Congratulations to all of our 2025-2026 Falcon athletes; you represented PPS with school spirit and pride!
What a special day for all Pentwater students!
Back in March, author and illustrator Mr. James Edward Burks helped us kick off Reading Month with a special video message. This week, he made the trip all the way from Florida to Michigan to spend the day with our students in person!
Mr. Burks was excited to meet all of the Pentwater students, but he had a special surprise for Hadley Clark, who gave him an idea for his next children’s book, when she wrote a touching thank you note to him for his video visit in March. Stay tuned, as he is working hard to complete the book in the next few months.
Today Mr. Burks shared insights into his writing and illustrating process, demonstrated his drawing techniques, and inspired students of all ages with his creativity and passion for storytelling.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Burks for taking the time to visit Pentwater Schools, connect with our students, and encourage the next generation of readers, writers, and artists. Thank you for such a memorable and inspiring day!
Back in March, author and illustrator Mr. James Edward Burks helped us kick off Reading Month with a special video message. This week, he made the trip all the way from Florida to Michigan to spend the day with our students in person!
Mr. Burks was excited to meet all of the Pentwater students, but he had a special surprise for Hadley Clark, who gave him an idea for his next children’s book, when she wrote a touching thank you note to him for his video visit in March. Stay tuned, as he is working hard to complete the book in the next few months.
Today Mr. Burks shared insights into his writing and illustrating process, demonstrated his drawing techniques, and inspired students of all ages with his creativity and passion for storytelling.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Burks for taking the time to visit Pentwater Schools, connect with our students, and encourage the next generation of readers, writers, and artists. Thank you for such a memorable and inspiring day!
Well done, Falcon Spring athletes! Our baseball won first round of district play and will be playing on Friday, 5/29, at MCE at 10am! Our softball team will be playing in district tournament play on Friday, 5/29, in Holton! Two varsity track and field athletes will be competing at the MHSAA state competition on Saturday, 5/30 - good luck to sophomore, Chase McGuire-VanGills, and senior, Logan Fatura! Our golf team participated in golf regionals on Tuesday, 5/26, and narrowly missed qualifying to participate at the MHSAA state competition as a team!
Well done to the following athletes for achieving WMD individual honors: Gavin Macher - WMD 1st Team All Conference in golf; Brody Austin - WMD 1st Team All Conference in golf; Bode Powell - WMD 1st Team All Conference in golf; and, Izzabella Kolenda - WMD 1st Team All Conference in golf! Some of our track and field athletes earned WMD honors: Tyler Zimmer - WMD Honorable Mention in Pole Vault, WMD Honorable Mention in 4x200m relay and WMD Honorable Mention in 4x100m Relay! Jacobo Martin - WMD Honorable Mention in 4x200m relay and WMD Honorable Mention in 4x100m relay! Chase McGuire-VanGills - WMD Honorable Mention in 4x200m relay and WMD Honorable Mention in 4x100m relay! Lastly, Senior, Logan Fatura - WMD Honorable Mention in Shot Put, WMD Honorable Mention in 4x200m relay, WMD Honorable Mention in 4x100m relay, and WMD 1st Team All Conference in Discus! Logan also broke the school record in discus with a throw of 144' 1" on 4/21/26! Well done!
Golf regional state qualifier meet was a nail biter for Pentwater on Tuesday, 5/26! The event was at the gorgeous, but incredibly difficult, back tees at Crystal Mountain’s Betsy Valley. Playing top level rules: as in all woods if you can’t find it, you play it as a lost ball and have to re-tee. That being said, we walked in with a lot of extra golf balls, just in case. 🤩
Our cautious efforts helped Gavin Macher & Brody Austin make some headway in the front nine. Gavin Macher was tied for first the first few holes sitting even. He continued the entire event battling for one of the three tickets into individual state qualifier. Finishing just 2 strokes out of the ticket to States, tied for 10th place (86) with 7 pars.
Bode Powell found his fire finishing up the front nine with two chip ins, one of them for a Birdie! Bode finished (90) in 21st place. Brody Austin had his head in the game the whole round. He held most of the event in the top 25 of the event. Finishing in 23rd with a (92). Izzabella Kolenda was hitting beautiful shots, but the length did create a bit of trouble trying to get on in regulation. She was steady with mostly all bogies with a couple of pars (98) for (35) out of 74 competitors. Aiden Henry’s drives both got him length, and helped him drop 13 strokes off the front nine to the back, finishing (126).
