SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Haley Martinez

Destiny Crumb ‘27 & Brody Thurman ‘27

Senior Haley Martinez, after graduation, plans on getting her associate's degree in nursing. Martinez plans to attend KCC and then transfer to a 4-year college to earn her bachelor’s degree. Martinez's favorite high school memory is sharing a lunch table with all her friends. Martinez states that she is going to miss getting to see all her friends regularly. Martinez is very proud of being part of dual enrollment since her sophomore year and also maintaining high school at the same time. She states that Mr. Lamb had the biggest impact on her because he is a great teacher to talk to and is good with advice. Martinez is most excited about reaching all of the goals she had set for herself. Something that she would go back and tell her freshman self is to slow down a little bit because Mr. Lamb was correct; it does go by in the blink of an eye.

Xavier & Madisyn

Emma Davis ‘27 & Tyler Primm ‘27

Senior Xavier Eaton says his plan after high school is to enlist in the Navy because he wants to feel that he is making a difference and helping make changes. Eaton says his favorite part about senior year would be the senior skip days and the senior activities. Eaton says, “I don’t think I would miss much after high school, but if I had to pick something, it would be spending time with my friends during class.” Something that Eaton says he is proud of would be the engineering and mechanic skills that he learned while at the CACC. A teacher who had a significant impact on Eaton would be Mr. McCafferty because he goes out of his way for his students. Eaton says he would tell his freshman self, “Remember that you’re only in high school for four years, so make the best of it while you’re here.”

Senior Madisyn Harris says her plans after high school are to attend KCC and get her associate's degree, then go for four years to get her doctorate. Harris’s favorite part of senior year is having the freedom she didn't get in the previous years and then, like every senior says, having their senior skip days. Harris will miss seeing her friends and making more memories. Graduating will be one of Harris’s greatest accomplishments. Harris says, “One teacher that impacted me has to be Mr. Collins. He has been there since I moved to Pennfield and always motivated me to keep going.” If Harris could give her freshman self any advice knowing what she knows now, she says, “Keep going. It flies by, so take it day by day and honestly enjoy it while you can. Also, do not let other people's opinions about me impact me because who cares?”

Lutgring´s Life

Tyler McKenzie '27

Alex Lutgring is a senior here at Pennfield High School. Lutgring goes to school, works out, goes to track practice, and attends KCC during the day. After he plays college football at Calvin University, he wants to get a job in finance. He plans to stay away from teaching because he believes being a teacher is the worst possible job. Along with playing football, he loves watching it, too. With Lutgring's time fading at Pennfield, he believes the most important thing is the time with his friends who aren't seniors.

Braden and welding

Ryleigh Mix ‘26

Senior Braden Bolt is interested in welding. Bolt got into welding when Ms. Avery and Mr. Herman said it was the most popular program at CACC. He tried it out, and a year later, he was hooked. For Braden, the easiest process is stick welding, and the hardest is TIG welding. He’s mostly been working with carbon steel but has also done work with aluminum and stainless steel. Braden says he sees welding as something he could become very skilled at. “With all the variables you have to pay attention to when welding, my mind stays stimulated and focused from the moment I strike an arc until the moment I finish my weld.”

Kylin Merlone

Destiny Crumb ‘27

Senior Kylin Merlone states that her senior year started easy, but now that they are towards the end, the teachers have been pushing a lot more work. Merlone is stressed about the thought of college. Merlone hopes to go to college, starting at KCC and transferring to another college to continue and get her master's degree. Outside of school, Merlone loves to sing and read. Merlone also has a job that she loves at Buffalo Wild Wings. Merlone states that she is ready to graduate but will miss some things, such as her friends. Something Merlone would have changed about her senior year is that she wishes she would have gone out for more things and taken better/different classes.

