The Portage Connection - November 2011 by Portage Public Schools

For Alumni and Friends of Portage Public Schools

Jake Engels Northern, ‘10

Jack Livingston Northern, ‘10

Trey Popp Central, ‘08

Monty Porter Central, ‘10

Jared Hook Central, ‘09

Kyle Clark Central, ‘09

Baseball on the BIG stage Page 12

Fall 2011 • Volume 2 • No. 1

C onnection The Portage

On the Cover Portage Northern and Central baseball alumni making an impact on Division I college programs. Last season, Portage was represented on the rosters of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University and Northwestern University. Photos Courtesy (U-M photo services, WMU Athletics/GS photo, MSU athletic communications, NU athletics)

Fall Issue

Pride J

im Stewart waited a long time, 51 years to be exact, to walk across the stage as a Portage Central High School graduate. This past spring, during the school’s 90th commencement ceremony, he accepted his diploma with the class of 2011. As an original member of the class of ‘65, Stewart’s family moved to California just weeks before graduation, preventing him from walking with his class. “It was a real shocker, but because my dad was the breadwinner, away we went, he said. “I ended up officially graduating from Turlock High, but Portage was my real home.” 2

The Portage Connection

Photo by Main Street Portraits

November 2011 • Volume 2 • No. 1 The Portage Connection is published for Alumni, Friends and Parents of Portage Public Schools by the Office of Community Relations. The publication includes information on graduates from Portage Northern, Central and Community high schools. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in our efforts to reach out to alumni by forwarding this e-magazine.

Editor

Molli Templin District Information Coordinator

Stewart returned to Portage for the class’ 45th reunion in 2009 and found out about the high school demolition this year. “I kept asking, why, why, why?” he said. “It was surprising because the building looked so good, but I understood.” Since he was never able to graduate from Central, he asked if he could walk with the class of ‘11. Stewart spoke to the seniors and explained his strong ties to Portage despite being so far away. The students gave him a standing and roaring ovation in response to his speech. “I’ll never forget this experience, it was the fifth-best thing I’ve ever done, he said. “It was truly an honor.”

Contributing Writers Kyle Herm Connie Livingston

Contributing Photographer Spencer Bridges

Questions or Comments

Please direct questions or comments to Greg Hill at ghill@portageps.org

Portage Public Schools 8111 South Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002 phone: (269) 323-5165 fax: (269) 323-5001 www.portageps.org

Contents

Alumni Spotlight Chase Maser

Alumni Spotlight Donnelly sisters

Campus Scene Central High

Campus Scene Northern High

PAF Fundraiser Wrap-Up

PEF Fall News

Class Notes

12 Cover Story Fall 2011

Portage Alumni...

Chase Maser - Central, ‘10

Former Central High actor will be featured in five films next year and dreams of one day winning an Oscar By Molli Templin

t the threshold of his freshman year, Chase Maser thought he had his future planned out. The 2010 Portage Central graduate expected to play high school baseball and hoped to attend college on a scholarship. “I was good at the sport and I figured that’s what I was going to do,” he said.

Early in his ninth-grade year, auditions for the school musical, “Miss Saigon,” were approaching. “My girlfriend at the time was really looking forward to auditioning for the chorus,” said Maser. “So, being the guy that I am, thinking I could spend more time with her, I auditioned too!” Portage Central Performing Arts Director Kathy Mulay had Maser as a student in her beginning drama class during the fall of his freshman year. “I noticed potential in him immediately,” she said. When Maser became a part of the chorus in “Miss Saigon,” Mulay said he didn’t seem all that committed to it at first, “but once the bug bit him, and with me noticing his budding talent, there was no escaping me,” she said, laughing. By his junior year, after participating in Central’s productions of ‘Enter Laughing” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Maser landed the lead role in, “All Shook Up.” “Junior year was Chase’s year,” recalls Mulay. “With his role in ‘All Shook Up,’ every girl in school was swooning after Chase Maser.” Following his success in “All Shook Up,” Maser snagged his first paying gig as Hank in “Marvin’s Room” at the Farmers Alley Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo. During the run of that show, he caught the attention of a local film director who invited him to audition for “The Lake Effect,” which became Maser’s first movie. Recognizing Maser’s talent, the director and producer of “The Lake Effect” suggested Maser find an agent to pursue more acting opportunities. Chase signed with an agent in Chicago and spent his senior year traveling back and forth from the city for auditions and commercial shoots, while still managing to achieve the lead roles in “Of Mice and Men” and “Good News” at Central High. Following graduation, Maser moved to Chicago and shot a web series for All-State Insurance Company and auditioned for “Family Weekend.” On the set of “Family Weekend,” Maser worked with Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth (“Wicked”, “Pushing Up Daisies”) and Oscarwinner Shirley Jones (“The Partridge Family”).