As a team, we finished in 4th place, one place out of qualifying for States, just 7 strokes from moving on as a team. We are so proud of our finish today. Even if we didn’t make it on, we played an Amazing season. Thanks athletes, spectators, and supporters for a season of sparkle. Each and every event there was an accomplishment. I can’t wait to see where your swings take you next. Just Keep Swinging ⛳️
Our cautious efforts helped Gavin Macher & Brody Austin make some headway in the front nine. Gavin Macher was tied for first the first few holes sitting even. He continued the entire event battling for one of the three tickets into individual state qualifier. Finishing just 2 strokes out of the ticket to States, tied for 10th place (86) with 7 pars.
Bode Powell found his fire finishing up the front nine with two chip ins, one of them for a Birdie! Bode finished (90) in 21st place. Brody Austin had his head in the game the whole round. He held most of the event in the top 25 of the event. Finishing in 23rd with a (92). Izzabella Kolenda was hitting beautiful shots, but the length did create a bit of trouble trying to get on in regulation. She was steady with mostly all bogies with a couple of pars (98) for (35) out of 74 competitors. Aiden Henry’s drives both got him length, and helped him drop 13 strokes off the front nine to the back, finishing (126).
As a team, we finished in 4th place, one place out of qualifying for States, just 7 strokes from moving on as a team. We are so proud of our finish today. Even if we didn’t make it on, we played an Amazing season. Thanks athletes, spectators, and supporters for a season of sparkle. Each and every event there was an accomplishment. I can’t wait to see where your swings take you next. Just Keep Swinging ⛳️
Student Artists spent time today at the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center working with mentors to create art in glass, watercolor and woodworking. Thank you Artisan Volunteers!
Congratulations to Bailey Case and Bodey Lawler for earning a full scholarship to attend the Rotary Life Leadership Conference at Ferris State University this June! Congratulations to Anaviolet Jeruzal for earning a partial scholarship to attend the American Youth Foundation's National Leadership Conference at Camp Miniwanca this June! All three of these students are members of the junior class and the National Honor Society.
We remember, thank and honor those military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy! Thank you!
Congratulations to the Class of 2026: Alazae Acevedo, Aubrie Adams, Bailey Alltop, Brody Austin, Lauren Davis, Martina Fanelli, Logan Fatura, Abigail Field, Alex Field, Sam Gaylard, Alden Grondsma, Sophie Harker-Vangunst, Kelvin Herrera, Jane Howard, Abram Kieda, Josephyn Mannor, Jacobo Martin, Ben Merten, Bode Powell, Wyatt Roberts, Michelle Smith, Brayden Stein, Charlie Swanger! Graduation is on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 7pm, in the large gymnasium - doors open at 6:30pm!
Pentwater Softball closed out the regular season with a double header vs. MCC JV squad. Game one was an exciting match as Pentwater took the early 8-2 lead behind RBI singles from Lauren Davis, Riley Swanger, and Alazae Acevedo. MCC was able to fight back, however, tying the game in the 6th inning and sending it to extra innings. In the 7th inning, with a runner starting on second, Aubrie Adams buckled down, striking out two and stranding the runner. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Charlie Swanger stole third base, setting up Amelia Barter who wasted no time, jumping on the first pitch and driving it into right field for the walk off win! Pentwater 9 - MCC (JV) 8
In Game two, a big second inning for MCC put Pentwater in an early hole, trailing 6-2. Paige Sadenwater put some energy back into Pentwater bats with a screaming line drive triple down the right field line. She came home when Bella Oviedo drove the ball up the middle for an RBI sacrifice. In the fifth, Charlie Swanger turned on a fast ball, scorching past the infield and outfield for her own triple. Unfortunately, Pentwater could not muster any other offense, falling in game two. Pentwater 4 - MCC (JV) 10
In Game two, a big second inning for MCC put Pentwater in an early hole, trailing 6-2. Paige Sadenwater put some energy back into Pentwater bats with a screaming line drive triple down the right field line. She came home when Bella Oviedo drove the ball up the middle for an RBI sacrifice. In the fifth, Charlie Swanger turned on a fast ball, scorching past the infield and outfield for her own triple. Unfortunately, Pentwater could not muster any other offense, falling in game two. Pentwater 4 - MCC (JV) 10
Are you interested in seeing the world? Spanish & Art Club's next trip will be to Paris, Provence, and Barcelona in March, 2028. Students currently in grades 5 & 6 are eligible to attend with a parent (or trusted adult), and students in grades 7-10 are eligible to attend with or without a parent.
Please attend our informational and enrollment meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at 6:45 PM (following the clubs awards dessert) in Mrs. Gallie's room.
Please attend our informational and enrollment meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at 6:45 PM (following the clubs awards dessert) in Mrs. Gallie's room.