Leilani Orodio

Alyssa Brown ‘25

Senior Leilani Orodio plans to make the most of her life and live it to the fullest. Outside of school, she works at Willard Library downtown. “Most days, I just shelve and listen to podcasts. On Mondays, I hang out with senior women in our creative space during our “Monday maker program and do crafts.” Orodio has made cutting boards, puzzles, and pillows, and right now, she is making luggage tags. She also spends time hanging out with friends and working on homework. “I enjoy going to the movies 1-2 times a week so that I can write reviews on my Letterboxed account. I’ve been working on my reviews to help get a jump on the movie blog I’ve been trying to start.” Orodio enjoys the environment that the school provides to students. In a small way, she thinks that it’s pretty cool to see how a community of all different types of people can interact with each other. Throughout the year, so many friendships grow, and people grow as well. Orodio thinks that it’s pretty cool to be a part of that. She is very passionate about being comfortable with yourself. “There are so many forms of self-expression looked down upon that are deemed as weird because people are afraid of what other people think. When you stop caring about what other people think of you, life is so much more fruitful because you’re living it for you.” She loves that Mrs. Latchaw does a lot for the seniors, like her work with the transcripts, scheduling, and even the blood drive. “Mrs. Latchaw also has the most bangin’ supply of stickers in the I-8 counseling offices.” Orodio believes that Mrs. Latchaw “makes the school go round,” and that is why she is her favorite staff member.

Jackson Goodnoe

Alaila Vandegriff ‘25

Senior Jackson Goodnoe feels great about graduating and being able to move on to the next stage of his life. Goodnoe plans to start working on the line at Denso right after high school. His main reason is “They pay good money, and it helps that my mom works there. “ He is mindful that his plans could change, but that's his ‘big idea' currently. Goodnoe's favorite memory from his time at Pennfield was “The assembly when we had glow sticks in the gym or pie-ing the principal”. He often laughs about the time when his Chromebook flew off his car, and he came to school the next day, and someone had returned it to the office. Goodnoe won’t miss much about school, but he will miss having lunch with his friends and girlfriend, and “just the memory of high school in itself.” He states that it’s almost a bittersweet feeling that school is ending, but he feels readily prepared and excited to graduate.

Alaila Vandegriff

Allie King ‘25

Alaila Vandegriff is a senior this year and is so excited for the end of the year. Vandegriff says she is happy to be graduating with her friends and is ready to get out of school a few days early. Vandegriff has gone to Pennfield her whole life and is happy to be finally graduating with all her lifelong friends and acquaintances she has known forever. “I couldn’t imagine a different graduating class. I’ve known all these people my whole life, it’s exciting to see everyone make it to the end.” While Alaila is still in school, her favorite things are lunch when the food is good, and her 6th hour class, which is Personal Finance. She doesn’t like the class because of what is being taught, but because she has a lot of free time that hour, and she and her friends get to play board games and talk to Mrs. Galbraith, which is always fun. “Recently, we’ve been playing Monopoly, which is super fun, but it takes like 4 or 5 class periods to finish a game.” Alaila has also been in the school’s choir since she was in 6th grade. She has choir 2 hours a day because she enjoys Mr. Bowen and sometimes enjoys singing if the songs are enjoyable. She is currently waiting for the Spring concert to come so she can have her final senior song, a song that all seniors sing. “I’ve seen everyone else's senior song since 6th grade, and I’m ready to sing mine.” Overall, Vandegriff is an extraordinary student, and she cannot wait to graduate.

Brooklyn Lester

Alyssa Brown ‘25

Senior Brooklyn Lester plans to attend KCC’s two-year registered nurse program and transfer to Western for her master's degree. Lester started attending Pennfield in sixth grade. If she had to pick one memory to be her favorite it would be her freshman year homecoming game. “I’m excited to leave this place and have more time to work at the Lakeview CDC.” If Lester had to describe her last year in three words they would be messy, stressful, and exhausting.

Addison Rudd

Alyssa Brown ‘25

Senior Addison Rudd is super excited for spring break. “Not having school is nice, and I’m looking forward to spring cleaning.” She’s excited about a day trip to Grand Rapids that she’s planned with her friends. “We’re going to spend the day just hanging out, and we’re going to go shopping.” Rudd doesn’t have a favorite spring break memory because her family doesn’t do much, but she loves hanging out with her friends. Her favorite place to be during the spring is in her living room, “We have very big windows and they bring in a lot of sunlight, and I love when we have our door open bringing in the fresh air.” If Rudd could teleport anywhere for spring break, she would teleport somewhere warmer than Michigan.

