Graduation
2016 Saluting seniors at BRANDYWINE • BUCHANAN • CASSOPOLIS • CEDAR LANE • DOWAGIAC • EDWARDSBURG • NILES
VOTED BEST LOCAL COLLEGE* Affordable** degree & transfer programs for students LakeMichiganCollege.edu (269) 927-1000 *2014, 2015 Leader Publications and Herald Palladium Reader’s Choice Awards • **In-state tuition rates for Indiana and Illinois residents
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Graduation • May 2016
VOTED BEST
LOCAL COLLEGE* Serving Michiana with innovation and excellence since 1946 • Affordable** degree & transfer programs for students • Career Workforce Education for professionals • Community Education for lifelong learners • The Mendel Center for events, arts & entertainment • Custom Workforce Training for employers
LakeMichiganCollege.edu (269) 927-1000 * Leader Publications’ Readers Choice “Best of the Best,” Best Local College 2015 Herald Palladium Readers Choice, Best Community College 2015 ** **In-state tuition rates for Indiana and Illinois residents
CONTACT Napier Avenue Campus 2755 E. Napier Avenue Benton Harbor, MI 49022
VISIT Bertrand Crossing Campus 1905 Foundation Drive Niles, MI 49120
South Haven Campus 125 Veterans Boulevard South Haven, MI 49090
lakemichigancollege.edu
CONNECT
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Graduation • May 2016
Brandywine
Kammie Almeida
Austin Andersen
Austin Balos
Alyssa Bolen
Martha Bredow
Kori Bunch
James Burnworth Jr.
Erika Bush
Nichole Butler
Justin Butterworth
Chloe Butts
Kayla Cantu
Sydney Carlson
Kaylee Chambers
Destiny Clark
Gabriel Clements
Noah Colwell
Mark Conrad Jr
Chesney Cummins
Marquise Davis
Olivia DePriest
MaKayla Dierickx
Morgan Dietz
Wyatt Eager
Emily Erwin
Shelby Fortune
Samantha Gabbeart
Jaleesa Garner
Brianna Gleason
Ryan Gluchowski
Taranjit Gojra
Zachary Grishaber
James Harrell
Makenna Hartline
Michaela Hartline
Kristian Hertsel
Caleb Horst
Aleksandr Horvath
Emily Ingle
Adam Irons
Bret Jacobs
Hunter Janowiak
Amber Johnson
Lori Juhasz-Scoggin
Sloan Kangas
Kaleigh Kendall
Austin Knapp
Anna Lancaster
Seth Lane
Jesse Lochmondy
David Loveland
Drew Mallo
Cassandra Miller
Antonio Moffitt
Elizabeth Moody
Kiyana Moore
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Graduation • May 2016
Brandywine
Tyler Mott
Eddy Mugenzi
Nathan Sachman
Vumile Ncube
Michael Okayama
Chandler Plew
Jamie Roberts
Eva Lucial Rodriquez
Garrett Sallee Jr
Dayan Schau
Cole Searles
Destiney Smith
Dustin Solomon
Rachael Szilagyi
Garrick Thompson
Tyler VanLaecke
Jeshua Wiese
Justin Williamson
Kenley Witherspoon
Cory Witman
Joshua Youngs
Is someone special celebrating a birthday?
Place a Celebration Ad in the newspaper!
Two ad s izes price inc to choose from, ludes a p icture! 4.8125” x 3” Color $6 5 BW $50 3.125” x 3” Color $4 5 BW $35
Ads need to be pur chased 4 prior to th days e publica tion date.