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After wrapping the film, Maser moved to Los Angeles and auditioned for “The Wicked,” a Michigan-based film directed by Peter Winther; Winther was the assistant director of “The Patriot,” starring Mel Gibson in 2000. Maser then began working on the movie “AWOL” with Liam Hemsworth (“The Last Song”), Theresa Palmer (“I am Number Four”), Aimee Teegarden (“Friday Night Lights,” “Scream 4”) and Max Adler (“Glee”). Over the summer, Maser wrapped the film “Water Walk,” and moved back to Los Angeles. He recently signed with Paradigm, an agency representing actors such as Adrian Brody and Neal Patrick Harris, and has been busy auditioning.

Above: In 2010, Maser played the role of Jace in his first feature film, “The Lake Effect,” with Kay Panabaker (“No Ordinary Family”). Left: Maser began acting in the ninthgrade when his girlfriend at the time, Bethany Schmall (left) convinced him to audition for the Central High School production of “Miss Saigon.”

When looking back on all he has accomplished in such a short time, Maser said he credits much of his success to Mulay. “She gave me so much help with fine-tuning the craft. The courses she offers at the high school are so in-depth and so professional. I’ve sat in on acting classes here and it is ridiculous some of the stuff that they are just beginning to learn when I’ve already delved into so many aspects during my high school musical theater class. “More importantly, Mrs. Mulay always kept me grounded and reminded me that I can always be a better person and a better actor.” With five films scheduled to be released next year, Maser says his biggest accomplishment so far is being able to take care of himself doing what he loves to do. “The acting business is so hit or miss. I’m happy I’ve been able to make a living, pursue my dreams on my own, and not lean heavily on my parents for financial support.” Ultimately, in addition to working with stars like James Franco and Jeff Bridges, Maser said, “My real dream is to support my family. I’ve pursued this as long as I have because I have my family and myself in mind. I want to be one of the people who honestly pursues their dream and makes it. I also want to be the first Asian actor to win an Oscar.”

“ “

I want to be one of the people who honestly pursues their dream and makes it.

Maser does not plan to slow down anytime soon. He will be back in Kalamazoo this January to start filming “A Chance of Rain” featuring Matt Lanter (“Beverly Hills 90210”). While he’s home, he hopes to go back to Central High, where it all started, to see the school’s upcoming production of “Phantom of the Opera.” “It doesn’t surprise me at all that Chase has had such success,” said Mulay. “Besides being a natural actor, he has a gift of charm. He will always remain one of those very special students I’ll never forget and I am most proud of his accomplishments.”

Maser (left) on the set of “AWOL” starring Liam Hemsworth (“The Last Song”).

Learn more about

Chase Maser

http://chasemaser.com

Maser played Carter in “The Wicked,” with Devon Werkheiser (Nickelodeon’s “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”). “The Wicked” is scheduled to be released in 2012.

...are actors Fall 2011

Portage Alumni...

The Donnelly Sisters - Northern, ‘83, ‘86, ‘88 Tennis stars tribute life successes to high school experiences By Connie Livingston

ome say a true champion gives all of the credit away; the Donnelly sisters are no exception. The Northern High School graduates credit Portage Northern Tennis for at least a portion of their successes, both on and off the court.

Bud and Carol Donnelly, parents of Diane Donnelly Stone ‘83, Lisa Donnelly Denstorff ’86 and Tracey Donnelly Maltby ’88, also value the athletic and academic environment that Portage Northern provided. “Back then, the girls were participating individually at the highest levels of tennis outside of high school. But something was missing,” said Bud Donnelly. “They each needed to be part of a team. Leadership experience and competing with the support of the school community clearly provided a benefit to the girls.” The Donnellys’ decision to have the girls participate on the