Alexis Bissell

Francesca Dunn ’27 & Chelsea Hayward ’27

Senior Alexis Bissell has attended Pennfield for four years and loves it here. Bissell likes listening to music and spending time with animals. Outside of school, Bissell works at Pizza Hut. Her favorite class is Senior English because “I have a good teacher and I think writing is fun and simple.” Bissell’s favorite memory in high school was attending prom with her friends and boyfriend. She plans on attending a two-year college to pursue her dream of becoming an ultrasound technician. Bissell is excited to graduate and have her parents watch her walk across the stage to receive her diploma.

Matalynn & Ryan

Francesca Dunn '27 & Chelsea Hayward '27

Senior Matalynn Ellsworth is planning on going to college for an animal science degree. She wants to attend college because it will allow her to network with others within the same industry or with the same interests. Ellsworth thinks that college also allows you to broaden your experiences and allows you to gain independence in multiple ways. Ellsworth states that outside of school she is in multiple clubs. “I am in 24 hr clubs where I serve as treasurer and the Calhoun Area FFA Chapter where I serve as Chapter President. Within both of these organizations, I raise multiple varieties of poultry. I also show horses at the Calhoun County Fair and throughout the year.” Ellsworth’s favorite subject in school is science, because “It is such a broad subject to teach that ranges anywhere from biology and chemistry to animal, plant, and environmental classes.” If she could give one piece of advice to the underclassmen it would be “Don't let other people's experiences or opinions stop you from doing something you're interested in, Do it for you.”

Senior Ryan Purdum has been at Pennfield since second grade. Purdum’s favorite subject in high school is history. He says, “I find it interesting and it pertains a lot to the government which is kind of my passion.” Purdum's favorite memories in high school are from all of the volunteer work he's done. Outside of school, Purdum likes to hike, crochet, read, and research current events. Purdum plans to study international relations at the University of Rhode Island. As for graduation, he says, “I am excited to graduate because it means I can finally go to college and I’m excited to go, but also a little nervous too just because the thought of finally finishing high school is overwhelming.”

Christian Giggy

Alyssa Brown ‘25

Senior Christian Giggy has gone to Pennfield his entire life. After high school, he plans on going into an electrical union. Giggy hopes to make good money after starting an electrical apprenticeship. Outside of school, he spends most of his time hanging out with his girlfriend or friends. Giggy also works at a bar making food in the kitchen. “I’m nervous to graduate, but I’m also hopeful and ready to get out of this place. I’m nervous to become an adult and start my life.” If he could describe his last year of high school in three words, they would be decent, annoying, and loud.

Gracie prough

Alyssa Brown ‘25

Senior Gracie Prough has gone to Pennfield her entire life. After high school, she plans on going to cosmetology school. Prough’s favorite memory from Pennfield was a field day in fifth grade. She spends her spare time working at a daycare and learning how to play piano. Prough is ready to go on with her life, so she’s thrilled to graduate this year. “I could be doing so many things but I’m stuck in high school.” If she could describe her senior year in three words, they would be don’t fall asleep. “If you’re sleeping your senior year, your homework isn’t finished.”

Vana peebles

Destiny Crumb '27 & Ariana Kilgore '27

Senior Vana Peebles is graduating soon, she says it feels great getting closer to graduating and becoming an adult. Peebles is looking forward to prom, she states that she has never been to one and can’t wait to attend and wear a party dress. Peebles's plan after graduation is to go to college and master in law enforcement and allied science. She also wants to attend the police academy. One teacher she says she’s going to miss the most is her favorite teacher Mr. Bowen. “He has helped me the most through high school and has been there for me through tough times.” Peebles is excited about leaving high school and going to school for something that she is actually interested in learning.

