoine. “Thanks to our amazing staff for all their hard work, and to our guests for their confidence in our hospitality,” they added.

Building upon several renovations that were accomplished during the past year, including a fully renovated General Store & Café featuring Hunt Brothers Pizza, the Lemoines are also looking ahead to next season. They have refurbished the pool deck, are in the process of adding deluxe patio/ full hook-up sites, and will complete renovations to a 2,000 sq. ft. Club House which will be available for campground activities and group rentals.

“Camping is not just a destination, it’s an experience. From our friendly hospitality, to our amenities and accommodations, we are committed to honoring the time our guests spend with us to be with their family and friends,” The Lemoines said. “We genuinely enjoy hosting our guests whether they are from around the corner or around the globe,” they continued.

Fifth Level Hospitality, Inc., is locally-owned and operated by Mark and Karla Lemoine, and is doing business as the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA. Located in Hagar Township, this southwest Michigan campground destination is the closest KOA campground to Lake Michigan and offers guests 130 sites for tenting, RVs and twelve cabins. Amenities include an in-ground heated pool, hot tub, jumping pillow, Gaga ball, Carpet ball, mini-golf, fun bike rentals and more.

Find them online at www.stjosephkoa.com or “Like” them on Facebook.

COLOMA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1957… held a reunion at The Friendly Tavern in Coloma on Oct. 14, 2017. Pictured are (from the left): Back Row – Henry Viscuso, Edward Schreiber, Alinda Benson Craig, Arnold Arndt, Bill Vollrath, Allen Vanderboegh, Bob Gravenmier, Nicholas Borkowski, Ron Clark; Front Row – Jean Curry Chandler, Carole Hosbein Ross, Karen Palmer Fagerlin, Jeanette Watson Thompson, Sharron VanRyswyk Krieger, Pat Tavolacci Snow, Bill Leedy.