By Jef Rietsma
Vicksburg Community Schools continued a long-standing tradition held every December. At its Decenber 9 meeting, board members called on school principals to present employees who joined the district during the 2024-25 academic year.
Superintendent Keevin O’Neill prefaced the introductions by expressing his gratitude to the freshman employees.
“We’re so fortunate that you’re working for Vicksburg Community Schools and thank you for starting off the school year so wonderfully,” O’Neill said. “I hope that Vicksburg Community schools is offering you the professional development and support that you’ve always desired.”
Principal Adam Brush started the process with introduction of new high school staff:
- Patrick Dunham, world history and AP world history. Dunham obtained his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and subsequently earned a master’s degree. He previously served as a VCS seminar aide.
- Madelyn Taft, English/language arts. Taft is a 2016 VHS graduate who went on to earn a degree from WMU.
- Amy Sue Manley, librarian. Manley is an Indiana University graduate who also received a master’s degree from Wayne State University. She also works at Vicksburg Middle School.
- Max Jones, algebra and geometry. Jones, a WMU graduate, also coaches middle school basketball.
- Nate Orlowski, biology and forensic science. Orlowski graduated from University of Buffalo.
Pathways High School Principal Kelli Luke was next. She introduced:
- Kristen Hossink, educational support and intervention.
- James Young, social studies. Young has 20 years of teaching experience.
- Christian Wolf, math.
- Jillian Heerlyn, Spanish.
O’Neill next called on Allison Dygert, who showcased her new staff at the middle school:
- Ashlee Huyck, English/language arts. Huyck was a 19-year employee with Three Rivers Community Schools.
- Kimberly Sterzick, English/language arts. Sterzick is in her fifth year as a teacher.
- Riley Ballinger, English/language arts. Ballinger, a Kalamazoo native, is a first-year teacher.
- Holly James, science. James spent 15 years working for Lawton Community Schools.
- David Laburn, math. Laburn gained three years of education experience in Ann Arbor, his hometown.
- Miranda Leach, special education. Leach completed her internship at VHS.
- Heidi Sterling, English as a second language. Sterling has 15 years of experience and also works at VHS.
Sarah Bacalia, Indian Lake Elementary principal, took her turn and introduced three new staff members:
- Amanda Harrington, speech.
- Savannah McDowell, fourth grade. A VHS alumna, McDowell has degrees from University of Michigan and WMU.
- Sarah Classen, kindergarten. A Flint native, Classen graduated from Spring Arbor University. She has seven years of teaching experience in Cedar Springs and also taught in Japan.
Bacalia also introduced Sunset Lake’s new staff, as Principal Amie McCaw was unable to attend the meeting:
- Amanda Swan, counselor. Swan graduated from Adrian College. She previously taught in Brighton Area Schools for 12 years.
- Chelsea Freund, second grade. Freund is a WMU alumna and also graduated from VHS. Freund said she teaches in the room she attended as a first-grade student.
- Samantha Trimble-Buell, second grade. Trimble-Buell previously taught in Parchment. She is a VHS graduate.
Tobey Elementary Principal Mike Barwegen had one new staff member to introduce:
- Beth Thieroff, third grade. Thieroff is a Cleveland-area native.
Great Start Readiness Program:
- Kathryn LaCasse, Tobey Elementary.
- Nina Bostocky, Indian Lake Elementary.