Northern tennis team led Diane, Lisa, and Tracey to earning local, regional and state awards. All three Huskies went on to earn many accolades in college tennis and eventually became members of the Northern Athletic Hall of Fame. Diane Donnelly Stone is a graduate of Northwestern University where she played both singles and doubles. Diane has a number of Big Ten awards, is a two-time All American, and the 1987 NCAA doubles champion after an undefeated season. She even played a bit of professional tennis and earned a doubles berth in the US Open before ankle surgery took her out of the game. “Northern prepared me well for the academic rigors of Northwestern University,” Diane said. “Being part of a high school team also pushed me to perform better.” Tennis opened many doors for Diane. She worked for Billy Jean King for 22 years, both as a personal assistant and as the director of Elton John’s Smash Hits, an international fund-raising event. Today, Diane and her husband live outside of Chicago with their two children. Lisa Donnelly Denstorff graduated from the University of Toledo where she played number one singles all four years. She earned All MAC honors four times and in 1990 became the first and only MAC women’s tennis champion from the University of Toledo. This honor earned Lisa a spot in the University of Toledo’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

(From the left) Tracey Donnelly Maltby, Lisa Donnelly Denstorff, and Diane Donnelly Stone.

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(From the left) Diane, Tracey, and Lisa Donnelly.

Lisa (left) and Tracey were named Regional Champions at the MHSAA Womens Tennis Regional Championship in 1985.

“Portage Northern tennis was my first opportunity to be part These skills carried over to the University of Iowa. Tracey of a team,” Lisa said. “The entire Northern community—teachearned several Dean’s list honors, graduated with a degree in ers, coaches, the athletic director and students—took an interest communications, and moved to the Chicago area where she in me and the team. We did not want to disappoint them. We all too worked for Billy Jean King as a speech writer and assistant. learned how to compete for the greater group, something that Tracey also served as Director of Media for World Team Tennis, served me well later on.” a Billy Jean King venture. The Lisa, her husband and son live in Chicago area is still home to the Toledo area where she is a priTracey, her husband and son. vate banking investment advisor. All three sisters recall the Tracey Donnelly Maltby played value of feeling part of the Porsingles for the University of Iowa, tage Northern community more earning All Big Ten honors twice. than the details of each tennis Tracey credits Sandy Peterson and match. “I remember how good Dick Rossio, her Northern coaches, it felt to have the whole school with teaching the importance of -Lisa Donnelly Denstorff cheer on our team as we loaded balance between academics and the bus to compete in the state the sport. tournament,” said Lisa. “Our “In high school we had to master time management skills and team was competing for something bigger than ourselves. We there was no practice unless our school work was complete,” were competing for the entire school community.” said Tracey. “Both academics and sports thrive on discipline.”

“Our team was competing for something bigger than ourselves. We were competing for the entire school community.”

Lisa (left) with doubles partner Stephanie Ide at the University of Toledo in 1990.

Diane (right) and doubles partner Katrina Adams became NCAA Doubles Champions in 1987.

Tracey at the University of Iowa in 1992.

...are tennis legends Fall Fall 2011 2011

Campus Scene A Grand Day for Portage Central

n a crystal clear Friday, August 26, filled with blue sky and anticipation, more than 1,000 parents, students, teachers, alumni and community members gathered in front of the north entrance of the new Portage Central High School to officially open the school. The grand opening celebration began with a welcome by Principal Eric Alburtus and Superintendent Ric Perry from the back of a pickup truck. Perry thanked the many current and former board members and superintendents who helped make the new building possible, and Alburtus asked the crowd to think of a hope or wish for the new building.

Following their remarks, participants released blue and gold balloons to signal the new era for Portage Central. People toured the new school and were given classroom technology demonstrations up until the kickoff of the first football game at 7 p.m. Event participants were also introduced to the new Mustang Association, the school’s new alumni association.

“ “ The three hour event had a steady stream of people from start of finish and received tremendous community support from local businesses such as Cole Automotive Group, Red’s Grill and A Pizza Yen.

The original Portage Central High School was built on hope. The new Portage Central High School also was built on hope. I ask that you take a moment of silence and put on that small piece of paper one hope, one thought, one prayer for the children of Portage Central High School, now and in the future.

- Principal Eric Alburtus’ words moments before 1,000 balloons were released to signal the official opening of the new Portage Central

The Portage Connection

Photo by Spencer Bridges

Grand Champions! The Portage Central High School Marching Band delivered an award winning show at the Michigan Scholastic Marching Band (MSMB) competitions this month. Their winnings included: •Two Grand Championship titles •Two first place rankings in Class A •First place in every caption, including, Music, Music Effect, Marching, Color Guard, and Percussion •In all, the marching band brought home 12 trophies, 10 awards of excellence, 10 caption wins According to Central High Director of Bands Patrick Flynn, the title of the band’s show, ”Home,” was in honor of the new Central High School building and was derived from four different compositions made popular by Canadian artist Michael Bublé, including, “Feeling Good,” “Sway,” “Home,” and “Come Fly with Me.” “Half of the students in marching band this year were first-year rookies,” said Flynn. “With an extraordinary staff, student leadership, parent support, and a great senior class, the group merged into one powerhouse band by early October and never looked back.”

