By Cadence Beatty (Class of 2028)
Edited by Mr. Zane Harding (Journalism Advisor)
Although we are a few weeks into the second semester of the 2025-26 academic year, we have been busy reflecting on last semester! The first semester of the 2025–26 Onekama Consolidated Schools academic year was packed with memorable athletic, extracurricular, and academic moments. Whether students were setting school athletic records, participating in memorable field trips, or just attending major school events, Portager Pride is stronger than ever as we continue through the school year.
(Editor's Note: This article was written by a high school sophomore and edited by a high school teacher, so, just a heads-up, this reflection is secondary-heavy!)
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Fall Updates & Events
School Updates and Happenings
In and just before this first semester, our school received several exciting updates. Over the summer, a brand-new playground was installed, and our elementary students have absolutely loved it. The elementary wing also received a newly painted wall, and the Student Services office was renovated with new furniture and an updated layout.
Inside the building, classrooms were upgraded with new tables, chairs, and teacher desks. Another major focus this year was safety, and major safety upgrades were made on our school campus. One of our gyms also received significant improvements, including a new floor, updated scoreboards, and new banners in the high school gym.
Outside of the building, our first semester also featured engaging assemblies and exciting field trips that brought learning to life. Some of our youngest and oldest elementary students explored Lutz Farm and visited the Platte River State Fish Hatchery. Many of our high school students, meanwhile, participated in several memorable experiences, including a CTE field trip for 10th graders and the senior etiquette breakfast at Arcadia Bluffs—a long-standing tradition led by former district superintendent and local community leader Beth McCarthy.
Homecoming 2026
Early in the semester, Homecoming brought excitement to our high school community. I was tasked with gathering student perspectives on the event, interviewing a total of sixteen students—four from each grade—and asking them a simple question: “What was your favorite thing about Homecoming?”
Freshmen Finley Brown and Lucy Wolfe enjoyed the food options, while fellow freshmen Lexi Logan and Jocelyn Howe highlighted the music, dancing with friends, and the overall vibe of the dance. Sophomores Ava Blossingham and Callie Sinke shared that participating in the parade and spending time with friends at the dance were their favorite parts of Homecoming weekend. Camden Ickes and Brendan Cameron also enjoyed the energy of the dance, especially the dance circle, and agreed that the food was a highlight.
Among our upperclassmen, juniors Megan Preibisch and Addy Zeller said they loved the theme of the dance—“A Night in the City”—along with the music and overall atmosphere. Fellow juniors Jameson Baker and Carson Bradford echoed those thoughts, praising the dance’s DJ, secondary ELA teacher Mr. Zane Harding, and the lively environment and sharing that they already can’t wait for next year.
Last but not least, our seniors also had plenty to say. Riley Cogburn and French exchange student Thia Dos Santos Casimiro appreciated the ambience and music, noting that seeing nearly everyone dancing and singing made the environment especially fun. Tyler Hart and Evan Harvey agreed, adding that both the theme and excellent DJing helped make the night memorable.
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Fall Athletics
Football
This year’s Portager football team finished an outstanding season with 11 wins and just 1 loss. For the second year in a row, they earned the title of Regional Champions and advanced to the Eight-Man Division 2 semifinals. Throughout the season, the team broke multiple records. They opened the regular season with a 9–0 record, something that hadn’t been accomplished since 1976—nearly 50 years ago. They also set a new school record for most wins in a single season with 11.
To capture the spirit of the season, I asked three individuals—a coach, a film crew member, and a player—about their favorite parts of being involved with the football program. Sophomore Cooper Bradley, a member of film crew, said, “I loved filming the games. Watching us improve throughout the season was great, and this year I could film better, which was awesome too.”
Assistant coach and OCS teacher Evan Delke said, “My favorite game from this year was against Gaylord St. Mary. We played a very fundamental game, and it’s always great to see a team work together and challenge each other. Our boys were respectful and dominant—it was an awesome game to be a part of.”
Sophomore player Garrett Desarmeaux added, “My favorite parts of this year’s football season was how far we made it and the community support along the way.”
Volleyball
The Lady Portagers made a strong impact on the court during the 2025–26 volleyball season, consistently bringing determination and positive energy against tough competition.
Several individual achievements stood out this season. Senior Hailey Hart reached 1,000 career kills, including a standout game with 43 kills and 30 digs. Junior Delaney McCarthy also surpassed 1,000 kills and recorded 41 kills, 37 digs, and 12 aces during the season. Junior Ava Mauntler passed 2,000 career digs, while Elizabeth McKeough reached 2,000 assists, breaking the school’s previous assist record.
As a team, the Lady Portagers claimed the Northwest Conference title for the second consecutive year and earned their sixth straight District Championship. Individually, Hailey Hart and Ava Mauntler received All-State Second Team honors, while Hart, McCarthy, and McKeough earned All-State Honorable Mention recognition. All athletes received All-Conference, All-Region, and additional state-level honors, with Carley Guerne also earning an All-Conference Honorable Mention.
The Lady Portagers finished the season with an impressive 34–9–3 record, secured first place in their league (8–1), and ranked highly at the state level.
When asked about their experiences, players shared what made the season special. Sophomore Holly Brindle said, “I love playing volleyball at Onekama because of how sweet the girls are. I wouldn’t trade my team for anything.” Sophomore Trinity Hurford added, “My favorite experience was when Abby Sell would somehow make the most ridiculous move ever and still save the play.” And sophomore Ava Outman reflected on the team’s chemistry and leadership, expressing gratitude for the seniors and the opportunity to learn from them throughout the season.
Cross Country
The cross country team had a strong season, with all three runners earning new personal records and breaking multiple school records.
Freshman Zakia Wagoner placed 11th at the MHSAA Regional Meet with a time of 20:06.60 and finished 34th at the State Finals with a time of 20:30.80. Her personal record stands at 20:06. Junior Addy Zeller placed 4th at Regionals with a time of 18:20.30 and finished 45th at State Finals, holding a personal record of 19:30.
Sophomore Callie Sinke had an especially remarkable season, placing 2nd at Regionals with a time of 18:35.00 and 8th at the State Finals with a time of 19:14.10. She earned All-State honors and set a new school record with a personal best of 18:16.
When asked about the season, Zakia shared that she loved the atmosphere of larger meets and her team. Callie emphasized the team environment and how the season pushed herself to her limits, while Addy highlighted the support and challenge her teammates provide.
Swim (Co-Op with Manistee Area Public Schools)
During the 2025–26 swim season, OCS was represented by one athlete, junior Faith Fessenden, who competed through a co-op program with the Manistee swim team. The team participated in 11 meets throughout the season.
The season began with a meet at East Grand Rapids on September 3. On September 5, the team competed against Gaylord, finishing second with 47 points. During that meet, the 200 freestyle relay set a new personal best time of 2:04.21. The relay team included Fessenden and three Manistee swimmers. The season concluded at the Coastal Conference meet on November 7–8, where the team placed 6th overall with 135 points.
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Overall, the first semester of the 2025–26 school year has been an incredible start, highlighted by record-breaking performances, engaging learning experiences, and strengthened school pride. Congratulations to our athletes, thank you to our staff, and well done to every student for making it through the first semester with determination and pride!