 Two from the Cloud QB squad
White Cloud Splashes Victories at Swim N Win! by Coach Stephen Smith Splish splashing into quiz bowl action over the weekend, the White Cloud Varsity Quiz Bowl team competed at the Swim N’ Win Tournament held at Kalamazoo Christian High School on December 7, 2024. The invitational featured 24 teams hailing from Michigan and Indiana. The White Cloud Indians posted a record of 5-3 against high caliber teams with experience at both the state and national level. While the team finished in 7th place overall, the Indians were 2nd place amongst Class C-D squads, qualifying for NAQT Nationals yet again in the process. In morning pool play, the quintessential quartet vanquished DeWitt A 230-65, triumphed over White Pigeon D 180-20, and dismantled Roscommon 205-120. The courageous contingent faltered against St Joseph A (IN) (135-220), but bounced back, trouncing Kalamazoo Christian B (155-90). Pool time in the afternoon matches started with a victory against St. Joseph B (235-125). The energetic ensemble unfortunately fell to a dominant Traverse City Central A squad and to a resurgent Holland A lineup to conclude the tournament. Nonetheless, the terrific team amassed an impressive 1,340 points for the competition and is continuing to build into a force to be reckoned with in the future. In a whirlpool of scoring, Senior Captain Wyatt Karnes soaked the competition with an impressive 205 points, which led the team. Jarrett Warlick unleashed a tidal surge of 195 points, drenching the competition in yet another standout performance. Liam Povey provided a steady current of points with 90, keeping the team afloat during crucial rounds. Mason D’Lamater splashed in with 70 points, providing an amazingly well-balanced team effort for the outing. Look to see the formidable foursome back in action next year at the Mitten Cup II held in Mt. Pleasant and the CSAA League starting on January 15, 2025. The team would like to thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie and Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, parents, staff, donors, and all the good people in the community for their support as well. Cloud Battles at Spartan Harvest Throwdown by Coach Stephen Smith Continuing to ferociously attack any level of quiz bowl opposition, the White Cloud Varsity combatants ventured to yet another autumnal clash on Saturday, November 23, 2024. The Spartan Harvest Throwdown, held under the auspices of Michigan State University’s Academic Competition, featured 28 top-tier programs and 118 exceptional players, hailing from across the state of Michigan. With enthusiasm unknown to mankind, the Indians (6-4) battled all day and night in preparation for conference, state, and national contests. In the morning rounds, the “quizessential” quintet experienced considerable success against tremendously talented teams. Snapping off three consecutive victories, the fearsome foursome dispatched DeWitt C (280-210), dominated Brethren (325-75), and triumphed over Kalamazoo Christian B in a tightly contested battle (190-180). Okemos C outlasted the Indians in a close game (240-250) to round out the morning matches. Maneuvering into the afternoon session, White Cloud’s contingent faltered against John Adams B and Grosse Pointe South, who finished second overall in the tournament. In a thrilling comeback, the incredible Indians defeated Detroit Catholic Central D on the final question with a result of 195-185. As the academic throwdown moved into the evening, the exuberant ensemble picked up a victory against Ludington A. The valiant victors showcased their stamina and endurance in the late stages of the tournament by avenging their early morning loss to Okemos C with a win (185-65). The sole defeat for the mighty Cloud warriors was against Williamston B (90-190). The hardship of defeat will undoubtedly lead to more success in the future at state and national competitions. Nevertheless, White Cloud remained the highest rated Class C-D team in the invitational with a 14th place finish. Looking at the exploits of individual players, the sensational squad was led by senior Jarrett Warlick, who unloaded in a scoring barrage of 330 points, earning himself accolades as the 18th overall scorer. Exhibiting yet another quality outing for himself, Captain Wyatt Karnes blasted out 205 points, placing 41st out of 118 performers. Contributing a healthy portion, Liam Povey popped off 110 points. Mason D’Lamater fired up 50 points, and Brian Loveless capped off 15, as the pair platooned in the fourth spot on the gallant group. Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to specifically thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, assistant coaches Arnie Baker, Kiranna Reynolds, and Cameron Karnes and Dallas Dowling. In addition, the team would like to extend their gratitude to all the parents, teachers, staff, administrators, donors, and community members who support the team. Without you, none of the team’s success would be possible. The White Cloud Varsity players will be back in action Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Kalamazoo Christian for the Swim N’ Win Tournament.