The

Mustang

Spencer Bridges The high school bands are under the direction of Patrick and Rennee Flynn. This is the 27th year for Mr. Flynn as Director of Bands at PCHS and the 16th year of teaching in Portage for Mrs. Flynn.

As s o c iat ion

For Alumni of Portage Central High School

or years Portage Central Alumni have been supporting our school. Whether it is through financial contributions, volunteering, attending games or events, or all-of-the-above, our alumni have proven that setting the direction for Portage Central doesn’t end with graduation. The Mustang Alumni Association, directed by a board of elected alumni and run by a school staff member, is the outlet this amazing group uses to continue to support Portage Central High School and its students. The mission of the Association is simple, to invite those who have made Portage Central High School what it has become today to continue to play an active role

in what it will be tomorrow. And they do. Since we began construction on our new high school, our alumni group has donated more than $55,000 to student and building efforts. The Mustang Alumni Association’s goal is to carry on this unprecedented effort and continue the legacy that our alumni have already begun. This truly is an impressive group, and our students are fortunate to not only receive their support during their time here but enter into this legacy after they leave here. On behalf of Portage Central High School and our alumni, we invite you to join this outstanding legacy by becoming a member of the Mustang Association for Portage Central Alumni.

Membership Information Charter Member (Expires Sept. 1, 2012) • $20 Membership fee ($30 for print copy of monthly newsletter) • Charter members receive a lifetime discount on membership dues • A pair of two-person athletic event passes • Member pricing & preferred seating for musicals • Monthly electronic newsletter • Discounted ($3) subscription for online Central Stampede student newspaper

Visit the Mustang Association website: www.portageps.org/school/high/chs/community/alumni/default.aspx.

Join Now!

For more information or to join, contact Kent White at 323-5265 or kwhite@portageps.org. Fall 2011

Campus Scene

Portage Northern Northern High Teacher Named 2011 Educator

Daniall Poulsen with Board President Bo Snyder (left) and Dr. Ric Perry (right).

igh School teacher Daniall Poulsen has been named the state’s 2011 Outstanding Earth Science Educator by the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association. Poulsen teaches earth science, ecology, biology, and environmental systems for the International Baccalaureate program at Portage Northern High School. “The nomination itself was completely unknown to me. My colleagues kept the nomination a secret and I only knew of it when I received an email three days ago telling me I was named Outstanding Earth Science Educator for 2011,” said Poulsen. “What a surprise and an absolute honor.” Poulsen, a PPS teacher for 11 years, was selected based on six letters of

The Portage Connection

recommendation from her peers, expressing her teaching ability, inventiveness, initiative, cooperativeness, and strengths. Poulsen’s involvement in her field both locally and nationally also made her an ideal selection for the Outstanding Earth Science Educator Award. The Western Michigan University grad has presented at the Southwest Michigan Science Educators Symposium, as well as the Michigan Science Teachers Association and National Science Teachers Association conferences for multiple years. Most recently, Poulsen completed a two-year program at the National Teacher Leadership Academy through the National Geographic creating ocean curriculum and

training teachers to use the developed curriculum. She was one of 60 participants chosen out of more than 300 applicants. “Northern High is fortunate to have Daniall as an educator,” said Northern Principal Jim French. “Her passion and dedication for teaching inspires our students to achieve beyond expectations.” Poulsen credits her co-workers and students for reminding her of the purpose and good that comes with the profession. “I love being a teacher and I love working with students,” she said. “I’m incredibly thankful to work with such an amazing group of achievers that push me to be my best.”

Ready, Set, Success at Northern High Northern High School was recently recognized by the Ready, Set, Success! Program, for the effectiveness of its Directed Learning Room, an additional support structure for students to make up missed assignments, quizzes or tests, and ultimately get the extra help they need to achieve. Since its creation three years ago, the Directed Learning Room has contributed to substantial improvements in student outcomes. Ready, Set, Success! is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and MEEMIC Insurance Company to honor school improvement teams for successful strategies that demonstrate collaborative leadership, professional learning communities, personalizing the school environment, curriculum instruction and assessment, and incorporating ideas that reduce educational costs. “Our staff works tirelessly to make sure every student has the resources they need to reach their full potential,” said Northern Principal Jim French . “This honor verifies those efforts.” As one of only eight high schools statewide to receive the

award, the school improvement team was awarded $500 and the Northern High School Directed Learning Room will be featured at MASSP’s Annual Convention.

