WAY Watervliet Students of the Month for November Kaileigh McNew One November Student of the Month is Kaileigh McNew. Kaileigh joined the WAY program at Watervliet High School in the spring of 2015 and recently earned over 2.5 credits in November alone to finish the program! Her work ethic, attention to detail, attendance and great communication skills have helped her to succeed as she has. They look forward to having Kaileigh be a part of their December graduating class.

Kaileigh’s parents are Kimberly McNew and Jack McNew. She presently works at Roma’s Pizza in Coloma. After she graduates high school, she plans to begin working full time and attending college classes that include law enforcement to become a police officer, or DNR officer. In her spare time, Kaileigh loves spending time with her little sister and also watching new Netflix series. Her advice to other students would be “to not procrastinate – which is easy to do – but if you get the work done, it will pay off later. Stay diligent and focused, otherwise it is easy to fall off track. Do the very best you can do and reach out for help when needed.”

Robbie Porphir Another November Student of the Month is Robbie Porphir. Robbie has really been increasing his pace over the past few months. He has earned some recognition!! Robbie has picked up 1.8 credits in the month of November alone!

Robbie’s parent/ guardians are Rob and Barb Porphir. In his spare time, he really enjoys spending time with family and friends. After earning his high school diploma, Robbie plans on attending college and picking up an apprenticeship. Robbie presently works at Coloma Harding’s as a bagger. Robbie’s advice to other students is to “come to the WAY lab often and keep good goals that are reachable and realistic to what you want to do for your future.” These actions are what propelled him to be in the position to pick up Student of the Month recognition. Congratulations on your hard work and success, Robbie!

Harlee Thornton Harlee Thornton is the third November Student of the Month in the WAY program. Harlee has just recently finished the program and this will qualify her for their December graduation. Harlee has poured it on in the past couple months, earning 3 credits!

Harlee’s parent/ guardians are Donny Thornton and Amy Farnsworth. In her spare time, she enjoys doing art and hanging out with her best friend. After earning her high school diploma, Harlee hopes to continue making art and selling it, and to go on to college. Harlee’s advice to other students is that, “school actually goes by really fast if you do your work!” These actions are what propelled her to be in the position to graduate this December. Congratulations on your hard work and success, Harlee!

Watervliet Public Schools Calendar of Events

Thursday, December 20 South School Green & Red Day; JV Boys Basketball at Home – MS Gym, 5:30 p.m.; Varsity Girls Basketball at Home vs. Martin, 5:30 p.m.; Varsity Boys Basketball at Home vs. Martin, 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 21 South School Pajama Day; South School Holiday concert and all school sing-a-long, 10 a.m. Saturday, December 22 Varsity wrestling at Martin Tournament, 9:00 a.m. Monday, December 24 – Friday, January 4 NO SCHOOL – HOLIDAY BREAK Saturday, December 29 Varsity Wrestling at Climax-Scotts Tournament, 9:00 a.m.

“Kute Kids”… THIS “KUTE KID” IS… 5-year-old Natalie Gagliano, daughter of Jeff and Lt. Erin Gagliano who is currently serving in Afghanistan in the U.S. Navy. Natalie has a big sister Lauren who is also in the U.S. Navy stationed at Kings Bay, Georgia and a 6-year-old brother Drew. Her grandparents are Jim and Mary Gioiosa and Steve Gagliano of Watervliet, and John and Eva Smolinski of Dyer, Indiana. Her great-grandparents are Wilma Williams and the late Warren Williams of Bainbridge, and John and Barbara Zafran of Highland, Indiana. Share a photo of your “Kute Kids” with your friends, neighbors, and relatives who read the Tri-City Record. Make sure you write your kids’ names on the back of the picture and include any other information about it you would like to see in the paper, including mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, and so on. Send the “original” photo to the Tri-City Record, P.O. Box 7, Watervliet, MI 49098 or email it with your information to record@tricityrecord.com. Pick up your photo after it appears in the paper or include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and we will mail it back to you. Where are your “Kute Kids”?

