THEN. NOW. NEXT.
The class of 2026 departs NHS remembering the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to the future
FROM THE EDITORS
NL Staff 2025-26
Welcome to our final edition, readers! We are so grateful that you have read The Northern Light this year, and we’ve loved getting to share many experiences with you. From turning over a new leaf in the fall to uniting our community in the spring, this year has been nothing short of exciting, adventure-filled, and even a little bit stressful. This year’s senior edition features a wide variety of seniors, including CTE students, committed athletes, and IB diploma candidates and their paths in the future. As we reach the end of the school year, we hope you look back on your childhood, remember to live in the moment, and begin to look forward and see what the future might hold. Happy reading!
Editors in Chief: Riya Bhatt and Kenna Hulick; Creative Editor: Madeleine Duhn; Copy Editor: Drew Collins; Website Editor: Ana Van Dyke; Social Media Manager: Layla Carpenter; Associate Editor: Sophie Amberg; Staff Writers: Sukanya Dunbar, Reese Graham, and La’bria Hawkins
In Memoriam
Senior class member William Kalmbach passed away on April 4, 2026. William had a gift for learning languages and was fluent in Spanish.While he had a quiet spirit, those closest to him got to share his sarcasm, humor, and wit, especially his group of friends that grew up together in the same neighborhood. Visit the Northern Light website at www.portagenorthernlight.com for extended coverage about the life Will lived and the legacy he leaves behind.
Senior class member Alayiah Lazarra also passed away this year (on 11/3/2025) and is fondly remembered at PNHS from her time here for her vibrant personality and love and care for others. Because she was enrolled at Community High School at the time of her passing, she is being honored with her classmates there even though she remains in the hearts of her friends and teachers at PNHS.
Layla Carpenter
a Q and A with the Northern Light’s only senior
What is your favorite piece you ever wrote?
My favorite piece that I’ve ever written is “No cell bell to bell: Northern joins the rest of the district in establishing a phone-free environment”. This was one of my first writing pieces in journalism and it had a big impact on other students. Being able to have a voice and a stance on this idea made me feel powerful through my works. The following school year adopting this policy made me stand firm on my opinion.
In what ways did your time on the NL prepare you for your future?
My time on the NL prepared me for my future in many different ways. I gained social skills I didn’t necessarily have before, I learned the importance of a style guide and also guiding lines, and I know now how to design pages, write as a reporter, and interview carefully.
What will you miss the most about being on the NL staff?
The thing I will miss the most about being on the NL staff is being able to discuss important things with people who actually care about them. Not a lot of people talk about hidden issues within our community or society as a whole and being able to talk about those things with the staff was important to me. I learned things I would have never knew about if I wasn’t on the staff, and that is something that I will hold close to me as I leave high school and venture on to learn even more.
During her two years on staff, Layla has contributed to 8 print editions, 8 online-only pieces, and countless digital pieces. She has also served in the editorial role of Social Media Manager and won 4 Honorable Mentions and 2 Second Places in the MIPA State Championships for her news coverage. She is admitted to the Honors College at Oakland University to study Journalism.
Senior Baby Picture Match
Can you guess which senior matches their baby picture? Play along to find out!
Need help? Flip this page upside down for the answers. Not ready to be done playing the senior baby picture match? Check out our website for the complete photo collection!
Looking Back - 3
Story and design by Ana Van Dyke
Aden Bradford
Ariel Bennett
Nick Downey Carter Broeckel
Avery Barney
Lily Ray
LeeLee Cole
Sophia Laskarides
There’s no place like home:
remembering elementary school
Story by Reese Graham; design by Ana Van Dyke
Between fifth grade camp, Gonoodle, and recess, elementary school was a time of fun traditions and moments with friends. For many, going to Sherman Lake as a grade for a few days was one of the highlights, as students participated in outdoor activities such as archery and kayaking. Dancing along with Gonoodles was another common experience enjoyed by elementary students, and having a break throughout the day for recess.Years later, the graduating class of 2026 high school seniors reflect on the things they missed and enjoyed most about elementary school.
VS. NEW OLD
remodeled. Pictured above, the old and new models; photos by Ana Van Dyke
Amberly
Haverhill
Many students that attended Haverhill Elementary reminisce on the influence of their principal, Mr. Zonts, in particular. Some students assisted with an activity in which he was taped to a wall, and memories of him dying his beard for class competitions stand out among elementary experiences. He also worked to create a music video with the staff, while dressed up as a bumblebee! Beyond this, their annual field day was another fun op portunity for the stu dents to interact with each other during the year.