‘Millie’ Takes the Stage at P-Northern The Portage Northern Drama and Music Departments are excited to present the fall musical, the 2002 Tony Award winning show, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Millie Dillmount (Becky Thomason, 12) moves to New York in 1922, assumes the flapper lifestyle, takes a job as a stenographer, and a room at the Hotel Priscilla for Women. She has big plans for life. She soon meets a handsome playboy, Jimmy Smith (John Kramer, 12), a new best friend, Dorothy, (Allyson Williams, 12), a demanding boss, (Adam Mayer, 11), a shifty, villainess hotel proprietor (Emily Morgan, 12), and a glamorous singer/socialite (Katie Noyes, 12) Other lead characters include Ching Ho (Brett Gowen), Bun Foo (Nathan Novaria), and Miss Flannery (Emily Vellom) This upbeat stage version of the popular movie includes a full score of wonderful songs and bright dance numbers. Over 100 Northern students are involved in the production as actors, dancers, singers, technical crews, and orchestra members. Thoroughly Modern Millie is a perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment! You won’t want to miss this upbeat, lively, hilarious show!

•Show dates are November 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20. •The PN Box Office, 323-5470, will be open the week of November 7.

Fall 2011

Cover Story

Portage Baseball

On the BIG stage – By Kyle Herm

Central and Northern High Schools’ baseball programs have become a pipeline to college teams, which is a credit to the tradition, history and hard work of the players and coaches who have come before.

ay Southwest Michigan to a high school baseball fan in this state, and you can bet Derek Jeter or the Kalamazoo Maroons travel team will come up in the conversation. That’s

a combined 18 of the last 21 Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference (SMAC) or Big 8 Conference championships. On top of that, the two programs have a combined 19 district titles, six regional championships, four state semifinals, as well as, a state runner-up and state championship all time. During the 2010 season, the entire state watched as the Huskies and Mustangs were ranked number one and two for nearly the whole season. Northern ended up winning a school record 30 games that year and finished the season ranked No. 1 in the state polls and was ranked as high as No. 15 in the nation according to ESPN Rise Magazine. The Huskies knocked off

Central to claim their ninth district title. In 2011, it was Portage Central’s turn. The Mustangs were ranked No. 1 all season, won the district and regional championship and advance to the state semifinals in Battle Creek, Mich. before falling to eventual state champion Rockford. Behind the two outstanding high school baseball programs are a pair of coaches with a wealth of experience. Northern’s Chris Andrews has been leading the Huskies since 2001 and was named as the West head coach for the annual high school all-star game at the Detroit Tigers’ Comerica Park in 2010. Under his direction, the program has won the district

fair, both Jeter and the Maroons program have been overwhelmingly successful and put this corner of the state on the map. In actuality though, the next part of the conversation should be about what is going on with baseball just to the south in Portage. Take for instance the last two decades into consideration. Since 1990, Portage Central and Portage Northern have won

The Portage Connection

Leon Roberts, one of the all-time great baseball players to come out of Portage, graduated from Northern in ‘72 and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. He played for six major league organizations from 1974-84 and is pictured here in 1975 with the Tigers.

Portage baseball alumni on recent college rosters Portage Central

Portage Central alum Kyle Clark pitching at the University of Michigan during the 2011 spring season.

five times, conference championship four different levels during the 1950’s. Coach times and Greater Kalamazoo tournament Hart retired from coaching baseball in twice. 1965 when the District split into two high Paul Schneider, who played baseball schools, so he could watch his son, Mike, at Western Michigan University and play baseball. professionally in the Chicago White Sox Under Hart’s direction, Portage baseball organization, has been the head coach reached new heights – and the programs for the Mustangs since 2002 and helped at both high schools began to produce lead the team to championships the state title in and college-ready “It is nice for the players in his first year. He players. was also named Coach Andrews our program to know that if the Michigan said this long they continue to work hard on lasting tradition High School Baseball Coaches success really the field and in the classroom, of Association Coach starts with the of the Year that community’s that the possibility of them season. parents and little Much of this moving on to play in college is league organizers. recent success “I think foremost can be credited to very realistic.” we have had great the late Jim Hart. parents that have -Chris Andrews, Northern Head Coach Hart, who was given their kids the inducted into the opportunity to play Portage Central Athletic Hall of Fame in baseball from an early age, either through 2010, is considered the father of organized Little League or travel baseball,” he said. youth baseball in Portage. As the varsity “We have two outstanding little league baseball coach at Portage High in 1948, programs in WPLL and SPLL, along with Coach Hart quickly recognized that many highly competitive travel teams without a youth program, it would very that our players have played on over the difficult to be competitive. He was the key years. Students from both schools push person in starting the Portage Little League each other to succeed, due to the great and Connie Mack programs for the boys in competition that exists here between the Portage. two programs.” Coach Hart turned the losing baseball Throughout Portage’s baseball history, program into undefeated KVA champions six student-athletes have gone on to by 1951 and continued to win two play professionally, including Hart’s son conference championships in the midMike. Bob Matteson, Leon Roberts, Shane 50’s. In addition to baseball, Coach Hart Sheldon, Mike Hart, Kurt Ojala and Ryan served as Athletic Director for two years, Topham have all made it to the next level, and coached football & basketball at but many others have gone on to play in