Call Classifieds at 269-683-4804 or stop in to place your ad. 217 North 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120
5
Graduation • May 2016
Buchanan
Taylor Anthony
Daniel Backus
Keiran Baginske
Benjamin Brown
Jordan Brown
Michael Craw
Louis Batmalle
Hannah Bever
Nathan Bolin
Lucas Bonek
Gabi Borst
Alexis Camille-McLeod Luke Carpenter
Hailey Childers
Kristen Clark
Chanelle Cooper
Desiree Coulson
Victoria Currin
Morgan Dale
Jacob DeVlaminck
Jasmine Dougherty
Jordan Enders
Samantha Everett
Alan Ferguson
Darren Ferris
Cloe Forray
River Fox
Benji Ganus
Raekwon Griffin
Lincoln Grwinski
Ariana Guerrero
Jason Harkrider
Mallory Harrington
Alyssa Harris-Hardmon Aubrey Hartz
Madeline Hemphill
Sydney Hildebrandt
Tori Hoover
Kaysandra Horein
Muhua Huang
Brandon Jerue
Karissa Kennedy
Alex Kilgore
Dina King
Anna Krampert
Ali Kyles
Jennifer Lewis
Alexander Lindamood
Kaylee Litka
Tyra Longcrier
Ty Lorance
Timothy McCaffrey
Cody Melton
Carlie Miller
Kevin Mitchell
Matthew Mitchell
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Graduation • May 2016
Buchanan
Gavin Morris
Jade Mosier
Nicole Mucha
Jenna Mullen
James Norris
Marcelly Oliveira
Christian Orphanidis
Bridgett Palmisano
Harrison Paolucci-Hitchcock
Dravyn Patterson
Martin Pensado
Donte Phillips
Dyson Phillips
Catlin Prentice
Chyanne Prentice
Jenna Proud
Jamie Reitz
Zachary Riley
Travis Risener
Peyton Ritchie
Danielle Roberts
Albin Ruhinyura
Parker Saladin
Trayton Saladin
Kyle Scantlen
Emma Schmidt
Angel Scott
Tanis Siewert
Devin Skwiercz
Josiah Smith
Wesley Springer-Grounds
Troy Strawser
Logan Sullivan
Zhenyao Sun
Cesilee Tackett
Jarrett Thomas
Joseph Thurston
Maxwell Tidey
Ana Vega
Bryce Vinyard
Makinzy Wahlstrom
Kaitlyn Ward
Christian Weaver
Klay Weaver
Peter Wendorf
Amber Wingrove
Money doesn’t grow on trees... But you can find it in your local newspaper. With hundreds of dollars in coupon savings every week, your local newspaper pays for itself... and then some! Call today to subscribe! 269-687-7710
Leader Publications • www.leaderpub.com
7
Graduation • May 2016
Cassopolis / Ross Beatty
Alexandria Anderson
Dylan Armstrong
Nicholas Baker
Tyler Brunty
Kristi Buzalski
Christos Christodoulides
Melody Cutting
Mitchell Diaz
Emily Dussel
Alexander Emerson
Selena Emig
Peter Fiala
Trace Finfrock
Kaylyn Forrest
Destiny Franks
Deion Gatson
Austin Green
Garrett Green
Takuma Hamano
Phillip Harter
Alexis Hollaway
Stacey Horstmann
Kwesi Huffman
Aleighah Ivens
Alexander Jeffries
Jurnee Johnson
Jaelin Jones
Jacqueline Kelley-Cogdell
Randy Kirk III
Heather Knox
Cassidy Kuehn
Matthew Locke
Maliah Marisin
Alexandria Medford
Samantha Miller
Jan Ohrstedt
Meghan Owen
Joseph Pearson
Justin Pearson
Cassandra Pflug
Matthew Pittman
Brittney Prestly
Ahmed Rahmaan III
Richey Dillon
Sarah Robinson
Valerie Rowan
Bryce Saxton
Selina Schmidt
Felix Schulz
Richard Scott
Jessie Sopaseuth
Brianna Steele
Kyla Sysomboune
Joseph Touhey
Austin Voss
Monica Ward
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Graduation • May 2016
Cassopolis/Ross Beatty
Let us help you spread the word! Submit your event to our calendar by emailing details to news@leaderpub.com or by visiting leaderpub.com/submit-an-event
Alijah Watson
Katelyn Wegner
Reece West
Erica Williams
Tim Williams
Leader Publications • 217 N. 4th Street, Niles, MI • 269-683-2101
Cedar Lane
Nicole Benson
Andrew Bonham
Zachary Boyce
Taylor Clark
Nicholas Draper
Jayden Engdahl
Austin Friedman
Sara Garritano
CLASS OF 2016!
