Homecoming Week 2024 was a blast! Thank you to everyone who contributed throughout the week, from creating floats and participating in spirit week costumes to chaperoning, organizing pep assemblies, and hosting dances and celebrations. Your efforts are truly appreciated! HOCO 2024 is one to remember!

Schedule of Events

Homecoming:

Friday, October 4
- Parade, 5:00 p.m.
- Game vs Brandywine, 7:00 p.m.

Homecoming Dance:

Saturday, October 5, 8:00-11:00 p.m.

Marching Band Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, October 8, MSBOA Marching Festival @ Paw Paw
Saturday, October 12, Competition @ Lakeshore
Saturday, October 19 Competition @ East Kentwood

Picture Retakes:

Friday, October 18

Board Meeting:

Monday, October 21, 6:00-7:00 p.m., @ PAC

Weekly Highlights

On September 20th, Scott Rose mentored 17 journalism students, dedicating his time to enhance their photography skills. We greatly appreciate his commitment and effort in working with our students.

Students in Spanish 2 played "la torre de verbos" (a.k.a. Jenga) to review regular verbs in the present tense last week.

Homecoming Week Dress Up Days

Thank you to our Wahoo Yearbook Staff for these awesome photos!

Adam Sandler Day

Rhyme Without a Reason

Pinkie Pie, Butterfly, FBI

Superman, Tan

NBA, Kim K, Birthday

Fairy, Dairy

The Conference Tournament played on October 1, was won by Kalamazoo Christian from the Valley Division, who received a plaque as recognition for their achievement. The 'Conference' we are referring to is now known as the SAC, previously called KVA. This year, the conference has been divided into two divisions: the Lakeshore Division, in which we compete, and the Valley Division. Notably, the Individual Medalist title was awarded to our own Rebecca Guernsey, who received a medal for her excellence. Additionally, the top ten participants in the tournament were also recognized with medals, including Carlee Spagnoli, who placed ninth.

An All-Conference Team was established for both divisions based on scoring averages from the Division Jamborees as well as today’s tournament. We are proud to report that two of our girls earned Honorable Mention: Madison Winchester and Olivia Stockwell. Furthermore, three of our athletes achieved All-Conference honors: Jaden Kusch, who finished eighth and received a medal; Carlee Spagnoli, who secured second place and also received a medal; and Rebecca Guernsey, who won first place, having triumphed in every jamboree and the tournament today.

Lastly, champions were named for each division, with Dowagiac winning the Lakeshore Division and Kalamazoo Christian taking the title in the Valley Division. Both teams were awarded trophies for their outstanding performances.

The students have been studying macromolecules in both Biology and Honors Biology. In the Honors Biology class, they engaged in an inquiry-based activity to explore how monosaccharides, specifically glucose, combine through dehydration synthesis to form larger macromolecules, such as carbohydrates, utilizing paper models for illustration.

Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish spotlights featuring teachers and staff throughout the Dowagiac Union Schools district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives.

Denise Stockwell

School: Dowagiac Union High School

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school?

This is my 30th year of teaching. All 30 have been in the Dowagiac Union School District. I taught at Central Middle School/Dowagiac Middle School for 27 years, and this is my third year at DUHS. I have taught Adult Education at Pathfinders for four years as well.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue to grow academically?

Talk with your child about their interests, what they learned today, what went well, and what didn’t. Ask who they had lunch with and how they showed kindness towards others. Encourage them to read! Finding the right book isn’t always easy, but it is always rewarding. If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is… they matter. Choices matter. Determination matters. Seeing things through matters, and they are capable of great things!

Reminders

Seniors should check the scholarship board regularly for scholarship opportunities and deadlines.
We will be conducting various drills this month including fire, tornado, and lockdown. Please know that unless told otherwise by the school these will be planned drills.
Picture Retakes 10/18
Senior Panoramic Photo 10/22
Semester Midpoint 10/25