Kyle Jusick Caleb Meulman Bryan Stevens Ryan Krill Jordan Tillman Nick McIntyre Tyler Jones Monty Porter Kyle Clark Kyle Kleiman Mike Cooley Jared Hook Trey Popp Greg Welke Kasey Koster Jeremy Trinkle

2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010 2010 2010 2009 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007

Michigan Kellogg CC Kellogg CC MSU WMU Kellogg CC Glen Oaks WMU Michigan Trine Univ. KVCC MSU MSU Oakland KVCC GVSU

Portage Northern Jack Livingston 2010 Jake Engels 2010 Taylor Valler 2010 Joe Allor 2010 Kyle Downey 2010 Brett Thomas 2010 Eric Klepper 2009 Taylor Lange 2009 Bobby Franks 2008 Kyle Shawhan 2008 Jordon Cooper 2008 D.J. Jarrad 2007 Kirk Darling 2007 Ryan Seaver 2007 Cory Garneau 2007

Northwestern Michigan Davenport KVCC Lake Michigan Kalamazoo KVCC Spring Arbor KVCC and Ohio Dominican KVCC KVCC Oakland Bethel DePauw Aquinas

college. In the last four years, Portage Central has had eight former players on a college roster, while Portage Northern has had 11, including Jack Livingston – who was named to the Big Ten All Freshmen Team in 2011 at Northwestern University. “It is nice for the players in our program to know that if they continue to work hard on the field and in the classroom, that the possibility of them moving on to play in college is very realistic,” said Andrews. “It’s also a nice way to motivate our players to continue to excel as students and baseball players.”

Fall 2011

Steppin’ Out at the State

Athletic Foundation

PAF Donates $35,000

Jan. 28, 2012

More details to come... portageps.org

The Portage Athletic Foundation presented a $35,000 check to support the District’s athletic programs during halftime of the Central-Northern football game on Oct. 14. “This donation would not be possible without the support the foundation received from both individual community members and local businesses,” said PAF Vice President Ann Woolley. “We would like to thank everyone for their generosity during 2011.” On Jan. 28, the PAF will hold the annual “Steppin’ Out at the State” fundraiser at the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre. More details will be posted online as they become available. Visit www. portageps.org to find a link to the PAF website. The Portage Athletic Foundation, established in 1981 and governed by a volunteer community board of directors, has contributed more than $600,000 for high school and middle school athletic programs.

The Moors Golf Club

Annual PAF Golf Outing Raises $20,000 O

n Monday, Aug. 15, the Portage Athletic Foundation held its 20th annual golf outing at The Moors Golf Club in Portage. The event was another great success, and raised more than $20,000 to help fund middle and high school athletics in the District. The golf outing is one of three large events put on by the PAF and would not have been possible without the support

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of dedicated sponsors. In addition to the golf outing, the PAF also holds a dinner and dance called, “Steppin’ Out at the State’ located at the State Theater in Kalamazoo in February. New this year, a spirit dinner was held prior to the kick-off of the Central versus Northern Football game on Oct. 14, previously sponsored by Portage Rotary.