Lilly Mikulla

Alyssa Brown ‘25

Senior Lilly Mikulla is excited to graduate this year. "I'm so tired of waking up early and getting ready for school when I usually never get enough sleep." Outside of school, Mikulla works as a hostess at the Grand River Brewery in Marshall. She also watches a ton of random TV shows and sleeps a lot. Mikulla plans to go to cosmetology school after graduation, mainly to dye and style hair. One thing she will miss the most after graduation is being able to see her friends every day. If Mikulla had to describe her final year of high school in three words, they would be "goodbye for life."

Aniya Wilson

Francesca Dunn ‘27 & Chelsea Hayward ‘27

Senior Aniya Wilson plans on attending college to follow her dreams. She wants to show her family and herself that she can do something big. Wilson’s hobbies outside of school are hanging out with her friends. Wilson says that she doesn’t play sports now, but she used to play volleyball. Wilson’s favorite subject is English because she has always been good at writing. She states “If I could give advice to the younger classmen for their future high school experience, it would be, to not take everything for granted and to keep your circle small.”

Ava & Natalie

Francesca Dunn ‘27 & Chelsea Hayward ‘27

Senior Ava Harris has a busy life outside of school. Harris states “Outside of school I am usually working at Steve's Pizza, which is the best pizza in town! Outside of that, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and writing poetry and short stories.” Harris’s favorite class this school year has been astronomy since Mr. Piotrowski is one of her favorite teachers. Harris also really enjoys science classes. She states “I've mostly enjoyed Pennfield. I have met some teachers here that I adore and my very best friend so those would be the parts I enjoyed the most.” Harris plans on going to Michigan Tech for environmental engineering. She is still waiting to hear back on her college applications. Harris states “My favorite part of Pennfield has been the relationships I've built; I have confidence they will last beyond high school. Honestly, I think what I will miss the most is still being able to feel like a kid. Suddenly I'll be an adult, living on my own after I graduate, and that makes me nervous.” Harris is also nervous about graduation, but she is excited to start this new chapter in her life.

Senior Natalie Hensel has been at Pennfield since first grade. She is a tri-sport athlete playing volleyball, basketball, and track. Hensel also enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and fishing. Her favorite class is art “because I get to be creative and sometimes get a little messy.” Hensel's favorite part of high school has been playing sports, especially basketball. She plans on attending a four-year college to play basketball and study environmental science. Hensel states, “I will miss my underclassmen friends and high school sports the most.” However, she is excited to get the college experience and meet new people after graduation.

Senior Skip Day

Tyler Primm ‘27 & Emma Davis ‘27

Senior Walter Angell participated in the senior skip day that took place on Nov 1 and said he was glad he skipped because it gave him some time to catch up on sleep and chill out for the day. Angell says that he feels senior skip days are needed for many seniors because it gives them a chance to relax and/or feel like they have earned something. Angell says he does wish there were more skip days because he thinks he can be quite lazy and appreciates a day off especially when he has work.

Senior Areanna MacPherson could not participate in the senior skip day on Nov 1 because she had too many absences. MacPherson wishes she could have been able to skip school because it would have given her time to catch up on her self-needs and school work that she might have missed. MacPherson says some of the things she was looking forward to doing on Nov 1 were catching up on sleep, hanging out with her boyfriend, and the other things she needed to do, but that wish was short-lived by the reality of her in-school needs.

Avery Hock

Danika Rothchild ‘26

Avery Hock a senior at Pennfield High School has been attending Penfield schools for 13 years. Outside of school, Hock plays for the varsity volleyball team, works at Boondocks, and hangs out with friends and family. Hock is dual enrolled at KCC and this is her second year doing it. She has taken six classes there so far and is planning on taking medical terminology and human anatomy next semester. Hock finds that taking KCC classes is a great way to learn about college and also it’s like a safety net when trying to find out which classes you would want to take.

