by Judy Reed

Congratulations to the Cedar Springs Red Hawks for being voted as having the top offensive line in the OK Gold by media covering the conference! And to make it even sweeter, the vote was unanimous!

Congratulations also go to Antwuan Nicholls for being one of the two top running backs in the OK Gold. Other individuals recognized on defense/OL included Alex Ream and Cam Heiss; and honorable mention to Aiden Brunin.

See the entire line up below:

** Denotes a Unanimous Selection

OK GOLD

QB: John Passinault, Grand Rapids Catholic Central**

RB: Chandler VanSolkema, South Christian

RB: Antwuan Nichols, Cedar Springs

WR: Nolan Zeigler, Grand Rapids Catholic Central**

WR: Devin Fridley-Bell, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

At large player: Keymarion Gibson, Ottawa Hills

K: Clune Van Andel, Forest Hills Eastern

RET: Ian Thompson, Wayland

TEAM OL: Cedar Springs**

TEAM D: Grand Rapids Catholic Central**

Player of the Year: Nolan Zeigler, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Coach of the year: Todd Kolster, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Individuals on Defense/OL Recognized by Voters: Alex Ream (Cedar Springs), Cam Heiss (Cedar Springs), Isaiah Clark (Wyoming), Jack Cook (Grand Rapids Catholic Central), Kyle Hoort (Cedar Springs), Nolan Zeigler (Grand Rapids Catholic Central)

Honorable Mention (at least 2 votes): Aiden Brunin (Cedar Springs), Bryson Kuzdzal (Forest Hills Eastern), Joey Silveri (Grand Rapids Catholic Central), Nate Brinks (South Christian)

To see media selections from each conference, go to https://michigansportsradio.com/2021/11/02/2021-high-school-football-media-all-conference-selections/

From Michigan Sports Radio

For the first time ever, a panel of media members have gathered together to spotlight the best players from each conference within the coverage area. The voting panel each voted on the select conferences that they cover. In addition to Michigan Sports Radio’s Nick Tuori, the voters include:

Andy Roberts (Oceana’s Herald-Journal & White Lake Beacon), Bill Broderick (Battle Creek Enquirer), Christian Booher (Big Rapids Radio Network), Doug Donnelly (Daily Telegram), Jason Hutton (FOX17), Jason Lewis (ABC12), John Hendler (Marshall Ad-visor & Chronicle), John Tuinhoff (MSR/Central Montcalm Hornets), Judy Reed (Cedar Springs Post), Justin Scott (Lowell Ledger), Keven Krieger (Black Knight Radio Network), Kyle Turk (Grand Haven Tribune), Lenny Padilla (Holland Sentinel), Lou Gamelin (MSR/Freeland Falcons), Matthew Ehler (Grand Haven Tribune), Matt Gard (13 On Your Sidelines), Melvin Lane Jr. (Local Sports Journal), Mike Meekhof (M7 Sports), Nate Dreyer (Michigan Game Night), Randy Gregory (MSR/Rockford Squire), Rick Berkey (Sportsplay), Snooze (Snooze2You.com), Steve DeLong (Sailor Nation Sports Network), Steve Kaminski (MLive), Tate Baker (The D Zone), Tate Greer (FHC Sports Report), Troy Tennyson (The Daily Reporter), Zach Harig (FOX17)

By Judy Reed

We’ve often heard the phrase “it takes a village…” And sometimes, it even takes a neighboring village. 

That saying was put to the test last Friday evening, May 21, when the Village of Sand Lake closed off Lake Street for several hours and hosted a prom outdoors for both Cedar Springs High School and Creative Technologies Academy.

“I was so glad to be able to do something for the kids,” said Mollie Doerr, President of the Village of Sand Lake. “I’d hate for them to have to go another year without one.”

And by all accounts, the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves. “I’m really glad they could pull it off,” said senior Sarah Chenowith.

“This is awesome,” said another student, when asked what they thought of the prom.

According to organizer Katy Austin, the Nelson Township treasurer and mother of a senior at Cedar Springs this year, she wanted to do something to help the students get a prom this year, since last year’s was canceled due to Covid-19. She said she reached out to school officials in February to find out if they would be able to have one. She said that at the time, the place the school had booked only had a capacity of 25 percent, so it looked like a no go. So she began to plan one herself, starting in March. She got the idea to have it outdoors, where the capacity could be greater. But she also wanted to bring business to the struggling restaurants. “I just thought we could pack these restaurants full,” she explained.