Mikayla Georgia
Dyllon Houck
Casto Koty
Morgan Maynard
Andrew Nikodem
Tristian Pressler
Brittany Rogers
Aaron Schultz
Money doesn’t grow on trees... But you can find it in your local newspaper. Aaron Worland
With hundreds of dollars in coupon savings every week, your local newspaper pays for itself... and then some!
Call today to subscribe! 269-687-7710
Congratulations Grads, GET SMART ABOUT YOUR
MONEY. Why blow your graduation cash on something fleeting when you can watch it grow into something much bigger and better. Start saving today, and lay the foundation for your future financial goals.
Come in today, and ask a friendly advisor about our Free Savings Plans, CDs & Other Investment Options!
473 E. Division • Dowagiac 269-782-2410 • www.dafcu.net
Leader Publications www.leaderpub.com
Convenient ATM’s located inside Lobby & KB Village Express, Cassopolis
G
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Graduation • May 2016
Dowagiac
Reid Adams
Alyssa Allen
Haven Angell
Natalie Ashby
Genesis Avila
Jeremy Benkert
Spondon Biswas
Elijah Blackamore
Keoante Blackamore
David Brogan
Christian Bryant
Jessica Burns
Colin Carpenter
Brandie Cole
Ambrose Collect
Alec Couch
Ellen Cox
Alyssa Crocker
Jacob Davis
Zach Davis
Katelynn Dazell
Olga Dickson-French
Cody Dodd
Marissa Dodd
Samantha Dowsett
Logan Eby
Annie Ennesser
Marcos Estrada
Katerina Evans
Seth Fear
Michelle Ferrier
Rebecca Fletcher
Bryce Fry
Cassandra Galvan
Dominic Gant
Jesse Garcia
Austin Garrelts
Justin Grady-McCambridge
Ronald Hackworth
Heather Hammond
Gabrielle Harrison
Scott Hassle
Rachel Hatch
Joseph Hernadez
Carla Hernandez
Mason Hiler
Nathan Hiler
Dorothy Howard
Gregory Hubbard
Megan Huey
Tyler Hunsberger
Paige Irwin
Rickey Jarvis Jr
Kaitlyn Johnson
Amber Keene
Bradie Hyche
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Graduation • May 2016
Dowagiac
Karsten Keller
Ean Kerby
Heather Kiggins
Mckinzie Kiggins
James Kusa
Nickoles Labadie
Joshua Lamphere
Leroy Lewis
Ricky Lucio
Jordon Ludwig
Laura Lynn-Lee
Anna Madison
Brittany Malin
Kyler Mark
Lorena Marquez
Milton Marshall
Autumn Martin
Edgar Mayo
Amanda McElheny
Di’Maan McGill
Jordan McMillan
Carlos Medina
Selena Mersereau
Marissa Meza
Katie Murphy
Taylor Myers
Mara Nelson
Charles Nolke
Heather Olson
Deigo Paredes
A’lisha Patterson
Montana Payne
Link Pellow
Jacob Peters
Tate Peterson
William Phillips
Lazaro Piedra
Anthony Potter
Kelly Rafferty
Cali Rank
Harry Reed
Rane Reeves
Derek Revis
Averiana Richards
Huldena Richter
Mckenna Richter
Luisa Rodriquez
Hope Rogers
Nijah Russell
Sonia Sahavedra
Amy Schaus
Harold Schaus
Zachary Shemick
Austin Silvia
Kelsey Smith
Elizabeth Stockwell
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Graduation • May 2016
Dowagiac
Heather Stolpe
Katie Stover
Brittany Strauss
Deyonte Sullivan
Nathan Tackitt
Austin Taggart
Briana Tovey
Anthony Velez
Victoria Villegas
Destin Vongphakdy
Ethan Wagner
Nathaneal Ward
Mitch Warsko
LeAnna Washington
Star Whitmore
Brandon Winchestor-Jones
Elyse Wolverton
Justin Yakim
Anne Zebell
Don’t Trust Your Car to Just Anyone t H at S O f f O t H E SS OF 20
C L APlease Join Us In 1 6 !
