Harper Creek Community Schools took four bridge-building teams to the 2024 MDOT TRAC Design Bridge Build Challenge. Teams Archnado, I’ve Got 99 Problems But a Bridge Ain’t One, and Arches Unite competed in the ninth and tenth-grade categories. Clever Bridge and The Wonderful Bridges of Oz represented Harper Creek Middle School in the seventh and eighth-grade group.
The MDOT TRAC Design Bridge Build Challenge event was held at the Amway Grand in Grand Rapids. Teams competed against other teams in their grade level. The bridges were judged on their construction and ability to carry a load, an oral presentation, and a business case proposal. Teams received their materials from MDOT TRAC in early December of 2023 and submitted their proposals in late January of 2024.
Thank you to the two advisors, Erica Jenkins and Alissa Renner for giving students of HCCS the opportunity to compete in this challenge that has real-world applications.
Congratulations to the students who participated in the program!
10th grade: Everlyn VanValkenburg, Hannan Lehman, Callie Slayton
9th grade: Nathaniel Lowrie, Ethan Newcomb, Jacob Hernandez, Lilly Kelly, Derek Swalwell, and Eli Morris,
8th grade: Lilly Cook, Isabelle Forrester, Alex Forrester, Bentley Southwell, Joey Klink, Celeste Rose, Katie Ennik
Special shoutout to these students who contributed to the competition, Lucas Atwell, Aiden Duschaine, Myla Slayton, Ella Dutkiewicz, and Taylor Dutkiewicz.
Go to the Michigan Department of Transportation site to learn more about the TRAC program.
It's Time for Countdown to DK/Kindergarten 2026 February 19, 2026
Welcome to Harper Creek Community Schools! Our Developmental Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs offer a safe, caring, and engaging start to your child’s education. We look forward to partnering with you to Educate, Empower, and Equip students for life.
Countdown to Kindergarten is for children who will be attending DK or Kindergarten in the 2026 - 2027 school year. Two sessions will be held at each of the Harper Creek Community Schools' elementary schools. Join us:
Tuesday, March 3, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
and
Tuesday, April 7, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
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.
Harper's Unsung Heroes - Stefanie Howard December 17, 2025
Stefanie attended Harper Creek Schools starting in 1st Grade, all the way through high school graduation. She developed a love for school as a young student at Beadle Lake Elementary. Upon graduation, she started at MSU with hopes of earning a marketing degree, but this didn’t last long. She quickly switched her focus to education. Her teaching career began in Houston, but she would eventually return home.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Matt Bilger December 3, 2025
Matt grew up in the Bilger family, the second of four children. He was different than his siblings, the first in his family to participate in athletics. Through these differences, Matt has been able to find his own niche as a teacher and a coach. He has developed a passion for his career, making an impact on current and former Harper Creek students.
