Category Archives: Award Winners

May 16 2013

Sound the Trumpets: Prestigious Honors Go to JHS’ Mr. Zamborsky & Mr. Scott

If you thought that brackets and championships were just for March Madness, you’d be wrong. Because while Mr. Zamborsky and Mr. Scott didn’t shoot hoops for these awards, the stakes and the honor that go along with them are just as high, and the applause from the crowd is just as loud.

We are thrilled to share that earlier this month, both Orchestra teacher Dan Scott and Band teacher Dave Zamborsky received word that they had been nominated by their peers and elected as District 10 Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Teachers of the Year! 

Jenison Public Schools, Dave Zamborsky, Dan Scott, MSBOA Awards

There are sixteen MSBOA districts in the State of Michigan, and Jenison lands in district 10 which is comprised of roughly 150-200 schools spanning from Northern Allegan to Lowell.

To draw a comparison between music education and athletics, these districts could be thought of as the OK Conferences for music. One distinguishing factor in this situation, however, is that our directors were identified as outstanding by their peers, and voted on to win Teachers of the Year.

“For me, that’s what means the most. I’m really flattered to have been chosen by my colleagues,” said Mr. Scott.

“Winning these accolades speaks volumes about the reputation of Jenison’s program,” added Mr. Zamborsky.

Pushing the significance of this honor to greater heights is the fact that no two teachers from the same school have ever won before! In fact, there are some districts in Michigan (typically the smaller ones) that vote only to honor either one band or one orchestra teacher, but not both.

This year changed everything when the MSBOA members voted to recognize the work of both a band and an orchestra instructor – and both from the same high school. This has never happened before!

“This award really highlights the well-roundedness of our entire program, both in band and in orchestra,” noted Mr. Zamborsky.

Moving forward, winners from all sixteen districts will go to the “state finals” on June 3, where three finalists from each category will be chosen to be presented to the MSBOA membership in the fall. Then, from December 2013 to January 2014, these same members will vote on one orchestra and one band teacher to be recognized –not just as superior in their district – but as exemplary in the state.  Results of the final voting will be made public on January 14, 2014.

If Mr. Zamborsky and Mr. Scott earn this recognition from their peers, they will have the opportunity to conduct the All-State Honors Band and Orchestra at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May 2014.

Please join me in congratulating these men on this unprecedented achievement! We are so lucky to have them both leading Jenison’s music program!

Aug 9 2012

JPS Art Programs Win Gold

During a summer of Olympic excitement, the eyes of the world are turned to television screens everywhere, counting gold medals and rooting for the stars and stripes. What we may not realize is that gymnasts and sprinters aren’t the only hopefuls when it comes to winning.

Artists also compete, and over the past few years, Jenison has consistently been on the podium holding gold. To showcase the accomplishments of students from elementary school through senior high, teachers Emily Derusha and Lindsay Moynihan compiled the video you’ll see below. From Art Prize to Art Moves, our award-winning programs pull away from the crowd!

Just as athletes have multiple types and levels of competition, Jenison art students are involved with a variety of competitions each year:

  • MAEA (Michigan Art Education Association)
  • Region and State Show
  • Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
  • Debut Show at the Holland Area Arts Council
  • Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids
  • our own JPS Art Moves

Judging at each of these competitions involves an adjudication process under the trained eyes of professional judges. A “passing score” moves the piece onward and upward, eventually culminating in the work begin displayed at a gallery or museum with a full reception for the artist and his or her parents, family, and friends.

Mrs. Moynihan, an MAEA liaison, says that winning moments at galleries and museums, while applause-worthy, are only part of the story. The “small wins” she sees in her classroom on a daily basis begin when students who don’t think they’re “good at anything” begin to express an interest in art.

“I’m so passionate about the visual arts and feel so fortunate to be a part of such a strong program with amazing art educators. I’m just proud to be part of a program that is so supportive of the visual arts.”

Congrats to all the artists and teachers who so beautifully represent the Jenison Public Schools art program! For a complete list of competitions and winners from the 2011-2012 school year, please click HERE.

Jul 19 2012

JHS Teachers Honored at Jostens’ Annual Leadership Conference

You may not know that Jostens, a company probably best known for class rings and yearbooks, is also an active and passionate participant in the efforts of schools working to better connect and affirm students as they journey through their high school education.

You also may not know that Jenison High School is a Jostens “Renaissance” School, meaning teachers are taking the challenge to step out of boxes and move beyond walls to recognize, encourage, and support kids.

And our teachers are doing it well.

So well, in fact, that this year two them, Mrs. Tracy Mossburger and Mrs. Julie Roby, won the coveted and nationally awarded  “Rockstar” Award from Jostens to highlight their strides they’ve taken to build leaders and applaud students who are doing the right thing every day. The award is a nod to two women who work tirelessly to promote inclusion and put kids in the spotlight. Part of the award included a trip to this year’s conference in Orlando with members of the JHS student congress as well as other school leaders.

*All photos this week courtesy of Mrs. Roby and Mrs. Mossburger

Jostens challenges teachers, principals, and other school leaders to consider this question:

“Who receives the most recognition in your schools? Your top athletes? Your top scholars? Students with recurring discipline problems? The answer is probably yes. But what about everyone else? Think about the students who walk through the halls every day, unrecognized, practically anonymous. How would their lives change and how would your school change if they were given a chance to be in the spotlight?” (quote taken from Jostens’ website)

Members of JHS’ student congress had the opportunity to learn about leadership and recognition while at the Jostens conference.