Austin said she talked to the City of Cedar Springs, but they couldn’t shut down Main Street, and if they held it in the Heart of Cedar Springs, it would need to be a public event. So she approached the Village of Sand Lake. Skinner Field officials also offered but ultimately, Austin opted for Dancing Under the Stars on Main Street in Sand Lake. “Both the Village and the Cedar Springs Chamber approached me and asked me to please consider Sand Lake,” she said. “They really wanted to do it.”

 So Austin and three others—Heidi Greenland, Tami Elliston, and Shannon Cooper—got to work. Donations came pouring in from both private citizens and businesses to make the event happen. Tickets were $10 each. For that $10, the teens got a $6 voucher for Rosie’s, and a booklet is being bought to give to the students with memories of the night. 

About 300 attended the event. 

Main Street was beautifully decorated with lights, a tent, balloons, and various spots to get photographs taken. There was a vintage truck from Dean’s Excavating; Phil Harrison donated a vintage car for kids to take pictures in; a flower wall; a starry night backdrop with 8 foot moon; and a balloon garland in the VFW hall. Kids were also able to get free pizza thanks to generous businesses. They also had a DJ to play music.

Austin said people came out in droves to help set up, including the Village employees and their families; the Sand Lake Chamber and their families; the Sand Lake Fire Department and families, and their own families as well.

Austin was overwhelmed at the generosity. “Thank you to everyone,” she said. “It truly takes a a village. I could not have done it without everyone’s help.”

Alexander Nylaan, a senior at Cedar Springs High School, officially signed with Siena Heights University on Wednesday, March 10. He was a member of the Cedar Springs High School Cross Country team for 2 years and Track and Field for 4, where he competes in hurdles. The University saw great potential in more than just his athletics, though. His academic achievements and participation in the University’s Scholarship Competition earned him a Dean’s Scholar designation, for which he will receive a 4-year academic scholarship. 

Alexander is excited to bring his talents to Siena Heights University and is looking forward to furthering his education. He has plans to major in Business Management. 

Congratulations and best of luck in your future, Alex!

High School students will be learning from home November 9 through December 1

Cedar Springs High School students will be learning from home for the next few weeks because of a large number of student absences due to quarantine. The Post asked Superintendent Scott Smith to explain what is happening.

“We continue to see a dramatic increase in the number of students in grades 9-12 absent from class due to COVID-19. The actual number of positive cases for High School students on any given day has remained relatively low.  However, the number of students and staff required to quarantine for 14 days has become significant and currently accounts for nearly 99 percent of the absences we are seeing,” he explained. 

“On Monday, November 9, the High School was expecting three student absences due to a positive COVID-19 test and over 180 students out due to quarantine.  One out of every five desks at the High School was going to be empty on Monday due to COVID-19 related absences.  To stabilize the learning experience for all High School students, we decided to move to our remote learning plan beginning on November 9 and lasting through December 1.”

Smith said that the increase in absences has caused a significant strain on the learning process for students missing class due to COVID-19.  “Teachers were doing their best to deliver the same lesson both in-person and remotely. In comparison, teaching a lesson remotely or in-person requires similar but very different strategies. The shift to remote learning allows our teachers to focus on one delivery method for their lessons, providing equitable instruction for all students. The decision to launch our remote learning model at the High School was clear.”

So far, attendance levels in the other buildings indicate that students in grades PK-8 can continue to learn in-person.  

How will this affect certain high school activities?

Athletics/Co-curricular programs – At this time, we will continue with all scheduled athletic/co-curricular eventsand activities. All current safety measures will remain in place.

KCTC/KTC transportation will continue to be provided. Some minor adjustments to routes and schedules may be necessary. 

Meal availability – Student meals will be available for pick-up between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the HS loop (near the office) on the following dates:

Monday – 11/9

Thursday – 11/12

Monday – 11/16

Thursday – 11/19

Monday – 11/23

Students will be given meals for three days. Please reach out to the High School office if you need meals but are not available during the scheduled times.

Mobile Hotspots may be available through CSPS if you do not have an internet connection where you live. These devices are being distributed based on need and availability. 

Personal items The High School will be open during regular school hours. Students can pick up any personal items starting on Monday. 

Early Middle College – A separate communication will be sent to our EMC families outlining specificinformation on this program.

Smith said they would keep parents informed of any future adjustments to their schedule or programs.  

As many of you are aware, for fall sports this year at Cedar Springs High School, fans will be limited to two fans per each participant. You will need a special pass for entry which will be given to the athlete if you are one of those athlete’s two guests. Away contests will still require these passes, and it is up to each host school if they will be charging or not. Cedar will not be charging for home events.

