Jennifer Colin, new 6-12 principal for CTA.

Creative Technologies Academy, 350 Pine Street, in Cedar Springs, completed a search and announced the appointment of Jennifer Colin as the new principal of grades 6-12 of the Ferris State University-authorized public school academy.

Ms. Colin begins her new position July 26. The opening was created with the departure of Mrs. Carrie Paddock, the principal administrator of curriculum, assessment, and instruction for all grades. Paddock left CTA on July 1 after twelve years as a teacher and administrator to pursue an administrator/instructional coaching position with Choice Schools, a charter school management company. CTA is restructuring the responsibilities of its administrative team with this transition. Dan George remains as Superintendent/School Leader. Former Dean of Students, Autumn Mattson will assume the title and responsibilities of K-5 Principal and Colin will be the 6-12 principal.

Superintendent Dan George believes Colin’s experience in leadership in one of the most successful public school academies in the state makes her well suited for this position. “We are excited to welcome Jennifer to fill the 6-12 principal position,” shared George. “We had four strong finalists for this position. Jennifer comes to us from West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science where she has served for 14 years, most recently as the interim Secondary Principal for the last year. Jennifer received the Power of One Award from WMAES in 2012 as ‘the employee who goes above and beyond her position, is an inspiration to others, reaches out to the community, and is respected by peers, students, and families.’ She brings a broad range of educational experience and knowledge to CTA.” Colin initiated and established a CTE program in cooperation with Davenport University to provide the opportunity for WMAES students to gain college credit and facilitated Advanced Placement courses to that school’s curriculum.

Colin’s credentials include a Bachelor of Psychology from Taylor University, a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley University, a Master of Education in School Counseling from Grand Valley State University, and a Master of Arts in School Principalship from Central Michigan University. She holds a K-12 School Administrator Certificate, a School Counselor License, and a Master’s Social Worker Clinical and Macro License from the State of Michigan. She has also received specialized training in the Future Leaders Institute.

Jennifer had this to say about joining the CTA family: “I believe all children have the potential to achieve success. It is our job as educators to work with students and their families in providing the opportunity and help that they need to learn, grow, and become young people who contribute in making our world a better place. Creative Technologies Academy shares this important mission. I chose CTA because they are passionately committed to investing in the lives of children by offering a whole-person approach to education which values developing the minds, character, and self-concept of its students.”

Ms. Colin is married to William Colin, and they have one son.

Jordan Ringler commits to Davenport University

Jordan Ringler, a 2017 Cedar Springs High School graduate, has signed a letter of intent to wrestle for the Davenport University Panthers this fall.

Jordan, son of Paul and Jane Ringler of Cedar Springs, has wrestled most of his life, beginning with freestyle when he was just a kindergartener. Jordan, a very tough competitor, has taken several awards over the years through the Michigan Youth and the Middle School/High School programs. He has participated on national teams, and he has been a consistent hard working leader, as described by teammates and coaches. Jordan plans to pursue the health care field for his BA and eventually hopes to obtain his doctorate of Physical Therapy. Congratulations Jordan!

Our congratulations to senior Jessica Plowman, who signed with Davenport University’s ACHA Division 1 Women’s Ice Hockey team on February 11th, 2017 for the upcoming season.

Jessica is currently playing for the U19 Grand Rapids Griffins Girls Travel Ice Hockey Team. She was voted by her teammates to be their Team Captain for the 2016-2017 season. Jessica has played both defense, offense and center.  While at Davenport, Jessica will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, and go on to possibly become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

She is excited to continue her education and hockey career at Davenport and is thankful for the support of her family and friends.

Our congratulations to Cedar Springs senior #19 Jessica Plowman, who signed with Davenport University’s ACHA Division 1 Women’s Ice Hockey team on February 11, 2017 for the upcoming season. Jessica is currently playing for the U19 Grand Rapids Griffins Girls Travel Ice Hockey Team. She was voted by her teammates to be their Team Captain for the 2016-2017 season. Jessica has played at the U19 level for the past 3 out of 4 years with GRAHA (The Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association). Prior to that, she played roller hockey for 4-5 years.

Jessica’s love for this sport has far superseded all others. Jessica played travel soccer for three years, four years of basketball (including travel), nine years of dance, two years of tennis, and was on the Red Flannel Court for 2015-2016. Ultimately she gave up all other sports for her love of ice hockey. Jessica has played defense, offense and center; she is truly a team player and willing to step in wherever needed.

While at Davenport, Jessica will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, and go on to possibly become a cardiothoracic surgeon. She is excited to continue her education and hockey career at Davenport and is thankful for the support of her family and friends.

Jessica is the daughter of Joe and Lisa Plowman.

Hannah signing her letter of intent with Cedar Springs Cheer Coach, Anne Olszewski

Congratulations to Hannah Cederquist on committing to cheer next year at Davenport University.  Hannah is pictured signing her letter of intent with Cedar Springs Cheer Coach, Anne Olszewski. (right)

Maddie signing her national letter of intent with her parents and Soccer Coach, Justin Harnden

Congratulations Maddie VanDusen on committing to play soccer next year at Ferris State University.  Maddie is pictured here signing her national letter of intent with her parents Jon & Kim VanDusen and Cedar Springs Soccer Coach, Justin H

Congratulations to Hannah Cederquist on committing to cheer next year at Davenport University. Hannah is pictured signing her letter of intent with Cedar Springs Cheer coach Anne Olszewski.

