Join our Dowagiac Union Schools family! We are actively seeking dedicated bus drivers to ensure the safe transportation of our students to and from school. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this opportunity, please share this information with them.

Link to application: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/DUSD/opening/113475

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Dowagiac Chieftain Wrestlers for a school record 8 straight Division 3 District Championships!

DOWAGIAC — Injuries and adversity weren’t enough to deter Dowagiac’s wrestling team from maintaining its high standard of excellence on the mat.  Colin Burandt’s Chieftains (9-5) overcame the two obstacles and reached the team regional finals for the eighth consecutive season before losing 65-18 to Allegan Wednesday in the Division 3 regional tournament in Constantine. With 11 of 14 varsity starters returning next season and an influx of talent moving up from the middle school program, Dowagiac’s future looks very bright.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2025/02/13/dowagiac-wrestling-falls-to-allegan-65-18-in-regional-finals/

DOWAGIAC — A new reign of royalty began in Dowagiac Saturday night. Amelia was crowned Miss Dowagiac 2025 Saturday evening at Dowagiac Middle School. “I was really surprised,” Bakeman said. “It was a really nice surprise because all the girls were so amazing. You couldn’t have known who would win.”

Bakeman, 18, is the daughter of Ravan and Pat Bakeman. A Dowagiac senior, Bakeman is dual-enrolled at Southwestern Michigan College. She is a member of the varsity sideline cheer team, a member of the school’s Environmental Club leadership, the social media chair of National Honor Society, Student Senate President and a member of Humanities Club, Yearbook and Rotary Interact. She has received high honors and Student of the Month in October 2023.

She also enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, reading, dancing, watching movies and taking photos with her digital camera. Bakeman said her greatest accomplishment is being a big sister. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university and earn a degree in nutritional dietetics with the hopes of eventually becoming a sports nutritionist. She plans on continuing with dance through teaching it and hopes to travel the world. 

Joining Bakeman in her court of honor is first runner-up Meg Charles, second runner-up Lauren Balsbaugh. Bakeman, who also won Miss Congeniality, inherits the crown from Miss Dowagiac 2024 Natasha Griggs.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2025/01/12/amelia-bakeman-crowned-miss-dowagiac-2025/#

Why did you decide to become a teacher?  I decided to be a musician first, but after tutoring for a few years and working with some local schools’ bands, I found that I really wanted to pass on the craft of music through teaching.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun?  I spend a good amount of time outside of school performing on saxophone, especially during the summer. Other than that I have been catching up on some of my backlog of movies and computer games. I also try to spend a lot of my free time with friends and family while we all still live close-by.

Who is your biggest role model and why?  Dr. Korzun of Southwestern Michigan College. He was the one who (inadvertently) converted me to studying music. His band class was so interesting and engaging, I wanted nothing more than to be in more of them. He always had an answer for anything, and was great at connecting with all of his students. I still see him regularly at St. Joseph Municipal Band performances and I would consider him not only a role model now, but a mentor and friend as well.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2025/01/08/teacher-staff-spotlight-benjamin-vanroekel-dus-band-director/

How many years have you been teaching?  This is my fourth year teaching  Why did you decide to become a teacher?  To make an impact in kids’ lives.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun?  Going to basketball and  football games for Dowagiac Schools. I am a Lions season ticket holder, I enjoy playing sports video games, watching TV and sports, hiking and camping in the football offseason.  

What is one thing your students may not know about you?  I like to read books, especially history or crime books. 

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue to grow academically?  To read to them or have them read before bed.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is…  You have to try your best whether it comes easy to you or not.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2024/11/23/teacher-staff-spotlight-tharan-suvarna-patrick-hamilton-elementary/

How many years have you been a parapro? How many years have you been with your current school?  I have been a parapro at Patrick Hamilton Elementary going on 14 years this February.

Why did you decide to become a parapro? I love working with children. I started volunteering in my nephew’s class and Mrs. Nash had told me about a playground aide job that was coming available, so I applied for it. I finished out the school year and in the fall I became a kindergarten Aide as well and have been ever since.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Outside of school I enjoy taking walks, being outside, and sitting by the fire with my husband.

When you were a student, what were your favorite hobbies? When I was a student, my favorite hobbies were playing badminton with my family and just being outside.

How would your coworkers describe your personality? I hope they would say I’m a kind, helpful, caring and friendly person.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2025/01/15/teacher-staff-spotlight-elizabeth-ladyga-patrick-hamilton-elementary/