Trevor Guilfoyle

Zo Willis '27

Trevor Guilfoyle, a senior, has been attending Pennfield since the 4th grade. He feels like he has a great sense of what school spirit is and how important it is. Guilfoyle says “It shows the loyalty and pride everybody has for their school. It also shows enthusiasm and excitement toward sporting events because you feel like you’ve got the whole school behind you supporting you.” Outside of school, he enjoys lifting weights, listening to music and hanging out with his family. Guilfoyle says his favorite class this year is weight training with Mr Porter. Porter is also the football coach which makes the class better for Guilfoyle considering he got to know him well and he brings a lot of enthusiasm in the weight room. Guilfoyle also attends the CACC construction program. He says it's a half day every day because it doesn't feel like school. He also feels like the work and assignment he's putting in is going towards something positive he is looking forward to. He states “The environment at the career center is also great! All the new people you get to meet from other schools and the staff are great! I love being at that place!”

Janessa Bradd

Chelsea Hayward ‘27

Senior Janessa Bradd has been at Pennfield since her freshman year. She says, “I've enjoyed Pennfield! I've made many amazing friends and great memories that I'll always appreciate.” Bradd enjoys drawing, reading, working out, and spending time with her pets. She says that these activities help to keep her relaxed and inspired. Bradds favorite class is art with Mr. Kirkland because she gets to unwind and be creative. She plans on attending Western Michigan University to study animation and media design, Bradd says “I'm excited to learn more about something I'm passionate about.” Her favorite part of high school was joining sports and connecting with many friends. Bradd is excited about graduating so she can start building her life and career. However, Bradd states, “I’ll miss seeing everyone at school and the close connections.”

Addison Rudd

Amber Draper ‘27

Senior Addison Rudd has spent all her life at Pennfield. Ever since she started kindergarten, she was never big on having school spirit but adored it when others did. “I think it’s super cute, it’s good to represent your school.” When Rudd isn’t in school she’s almost always working. Rudd states that when she isn’t at work, she’s with her best friend who goes to a different school. On days she’s not with her, she's at home with her brother and sister. She states her favorite class would have to be the abnormal psychology class she takes at KCC. “Taking this class has taught me so many things, especially the stereotypes around mental illness. Everyone’s different opinion vs how they are is completely different.” Rudd takes a few online classes at KCC and recommends anyone try it. “I love my classes even though they can be a little much sometimes. It sounds crazy but I've learned so many things about myself due to me taking different classes at KCC.”

Tyler Howard

Brody Thurman '27

Senior Tyler Howard, mentions that his favorite thing about being a senior is he needs only 1 more credit to graduate. Howard enjoys working on cars and hanging out with friends. After high school, he plans to get a good-paying job or maybe go to college. His least favorite thing is becoming friends with upperclassmen because they eventually move or graduate. Howard also mentioned that his favorite year of high school was sophomore year.

Josslyn & Addison

Ariana Kilgore ‘27 & Destiny Crumb ‘27

Senior Josslyn Adkins' senior year has been stressful but she is ready to be done. She applied to Vanderbilt, Michigan, Michigan State, and Olivet. Adkins mentions that she wants to study music education at the University of Michigan, which has one of the best music education programs out of all the schools she has applied to. She states most of the schools she applied for have great music programs. Adkins' favorite memory from high school was when she won follies her junior year.

Senior Addison Barker is very excited to graduate, she says that it is a little stressful though. Barkers after high school plans are to earn an associate's degree in science at KCC and then go to a 4 year college to earn a bachelor's in biology. Barker states that she has been deciding between Michigan State or Davenport University for the four-year college after KCC. She has considered them because they are both highly ranked in medical programs. Barker’s favorite memory about high school is participating in spirit days and going to sporting events.

Shyanne Wright

Emma Davis ’27 & Tyler Primm ’27

Student Shyanne Wright is finally graduating in the class of 2025. Wright is excited about this new and final year of being a panther but doesn't know how to feel about the nerve-racking news of going off to college. Wright is happy about being a senior because she is finally free from being stuck under high school supervision. One of Wright's biggest fears about being a senior is having to move on without her parents by her side. What Wright misses about junior year is the friends she had and the connections she made with people. Wright says that one thing she would like to accomplish by the end of the year is to have all A’s and B’s.

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