Congratulating Some Very Special Graduates & Valued Wings Etc. Niles Employees! top 10 In Class
Bring your vehicle to us for expert service with a guarantee. All Repairs Fully Guaranteed
oil change • heating & cooling • check engine light diagnosis • engines & transmissions • brakes, shocks & struts • tune-ups • tires • batteries • & more 24-Hour Emergency Service available.
ds!! Congrats Gra 16 Class Of 20
Division Tire & Battery 631 Rudy Rd. • Dowagiac, MI (269) 782-5141 Cell: (269) 806-3307
Francee Foster, Owner
Licensed in Indiana & Michigan
574.876.8570 Francee@FranceeFoster.com
Jessica akey Niles High School
Cole Searles
Brandywine High School
ty Lorrance
Buchanan High School
2008 S. 11th St Niles
683-9464
www.wingsetc.net
Jeff Foster,
Indiana Licensed Assistant
574.993.5333 Jeff@JefferyDFoster.com
68925 M-62 Suite C • Edwardsburg, MI 49112 269.663.0100
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Graduation • May 2016
Get to Know your AAA Agent
AUTO • HOME • LIFE • MEMBERSHIP
Cindy McCall
Congratulations Class of 2016
37 Years with AAA
Producers: Laura Anderson & Chasity Williams AAA Cindy McCall Insurance Agency, LLC 815 E. Main St. Ste A Niles, MI 49120 269-683-3500 Camccall@aaamichigan.com Insurance underwritten by Auto Club Insurance Association Family of Companies
Your hometown credit union. Providing full-service solutions.
68925 M-62 • Edwardsburg, MI • (269) 414-4327 • www.gnfcu.org
Congratulations Class of 2016 Inspired Locally to Excel Globally Also, a big round of applause is due for all of the Niles Community Schools 2015-2016 Athletes of the Week! • Gavin Rasler • Maya Brookins • Tyler Phillips • Courtland Lamberton • Tegan Cheyenne Bays
• Chelsea Best • Natelie Swailes • Sheldon Mudd • Elyse Zimmerman • Riley Delinski
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Graduation • May 2016
City of
When it comes to caring for you, we make the grade.
Real People, Real Community, Real Opportunity
• 24-Hour Emergency Room Services • High-Tech Diagnostic Imaging and Lab Services • MRI and CT Scanners • Advanced Inpatient/Outpatient Surgery • Cardiac and Pulmonary Services • Orthopaedics • Comprehensive Multi-Specialty Clinics • Personalized Rehabilitation Services • Compassionate Inpatient Care
Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital 420 West High Street, Dowagiac (269) 782.8681 | BorgessLee.com
As you explore Dowagiac, you will begin to appreciate its deep roots and progressive creativity. Enjoy a vibrant downtown with specialty shops, flavorful restaurants, abundant public and family entertainment. Immerse yourself in the area’s rich history, stately architecture and captivating museums. From Victorian architecture to modern sculpture – You’ll find it all here. The citizens of Dowagiac are dedicated to saving and building on our historical heritage, while at the same time embracing and encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit that creates opportunities for all of her citizens. With excellent schools, an outstanding community college, a quality full-service hospital, a healthy industrial and commercial base and a community wide commitment to the arts, Dowagiac has all the amenities of a city many times its size while retaining and enjoying its small town warmth and charm. Whether you’re a first time visitor or someone who knows us well, we invite you to take a little extra time to get to know us better. We are confident you’ll be impressed with Dowagiac’s commitment to building a better future on the solid foundation of our remarkable heritage.
www.cityofdowagiac.com
Congratulations Graduates!
Medical
Sports and well-care physicals Immunizations Treatment for illness Chronic condition management
Behavioral Health
Crisis intervention and support
Health Education
Individual education sessions Small group presentations Classroom presentations
Medicaid Enrollment
Ranger Wellness Center is a School Based Health Center located in Ross Beatty Jr./ Sr. High School (Cassopolis). School Based Health Centers provide primary and preventative health care to children and youth ages 0 - 21. RWC is open to all students in the area including: Brandywine, Buchanan, Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Decatur and Niles. RWC provides care for people who are uninsured, underinsured, covered by Medicaid, and most commercial insurances. For more information or to schedule an appointment call (269) 445-WELL (9355).