Help your child make the most of their summer break! Project Focus is now enrolling for a six-week summer program in Pentwater beginning June 22 and going thru July 30. Classes will run from 9am - 3pm. Students will experience active and engaging field trips and hands-on learning, all while enhancing their curiosity. Transportation and meals are provided!
For more information about enrolling your child in the summer Project Focus programming, please contact site coordinator, Betsy Bouye, by calling 231-869-4100 or emailing ebouye@truenorthservices.org
For more information about enrolling your child in the summer Project Focus programming, please contact site coordinator, Betsy Bouye, by calling 231-869-4100 or emailing ebouye@truenorthservices.org
The Ludington Invitational for our top 6 golfers was created to prepare for the next level. The tees and pin placements were competition ready and the Lincoln Hills Golf Course was in perfect shape. Competing against all division 2 & 3 schools, we fought hard; mostly tied with Kenowa Hills, Newaygo & Oakridge during the tournament. While some finished strongest in the last few holes, some found trouble.
Edgar Vazquez kept a steady game with 4 pars (90) finishing 40th out of 90 golfers today. Bode Powell (93) had a strong finish with 4 of his 5 pars on the tough back 9. Izzy Kolenda was proud to be the only female competitor today, finishing (95) from the back tees with 4 pars. Her last par was even on a long par 5 to finish 59th.
Our 4th team score was Gavin Macher who led the team mostly the whole tournament, starting off 4 pars incline his first 9 holes. The putts added up on the back to bring him in at (98).
Brody Austin (101) & Aiden Henry (120) also had some fantastic shots but the quick greens added to their scores. Great Work, Falcons!
Edgar Vazquez kept a steady game with 4 pars (90) finishing 40th out of 90 golfers today. Bode Powell (93) had a strong finish with 4 of his 5 pars on the tough back 9. Izzy Kolenda was proud to be the only female competitor today, finishing (95) from the back tees with 4 pars. Her last par was even on a long par 5 to finish 59th.
Our 4th team score was Gavin Macher who led the team mostly the whole tournament, starting off 4 pars incline his first 9 holes. The putts added up on the back to bring him in at (98).
Brody Austin (101) & Aiden Henry (120) also had some fantastic shots but the quick greens added to their scores. Great Work, Falcons!
Pentwater varsity softball finished off their conference season with a doubleheader against the Mesick Bulldogs. Both teams' offenses were loud, as each team went back and forth with clutch and hard-hit balls. In game one, Karina Olivarez led the Falcons' charge with a shot down the line in the first that went all the way to the fence. She added a double in the second and roped singles in both the fourth and fifth innings to go 4-4 in game one. Lauren Davis added two of her own singles in both the fourth and sixth innings. Aubrie Adams had the highlight of game one as she drove a ball deep to right center, coming all the way around to score. Unfortunately, injuries forced a number of Falcons into new positions, and a number of mental mistakes proved costly as they were not able to hit their way into the lead. Bulldogs 12, Falcons 8.
Game two echoed the first match as Pentwater was able to drive in runs, but unforced errors proved to be too much. Amelia Barter lined two singles and Alazae Acevedo put the pressure on by reaching safely in all four plate appearances. Grace Riggs and Alyssa Shafer both had their own RBI doubles, putting the pressure on the Bulldogs. The Falcons were not able to keep their momentum, as the bats for the Bulldogs and a few missed defensive opportunities cost the Falcons the game. Bulldogs 16, Falcons 10.
Game two echoed the first match as Pentwater was able to drive in runs, but unforced errors proved to be too much. Amelia Barter lined two singles and Alazae Acevedo put the pressure on by reaching safely in all four plate appearances. Grace Riggs and Alyssa Shafer both had their own RBI doubles, putting the pressure on the Bulldogs. The Falcons were not able to keep their momentum, as the bats for the Bulldogs and a few missed defensive opportunities cost the Falcons the game. Bulldogs 16, Falcons 10.
Class of 2026 Graduate Highlight: Bayden Stein is the son of Chris and Elizabeth Stein. Brayden plans to attend WyoTech for automotive in June. Brayden's future plans are to open his own shop one day. Well done, Brayden, fuel your passion! "Every car has a heartbeat!" - Author unknown
Class of 2026 Graduate Highlight: Alden Grondsma is the son of Barb Grondsma and John Grondsma. Alden plans on doing a variety of things including psychology, art, music, etc. His goal is to make a change to people's lives and settle down somewhere. Congratulations, Alden, "Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it." - Albert Schweitzer
Class of 2026 Graduate Highlight: Jacobo Martin is the son of Marivi Fernandez de Mera Diaz and Hernando Martin. His host parents are Samuel Mitchell and Elizabeth Lovegrove. Jacobo plans to study at UPM in Madrid in physics and then earn a master's degree in astrophysics. "People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion." - Albert Einstein
Class of 2026 Graduate Highlight: Wyatt Roberts is the son of Sierra Roberts. Wyatt plans on joining the Army and proudly serving this country by becoming a part of the 75th Ranger Regiment, also known as the US Army Rangers. Thank you for your service, Wyatt! "Rangers lead the way"
Our students participated in Community Pride Day on Friday, 5/15; this is our 21st year! Students are required to accrue 40 community pride hours by the time of graduation and we host one day per year where you can see our students at Charles Mears State Park, the VFW Hall, Channel Lane Park, the township cemetery, various village gardens as well as some private homes doing yard work and cleaning!
