ASM Undergraduate Research Fellowship awarded to Ryan Kibler

 The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has selected Ryan Kibler, 2013 graduate of Watervliet High School and senior at the University of Michigan as a 2016 award recipient of the ASM Undergraduate Research Fellowship. He is the son of Watervliet residents, Bruce and Laurie Kibler. Ryan has an older brother, Eric who is a 2010 graduate of WHS and a 2014 graduate of Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

This fellowship is aimed at highly competitive students who wish to pursue graduate careers (Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) in microbiology. Fellows have the opportunity to conduct full-time summer research at their home institution with an ASM mentor and present their research results at the 2017 ASM Microbe Meeting in New Orleans, LA if their abstract is accepted.

This year, eighty-five applications were received and forty-two were awarded. Of the forty-two awardees, thirty students are from research and doctoral granting universities and twelve students are from undergraduate and masters’ granting institutions.

Dr. Nicole Koropatkin from the University of Michigan is Ryan Kibler’s mentor and employer since the fall of 2014. The title of the research project is: Structure/function analysis of pullulanases from Ruminococcus bromii, a primary degrader of resistant starch in the human gut.

The American Society for Microbiology is the largest single life science society, composed of over 48,000 scientists and health professionals. ASM’s mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.

After graduation in the spring Ryan is pursuing a Ph.D in the subject of protein development.

HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL’S “STUDENTS OF THE WEEK”… for the week of December 12 – 16, pictured (from the left): 9th Grade – Brianna Morseau, student of Cheryl Morseau; 10th Grade – Noah Wade, student of Shanna Wade; 11th Grade – Madison Garland, student of Brian Gar-land & Holly Garland; 12th Grade – Joshua Phillips, student of Mike & Shannon Phillips. To become a “Student of the Week”, students are nominated by teachers or staff for doing something positive. For example: getting a good grade on tests or homework, doing well in class participation or just being a kind person to another. Selected students will receive a certificate, their picture taken & posted in the HS front lobby showcase for the week and in the Tri-City Record newspaper. At the end of the school year, all Students of the Week names will be entered in a drawing for some cool prizes, treats or gift cards. Congratulations to these “Students of the Week” and keep up the great work!

Watervliet Public Schools Calendar of Events

Wednesday, December 28

JV girls basketball at Holiday Tournament in Hartford vs. Hartford, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 29

JV girls basketball at Holiday Tournament in Hartford vs. White Pigeon, 1:00 p.m.; Varsity girls basketball at Holiday Tournament vs. Hartford at Watervliet, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, December 30

Varsity Wrestling at Shamrock Invitational, Berrien Springs, 9:00 a.m.; Varsity girls at Holiday Tournament at Home, 5:30 or 7:15 p.m. (depending on Thursday results)

Graduation announcement

 Nicole Ashley Winter, a 2013 graduate of Watervliet High School, is graduating magna cum laude with a 3.97 GPA from Calvin College in Grand Rapids this December with a Strategic Communications major and an English Literature minor.

She plans to work in Grand Rapids in nonprofit communications as a content creator and brand manager. Winter has spent time in the last year interning at Eastown Community Association, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and 834 Design and Marketing. She also spent a semester studying communications and British Literature in York, England. She is the daughter of Jim and Heather Winter of Coloma.

THESE “KUTE KIDS” are… Nicholas Postelli, Dominic Vanderboegh, Sophia Vanderboegh, Schuyler Frech, and Henry Frech. They are the grandchildren of Michael Postelli and Jean Postelli, Birney & Irma Vanderboegh, and Hank & Reda Frech.

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1-3 p.m. “WINTER TIME TRAVELERS” free kid’s program at North Berrien Historical Museum. Call 269-468-3330 for more information.

Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-6 a.m. “NEW YEAR’S EVE LOCK-IN” held by the Class of 2018 for WHS students grade 9-12. Tickets are on sale Dec. 12-20 for $10. Contact Candice Kinzler at 269-325-6970 or Senica Smith at 269-876-2117 for more information.

Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon “BREAKFAST” at the Coloma Rod & Gun Club.

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. “STORY HOUR” at Coloma Public Library for preschool aged children accompanied by an adult. No sign-up or fee required. For questions, call 468-3431.

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. “STORY HOUR” at Watervliet District Library for 3-5 year olds. Sign-up required, call 463-6382 for information.

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. “TINY TOTS LEGO STORYTIME” at Hartford Public Library for children four and younger. Every week during the school year.

Thursdays 6 p.m.–10 p.m. “Trap shooting” at the Coloma Rod & Gun Club.

Third Monday of every month, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. “FOOD BANK” at Central Assembly of God, 6801 Ryno Rd., Coloma, 468-8422.