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.
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.
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.