R W C anger
ellness
enter
(269) 445-WELL (9355) cassfamilyclinic.org
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Graduation • May 2016
Edwardsburg Public Schools
Leaders of Tomorrow Pride
Passion
Purpose
Congratulations Class of 2016
Our graduates are going places...
New York University University of Chicago University of Michigan Michigan State University Arizona State University Indiana University Purdue University Colorado State University Tiffin University Western Michigan University DePauw University Central Michigan University Grand Valley State University Albion College Ferris State University Monmouth University Michigan Technological University 269-663-3055 www.edwardsburgpublicschools.org
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Graduation • May 2016
Edwardsburg
Jonathon Albrecht
Dylan Anderson
Seth Andrews
Anthony Antao
Ashley Axline
Frances Badur
Bailey Baldwin
Kinenga Banzola
Jacob Barnes
Devon Baughman
Breanna Baushke
Aaron Beaver
Sara Bendix
Tyler Benyi
Dion Bice Jr.
Joseph Bobik
Bowman, Shyann
Taylor Bradley
Beth Brady
Teige Brandt
Christian Brill
Wesley Brittain
Franklin Brown
Nathan Brown
Dominic Butler-Stewart
Erin Butler
Ricardo Cardosa
Veronica Cardosa
Makenzie Carlton
Halie Carpenter
Jacob Carrico
Brock Casey
Alexis Cavanaugh
Payton Chaney
Maxwell Cherioli
Brandt Claire
Charles Clarke
Kayley Closson
Dustin Cochran
Carly Cockrum
Morgan Conley
Daniel Covert
Caitlin Cox
Cameron D’Antonio
Noah Davis
Alexis Deak
Samantha Dhoore
Brittany Dickson
Gaige Dischler
Rileigh Disher
Rebecca Dobransky
Indigo Doll
Madi Donoho
Deven Dosmann
Chandler Durham
Evan Egert
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Graduation • May 2016
Edwardsburg
Shaun Elliott
Adam Essig
Alana Evans
Mitchael Evans
John Faulkner
Kim Felder
Thor Fifer
Brianne Flanagan
Josh Flannagan
Gabrielle Fonseca
Paige Freshour
Nicholas Fuller
Alaina Gaideski
Bailey Gilleand
Kourtney Glaser
Hannah Goodrich
Damian Griggs
Taylor Groulx
Macey Halgren
Brendon Handy
Rory Haney
Caleb Hansel
Nathaniel Harman
Spencer Harmon
Chelsea Hartline
Devin Hays
Joel Hendricks
Austin Hengy
Dana Herron
Michael Higley
Heather Hill
Tiara Hoffman
Demee Horn
Chelsea Howard
Emily Jacobs
Ryan Jacobson
Kaisa Jantti
Camryn Jones
Carl Jones
Christopher Jones
Kaylee Keim
Nick Klinger
Kye Knight
Kevin Knox
Destiny Kujawa
Wilson Kuzmich
Makayla Long
Brandon Lovell
AJ Maret
Lucas Marks
Broderyck Masten
Alexis Mayou
Kori Mecklemburg
Sara Messenger
Nicholas Meuzelaar
Samantha Meuzelaar-Meegan
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Graduation • May 2016
Edwardsburg
Mason Mitchell
Zane Mitchell
Kirin Moler
Amelia Montgomery
Sloan Moore
Mackenzie Morgan
Edward Mozader
Sierra Neddeau
Abigail Newberry
Jacob Newman
Hannah Nusbaum
Ryan Papai
Blake Parsons
Mercades Payne
Kain Pearson
Alyssa Pilarski
Zachary Plummer
Damion Pompey
Aron Powell
Moriah Praklet
Jamie Radford
Nathan Ramsey
Dominick Ravosa
Dante Razzano
Delainey Reagan
Barbara Reese
Taylor Reifsnider
Alison Richcreek
Megan Ritchie
Samantha Robbins
Moriah Roberts-Sizemore
Anna Roberts
Ben Robertson
Morgan Rockhill
Devin Rogers
Sarah Rose
Natalie Ryan
Kaylee Ryker
Madison Sager
Rebecca Sarver
Jesse Seiler
Kristin Sells
Ben Shafer
Makayla Shaw
Theodore Sheldon
William Sherer
Tannor Sipe-Bretschnei
Peter Smith
Abigail Smith
Marie Snell
Brayden Sova
Rachelle Sparks
Sam Stacy
Austin Steil
Erik Sterner
Shane Streb