From left to right: Nate Patin, 6th Place; Jordan Andrus, 5th Place; Logan Hull, 6th Place; Jordan Ringler, 2nd Place; Lucus Pienton, 3rd Place; Ryan Ringler, 3rd Place; Patrick Depiazza, Champion and Coach Nick Emery.

by Barbra Chong

Wednesday, December 16, Cedar Springs High School Wrestling hosted a North Kent Quad where Cedar Springs, Sparta, Rockford and Kent City were all looking for the Championship Title. In the first dual of the night, Cedar Springs defeated Kent City with a final score, 42-27. The Red Hawks then went up against Sparta and lost by a difficult, 9-49. Out of the four teams competing, Cedar Springs took 2^nd Place after Sparta.

The two highlights of the evening were wins by junior Jordan Ringler at 119 lbs and junior Patrick Depiazza at Heavyweight.  Jordan Ringler took to the mat against Sparta senior Dylan Wilkins, who is currently ranked #1 in the state of Michigan. Ringler and Wilkins went head to head but Ringler successfully defended Wilkins’ signature low single as time expired, final score 5-3. Patrick Depiazza had the anticipated last match of the evening against Sparta senior Tom Rock, who is currently ranked #2 in the state of Michigan. Depiazza and Rock battled into overtime, with Depiazza defeating his opponent with the first take down and final score of 5-3.

Saturday, December 19, Cedar Springs traveled to Davenport University for the Kent County Championship. The tournament attracted 17 area teams and some of the best wrestlers in the area. The best fan base award was claimed by our very own Cedar Springs crowd. Final team standings were Lowell, 1^st Place; Forest Hills Central, 2^nd Place; Rockford, 3^rd Place and Cedar Springs, 4^th Place.

The individual records were: heavyweight, Patrick Depiazza, who went undefeated with 3 wins and took home the Championship title; 119 lb Jordan Ringler, with two wins and 2^nd place; 145 lb Lucus Pienton and 171 lb Ryan Ringler with three wins and 3^rd place each; 130 lb Jordan Andrus with 4 wins and 5^th place; 112 lb Logan Hull and 160 lb Nate Patin with two wins each and 6^th Place. 152 lb Anthony Topolski, 160 lb Gage Gardner and 189 lb Chris Shaffer won two matches each and 125 lb Patrick Fliearman and 135 lb Jesse Empie with 1 win each.

“Facing adversity, the boys decided to double down this weekend,” said Head Coach Nick Emery. “There were unexpected and eye opening performances throughout the day. In the words of the great Vince Lombardi, ‘It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, as long as you keep getting back up.’ Our fans were spectacular and I love our grassroots mentality. Freshmen Ryan Ringler and Lucus Pienton both proved they are legit contenders with tough battles against all-state seniors.”

If you are able to come support the Red Hawks, the next tournament will be held at Grandville High School, next Wednesday, December 30. Competition will start at 9 a.m.

(L to R) Brittani Tozer, Heather Howard, and Amber Dunham are part of the Davenport University Cheer Team, which won national championships in both Competitive cheer and Stunt this spring.

Three Cedar Springs High School graduates performed a rare feat—they captured two national championships, in different events, in the same season. Brittani Tozer, Heather Howard, and Amber Dunham, accomplished this in Competitive Cheer and Stunt, as part of the Davenport University Cheer team.

The team won their third national competitive cheer title in a row, after competing on April 9 and 10, in Daytona Beach, Florida. On April 9, 26 teams participated in the preliminaries, with Davenport finishing in the top spot. Half the teams moved on to the finals on April 10, with Davenport performing last. They had a near perfect performance to win the NCA/NDA Division III All Girls Competitive Cheer National Championship.

In May, the team won their first national title in Stunt, in which they have only competed two years. The dates were May 1-3, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The top four schools in each division were invited to participate. The divisions were I and II, and Davenport was rated 2 in Division II. Their challenge was to defeat Oklahoma Central University, who had won this championship three years in a row. The tournament was double-elimination. Davenport defeated Oklahoma Central in the semi-final, and then again in the final.

Cedar Springs seniors Caden Burrows, Ted Edwards and Kaden Myers will continue to wear the red and black as they are headed to Davenport University this fall to play college football. The Panthers have started a brand new football program, which will begin this fall with its first recruiting class. However, they won’t play their first game until 2016 and all will be redshirted. Last Saturday, the 80 new signees participated in their first team meeting. An orientation to mandatory study hall, housing, financial aid and fitting for all of the brand new equipment was covered with the athletes and their parents.

Burrows, who will wear #63, was signed by DU to play center for new head coach Lou Espositio.  Myers, who will wear #39, was brought on to play strong safety and rover back for the defense. Edwards, who will be #77, is expected to compete for a position on either defensive or offensive lines.

Davenport University is in the process of constructing a multi-million dollar athletic complex on 68^th Street, east of the Beltline, which is southeast of their main campus. Beginning in 2015, the team will practice daily at the new track and field stadium and then open the 2016 season next door at the football stadium.

“The best part of going to Davenport to play football is that everything we are going to do is first. Our team motto is ‘B1st’. Our stadium, locker room, weight room, helmet, pads and uniforms will all be brand new. No one else can say that,” stated Myers.

Burrows finished his football career at CSHS as a three-year starter. He was an all-area and a two-time OK Bronze all-conference lineman. Edwards was honorable mention all-conference as a defensive tackle. Myers, a three-year starter, was selected to the 2014 Detroit Free Press and News all-state team as a safety, was a two time OK Bronze all-conference selection, all-area and GR Press honorable mention Dream Team. All three are excited that they have been provided an opportunity to continue to play the game they love.