Reeths-Puffer High School

Valedictorian of the Reeths-Puffer High School Class of 2009 is Jarrod Irwin. Jarrod is the son of James and Jan Irwin. He has a grade point average of 4.00. Jarrod has been involved with the Reeths-Puffer bands, Straight Talk About Tough Stuff, and "Lighthouse," Reeths-Puffer's literary journal. He is a Michigan Competitive Scholar, a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship, earned honorable mention in the literary arts division of West Michigan Student Showcase 2008 and received numerous academic achievement awards. Jarrod plans to attend Aquinas College in the fall, where he has been awarded a full ride, to study English and Writing.

Salutatorian of the Reeths-Puffer High School Class of 2009 is Kristine Stafford. She is the daughter of Dennis and Nora Stafford. She has a grade point average of 4.00. Kristine has been involved in Reeths-Puffer's marching band and wind ensemble, plays in the West Shore Youth Symphony, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is a student leader in her church youth group. She is a Michigan Competitive Scholar, a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship and has received numerous academic achievement awards. Kristine will attend Central Michigan University, where she has been awarded full tuition through the Centralis Gold Award. She plans to study Elementary Education.

Kaitlyn Gordon is graduating number 1 in the Class of 2009. She is the daughter of Doug and Brenda Gordon. She has a grade point average of 4.00. Katie has been involved in marching band, winter drum-line, Close-Up, the National Honor Society, Straight Talk About Tough Stuff, and volunteers for peer tutoring. She is a Michigan Competitive Scholar, a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship and various academic achievement awards. Katie plans to attend Alma College in the fall, where she has been awarded the Distinguished Trustee Summit, Trustee Honors and Pre-Law scholarships. She plans to study Political Science and Bioethics.

Ariel Vida, daughter of John and Annette Vida, is graduating number 5 in the Class of 2009. She has a grade point average of 3.99. Ariel has been active in marching band color-guard, symphonic band, tennis, track, Science Olympiad, the National Honor Society, has performed in the high school theatre productions and musicals and volunteers in many community projects. She is a Michigan Competitive Scholar, a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship and a variety of academic achievement awards. Ariel will attend either Northwestern University or Michigan State University in the fall to pursue a career in Theatre Arts.

Erika Fairfield, daughter of Keith and Debra Fairfield, is graduating number 6 in this year's class with a grade point average of 3.99. Erika is vice president of the senior class, president of S.A.D.D., has been active in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish Club, and Psychology Club. She also has been very involved in marching band and wind ensemble and has played in the pit orchestra for the high school musicals. She is a Michigan Competitive Scholar, a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship, been nominated twice as Student of the Month and received numerous academic achievement awards. Erika will attend the University of Michigan this fall to study Psychology and Spanish with a pre-law emphasis.

Graduating number 7 in the Class of 2009 is Kaitlin Bird. Kaitlin is the daughter of Maureen Bird. She has a grade point average of 3.97. Kaitlin has been involved in marching band, symphonic band, choir, softball, S.A.D.D., Spanish Club, the National Honor Society, and volunteers for peer tutoring and WISH Inc., where she helped construct new homes over the summer. She is a Michigan Competitive Scholar, a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship and numerous academic achievement awards. Kaitlin will attend Muskegon Community College this fall to earn her associate degree then transfer to Grand Valley State University to pursue a career in Physical Therapy.

Joshua Meier is graduating number 7 in this year's class. He is the son of Dave and Patti Meier. Josh has a grade point average of 3.97. He has been involved in football, track and field, the National Honor Society and volunteer peer tutoring. Josh is a Michigan Competitive Scholar, a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship and several academic achievement awards. He will be attending Grand Valley State University before transferring to the University of Michigan to pursue a career in Medicine.

Ashley Port, daughter of Diandra Reschke and Vincent Port, is number 7 in this year's class. She has a grade point average of 3.97. Ashley has been involved in Close-Up, Spanish Club, the Reeths-Puffer choirs, the school paper "R-Point", is vice-president of S.A.D.D., and has done a variety of volunteer work through the National Honor Society and Habitat for Humanity. Ashley is a recipient of numerous academic achievement awards and been chosen as Student of the Month. She plans to attend Western Michigan University this fall to pursue a career in Journalism.

Rachel Harris is graduating 10th in the Class of 2009. She is the daughter of Lee and Nadine Harris. Rachel has a grade point average of 3.97. She has been a Drum Major for the R-P marching band for 3 years, has performed in the high school musicals and theatre, is treasurer for the National Honor Society, and volunteers for peer tutoring. Rachel is a Michigan Competitive Scholar, a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship, attended the Life Leadership Conference through the Muskegon Rotary Club and has received a variety of academic achievement awards. She plans to attend either the University of Michigan or the University of Wisconsin to pursue a career in Medicine.