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Graduation • May 2016
Edwardsburg
Payton Szlanfucht
Myah Tatay
Alexis Tevlin
Bo Thomas
Alexis Tidey
Hannah Toney
Tyler Treat
Mikaela Valdez
Malary VanOverberghe
Gaby VanVooren
Hunter Vargo
Lake Walters
Travis Watchorn
Adam Weaver
Riley Weaver
Alexandra Weesner
Katelyn Wenger
Kaylin Wenger
Brenden Wilkinson
Ciara Williams
Jeremiah Wilson
Cecilia Winchester
Francisca Wood
Jarrett Wood
Kristen Zayak
Jennifer Zentgrebe
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19
Graduation • May 2016
Niles
Jessica Akey
Morgan Altergott
Jayden Anderson
Thomas Antrim
Kyle Applegate
Noah Ashford
,Joseph Avance
Alondra Avila Ramirez
Alexandria Bailey
Rachel Balog
Ashley Banks
,Jermond Barnes
Kelsey Barton
Brett Batson
Riley Bauer
Tegan Bays
Morissa Beckman
Taylor Beers
Katelynn Bell
Chelsea Best
Cody Blaske
Madisyn Boettcher
Suzanne Borovcova
Jazmin Brann
Jake Brawley
Evon Briggs
Maya Brookins
Gabriel Broome
Alexander Brown
Derek Brown
Ashli Bryant
Christian Cain
Cameron Christie
Nathan Clayton
Adam Cole
Lesley Cole
Kayla Conway
Lauren Cook
Emilie Cronk
Michelle Crouch
Brianna Curtis
Shaylan Cutler
Christopher Davis
Connor Davis
Riley Delinski
Javier Dobarco Mandragon
Coretta Durham
Derrick Dye
Mason Ehas
Karla Espinoza
Ben Evans
Michael Farinella
Taylor Farinella
Chloe FIle
Dylan Fillwock
Katie Fortin
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Graduation • May 2016
Niles
Amber Franklin
Christopher Gano
Jacob Ganus
Ashley Garritano
Arianna Gasaway
Lexie Gast
Kira Goins
Matthew Golubski
Gabrielle Goshorn
Kiya Grosse
Kyra Grosse
Monica Harpole
Paige Heath
Nick Hibberd
Taylor Hibberd
Hannah Hill
Gavin Hitt
Bradley Holland
Josh House
Caden Hullinger
Alexander Hurt
Amanda Jackson
Donovan Jennings
Faith Jordan
Kennedy Kelley
Stephen Klute
Aubrey Koebel
Taylor Krizinski
Devin Kuemin
Karli Kulwicki
Larry Lamb
Courtland Lamberton
Anna Lapham
Breanna Larsh
Nicholas Larson
Destiny Lee
Mathew Lee
Anastasia Lewis
Jasmine Lewis
Dillon Lintz
Desiree Love
Jasmine Love
Lucas Lovett
Tyler Mahar
Taylor Martinez
Zachary Martz
Kaitlyn McDonald
,Jordan McGregor
Benjamin McKenzie
Jacob Meador
Maria Medellin
SavahanaMilner
Payton Morris
Kara Morrison
Sheldon Mudd
Zachary Myers
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Graduation • May 2016
Niles
Peter Norris
Tiffany Overmyer
Antonia Palmer
Darrion Peterson
Amber Phillips
Tyler Phillips
Alyssa Poage
Christopher Prenkert
Claire Prillwitz
Jared Purucker
Wesam Queisi
Jennifer Ramos
Raina Rampoldt
Gavin Rasler
Zachary Reynolds
Dustin Robb
Alexandria Robison
Nevada Rodriguez
Kyle Rogers
Brock Rohlfs
Sheiliz Roldan
Abby Rubenthaler
Meygan Rudlaff
Cameron Saltsman
Francisco Sanchez
Jalana Saxton
Austin Schidler
Michaela Schopbach
Ashley Scott
Emilie Shidler
Brooke Sinner
Quintin Smith
Kaylee Snyder
Tanner Solloway
Braulio Sosa
Samuel Soto-Gonzalez
Ivy Sowers
Allison Suckle
Shelby Suddon
Sydnee Sughayer
Natelie Swailes
,Jessica Tompos
Naomi Turner
Allie Turtle
Justeene Udell
Cameron Vanderbuttes Benjamin VanLue
Leticia Vazquez
Victoria Velez
Tyler Vogel
Holly Walker
Kevin Walker
Christopher Warren
Tobin Weldy
Desiree White
Kristen West
22
Graduation • May 2016
Niles
Natalie White
Dijonna Williams
Megan Wise
Sha’Wana Wofford
Gatlin York
Lu Yuhong
Elyse Zimmerman
Christopher Zulas
Sarah Woods
Timmothy Yocum
Phoenix Yoder
College bound seniors: How to get ready for the next four years