Spirit Shops Portage Education Foundation PEF Announces Joyce A. Vliek Endowed Scholarship Fund The Portage Education Foundation has announced a new $2,500 annual scholarship, the Joyce A. Vliek Endowed Scholarship Fund, created in her memory by Ted Vliek, Sr., and their family. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior of either Portage Central or Portage Northern High Schools beginning with the PEF’s spring 2012 scholarship awards. The scholarship is intended for students pursuing a degree in elementary education with a preference toward special education. Joyce Vliek retired from Portage Schools in 1986 from a career as a Special Education teacher’s aide. Joyce Vliek was born in Decatur, Mich., in 1929, lived her formative years in Saint Joseph, Mich., and met her future husband Ted, when the family returned to Decatur in her junior year in high school. They were married a total of 62 years when she passed away in January, 2011. The family is honoring her commitment to children with special needs by establishing this endowed scholarship, the first of its kind for the PEF since the threshold to establish an endowed fund was raised to $50,000. Ted Vliek, Sr., had a 25-year career with Portage Schools as a teacher and administrator, and was Secretary to the Board of Education for 17 years. He later pursued a career as a real estate agent. He served on the Kalamazoo County Commission and the Portage City Council, as well as many other community boards. According to Dorilee Schieble, PEF president, “The PEF Board of Trustees is very thankful for this generous donation, which will provide a lasting legacy for Joyce and provide much needed assistance for future generations of teachers.” Dr. Ric Perry, interim superintendent for Portage Schools, said, “Just as the District has always been deeply grateful for the outstanding service Joyce Vliek performed in our schools, we are also extremely indebted to Ted and the Vliek family for providing this wonderful opportunity for students today and into the future. Residents of the District are blessed to have the Vliek Family as a part of the fabric of our community.” The PEF and its endowed and non-endowed funds are component funds of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Community members who may wish to make a tax deductible gift to the Joyce A. Vliek Endowed Scholarship Fund may do so by sending a check to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, 151 S. Rose, #332, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Checks should be made payable to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and include PEF-Vliek Scholarship on the memo line.

$35,000 Donated for Technology Integration

The Portage Education Foundation President Dorilee Schieble (pictured above) presented a $35,000 check to Portage Public Schools at the Aug. 22 Board of Education meeting to fund a part-time technology integration specialist for the 2011-2012 school year. “With all of the new technology in place, it just makes sense to add resources to help faculty learn efficient use of technology in the classroom,” said Sarah Bricknell, chair of the PEF: Now Annual Appeal. “Technology integration helps keep the students on the leading edge of their education.” The Portage Education Foundation, established in 1990, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has awarded more than $440,000 in support of students, staff and district initiatives throughout Portage Schools. The PEF has assisted hundreds of students and faculty with grants to cover a variety of costs not typically covered by district or individual school budgets in addition to scholarships. To learn more about, and support the PEF: Now Annual Appeal, visit www.PortageEducationFoundation.org.

Fall 2011

Class notes News and information for class notes was compiled by Molli Templin. In addition to featuring information provided directly by alumni, this section includes news gathered from a variety of public sources and included here to keep members of the Portage family up-to-date and connected. News and information should be e-mailed to Greg Hill at ghill@portageps.org, or mailed to: Alumni News, Greg Hill, Portage Public Schools, 8111 South Westnedge Ave., Portage, MI, 49002. All submissions received by the Office of Community Relations by Nov. 1 have been included in this issue. We welcome your news and information so that we may include you in the next issue.

70s

Rob McCain Jr. (PC, ‘84) is a 17 year veteran of the Marshall Fire Department. In 2008 he had his 1984 class ring stolen when someone broke into his home. The ring turned up almost three years later on a State of Michigan auction site for found items. A retired Detroit Police officer noticed the ring and contacted Portage Central about the year and initials engraved. The ring was traced back to McCain and in May had it rightfully returned to him. Mitch Forsberg (PN, ‘87), principal of Gypsum Elementary School in Gypsum, Colo. was named the 2011 Colorado National Distinguished Principal of the Year. Forsberg graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids and taught 8th grade math before becoming principal at Gypsum in 2004-05.

Joe Salemka (PN, ‘74) has managed Kalamazoo’s Mid-Town Parking lot at Rose Street and Michigan Avenue for the last 33 years. In 1978 he applied for the job to help run the lot from a classified ad. In 1980 he and his wife, Barb, who was helping him work, survived the famous May tornado that hit the downtown area. Andy Robins (PN, ‘74) has been WMUK’s News Director since 1998 and a broadcast journalist for over 24 years. He joined WMUK’s staff in 1985. Under his direction, WMUK has received numerous awards for news reporting.

80s David Rimawi (PN, ‘81) is a co-owner of The Asylum, a motion picture production, financing and worldwide distribution studio in Burbank, Cali. founded in 1997. In addition to handling worldwide sales and distribution, Rimawi has acted as executive producer, supervised post production, and developed the home entertainment marketing campaign for each of The Asylum releases. The Asylum fully finances and produces 10-15 titles per year and its North American home entertainment division has released over three hundred titles to date.