One of the ways Mrs. Mossburger and Mrs. Roby answered that question was by awarding a “Best Seat in the House” during home basketball games. Students earned the right to sit on huge overstuffed chairs positioned on special platforms rather than on gym bleachers; they were definitely in the spotlight! They also awarded premier parking spots and helped to recognize students in other ways throughout the year.

Mrs. Mossburger and Mrs. Roby note that the Renaissance program has made a notable impact in the atmosphere at school. Mrs. Mossburger shared,

“Since the conference last year, I have noticed higher student participation in events.  I have also felt as though there is a better attitude amongst the student body as a whole.  I also noticed that as students realized that there were more student focused improvement ideas happening they wanted to share thoughts and ideas.  Getting and keeping the kids connected through participation and positive attitude is a huge part of Jostens Renaissance.”

Mrs. Roby added that it’s not only the students who are benefitting — staff and faculty are catching the spark as well:

“We had great responses from support staff, secretaries and other support personnel as we included everyone in our “Staffulty” to be a part of Renaissance and recognition/events in the building.  We did not ask Staffulty for anything at the beginning on the year, but by the end of the year they were approaching us and helped with several events voluntarily.  The feeling of being a part of something big is contagious!”

Congratulations to these outstanding teachers and student advocates, and to the entire staff and administration at Jenison High School!
May 31 2012

Jenison Junior High Honor’s Night Award Winners

One of the best parts of being in education is, without a doubt, the privilege of witnessing kids hit their stride and excel both as learners and as people. The Jenison Junior High Honor’s Night is one of those events where the spotlight gets to land on so many kids that you can’t help but feel proud. Whether it’s work ethic or personal best, perfect attendance or terrific academics, the students of Honor’s Night are to be applauded for their pursuit of excellence.

Photo courtesy of Ms. Wendy Hunt

Today we’d like to not only offer our congratulations to all of those recognized, but to give special kudos to a few select kids who stood out in the best way possible.

Maddie Maurice

Maddie Maurice was one recipient of this year’s Exemplary Achievement Award for all-over success in class, as a volunteer, and in extra curricular activities.

Having served in multiple capacities, Maddie has learned that “doing something to help others to make their lives better” is her passion. She has volunteered at the “Golf for a Cure” fundraiser and organized and served at other events benefitting the A-T Children’s Project. Maddie additionally volunteers in the three-year old classroom at her church, pouring into little lives each week.

At school Maddie enjoys several extra curricular activities: Theatre, Yearbook, and Scrapbook Clubs, as well as Student Congress and Teen Leadership. She has already been elected as the Freshmen Class Vice President for next year!

“I love being involved because I want to help others! But also, I enjoy meeting new people and expanding my own personal network.” Congratulations, Maddie on your achievements at JJHS!

Jordan Henning

Jordan Henning was nominated by at least three different teachers and was the standout recipient of this year’s Principal’s Outstanding Educational Improvement Award. This award recognizes students who demonstrate a marked turnaround in grades, behavior, and “overall attitude toward learning and achievement.”

Jordan acknowledges that his junior high career has been a little bumpy, but is really proud to have made the decision to turn things around.

“One day it just hit me that if I keep going the way I’m going, I won’t have the life I want.” 

Jordan combined personal motivation and the support he garnered from teachers like Mrs. Thimm to start making better choices both in school and out of school. He says that he was actually “surprised that Mrs. Thimm took me back as a student because I had been so disrespectful to her and other teachers. But she did, and I could see that all along she was really trying to help me. I learned to respect her for that. It made me want to do better.”

We think Jordan exemplifies second chances and the power that each of us has to chart a new course for our lives. Congratulations, Jordan!

Savannah VanderJagt

Savannah VanderJagt was this year’s recipient of the Above and Beyond Award. Her artistic prowess and positive attitude made her an easy choice for those who nominate students.

Savannah has been the winner of the assignment notebook cover contest for two consecutive years, earning the right to have her art displayed on the covers of every student planner in the junior high! Additionally she is the winner of the Art Purchase Award where she was awarded $50 when the school bought her artwork.

Savannah dreams of one day building a life around her art, whether it be by going to design school or having her own store; the future is uncertain, but the dream to keep creating is sure. Best wishes, Savannah!

Savannah VanderJagt’s award-winning art

Rachel DeBoer

Rachel DeBoer is another deserving recipient of the Exemplary Achievement Award. She is honored to have been nominated because “the teachers say that an overall award like this is a big deal.” She’s right!

Rachel has served her community by working with second grade students at Townline Elementary, and has made hats, scarves, and played bingo with the elderly in her church. She also enjoys baking, and has made and delivered apple pies to the members of her church.

Rachel has additionally participated in three sports during her junior high career: volleyball, basketball, and track, all while keeping her grades at the top of the class.

She credits the influence of several teachers with her success at school, and wishes to thank Mr. Smith for making school fun, and Mrs. Raab for being “easy to understand” and always “happy and in a good mood.”

She goes on to mention the impact that Mr. VanTimmeren had on her as her basketball coach, explaining, “He seems intimidating when you first meet him, but he’s actually just a big teddy bear. He uses quotes to encourage the team and makes each of us want to try harder.”

Rachel plans to choose a career path that would allow her to help others, such as being a doctor or a surgeon, but admits that being an investor or trader sounds fascinating, too.

From our vantage point, the future is hers for the taking! Congrats, Rachel!

We are so proud of these students and wish them best as they continue their journey into high school next fall!