Sunday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m. “CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT” at Coloma United Methodist Church, 144 S. Church Street Monday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. “CANDLELIGHT SERVICE” at Plymouth Congregational Church, 123 First St., Watervliet Monday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. “CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE” at Watervliet Free Methodist Church, 7734 Paw Paw Avenue Monday, Dec. 24, 8 p.m. “CANDLELIGHT SERVICE” at Coloma United Methodist Church, 144 S. Church Street Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m. “HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS” free movie viewing at Hartford Public Library Thursday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. “THE SANTA CLAUSE” free movie viewing at Hartford Public Library Friday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m.-noon “BIRD FEEDER CRAFTS” at Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor. Cost for nonmember adults and children 6 and up is $8; call 927-4832 to register. Friday, Dec. 28, 2 p.m. “OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE” free movie viewing at Hartford Public Library Sunday, Dec. 30, beginning at 8 a.m. “NATIONAL AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT” participation offered by Sarett Nature Center. Call Sarett at 927-4832 with questions and to register. Sunday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. “LOVE FEAST HYMN SING” at Coloma United Methodist Church, 144 S. Church Street Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2 p.m. “INCREDIBLES 2” free movie viewing at Hartford Public Library Thursday, Jan. 3, 1-2:30 p.m. “MICHIGAN BIRDS” kids’ program at North Berrien Historical Museum, 300 Coloma Ave., Coloma presented by Sarett Nature Center naturalist. Free for kids 6-12 and their families. Inquire at 468-3330. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2 p.m. “CHRISTOPHER ROBIN” free movie viewing at Hartford Public Library Friday, Jan. 4, 2 p.m. “SMALL FOOT” free movie viewing at Hartford Public Library Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, 6 p.m. “MISS & MR. COLOMA 2019 CONTEST” at Coloma High School Auditorium. Ticket prices: $20/advance, $25/at the door. For tickets or information, call Barb Stroder at 468-3731. Sunday, Jan. 6, 3 p.m. “MISS WATERVLIET 2019 PAGEANT” at Watervliet High School Auditorium February 16-17, 2019 “WINTER FREE FISHING WEEKEND” visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing Mondays, 7 p.m. “PUB THEOLOGY” at Arclight Brewery. Public is invited to join in discussions hosted by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. Thursdays, 6 – 10 p.m. “TRAP SHOOTING” at the Coloma Rod & Gun Club.

Hartford High School “Students of the Week” for December 10-14 are: (from the left) 9th Grade – Angel Gomez-Perez, student of Josefina Perez; 10th Grade – Jayden Johnson, student of Bobby & Rachel Johnson; 11th Grade – Joseph Lehmkuhl, student of Brian & Janet Lehmkuhl; 12th Grade – Jovani Diaz Calderon, student of Benjamin Calderon & Maricela Diaz. To become a “Student of the Week”, students are nominated by teachers or staff for doing something positive. For example: getting a good grade on tests or homework, doing well in class participation or just doing a good deed. Selected students will receive a certificate, their picture taken & posted in the High School front lobby showcase for the week and in the Tri-City Record. At the end of the school year all Student of the Week names will be entered in a drawing for some cool prizes, treats or gift cards. Congratulations to these “Students of the Week” and keep up the great work!

NOVEMBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH… The seventh grade at Watervliet Middle School is proud to announce McKenna Kirksey as the November Student of the Month! McKenna is the daughter of Erica and Tyler Kirksey. She has a sister, Emma. McKenna’s favorite class is ELA because she likes to read and write. Coach O is her favorite teacher because he’s funny and has good projects. Coach O says, “McKenna brings excellent insights to our class discussion. It’s nice to have someone in class that has an infectious smile so early in the morning.” McKenna runs cross country, plays softball, and is a member of the Middle School Honor Club. She also enjoys drawing. McKenna’s friends say she is outgoing, smart, kind, and giving. In the future, McKenna plans to attend the University of Michigan to become a pediatric nurse. She would also like to visit all 50 states. Congratulations McKenna!

WATERVLIET MIDDLE SCHOOL… The 8th grade team is very excited to introduce Camden Reyna as the November Student of the Month. Since the start of the school year, Camden has worked hard in classes even when the content was challenging. Additionally, Camden is willing to help classmates when they struggle to understand material taught in the classroom. Camden is the son of Moises Reyna and Brandy Buckley. Camden has two siblings, Annessia White and Serena Reyna. In Camden’s spare time, he enjoys playing sports and writing music. As for future plans, Camden hopes to be a motivational speaker, so he can inspire people get out of bad situations or places. Camden’s favorite quote from a teacher, Mrs. Marshall, is, “If you’re going to argue, argue intelligently.” Well done Camden!