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90s Brad Dancer (PC, ‘91) received a special award from Purdue University in September. Dancer, a 1995 graduate of Purdue, was given the 2011 Emerging Voice Award which honors graduates 40 years old and younger for their career achievements. Dancer is currently the senior vice president of the National Geographic Channel in Washington D.C. He was one of the first 10 employees in the newly launched National tent Geographic Chalmel in May 2000 and as the senior vice president of research and digital media heads up all areas of research in support of the network’s program development. Ryan Topham, MD (PC, ‘92) was inducted into the Mustang Athletic Hall of Fame in September and recently finished medical school after completing a fellowship at Stanford University this past summer. He is now a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist at The Spine Center in East Lansing, Mich. Topham was

a standout on the PC baseball team and was drafted in the fourth round by the Chicago White Sox in 1996. After graduating from Central he played baseball for three years at the University of Notre Dame. Emily (Wagner) Linnert (PN, ‘95) graduated from Michigan State in ‘99 and began a career in broadcast journalism at WLNS TV6 in Lansing. She is currently on the WOOD TV 8 Daybreak morning news broadcast and an anchor for the noon show. She is married and has two daughters. While at Northern, Linnert was a member of Jim Menchinger’s forensics program. “Jim Menchinger is the most wonderful teacher I have ever had,” she said. “He encouraged me to try Forensics and I loved it. It gave me the confidence I needed to chase my dreams of becoming a news reporter, producer and anchor.”

OOs Ashley Carynn Smith (PN, ‘02) was married on October 1 in Kalamazoo. Smith, the daughter of former Portage Central High School teacher Rick Smith, was a standout softball player for the Huskies and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. After graduating from USC, she earned her master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan and is now a project engineer with PCL Construction in Denver, Colo. Smith and her sisters, Shannon and Krystalyn, appeared in a December 2010 article of The Portage Connection. Below is Smith and her husband Keith.

Class notes John Knific (PN, ‘05) is the creator of CitizenGroove Inc. His company was mentioned in a White House blog post in September. The post discussed how the American Jobs Act will decrease payroll taxes for Knific’s four employees, allowing CitizenGroove Inc. to “save money…to invest in their growth.” Knific was featured in the first issue of The Portage Connection. Bisera Urdarevik (PN, ‘07) is the owner of Lush Gourmet, LLC located in Kalamazoo. She graduated from Kendall Culinary College in Chicago and founded the company in March of 2010. She specializes in gourmet nuts called Lush Nuts. They are sweetly Photo by Bradley S. Pines coated spiced peanuts made from a family recipe preserved for generations. Lush Nuts are available at several locations throughout the greater Kalamazoo area and now in the Lansing and Grand Rapids areas. To learn more about the company visit www. lushnuts.com. Sunita Saith (PC, ‘07) graduated from Duke University last May with a double major in Biology and French Studies. She is now doing research in the Chiba-Falek laboratory at the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy. She is also in the process of applying to medical school for fall 2012. Taylor Mazer (PN, ‘08) was recently awarded the Vi Fogel Uretz Award from

the 57th Street Art Fair, the oldest jurried art fair in the midwest. Mazer is a senior illustration student at the Kendall College of Art and Design. He shows his work at Byrneboehm Gallery in Grand Rapids, Mich. and had a 22-foot pen and ink drawing on watercolor paper at the 2011 ArtPrize competition. Sam Bowditch (PC, ‘09) is majoring in Spanish and minoring in math with a concentration in secondary education at Albion College. In addition to her studies, Bowditch plays goalkeeper for the Albion College Women’s Soccer team and

at Camp Royall in North Carolina working with people with autism and is working on Dr. Beverly Ulrich’s research team. They analyze how infants use their ability to cruise (walk with support) to practice and develop sufficient neuromotor control to walk independently. May plans to become a pediatrician and work with children with disabilities to not only enhance their well being, but to also make the doctor’s office a less stressful experience.

Sam Bowditch, PC ‘09 sings with the Albion College Euphonics, a co-ed a cappella group. Bowditch is also a member of the Phi Chapter of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Next fall, Bowditch will spend the semester studying in Corodoba, Argentina. Sarah May (PC, ‘09) is starting her junior year at the University of Michigan. She is in the School of Kinesiology and studying pre-med. This past summer, May worked

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Greg Hill 8111 S. Westnedge Ave. Taylor Mazer, PN ‘08

Portage, MI 49002 The Portage Connection

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