How can other fans watch the games?

Cedar Springs High School Athletics, in conjunction with CedarSpringsTV (the high school video production class), is committed to getting events out for everyone to watch digitally online.  With the current restrictions on spectators this is an imperative thing for all Red Hawk fans. Since 2012 Cedar Springs HS has been a member of the National Federation of High School (NFHS) Network, which is the streaming platform that the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) utilizes. Through the NFHS subscribers have access to 1000s of events monthly across the country covering a multitude of sports and other activities. 

Is there a fee?

Subscribing to the NFHS Network is $10.99 a month or $69.99 a year (and you can cancel at any time). So, for the cost of roughly two tickets to a sporting event you will have access to a month’s worth of games.  

How do we watch?

NFHS Network offers a variety of ways to watch from smartphone apps, web browsers on tablets and computers, and even apps on Roku, Amazon Fire, and AppleTV. There is definitely a way for you to catch the games. See https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/ways-to-watch.

How do we sign up?

Link to subscribe to NFHS

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/cedar-springs-high-school-cedar-springs-mi

Which games will be livestreamed?

All games at Red Hawk stadium will be live streamed. That includes jv and varsity boys’ soccer and freshmen, jv, and varsity football. We are still trying to ensure that girls volleyball will be able to be streamed as well. With other sports such as cross country, tennis, and golf, we are working on alternate ways to get those out for people as well that will most likely not air on the NFHS Network page.

In regard to away games, those are often streamed as well by the host school. In the case of football, if the host school does not have streaming capabilities for varsity football, CedarSpringsTV will make sure it is streamed via their page on the NFHS Network.  

Can a business subscribe to NFHS?

The personal subscriptions are intended for use by the subscriber and unfortunately not intended for business use.  Those businesses are generally used to paying fees for cable and satellite companies that are different from this program.  

Who do we contact if we have a question?

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the high school athletic department (Mr. John Norton – john.norton@csredhawks.org), or CedarSpringsTV’s director (Mr. Justin Harnden – cedarspringstv@csredhawks.org).

We look forward to helping you all get the most high school sports that you can – even in this crazy time we find ourselves in.  
Go Red Hawks!

Michael R. Gillette age 60 of Cedar Springs passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, July 9, 2020. Mike was born September 9, 1959 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Roger and Arlene (Morris) Gillette. Mike attended Cedar Springs High School where he enjoyed wrestling and playing football. He was involved in the FFA and was proud to serve as president his senior year. Mike was humble, thoughtful and a gentle soul. He was a quiet man, but if you got him talking about something he enjoyed, he loved to share that knowledge with others. Mike enjoyed playing his guitar, music, and cooking from his Grandma Jessie’s cookbook. He enjoyed being outdoors and spending time at John Deere Camp. Mike liked antiques, history, gardening, and classic cars. He loved morning coffee with his wife and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lisa; daughters, Jessie (Nic) Pemberton and Erin (Matt) Smith; grandchildren, Gianna, Bennett and Kenzie; brothers, Roger “Rip” (Kenda) Gillette, and Jeff Gillette; many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Springs Future Farmers of America, 204 E. Muskegon Cedar Springs, MI 49319. 

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

The Athletic Leadership Council of Cedar Springs High School would like to inform our community of recent and upcoming sporting events. In this first addition, we would like to inform you all of the results of last week’s football game, the Equestrian Team’s regional meet last weekend, and Monday night’s volleyball Pink Game; while also looking ahead to Youth Soccer Night, Powderpuff, and upcoming football events. 

Last weekend, our equestrian team made the trip to Lansing to participate in the Regional Competition. Overall, the effort was a success with the team placing second and moving on to the State Competition. We wish the team the best of luck next week in their competition. 

This Monday was our annual Pink athletic event, which this year was hosted by our Volleyball teams who prepared to defeat Forest Hills Northern. Two out of our three teams were successful and walked away victorious. Congrats to those lady athletes and thank you to all who came and supported our Pink game. 

Thursday evening is Youth Soccer Night for our boys soccer program. We hope to see many of our community’s young athletes come out for a night of fun as our boys take on the Yellowjackets of Greenville. Though the Red Hawks defeated Greenville in their last encounter, this matchup promises to be competitive as district play draws near.

We would like to congratulate the boys football team on their 48-39 win over Allendale this past week. This upcoming week the Red Hawks will be taking on Forest Hills Central at home at 5 p.m. and would like everyone to come support. Next week, the Red Hawks will be playing the Red Arrows of Lowell High School. 