Gifts for graduates Things to keep in mind when picking out presents (StatePoint) Graduation celebrates one of life’s major accomplishments. It also celebrates independence, which is often eagerly anticipated -- albeit a bit scary. As a result, most people are tempted to give gift cards to recent graduates to alleviate fears over upcoming expenses both after high school and college. But there are many practical and meaningful gifts you can get your grads that they’ll both appreciate and remember for years to come. When buying for high school graduates, keep in mind that they are college-bound and they need great items to outfit their new dorm room. Consider gifts for high school graduates that are functional, decorative and let them put their personal flair on their new space. For example, a sweatshirt blanket in their new school’s color, customized with collegiate letters, is both
William Wolverton
practical and a great way to show college pride, and colorful monogrammed wall art makes for great dorm room decor. For parents, encourage them to come home once in a while with a monogrammed duffle bag, perfect for a weekend trip back to the homestead to get a great meal and some clean clothes. Don’t forget friends. Whether separated by campuses or majors, reminders of friendship like specially created playlists or framed pictures of the two of you will remind them of good times with good friends. Customized subscription boxes can help you create fun, monthly care packages of beauty supplies, candy, snacks or books. Both practical and eagerly anticipated, monthly subscriptions make truly thoughtful gifts for students on a budget.
(StatePoint) Many college-bound students and their families underestimate the cost of college. Indeed, 31 percent of students who left school without completing a degree reported they did so due to financial reasons, according to recent National Center for Education statistics. Beyond rising tuition rates, there are many expenses to consider — books, class materials, room and board, cell phone plans, and incidentals — to name a few. With nationwide student debt at $1.3 trillion and growing, according to the National Student Loan Debt Clock, the importance of financial planning and establishing good money habits can’t be overstated. Students can more confidently take on college and beyond with these helpful tips from the “Get College Ready” experts at Wells Fargo: Paying for college The first step all students should take toward funding college is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Then, use free resources to investigate other funding. Some of the best scholarships can be found on sites like tuitionfundingsources.com, the largest database of scholarships in the US. It’s also helpful to know how much money you’ll need. Most school websites offer a net price calculator that can help you arrive at a realistic estimate. If necessary, look into Federal Direct PLUS loans, which can cover up to 100 percent of remaining education-related costs. “College-bound students and their families should review grants, scholarships, and loans from a wide variety of sources,” says John Rasmussen, head of Wells Fargo’s Personal Lending Group, which is also the nation’s second largest private student lender among US banks. “After making careful comparisons, they should borrow only what they need.”
