Congratulations to Alexander Decker, Jennifer Fry, and Melinda Forrest on their respective graduations from Western Michigan University. These graduates received funding for coursework through the Michigan Department of Education’s Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own (GYO) Staff Grant awarded to Harper Creek Community Schools.
Alexander Decker received his Master’s degree in Elementary Education and teaches 5th-grade English Language Arts at Harper Creek Middle School.
Jennifer Fry is teaching 2nd grade at Beadle Lake Elementary and received her Master’s degree in Elementary Education.
Melinda Forrest earned her Master’s degree in Special Education, concentrating on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Mrs. Forrest teaches in the ASD classroom at Beadle Lake Elementary.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, the three graduates spoke at the Board of Education (BoE) meeting, sharing how the GYO grant impacted their education and expressing gratitude to those who supported them along the way. The BoE then presented each of them with letters of congratulations.
HCCS received a $3.6 million grant to support HCCS staff in obtaining teaching certificates or adding endorsements at no cost to the grant recipients. Since the program’s launch in the fall of 2023, 30 HCCS staff members are now actively pursuing degrees. Ten current teachers are pursuing master’s degrees and adding endorsements in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, counseling, and English as a second language. Two substitute teachers are earning master’s degrees in Elementary Education and obtaining teaching certificates. Additionally, 18 staff members, including paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and a secretary, are working toward bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and obtaining their teaching certifications.
HCCS recognizes the value of lifelong learning. Each of these graduates has demonstrated a commitment to being part of a school district that prides itself on offering high-quality education to all students. We thank them for the time and effort they put into obtaining their degrees while working full-time, tending to their families, and being active participants in the Harper Creek community. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication and perseverance.
Harper's Unsung Hero- Elizabeth Murphy April 27, 2026
Elizabeth chose teaching as her second career, with her first classroom placement being at Valley View Elementary, the school she attended as a child. She eventually joined her children at Wattles Park Elementary. Like her path to becoming a teacher, her path to becoming a parent was also non-traditional.
Beaveriety is Back! April 9, 2026
After several years away, the Beaveriety Talent Show is returning to Harper Creek, inviting everyone in the community to showcase their skills. With open auditions and a spirit of togetherness, the event aims to celebrate wide-ranging talents while supporting performing arts programs. Auditions will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Harper Creek High School auditorium.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Lindsey Cook March 11, 2026
Lindsey has evolved as an educator, taking on various roles, including early childhood teacher, first-grade teacher, fourth-grade teacher, and virtual English teacher for non-English learners. During and after the pandemic, she began to take on several leadership roles, which eventually led to her transition from teacher to administrator
Harper's Unsung Hero - Lesa Kenney February 18, 2026
Lesa’s passion for music as a child led her to pursue a teaching degree. She was inspired by middle school music teachers and knew that she also wanted to be a music teacher. Although she couldn’t become a music teacher, she still completed her degree at WMU to become a teacher.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Dennis McKeen February 11, 2026
Dennis developed a passion for theater as a student at Battle Creek Central High School. He was fortunate enough to enjoy a long career, writing, acting, and directing shows in various venues. A few years after retiring from the theatre industry, he signed on to be a district sub for Harper Creek. He and our other district subs are of great value to our day-to-day operations, helping out wherever they are needed.