We hope to see our community spirit this weekend at the traditional Cedar Springs Red Flannel festival! Not only is the community able to come out and support our town’s history, but we also would love to support our Juniors and Seniors in their Powderpuff game this Saturday, at 6:00 p.m. at the high school stadium. We hope to see you there! 

Ella See, Olivia Sherman, and Nathan Van Kampen all contributed to this story.

The U19 Great Lakes FC are made up of 95 percent Cedar Springs High School players. They participate as a tournament only team to allow girls flexibility to play other sports and attend social activities. Since the team was formed last fall they have played in five tournaments and appeared in the finals of 3 out of the 5. Their current record stands at 12-3-4 . Next week they will take on Aquinas College Womens JV soccer team and Grace Christian University.  They are coached by Joe Brefczynski.

Team members are:  Abby Buttermore – CS;  Delaney Drum – CS;  Anna Gaskin – Lowell;  Emma Cassidy- CS; Darrah Miller – CS;  Elizabeth Fettig – CS;  Maggie Prins –CS; Jade Wight- CS; Emily Misiewicz- CS; Emerson Lille- Rockford; Brenna Sims – Rockford; Katie Gale – Sparta; Rose Pigorsh- CS; Larissa Fettig – CS; Morgan Reyers – CS; Katelyn Hoogerhyde- CS; Sydney Schafer- CS; Kaylyn Colclasure-CS.

Congratulations Class of 2019

Hundreds of students stepped out into a brand new world over the last couple of weeks as they graduated high school and now celebrate what lies ahead. Here in our area, students graduated from Cedar Springs High School, New Beginnings High School, Creative Technologies Academy, Algoma Christian School, and Tri County High School.

To see photos of top honors students in our area and class photos, click here to download

SMSgt Shirley Mitchell (Bratcher)

By Judy Reed

When Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) Shirley Mitchell (Bratcher) thought about what she wanted to do after graduating from high school, she said she wanted to drive a semi truck like her father, and be a police officer, and be in the military. But how would she ever do all that? 

SMSgt Shirley Mitchell (Bratcher) and her brother, TSgt Brian Sherman, at the Air National Guard Base in Battle Creek.

“It turns out, I did all three in my first job joining the military. I joined Security Forces and became a security policeman and learned to drive a big truck in a convoy. That’s all three into one!” said Shirley.

Shirley graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1983, and worked for eight years until she enlisted in the Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1991. She said members of her family inspired her to join—namely, her dad, who enlisted from 1960-1964, and her uncle, who served 32 years in the U.S. Air Force. When she was young, her family went to visit him and other family in Delaware. “He took me to an Air Show at Dover AFB,” she recalled. “It happened to be the Navy Blue Angels performing at that show. I was inspired by the air show and just the mere fact of being on a huge base. I just knew then I wanted to be a part of Air Force. It just felt right for me.”

 Her initial enlistment was a part time job in the Michigan Guard. Her first assignment was a Security Specialist in the 110 Security Forces Squadron. She became active guard reservist in April 1994 and was on an active duty assignment at Battle Creek. That remained her base throughout her 26-year career. 

“It’s a unique position to obtain one at an Air National Guard Base,” explained Shirley. “There are only so many per state and you have to compete (interview) for the position (job) you want. They are active duty positions that mean you serve both the state and federal government. With this type of position, you are able to complete 20 satisfactory years of service and earn the same benefits as other active duty personnel who serve the federal government only.”

The squadrons and positions she served in while stationed at Battle Creek are in the 110 Security Forces Squadron, as a Security Specialist; the 110 Fighter Wing as a Financial Comptroller and Superintendent; the 110 Medical Group as a Public Health Specialist; and 217 Operations Group as the Health Services Specialist Superintendent in the Air Components Operations Group, a Special Security Officer (SSO) in the 217 Air Intelligence Squadron, and then a Security Specialist/Anti -Terrorism Officer in the Air Components Operations Group.  At retirement, her final duty position was in the 110 Security Forces Squadron as a Security Specialist. 

While Shirley was never deployed to the desert, she did travel around the world and to other states. “I wanted to go [to the desert] but was fulltime and too valuable back at home station to be gone,” she explained. “At least, that’s what they told me.” She did get to go on temporary duty to places such as Germany; South Korea; Alaska; Hawaii; and many other continental United State states. “I joined the Air Force to travel, and I sure did!”

Shirley received several medals, ribbons and awards over the years, including the Meritorius Service Medal; Air Force Commendation medal; Air Force Achievement medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor; National Defense Service medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and more.