Former Amberly Elementary students look back with fond recollection of many annual traditions celebrated by the school every year. One such event was the Tiger Trek fundraiser, in which families could donate money as the students ran laps around the field, collecting bands for the number of laps they were able to complete. Tons of school spirit, music, and exercise all in one! Within the classroom itself, many students remember hatching quails with Mr. Overbeek, one of the fifth-grade teachers at the time.
Back - 4
left,
at Tiger Trek for Amberly Elementary while she was a student. At right, Kucinski poses at Am- berly; photos courtesy of Nena Kucinski.
Angling & 12th Street
Seniors also attended Angling Elementary and 12th Street Elementary, participating in field day activities and West Portage Field runs, respectively.Angling field day included playing games and doing activities outside with the teachers, and many students also remember making forts and playing in the woods during recess. 12th Street students would go to the West Portage Little League Fields to participate in runs around the baseball fields, which served as another event fondly remembered by many!
Senior Evan Kakabeeke (left) posed at Angling Elementary with a friend in elementary school; photo courtesy of Evan Kakabeeke
At
current senior Nena Kucinski posed
OF
¨She has always been there for me throughout the years I’ve had her. She’s supported my passions and ideas in life. Ms. Barrett makes me feel seen and heard when at times I couldn’t feel that.¨
- Madison Ream
¨She has always been my ‘school mom’ because she has impacted me in the best ways possible. I am forever grateful to have Mrs. Meyer in my life.¨
- Anea Showen
¨Her room always feels like a safe place. She values our learning and enjoyment of the class and topics. She’s inspired me to pursue business when I was unsure about my future, and stood up for me and made me feel cared for during rough situations.¨
- Niko Grafos
HALL FAME
229 seniors cast their ballots for their favorite PN teachers. In the end, 59 different teachers were nominated. Here are their favorites.
¨He [Mr. Greeley] cares about the students a lot and puts effort towards each student if they need help or not. He always made me laugh while also teaching me [...] All around he is a great person.¨
- Joseph Lukowski
Back - 5
¨Joining Mr. Wood’s class I immediately felt welcomed. I saw how Mr. Wood cared for each and every student, making sure everyone felt recognized. [...] I have been so incredibly grateful to have been a part of Mr. Wood’s class.¨
- Kyleigh Roe
Story by Labria Hawkins and Sukanya Dunbar; design by Madeleine Duhn; photos by Sukanya Dunbar
If someone ever walked into a room with a bunch of teenagers on their phones in late 2024 to early 2025, most likely every single teen was playing one specific game. Block Blast took over the teenagers’ phones halfway through the 202425 school year. The game surpassed 500M+ downloads on the Google Play Store in February 2025, and since then it has become a game that people of all ages play when they are bored and need a boost.
JustinBieber rose to fame in late 2008 and started releasing albums around 2009-2010, which is during the early years of the current seniors’ childhood. Most of his popular songs are from that time period, as well as some of his biggest celebrity moments. Like when Bieber sang his hit song ‘Baby’ at Coachella, with his original recording of the song being the backing vocals. That’s just one way his fame and music can be nostalgic for some.
POP CULTURE
Story by Ana Van Dyke; design by Madeleine Duhn
Nostalgic pop culture hits from the class of 2026’s time in school and childhood.
The 2008 Coldplay song, “Viva La Vida,” which is Spanish for ‘Long Live Life’, is a song about a king who los es his kingdom and the emotions he feels as a result. With this song being released around the time this year’s seniors were born and the emotions of leaving high school can feel similar to those of the king in the story, making it the perfect nostalgic graduation song.
Looking Back - 6
The nostalgic Pixar hit, “Up,” tells of Carl and Russell trying to fulfill Carl’s lifelong dream of going on an adventure. Carl ends up learning that he didn’t need to do something extravagant to have an adventure, rather a normal day in life can be an adventure. This life lesson can be applied when looking back at any time of life, especially in high school. Just one year at school can be an adventure for students, and those adventures can make the experience memorable.
“My Little Pony” is an animated TV show that originally aired in late 2010. The show follows Twilight Sparkle as she tries to improve her social skills after meeting five new friends. Teens who watched “My Little Pony” as kids may feel nostalgia seeing posts about it online, as well as remembering the impactful message the show brings.
Rules to Survive
Never walk alone
Check parking lots first Keep your squirt gun nearby Watch your back AT ALL TIMES!!
