District Update
A weekly update from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Walled Lake Consolidated School District Update: May 8, 2025
Upcoming Events 📅
- May 5-9: Staff Appreciation Week
- May 8: WLW Pops Concert
- May 12: PTSA Installation and Awards at GMS
- May 14: K-12 Art Show Reception at the Commerce Township Library
- May 14: WLC Pops Concert
- May 20: Half Day for Students | Staff Professional Development
- May 20: Middle School Open House at CHS, SBMS, WCMS
- May 21: WLN Pops Concert
- May 23: Seniors Last Day of School
- May 26: District CLOSED - Memorial Day Observation
Walled Lake Western senior Vidya Vuyyuru was named one of 75 National Merit Scholars from the state of Michigan.
“It was really surprising because I didn’t think of myself as being a National Merit Scholar,” said Vuyyuru. “It was a really rewarding experience, so enlightening and fun to see how much I’ve grown over these four years at Walled Lake Western.”
Vuyyuru was chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 finalists nationwide. The National Merit Scholarship program awards $2,500 scholarships annually to 2,500 students that are judged on a combination of accomplishments, skills and potential success in rigorous college studies.
“I’m really happy because that is a lot of money, and it’s going to help my pay for my college tuition,” added Vuyyuru.
Vuyyuru will study computer science at the University of Michigan in the fall. Currently, she’s a member of National Honor Society, DECA, the Get I.T. Club, Indian American Student Association (IASA), and founded Walled Lake Western’s Math Club. Vuyyuru also works as the building’s technology intern.
Walled Lake Northern’s Matthew Devaney and Walled Lake Western’s Eden Levy were honored on Thursday, April 24, by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) of Michigan at the Jewish Youth Awards.
The NCJW Michigan recognizes exception Jewish high school seniors annually who demonstrate leadership within the Jewish community with scholarship funds. The seniors are judged on a written essay and then five finalists undergo interviews to determine the scholarship winners.
Devaney was selected as the 2025 Jewish Youth Award winner receiving a $2,500 scholarship. Levy was also selected as the runner-up and earned a $1,500 scholarship.
Walled Lake Western junior Kira Havard took down a program record that stood for 50 years last weekend.
Havard ran a blazing fast time of 12.17 seconds in the 100 meter dash at the Brighton Bulldog Invite on April 26, which set a new program record in the event. The previous record of 12.30 seconds was set by Karen Abel back in 1975.
Havard’s time also qualified her for the MHSAA Division 1 State meet on May 31 at East Kentwood High School.
The Walled Lake Central Counseling Department helped students prepare for college by hosting a FAFSA Frenzy for the month of April.
The FAFSA application, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is used to determine students’ eligibility for financial aid from the federal government, state governments, colleges, universities and professional trade programs.
Viking seniors enjoyed two days of free ice cream from Yo Mama’s Treats, participated in weekly Kahoot competitions, attended weekly webinars and had fun with additional lunch time giveaways. Students who completed their FAFSA won prizes such as mini refrigerators, televisions, microwaves, Apple Air Pods, UGG bedding, Stanley and Yeti cups, and much more.
By the end of April, 150 seniors were able to select from prizes totaling over $20,000.
Numbers didn't stand a chance when Superintend of Schools, Dr. Michael Lonze, was on the job at Walled Lake Central on Tuesday!
Dr. Lonze filled in for accounting secretary Brenda Bourdeau to give her a well deserved afternoon off. Mrs. Bourdeau won a half day off at Secretary In-Service Day earlier this year.
Ron Karbowski and Alex Rickens receive Golden Apple Awards
Clifford H. Smart Middle School coaches, Ron Karbowski and Alex Rickens, received Golden Apple Awards at the May 1, 2025 Board of Education meeting.
Karbowski and Rickens were nominated by Clifford H. Smart Middle School parent, Kristy Blewett, for all of the extra hard work, dedication and heartfelt feeling that they put forth into creating an amazing middle school athletics experience for the large number of student-athletes that they interact with throughout the school year. Karbowski and Rickens coach both boys’ and girls’ cross country, basketball, and track and field at Clifford H. Smart Middle School.
“Anyone associated with the teams they coach can see the passion they have for middle school sports,” said Blewett. “This passion for athletics is translated to both students and families alike.”
Karbowski and Rickens are both a positive representation for the Smart community and district as a whole, which can be seen by the high number of participants in each of their programs, their attention to detail and the success they have within those programs.
Three staff and one student recognized as Kindness Matters Award winners
Katie Dimmer, Alice Johnson, Diane Tyrell and Harper VanDonkelaar were all presented Kindness Matter Awards at May 1’s Board of Education Meeting for their dedication to making the community a better place.
Submit your Class of 2025 Senior Shout Out today! 🎓
Help us celebrate the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools' Class of 2025!
Click on the picture on the right to complete the form and have your senior recognized for their hard work and achievements! We'll be honoring seniors through June across district social media accounts.
MS Spring Testing Information
Information regarding spring testing for the secondary level is listed below. Schools will be following up directly with families regarding any adjusted time schedules as part of these testing days:
- 8th Grade PSAT - April 15 | Delay start for 6th & 7th graders
- M-Step - April 21-24 | SMBS, WCMS
- M-Step - April 29 - May 2 | CHS
- M-Step - May 6-9 | GMS
- iReady - May 12-15 | GMS
Walled Lake Athletes Committing to Play at the College Level
Year-end presents a great opportunity to celebrate our top senior student athletes and their opportunity to continue their athletic careers in college.
Please provide the following information on SENIOR athletes that have either:
- received a scholarship to play college athletics
- have a spot guaranteed to them on a college roster as a "preferred walk-on."
The information will be used by each school to plan their signing days and will also be printed in the LEARNING newsletter (if approved.)
In an effort to find additional ways to celebrate our staff, the WLCSD Community Relations department requests that families fill out the information below for staff who are rock stars in their classrooms and school communities.
A sample of what these shout outs will look like on social media and in our district newsletters is on the right.
Graduate Spotlight Nomination
Please complete the following form in order to be considered for the Graduate Spotlight section of the WLCSD quarterly Learning newsletter. The nominated student needs to be a 2016 graduate or before. Please contact pamelacole@wlcsd.org with any questions.
WLCSD Stormwater Management
FFE News and Notes
Hospitality House
Connect with Us!
Our mission, in partnership with parents and the community, is to become the best educational system in America so all students demonstrate they are caring, responsible, and knowledgeable citizens.
Email: danieldurkin@wlcsd.org
Website: www.wlcsd.org
Location: 850 Ladd Road, Walled Lake, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 956-2000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wlcsd/
Twitter: @WalledLkSchools