Shirley said that the most important thing she learned while serving is that your attitude dictates everything. “It’s what you make of it. Meaning, if you dislike something or disliked being in the service, change your attitude and find the positive aspect so that you do like it. When I enlisted, I said, well, this could be the best six years of my life, or the worst. I would not know either unless I enlisted! Turns out, I loved being in the military (Air National Guard) and it was the best thing I ever did. Sure, there were some stressful times, but overall, it was the greatest thing I ever did. No regrets at all. I kept re-enlisting as I did spend 26 years and 5 months total time in service. I made many new lifetime friends and we will forever be bonded.” 

The Post asked Shirley if she had noticed any difference over time in the way women are treated in the military. “Yes, women are now allowed in some combat type positions and more robust traditional type male roles. The roles are changing right now and women are proving themselves that they can participate in a particular career field just like the men. Due to heightened awareness and mandatory trainings, women are now more than ever (and men too) encouraged to report sexual harassment or assaults. Reports are taken seriously and investigations are conducted. When I came in, women were not reporting issues as a fear of retribution. It has come a long way and getting much better to not fear this. Men will always support and assist women in some ways (let’s say with heavy lifting) as it is a team environment,” she explained.   

Shirley also had a few tips for other women (or even men) who might want to join. “If you are considering the military, think about what you may hope gain and leave with. As in, if you would like technological knowledge and plan to use it after you get out or while still serving (as a traditional guardsmen in the Air National Guard) in the civilian work force, join the Air National Guard or regular active duty Air Force. The Air National Guard is the Air Force, and most are part time members (one weekend a month traditionally).

“There are so many great opportunities and job skills that you can obtain in the Air National Guard and apply them on the outside. There are free college benefits and so many more offerings. Not to mention a lot of new friends and travel opportunities.”

While serving, Shirley earned four different Air Force Associate Degrees, and is now working on a Bachelor’s degree in Security Management with a concentration in Government Security. She plans to pursue a job with the Department of Defense as a Security Specialist.

Shirley may have retired from military service, but there is still another member of her family serving to carry on the legacy. Her brother, Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Brian Sherman is serving at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base at the 110 Civil Engineering Squadron as a Firefighter. He currently has 13 years in service. He is a 2000 graduate of Cedar Springs High School.

On November 1, 2018, there was great sadness and anguish on earth, while in heaven there was a joyous homecoming as Cindy George was greeted by family and friends as she received her angel wings and entered into her eternal glory at the foot stool of her heavenly Father. For those of us left behind, there is great sadness as we say farewell to our friend and sister, but we are conforted in the knowledge that she suffers no more and has been warmly received in heaven. Cindy was born on January 31, 1957 to Eugene (Red) and June George in Bedford, Indiana. She was born with flaming red hair, just like her Daddy whom she never knew as he passed away shortly after her 1^st birthday. Cindy graduated from Cedar Springs High School where she was a star basketball player. She attended Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan University where she continued to exhibit her basketball prowess. Cindy had a lifelong love of softball as well, have played on the Metro Merchants softball team and was an avid golfer. In 2017, Cindy retired from the State of Michigan after a career spanning over 30 years with the Department of Corrections and Family Services. Her long-anticipated retirement plans were upended when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Cindy was a fighter and fought the good fight to the very end. Cindy was a blessing to all of us fortunate enough to call her our friend. She displayed rare courage and grace in her fight against her insidious disease and as a champion for LBGT rights. She defended those least able to defend themselves and was a special blessing to her niece with special needs, Alyssa Knapp. Cindy is sadly missed by her siblings, Mark (Robin) Lester, Pam (Doug) Middleton, Joe (Maria) Lester, Ruth (Jeff) Scott, and Kathryn (Chuck) Gladen; stepfather, Ron Baron; plus many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind special friends, Lorie Norden, Connie Berles, Dorothe Rhodes, Norma Colborn, Sally Grayvold, Lucretia Gomez, and all her friends at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church. Cindy will be sorely missed by her best buddy, Toby, her Boston Terrier. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, June Baron and Eugene George; stepfather Jack Lester, and special niece Autumn Neyome. There will be a memorial for Cindy on Sunday, November 11^th at 2 p.m at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 3950 Leonard St., Walker, MI. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the following charities in Cindy’s memory: Pancreatic Cancer Network at 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 or online at www.pancan.org; 5P-Society at P.O. Box 268, Lakewood, CA 90714 or online at www.fivepminus.org; Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, P.O. Box 68852, Grand Rapids, MI 49516.