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Grand Haven's student publication of community significance since 1927

The Bucs' Blade

Grand Haven's student publication of community significance since 1927

The Bucs' Blade

Grand Haven's student publication of community significance since 1927

The Bucs' Blade

Braillist Becky Karsies finalizes a document after using a braille printer to emboss paper with braille dots. The document helps communicate with visually impaired students and help them learn information in their classes.

Fresh Faces: Becky Karsies

Nathan Burns, Reporter October 18, 2024

Becky Karsies joins the Grand Haven School District with 28 years of experience in special education of all ages, her career inspired by her interactions with the visually impaired in her own high school...

Special education assistant Daneen Tripp helps Elias Rodriguez in the cafeteria get settled for lunch.  " I put a lot of love and patience into all of the kids, " said Tripp.

Fresh Faces: Daneen Tripp

Reegan Cook, Reporter October 7, 2024

How long have you been working in schools? Just over a year. I had been working in a factory for 30+ years and I wanted to try something new. I had an opportunity to work at a private school for autistic...

Teaching assistant Amanda Commons (left) speaks to students in Xavier Golden's Adaptive Art class. She can be found working in multiple special education classrooms during the day.

Fresh Faces: Amanda Commons

Morgan Butcher, Reporter October 4, 2024

Amanda Commons, a Teaching Assistant for Severe Multiple Impairment, is one of the new faces this year at the high school. Special Education has always been something she’s wanted to pursue. How long...

Tiffany VanVelzen familiarizes herself with the College Board system. She is the newest testing coordinator at Grand Haven High School.

Fresh Faces: Tiffany VanVelzen

Ben Guinazzo, Reporter October 3, 2024

Who is your favorite musical artist? I am a huge Foo Fighters fan, but it's hard to pick a favorite What is your pet peeve? When I feel like my time is being wasted, I get very anxious. I like...

Premier substitute teacher Andrew Belsito explains the instructions Brooke Smeckert left for her public speaking class. "When I was in high school, I asked myself, what am I going to be doing with my life and teaching was the main thing I gravitated towards," said Belsito.

Fresh Faces: Andrew Belsito

Reegan Cook, Reporter October 2, 2024

Andrew Belsito is a new Premier sub at Grand Haven High School. Premier subs stay in the building and cover for teachers who get sick at the last minute or cannot find a sub.  How long have you been...

Meet Leslie Smies, our new intensive resource teacher at GHHS. With her passion for education and innovative approach, she’s ready to support and inspire every student in her classroom.

Fresh Faces: Leslie Smies

Mara Bessinger, Reporter October 2, 2024

Leslie Smies is our school's newest intensive resource teacher. She supports students with different gifts and abilities in her classroom, helping them to become the best versions of themselves. Favorite...

Mr. Golden reviews student work. He’s the newest art teacher at Grand Haven Highschool

Fresh Faces: Xavier Golden

Ben Guinazzo, Reporter October 1, 2024

Who is your favorite musical artist? Tom Lehrer and also Jimmy Buffet. What is your pet peeve? Students not putting phones in the cell phone caddy. What are you doing when you are out of school? Out...

Emily Savalox throws candy to a student for winning a spanish Kahoot. Savalox is incredibly expressive and it shows in her teaching style.

Fresh Faces: Emily Savalox

Peter Ver Duin, Editor October 1, 2024

Emily Savalox is the newest Spanish teacher at Grand Haven High School. While she has been teaching Spanish at Lakeshore for the last four years, this is her first year teaching at the High School at the...

Freshman DeAnthony Mendoza presents to fellow classmates Karl Hopkins and Sky Sibley as well as assistant teacher Amy Jeltema.

Fresh Faces: Amy Jeltema

Morgan Butcher, Reporter October 1, 2024

Amy Jeltema is the school’s newest research  room teacher. Residing in room 1108, education has always been on her mind. How long have you been teaching/working in schools? So I graduated from...

Teaching assistant Dustin Parlin attentively stands in the back of Mr. Russell’s biology class ready to help. Parlin’s presence helps both the students and teachers throughout the year.

Fresh Faces: Dustin Parlin

Nathan Burns, Reporter October 1, 2024

Grand Haven High School warmly welcomes its newest teaching assistant, Dustin Parlin, a former United States Army soldier. His love for history and skills in leading others brings a new perspective to...

Fresh Faces: Jeremy Kleine Deters

Fresh Faces: Jeremy Kleine Deters

James M. Beahan, Reporter October 1, 2024

Jeremy Kleine Deters is a new teaching assistant working around the school. He’s currently serving in the National Guard and has been in various other positions such as working as a diesel mechanic....

Fresh Faces: Zach Martinie

Fresh Faces: Zach Martinie

James M. Beahan, Reporter September 29, 2024

Deputy Zach Martinie has recently been assigned to work in GHHS. He can be seen holding the doors open on most mornings before school and occasionally in the halls. Who is your favorite musical artist? Zach...

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