This year presents a remarkable situation, as we have seven valedictorians, each of whom has achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA!
Dowagiac Union Schools
Class of 2025 Top 10
CONGRATULATIONS!
Valedictorians
Guadalupe Brito
Guadalupe is the daughter of Andres and Natalia Brito. She plans to enroll at Ferris State University, where she will pursue a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with the goal of becoming an Ultrasound Technician.
Rebecca Guernsey
Rebecca is the daughter of Richard and Jennifer Guernsey. She plans to enroll at Bethel University, where she will pursue a degree in Sports Management. She plans on becoming a golf course manager and a PGA Professional.
Nevaeh Hemminger
Nevaeh is the daughter of Regina Hemminger. She plans plans to attend SMC for another year, where she will be either entering the workforce or transferring to the University of Michigan. She plans to major in business with a minor in entrepreneurship.
Emerson Kruger
Emerson is the daughter of Andy and Jacqueline Kruger. She plans plans to enroll at the University of Michigan, where she will pursue a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Her career aspirations include becoming a physical or occupational therapist, or working as an athletic trainer for a sports team.
Brenna Mott
Brenna is the daughter of Jason and Stephanie Mott. She plans plans to enroll at Michigan State University. She dreams of working on the marketing team for the Detroit Lions.
Carlee Spagnoli
Carlee is the daughter of Michael and Mikki Spagnoli. She plans plans to enroll at Ferris State University, where she will pursue a degree in either Radiography or Nuclear Medicine. She plans on working in a hospital as a Radiography Tech or a Nuclear Medicine Tech.
Emma Stanger
Emma is the daughter of Michael and Melissa Stanger. She plans on attending Purdue where she will continue her educational and dance career. Emma hopes to work in the sports industry, being behind the scenes working on Marketing.
Salutatorian
Markus Ottinger
3.952 GPA
Markus is the son of Brandon Ottinger and Sherry Chaline. He plans to enroll at Western Michigan University where he will major in Computer Systems and Information. He plans on becoming certified in IT.
Lauren Balsbaugh
3.950 GPA
Lauren is the daughter of TJ and Kayleigh Balsbaugh. She plans to enroll at St. Mary’s College where she will major in Nursing. She hopes to get her master’s degree and become a Nurse Practitioner.
Merrill Adams
3.920 GPA
Merrill is the daughter of John and Erin Adams. She plans to enroll at SMC where she plans to study Agricultural Business while getting her certification in Agricultural Operations form Michigan State University. After graduating she plans on getting her bachelor’s in Animal Science from Kansas State University’s online program. Merrill plans to be a Magna Wave Practitioner and then hopes to become an Agricultural Science Teacher.
Message from Superintendent Blomgren
We are in the home stretch of the 2024-25 school year, May has arrived and spring weather is in full swing. It was refreshing for staff and students to take a week off for spring break and since returning, K-12, have spent the majority of the last month working through state and district testing.
The last month of school will bring about so many opportunities for us to recognize our students as we close out the school year. Recent celebrations have included; April Reading Month winners at the elementary buildings, the Top 10 Academic Dinner for our high school students, senior nights for our spring sports athletes, Prom, and the CTE Honors Program. Upcoming events include; elementary and middle school awards programs, band and choir awards, the spring sports banquet, and, of course, high school graduation on Sunday May 18th. This is a great time of the school year, so many smiling faces, opportunities to share gratitude, and time to reflect. There is no doubt in my mind that we are ALL partnering together to move our school district forward in a positive direction.
I am enjoying being out and about throughout the district supporting our students and staff this school year. I will continue to make an intentional effort to be visible throughout the district and at many events. Do not hesitate to introduce yourself or strike up a conversation with me if you see me, I like putting names with faces and connecting the dots within our school community.
Top 10 Dinner, Venue 132
Hanging with Mrs. Roach and her Kindergarten Class.
Dr. Dunn and I competing in the high school Cookie Competition.
Greg Blomgren
Superintendent
Building Highlights
Justus Gage Elementary
Bus Rider Awards: One of our newer bus drivers has been rewarding passengers who have been excellent passengers!
Reading Month Bike Winners: Eva Baez, Leland Carpenter, Masked Reader, Lucy Justice and Edwin Poor
Kincheloe Elementary
Miss Dowagiac & Court Read to Students
Student Artwork: Penelope Phillips received honorable mention for her artwork showcased at The Box Factory.
Patrick Hamilton Elementary
5th Grade Field Trip: On April 9th, 5th grade students traveled to the Sarett Nature Center in Benton Harbor. This trip was funded by a Conservation Club Grant. Our classes were eager to have a hands on experience that coincides with their science unit Energy and Matter in Ecosystems. Ms. Ortiz and Mr. Suvarna shared some pictures of the student during the trip.
Bus Rider Awards: One of our newer bus drivers has been rewarding passengers who have been excellent passengers!
Sister Lakes Elementary
Online Reading: Students were able to experience (via online), an Author reading the story they wrote about the solar system!
Flashlight Reading: Students explored reading in the dark with a flashlight!
Dowagiac Middle School
Student Artwork: This year DMS had 38 courageous students participate in the middle school/high school Community Art Exhibition. There were over 800 art pieces in the show between 17 middle and high schools combined!
Charlotte Maxey won the Berrien Resa Award for DMS with Jerald the Squid. One student from each participating school/building is selected for this award.
Austin Rial won 1st place for middle school 2D artwork. This is a juried award, meaning it was chosen from all of the middle school 2D art pieces in the showcase. As an added bonus, his drawing was sent out to be custom framed.
Candace Stamps won the middle school Digital award. This is also a juried award, so it was also selected from all the middle school digital art pieces.
Dowagiac Union High School
Congratulations to our CTE Construction students for successfully passing the National Industry Certification, which offers stackable credentials in Level 2 Construction, including OSHA 10. This year, we achieved an impressive student pass rate of 88%.
PROM
Our high school students enjoyed a fun evening at prom! We appreciate those who made this night a special evening for our students.