Entry fee: $10
Prize: 1st place
2nd place gets $202 3rd place $122
Started out with 81 participants
- Round 2: 40 people remained
- Round 3: 15
- Round 4: 7
Result: last 5 split the cash
BEST TAKE DOWN STORY
BEST SQUIRT GUNS
Nena Kuchinski (right)
Shianne Haroldson got her target while at a diner during Water Wars. Right after the elimination, she realized that another person was also at the same diner, and because it was a Purge (a group admin-decided time when anybody can get another person out), Shianne responded quickly and took out a second competitor without even leaving the restaurant. The take down was controversial for some, but her strategy advanced her in the game.
FUNNY QUOTES
“I didn’t want to pay $10 to get slimed out after work at 10:30.”
- Caleb Ferworn
“Hey are public restrooms safe zone, I wanna know of I can still me eliminated while in a stall.”
- Ace Buell
“Leave my house.”
(Mekiah Williams after I asked for a picture after squirting her)
- Kyleigh Roe
BEST TAKE DOWNS
Why they didnt participate:
“I chose not to do water wars because I had to spend my time studying for IB and AP exams.” - Stephen Wells
“I was working everyday and didn’t think I would have time to try and track people down.” - Nathan Brubaker
Living in the moment - 7
Ethan Wabindato
Shianne Haroldson
2.
1. with Shianne Haroldson (left)
Ethan Wabindato poses with his squirt gun for Water Wars; photo courtesy of Ethan Wabindato.
Midnight Masquerade
Story and design by Sophie Amberg
Portage Northern students at this year’s prom
1: Seniors from left to right Ella Fargo, Alexis Schultz, Elena Amaro, Sophia Laskarides, Avery Miller, Madelyn Robertson, Shianne Haroldson at Crane Park in Kalamazoo taking pictures before the dance; Photo courtsey of Ella Fargo. 2: Students dance together at prom; Photo courtsey of Joseph Wood. 3: From left to right: Sydney Sackett, Abby Giddings, Ava Scaffer pose together on the dance floor; Photo courtsey of Abby Giddings. 4: Prom Royalty nominees Vince Brow and Mekiah Williams win Prom Royalty; Photo courtsey of Joseph Wood. 5: From left to right, guest Jade Flees, Carys Zemlick, Reese Meyer; Photo courtsey of Reese Meyer. 6: PN Women’s Soccer at Heritage Hall WMU before prom; Photo courtesy of Maryn Falk. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Living in the moment - 8
Seniors shine at awards assembly
Many senior students earn department awards and high honors
Story by Riya Bhatt; design by Sophie Amberg and Riya Bhatt
Triple Threat Scholar
Senior Marie Anderson, pictured above was awarded the English department award, the history department award, and the math department award for high achievement within those three departments. “I chose Marie Anderson because she really displays the qualities of PACK strong,” English teacher Sarah Miller shared. “She is
committed to school, to her family, and to her friends.” In addition to the three department awards, Anderson won a Greg Pezzoli scholarship, which is designated for an athlete who plays a water sport. “I was most surprised about history because I couldn’t take a history class this year because I took all of them already,” she laughed.
Language Learners
Senior Department Award Winners
Business - Felix Plante
English - Marie Anderson
Forensics - Nathan Brubaker
Technical Theatre - Thaddeus Lendzion
Drama - Vincent Brow
TV Broadcasting - Vignesh Ganesh
Family & Consumer Science - Jordyn Willis
Mathematics - Marie Anderson
Band - Carmen Briggs
Choir - Leah Kusisto
Orchestra - Brooke Randall
Physical Education - Kaden Taggart
Science - Oluwadunsin Mewomo
Government - Danielle Kwon
History - Marie Anderson
Student Senate - Olivia Stacy
French - Danielle Kwon
Spanish - Riley Reinhart
Theory of Knowledge - Omar Elghawy
Spanish and French department teachers Heather Canenguez and Jamie Hoekstra presented seniors Riley Reinhart (Spanish) and Danielle Kwon (French) with the two language awards at their academic awards assembly. “Danielle puts forth consistent effort towards improving her French,” Hoekstra shared about Kwon. This commitment to learning French is part of the reason as to why Kwon earned this award. Additionally, Canenguez shared about Reinhart at the ceremony, “This is a student who showed up—even on the day of a power outage—because learning mattered more than convenience. A student who came in during lunch, not because they had to, but because they wanted to improve.”
Spanish award winner Riley Reinhart; Photo by staff.
French award winner Danielle Kwon; Photo by Riya Bhatt.
Photo by the staff
Sixteen students attempt to achieve the IB Diploma
Story by Riya Bhatt; design by Sophie Amberg
IB Diploma Candidates
Carmen Briggs
Christopher D. Brown
Omar Elghawy
Ella O. Fargo
John Kinne
Caroline Knight
Nena Kucinski
Danielle Kwon
Sara Lassila
Sarah Leasure
Micah J. Nofsinger
Sneh Patel
Colin Pruyne
Mia Rummel
Jackson Webster
Stephen Wells
SeniorIB Diploma candidate Omar Elghawy shared, “I feel so proud of receiving the IB medal and diploma and it motivates me to believe in myself going forward in college.” The IB Diploma program that students can choose to enter beginning their junior year of high school requires that students complete a total of six IB classes and exams, a Theory of Knowledge class, and an Extended Essay research paper, with students having to earn a certain score on each exam in order to receive the diploma. “While the IB diploma is a lot of work for high school students, I feel like I know how to balance a large work load and write a thought out research paper after completing it,” senior candidate Mia Rummel said. Some students can even earn college credit depending on their exam scores. “If you are gonna be in honors classes or almost all IB classes, you should consider doing the diploma,” senior candidate Stephen Wells added. “It isn’t too much extra work and creates a strong knit group of candidates.”
IB extended essay topic departments
The Skilled FuTure: meet the senior CTE students of PN
Story by Labria Hawkins; design by Kenna Hulick
As one chapter closes for the seniors of Portage Northern High School, a new one begins for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students preparing to take the next step toward their futures.
The CTE program allows students to build skills tied to specific career fields while still in high school. Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience, this program helps students gain technical knowledge, develop practical skills, and explore a range of pathways for success after graduation. For many seniors involved in the program, CTE has provided a strong foundation as they move from high school into college, training programs, or the workforce.
For senior Michael Ianni, welding has become more than just a class: it is his path toward a future career. “After high school, I have a passion to go into full-time employment through the City of Portage as a mechanic,” said Ianni, “but also on the side, do a part-time apprenticeship through our local union down in Schoolcraft to become
program has helped prepare him for that next step by giving him experience that mirrors the demands of the job. “The CTE program has prepared me for real-life work because it’s real active things you were doing in the shop, those specific types of welding you were doing, and components of welding that you are learning translate right over into the shop setting,” he said.
Other CTE students have found similar value in the program that prepares them for careers in the medical field. Senior Addison Cooper, who is studying Medical Lab Science, said the program has helped her feel ready to take the next step. “I’m incredibly confident starting my career in phlebotomy,” Cooper claimed. “This CTE program has made me more confident in professional environments.” Cooper feels that she has a step up on peers who haven’t participated in the CTE program. “I have a small competitive edge. Doing CTE courses puts you further ahead than most students,” she high-
future goals for life after high school. “It’s easy- it’s a way to get out of school…You absolutely have to participate if you want to continue in the program. I advise everyone to pick a program that they would enjoy doing, if not picking a program for a future career,” Cooper exclaimed.
“Doing CTE puts you farther ahead than most students.”
- Addison Cooper (12)
Beyond the technical training that comes with participating in CTE courses, students can learn life skills, such as communication, teamwork, time management, and responsibility. For many seniors, the program has opened doors for future opportunities and has helped them shape
KRESA also sponsors other programs for students in addition to CTE, including Educationfor the Arts, Early/Middle College, Work-Based Learning, 2Gen, Career Coaching, CareerNOW, Education Reconnection, and MyCITY. Outstanding students in each program were recognized for their academic achievements in their respective programs at a special ceremony on April 30 at the Radisson. The PN students receiving honors that night were Ethan Ahtila, Marie Anderson, Camellia DeVisser, Jonathan Hughes, Oulimata Mbaye, Michael Miles, Felix Plante, Gavynn Reincke, Riley Reinhart, Anea Showen, Calleigh Stocker, Jayden Templeman, Mekhiah Williams, and Conner Windover.
Windover is an example of a student who blends programs: through his CTE training and WBL placement at Carleton Equipment Company, he has already secured the next steps in his career for after graduation.
Students interested in all that KRESA has to offer for their future should speak with their counselors.
Senior Conner Windover works on a project at his CTE Heavy Equipment class at KRESA; photo courtesy of KRESA.
Playing At The Next Level:
PN athletes committed to play in college
Story by Riya Bhatt and Madeleine Duhn; design by Kenna Hulick
COMMITTED:
- Brooke Randall, golf, Trine University
- John Hughes, soccer, Trine University
- Nena Kucinski, soccer, Calvin College
- Gregory Patrick, football, Notre Dame
- Carter Yates, football, Michigan Tech
- Jordan Brenne, synchronized skating, Miami University
- Elizabeth Bartz, lacrosse, Trine University
- Braylon Rolfe, baseball, Spring Arbor College
- Joe Fontanilla, track and field, K College
- Gabby Peterson, softball, Lake Michigan College
- Harleigh Toepfer, wrestling, Southwestern Michigan College
- Olivia Stacy, cross country/track and field, SVSU
- Riley Messenger, volleyball, WMU
Fromwomen’s golf to football, from synchronized skating to lacrosse, the class of 2026 has a wide variety of seniors committed to play in college. “You know, you practice a lot when you’re young to get better to get an opportunity to play at the high school level, [to] play varsity. And then when you get that chance to play at the next level, all that hard work kind of pays off,” shared athletic director Jim Swinehart about the committed athletes. “A lot of stuff that we hear out and about is negative. So when we have an opportunity to put people in the positive light, I believe that you’ve worked and deserve credit for what you’ve done… If you have that opportunity to play, I feel like it’s our obligation to be able to give you at least your 15 seconds of fame…we recognize what you’ve accomplished, what you’ve done, where you’re headed, and not only that, [but] you did it with a husky jersey on.” Senior Jordan
Brenne, who’s been skating for over 15 years, committed to the women’s varsity synchronized skating team at Miami University (Ohio). “Skating has impacted me positively in so many ways and has taught me so many different life lessons that I would never have without it,” Brenne shared. Other seniors echoed her sentiment about their sport changing their life, with senior Braylon Rolfe adding, “Baseball has impacted my life tremendously by teaching me life lessons, providing friends, and allowing me to escape from the real world and thrive in a way that many other activities wouldn’t allow me to.” Rolfe is attending Spring Arbor University to play baseball. In addition to Rolfe and Brenne, other seniors committed to play their sport in college include Brooke Randall, who’s playing golf at Trine University, and Carter Yates, who’s playing foot ball at Michigan Tech.
Senior Brooke Randall is headed to Trine University to play golf; photo courtesy of PN Class of 2026 Instagram.
Senior Braylon Rolfe is headed to Spring Arbor College to play baseball. “Baseball has impacted my life tremendously by teaching me life lessons...”; photo courtesy of PN Class of 2026 Instagram.
Senior Jordan Brenne is headed to Miami University for synchronized skating; photo courtesy of PN Class of 2026 Instagram.
Class of 2026:
looking back, but ready for what’s next
Story by Kenna Hulick and Layla Carpenter; design by Drew Collins; photos by Layla Carpenter
As the class of 2026’s final school year bleeds into graduation season, new beginnings are underway. Never an easy feat to get through senior year and chase purpose, these seniors are taking charge and staying passionate in their aspirations as they pursue what’s next.
If you could
go back to your underclassmen self and give them some advice, what would you say?
“Pre-plan everything. Don’t do everything in the last minute, because if you do, you’re gonna get stressed out.”
- Vignesh Ganesh
“Never let that senior slump hit, especially if you’re going to attend college after the fact, but also take breaks and try not to overdo it.”
-Braylon Eshuis
“Don’t take it for granted, take marketing classes so you can have a chill class and don’t take IB sports science.”
-Sophia Laskarides
Why did you choose the career path that you are aspiring to?
“I love animals and going into zoology gives me a direct impact on them and their lives. I’m excited to work with exotic species that I wouldn’t get to see very often otherwise.”
- Addison Aldrich
“I love working with my hands, and in my career as an airframe mechanic, I will get to do something new every day. I am applying for an apprenticeship through Duncan Aviation, and when that’s finished, I will have my AFP license and opportunities to travel to see where I would like to work.”
-James Wright
“In high school, your day is structured. In college, it’s not. You might have only a few hours of class per day, and the rest is on you. Treat school like a full-time job—block out study time, don’t cram, and start assignments early. Falling behind is very easy, and catching up is much harder.”
- Kim Palmer
“The current phase you’re in is the best one...just enjoy the journey, enjoy the ride.”
- Kurt Twitchell
“Keep reading and learning after graduation. Education doesn’t end when school does. Walt Whitman once said, ‘Be curious, not judgmental.’ Words to live by!”
- Anna Gwyn
“...live in the moment and take advantage of opportunities when you have them because you never know when you’ll have them again.”
- Joe Weber
Story by Kenna Hulick and Layla Carpenter, design by Drew Collins, photos by Kenna Hulick and Drew Collins
Get your classmates’ autographs!