0 Comments
 L to R: GADL Staff Stephanie Inglehart, Jessica Hunt, Great Start Staff Sara Loss, Christina Yuhasz, Karen Clark  VanFossen Family: Savannah, Tristan & Oliander “We think that the Story Walk is a great idea to help active kids focus on reading. They can walk and read the story at the same time. We plan to come back as a family to see the new stories when they come.” On Monday, November 25th, the Newaygo County Great Start Collaborative (GSC) dedicated its first permanent Story Walk at the Grant Area District Library. Despite the cold and rainy weather, several families, staff and Great Start Collaborative partners gathered to celebrate the first of many stories to be featured at this location. “A Story Walk is a way to combine physical activity with literacy. It is an innovative way to get people of all ages out walking while reading children’s books. Pages of a book are transformed into signs that are then displayed out on a walking path guiding children and families through an interactive and engaging reading experience set against a natural backdrop. The goal of the project is to help build children’s interest in reading while encouraging healthy outdoor activity for both adults and children,” states Great Start Coordinator, Karen Clark The Story Walk project is one of the strategies of the Great Start Collaborative’s work plan and commitment to promoting literacy, family engagement, and physical activity for local families with children birth to age eight. Members of the GSC’s early literacy committee, including former GADL children’s librarian Shelly Patterson, were integral in the planning of this project. There were 18 viewing displays purchased to showcase stories throughout the year. They are made of recycled rubber, weather resistant, and made to last many years. All the displays are angled and placed low to the ground for easy viewing for children of all ages. GADL’s new children’s librarian, as of November, Stephanie Inglehart, is excited about her role at the library and the addition of the Story Walk. “We at GADL are all very excited for this opportunity to bring a Story Walk installation to our community. Families are encouraged to stop by and explore the installation while reading a story together. Stories will be changed periodically so stop in and see what’s new. Families are reminded to regularly check the GADL website, www.grantlibrary.net, for updated information regarding both the Story Walk and programming and events at the library.” Jessica Hunt, GADL Director - “We would like to thank the Great Start Collaborative for purchasing these quality displays that will last many years, and to Artisan Building and Design for volunteering their time to install the displays free of charge.” Monday’s event featured the book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. Attendees walked the property grounds of the Grant Area District Library and were visited by a friendly bear along the way. They also received free copies of the book, as well as enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa. The GSC also has several temporary Story Walk books that can be set up for a day or two at locations, such as preschools, childcare centers, libraries, parks, and/or events. They are installed using metal yard sign frames. Recently, the GSC provided Story Walks to NCRESA’s Building Bridges preschools for family literacy nights and the Great Start Halloween Walk. “This project will have a big impact on the community. It is promoting literacy, physical activity, and family engagement.” Phil Green, Senior Program Officer, TrueNorth Community Services. “If our GSC continues to receive literacy funds through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP), our plan is to purchase at least one permanent Story Walk per year to be placed in great walking locations throughout the county,” states Clark. “We are currently looking into new locations and enthusiastic partners in this project.” If you are that enthusiastic partner or are interested in learning more about other early literacy initiatives, such as Talking is Teaching and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, please reach out to Karen Clark at 231-652-3604 or [email protected]. If you are interested in learning about more family friendly literacy activities and events, follow the Newaygo County Great Start Family Coalition Facebook page. The Story Walk is a project of the Newaygo County Great Start Collaborative, overseen by NCRESA. Funding was provided by a grant through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. Additional Info. The Benefits of a Story Walk Story Walk provides early literacy opportunities to young children. Sharing the reading of a Story Walk book stimulates and fosters the development of strong listening and speaking skills. Story Walk also helps to build a child’s vocabulary which is important to thinking and learning. Developing early literacy skills leads to better preparation for school. Story Walk provides a teaching moment for a child’s first teacher – their family. Children and their families can read the book together then discuss the text, illustrations and meaning of a great book. Many Story Walk books have a theme: kindness, anyone can make a difference in someone’s life, a love for nature, accepting differences, and more. Story Walk provides a wonderful avenue for outreach and collaboration. Story Walk is a tool to bring the library out to the community with the goal of increasing visibility of the library. Some people may experience Story Walk at a school or park and never walk into the library. Story Walk may be the gateway for people to come to the library.  Families enjoyed snacks, crafts, and storytime before heading outside to the Story Walk.
 Children reading their personal copies of the story as they walk along the Story Walk. |
Archives
January 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed