Watervliet Schools superintendent Kevin Schooley named Parade Grand Marshal
Independence Celebration is Saturday & Sunday
By Kristy Noack
SCHOOLEY GETS GRAND HONOR… Watervliet Public Schools’ Superintendent Kevin Schooley was selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2016 Independence Weekend Celebration Parade. The parade will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 and travel along Main Street in downtown Watervliet.
The Watervliet Business Association members announced Kevin Schooley, Superintendent of Watervliet Public Schools, has been tapped to perform the Grand Marshal duties in Saturday’s Independence Celebration Parade. When informed he was selected as the Grand Marshal, Schooley said, “I am honored. I was floored. I asked Tom Gear [WBA member] a couple of times ‘Are you sure?’ I’m sure there are way more impactful people to Watervliet. I was humbled, flattered, embarrassed, all that stuff. I don’t deal with flattery very well. But, I am honored that [they] would think of me. I have never really pictured myself in that role, so it is an honor to have a group of people who want to recognize your contributions to a community and specifically the kids.” As far as “impact” goes, Schooley is felt throughout Watervliet city, township, and schools. He oversees a staff of seven administrators including five principals and athletic and curriculum directors, as well as a student population of 1,433. In some way, shape, or form, he touches the lives of thousands of families. Amy Loshbough, WBA member said, “During our Grand Marshal selection, Mr. Schooley’s name was mentioned. My immediate thought was, ‘What an awesome educator/administrator. He was instrumental in my children’s life as their principal in elementary school as he was to so many other children, and I can’t think of a better representative of our overall festival.” Schooley originally hails from Corunna, Michigan, and he graduated from Corunna High School. He attended Western Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in special education. He also earned a masters degree from Grand Valley State University. Schooley began his career in education as a teacher in Bay City in 1990. He then taught in the Fowlerville school district before accepting a position at Watervliet’s North Elementary where he taught for nine years. In 1998, Schooley accepted the position of principal at North Elementary. “I think a great character trait is the ability to listen and learn. That’s what I did. I have had many good mentors through the years that have helped me become a school leader – some of these mentors were colleagues, others were parents, and some were kids,” Schooley stated. Schooley applied for and was selected as the Superintendent of the Watervliet school district six years ago. “The time has flown by and I have enjoyed the kids, the families, and our WPS staff. We have a good thing here in Watervliet. We are by no means perfect, but we have people who care, are willing to work, and genuinely want what is best for the kids.”The last few years have been especially busy for Schooley as he has been implementing Phase 1 and Phase 2 construction bond projects which will improve the education experience for children and teachers throughout the district. In 2012, according to Schooley, a need was recognized that district-wide improvements would be beneficial. Through community forum discussions, a $61 million master plan was developed. Of that plan, Schooley said the project was whittled down to the core needs of the district, which came in two phases.Phase 1 construction totaled $9 million and included new construction, technology improvements, and building upgrades at North and South elementary schools. Phase 1 was completed on time and just under budget.Phase 2 construction began in April at the high and middle schools. New construction, technology upgrades, improved athletic fields, and new bus loops will be the end result of the $13 million phase later this year. Schooley is quick to share the successes of the bond projects with those around him. “Being the Superintendent, I’m just part of a team. Yes, I hold people accountable, I provide direction. But, I’m part of a team. Watervliet is a great district with a great Board [of Education] and great people.”As for the best part of the job, Schooley credits having an impact on a larger scale: “You get to build relationships and I think that’s the best part of the job.”Schooley resides in South Haven and is married to his high school sweetheart, Lori. “I couldn’t do this job without her support at home. She is an amazing mom and keeps me pretty grounded,” Schooley commented. The Schooley’s have three children: Nick, 18; Jackson, 17; and Katherine, 14. Schooley commented, “I have to spend considerable time away from them for work. I think this helped validate to them that I am trying to help other kids too, and that’s important work.” The parade begins at 1 p.m. and travels through downtown along Main Street.
Veterans Park rededicated before parade
Veterans Park in downtown Watervliet will be rededicated on Saturday in a noon ceremony. VWF Post 6803 veterans will be on hand prior to marching in the parade. The park has undergone renovations recently including new lighting and landscaping. Car show proceeds donated to Veterans Hospital Another great event supporting veterans is the 13th Annual 4th of July car show. Hosted by Arclight Brewery on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the car show honors veterans by donating proceeds from registrations to the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Hospital.
Fun for kids of all ages
The Kids Zone will be full of inflatables, games, and a face painting station. Snow cones and popcorn will be available for purchase, with proceeds being given to the WBA for next year’s festival.
Kids in the Mud runs; Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker
July 4X4 mud runs will be held at the old high school property located in the southwest corner of Red Arrow Highway and Main Street. Check out the mud-flinging fun! The first run will be a open-registration stock Power Wheels run for the kids. Exhibition runs will be at 5:00 and 7:30 also on Saturday.
MUDD RUN PREPARATION… July 4X4 Mudd Run organizer Dave Stasiak owner of Kids in the Mudd Off Road Park in Bloomingdale oversees the placement of 20 round hay bales as safety buffers for Saturday’s event at the old high school site on Main St. Drivers of specially equipped trucks will demonstrate their skills plunging through a 100 foot long trough of mud. (TCR photo by Ben Loshbough)
Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker will be crowned Saturday at 11:00 a.m. on the Main stage. Donation boxes located at Frosty Boy, Robert Michael Salon, B&B Outlet, and Hardings in Coloma will be pulled tomorrow, July 1, so you still have time to vote! Music to your ears Bands will play during Saturday afternoon and evening shows. Stop out and listen to the Zap, Us, and Freshwater bands as well as 7 Reasons and Darling Down. Check the 4th of July schedule for current show times and locations. Hooterville Hitters at Hays Park, followed by fireworks The House of David Echoes will be welcomed to Hays Park by your own local vintage baseball team, the Hooterville Hitters. Harkening to a time gone by, the baseball game will be played according to 1858 rules. The first pitch will be tossed at 6:30 Saturday evening. Joining the Hitters is former Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McClain. McClain will stick around for the game and to sign autographs. Following the action on the diamond, stick around for the fantastic fireworks which will hit the sky at 10:30 p.m. The Watervliet Rec Council will have the concession stand open for business during both events. Food and Farmers Market Grab a bite to eat or a cool drink at one of the many food vendors locate downtown during the festival. A farmers market is also on tap for Saturday and will be located on Main Street, in the grass lot just south of the Urban Peddler building. Don’t miss the pancake breakfasts available Saturday and Sunday. The Watervliet Fire Department will host theirs beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday. The airport will be the site of breakfast on Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to noon.
Duck Tickets, get your Duck Tickets
The duck race at Mill Creek in Flaherty Park will be hopping on Sunday at 2 p.m. You still have time to get your $5 duck tickets. First duck through the chute wins his owner $1,000 cash. Thirty winners will be pulled. As always, the final duck through the chute will win its owner a free ticket in next year’s race. You can purchase your tickets through most downtown businesses as well as any Watervliet Rec. Council member. Tickets will even be sold on race day prior to 2 p.m.
More Red, White, and Blue fun!
More events are on tap for this year’s celebration. Downtown businesses will take part in a decorating contest. The Gene Bednarowski 5k walk and run will kick off at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Hybrid Pro Wrestling event will take place at 8:00 on Saturday for fun in the squared circle. You can also find cardio drumming, a Zumba class, a CPR demonstration, a tug-of-war battle between Coloma and Watervliet fire departments, as well as the ping pong ball drop at the airport on Sunday. Also check out the Tri County champion Force Cheer, evangelist Will Jones, the community worship service, and the patriotic pinwheel craft at the district library. Come celebrate the 4th of July with Watervliet! See the official celebration line-up on page 8
Watervliet Airport Fly-In opens Saturday with steak fry Enjoy the fun of flight, family, food and friends!
The Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) chapter 585, based at the Watervliet Municipal Airport, will be hosting its annual July Fly-In celebration with a steak fry from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 2 and a pancake breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Sunday, July 3 at the airport. The Fly-In features appearances of General Aviation airplanes as well as “Experimental” aircraft, weather and availability permitting. The chapter is always busy restoring or building flyable aircraft. The money generated by the Fly-In’s food sales is used to purchase parts necessary to complete classic aircraft restoration building and maintain the airport. All of the work on these projects is done by a team of dedicated volunteers. To learn more on how you can get involved in local aviation just ask any EAA member at the airport when you stop by, or visit www.EAA.org.The airport is located on airport road one half mile north of downtown Watervliet, 1 Block North of Wesco on M-140. Due to safety requirements no pets are allowed at the Fly-In. All aircraft arrivals are dependent upon weather conditions and availability. Sponsored by the Watervliet Municipal Airport and Chapter 585 of the Experimental Aircraft Assn.
Patriotic Pinwheel Craft for all ages before the Watervliet Independence Day Parade, July 2
The North Berrien Historical Museum and the Watervliet District Library invites children and adults of all ages to enjoy a free craft activity before the Watervliet Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Stop by the Watervliet District Library before the parade begins to create your very own patriotic pinwheel to spin and sparkle in the crowd! This is a free, open house style activity, and all materials will be provided – just show up and have fun! Children and their families of all ages are welcome to join! No RSVP is required. For questions, contact the museum at (269) 468-3330 or chelsea@northberrienhistory.org.
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