The Pentwater middle school track team competed at their very last meet for the season on May 13 in Custer at the MCE Medal Meet. There were 13 personal bests, 6 first place finishes, 17 medals earned, and 2 school records broken! These incredible humans really shined!
Congratulations to Evie Bouye for breaking her own middle school record in the 1600 meter run, and Ayla Kokx for breaking her own middle school record in the Pole Vault!
-1st Place (Medal):
Evie Bouye - 1600m Run 6:34.66 (PB) *School Record*
Karoline Slotegraaf - Long Jump 13’ 2” (PB)
4x200m Relay (Khloe Vangunst, Lauren Macher, Maple Prescott, Karoline Slotegraaf) 2:14.64
-2nd Place (Medal):
Maple Prescott - Long Jump 12’ 4” (PB)
4x100m Relay (Khloe Vangunst, Evie Bouye, Maple Prescott, Karoline Slotegraaf) 1:04.54
Lauren Macher - 70m Dash 10.34 (PB)
Evie Bouye - 800m Run 3:19.41
Khloe Vangunst - 200m Dash 32.38 (PB)
Lauren Macher - High Jump 4’ 0”
Ayla Kokx - Pole Vault 6’ 6” (PB) *School Record*
-3rd Place (Medal):
Ayla Kokx - 800m Run 3:21.81
-4th Place:
Porter Jaeb - Long Jump 12’ 5” (PB)
Chi Jeruzal - 400m Dash 1:13.82 (PB)
Valerie Smith - 1600m Run 7:37.77 (PB)
-5th Place:
Anderson Barter - Shot Put 19’ 11” (PB)
Chi Jeruzal - 800m Run 3:04.68
Valerie Smith - 800m Run 3:35.84
-6th Place:
Porter Jaeb - 400m Dash 1:30.09
Porter Jaeb - 70m Dash 11.52 (PB)
-Personal Best:
Anderson Barter - Long Jump 9’ 3” and 70m Dash 12.33
Congratulations to Evie Bouye for breaking her own middle school record in the 1600 meter run, and Ayla Kokx for breaking her own middle school record in the Pole Vault!
-1st Place (Medal):
Evie Bouye - 1600m Run 6:34.66 (PB) *School Record*
Karoline Slotegraaf - Long Jump 13’ 2” (PB)
4x200m Relay (Khloe Vangunst, Lauren Macher, Maple Prescott, Karoline Slotegraaf) 2:14.64
-2nd Place (Medal):
Maple Prescott - Long Jump 12’ 4” (PB)
4x100m Relay (Khloe Vangunst, Evie Bouye, Maple Prescott, Karoline Slotegraaf) 1:04.54
Lauren Macher - 70m Dash 10.34 (PB)
Evie Bouye - 800m Run 3:19.41
Khloe Vangunst - 200m Dash 32.38 (PB)
Lauren Macher - High Jump 4’ 0”
Ayla Kokx - Pole Vault 6’ 6” (PB) *School Record*
-3rd Place (Medal):
Ayla Kokx - 800m Run 3:21.81
-4th Place:
Porter Jaeb - Long Jump 12’ 5” (PB)
Chi Jeruzal - 400m Dash 1:13.82 (PB)
Valerie Smith - 1600m Run 7:37.77 (PB)
-5th Place:
Anderson Barter - Shot Put 19’ 11” (PB)
Chi Jeruzal - 800m Run 3:04.68
Valerie Smith - 800m Run 3:35.84
-6th Place:
Porter Jaeb - 400m Dash 1:30.09
Porter Jaeb - 70m Dash 11.52 (PB)
-Personal Best:
Anderson Barter - Long Jump 9’ 3” and 70m Dash 12.33
Class of 2026 Graduate Highlight: Charlie Swanger is the daughter of James Swanger and Jennifer Swanger. Charlie plans on completing her final year at West Shore Community College and obtain an associate of arts degree. We are proud of you - "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