A handful of private student lenders defer loan repayments until after students leave school. In the case of Wells Fargo, this date begins a full six months later — and if new graduates need time to find a job — the bank can extend the repayment start date up to a year. Cost-saving opportunities exist whereby students can consolidate loans or refinance into loans with a lower interest rate. These actions can help students significantly reduce costs associated with their debt. With all funding sources, it’s critical to be aware of application deadlines and the terms associated with assistance, whether it’s GPA maintenance for scholarship eligibility or an interest rate. Managing money For many students, college is an opportunity to manage money for the first time. Fortunately, students today have financial planning tools that previous generations did not enjoy. Young people can leverage their technology confidence to manage money by signing up for mobile banking and then setting up account alerts to avoid overdrafting. Online budgeting and expenditure-tracking tools can help students form sound financial habits and monitor savings. Building credit Good credit gives you more financial freedom and choices down the road. Start building good credit while you’re still in school. Pay bills on time, don’t open too many lines of credit and keep balances low. Whenever possible, pay more than the minimum each month. Check your credit history often. Free resources that can help you plan for college can be found at wellsfargo.com/ getcollegeready. Are you ready for college? Preparation is about more than test-taking and achieving solid grades — it also means preparing financially for the next four years and beyond.
23
Graduation • May 2016
CONGR AT UL ATIONS to the class of
2 016!
Dowagiac
Union Schools
Over the past 69 years many, many young people have worked, often their first job, at Shelton Farms. It is gratifying to us knowing that we may have contributed a small part to their greater success as they move forward to reach their goals. Thanks to each of you for your contributions.
Congratulations Class of 2016
Connect with Us.
Austin Andersen
James Harrell
BRANDYWINE BRANDYWINE
Jenna Mullen
BUcHANAN
Nathan Hiler
DOWAGIAc
#DowagiacUnited
M-51 at Bell Road • Niles, MI
WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR A BRIGHT AND FULFILLING FUTURE!
Dowagiac Union Schools 243 S Front, Dowagiac, MI 49047 • (269) 782-4400
DowagiacSchools.org
Moored BeAuty ScHooLS
Community Of A bundance
A New Career in a Year! Make your passion your career. Financial aid available to those who qualify.
The Cass County COA is a great place to nd new friendships. Share ideas, activities, exercise, and more with people who enjoy being engaged in life. Our special programs will make you feel right at home.
Classes Start Monthly
Call today. Your community is waiting.
Lowe Center Front Street Crossing 60525 Decatur Rd. 227 S. Front Street Cassopolis, MI 49031 Dowagiac, MI 49047 (800) 323-0390 (269) 445-8110 www.CassCOA.org facebook.com/CassCOA
269-428-2900 2600 Lincoln Ave. | St. Joseph, MI
574-271-1542 7321 Heritage Square | Granger, IN
Visit tcbeautycollege.com
Congratulations Brandywine Class of 2016! Affordable, Quality Service that You Can Depend On! We are dedicated to providing you with the quality service that you deserve. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and with a clean, comfortable shop & fast, friendly service, there simply is no better choice for auto services than
Dowagiac Auto Service!
DOWAGIAC AUTO SERVICE Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles Are Arriving Daily! Ask for Gary or Tommy. Featuring FREE Popcorn, Coffee, Tea, & Hot Chocolate
Specializing in: Exhaust systems • Brake and steering • Full service oil change • Any make or model • Minor and major repairs • Diagnostic and electrical work
269-782-5643 • 57748 M-51 S. • Dowagiac, MI
Brandywine Community Schools We’ve prepared you for success by being the
Right Size!
providing the Right Opportunities!
and being the Right Choice! Set your future graduate up for success by contacting us
• New Brandywine Innovation Academy Virtual Learning Program • Schools of Choice opportunities at all grade levels
269-684-7150
1830 S. 3rd Street, Niles, MI
www.brandywinebobcats.org
24
Graduation • May 2016
University experience, community college price SMC has everything you’d expect from a university— great academics, a sprawling campus, thriving student life—at a more affordable price. We can get you started on almost any field of study!
Visit swmich.edu to learn more.
HOT DEGREES Nursing Criminal Justice Agriculture Business Information Technology Medical Pre-professional Accounting Communications Visual/Performing Arts Graphic Design
NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SCIENCE BUILDING OPENED FALL 2015.
Southwestern Michigan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. www.higherlearningcommission.org