As we bid farewell to 2024, Hemlock Public School District (HPSD) reflects on a year filled with extraordinary achievements, community engagement, and educational excellence.
We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished in 2024. This year has been a remarkable demonstration of the extraordinary talents, resilience, and dedication of our students, educators, and staff. Every achievement—whether in academics, the arts, or athletics—reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the collective spirit of teamwork that defines Hemlock Public School District. These successes would not have been possible without the support of our parents, families, and community partners, who stand as pillars of our shared mission.
At Hemlock Public School District, we believe in the power of collaboration. Whether student, staff, support personnel, teacher, or administrator, we are all working together to “Bring the Magic” and serve our students and one another. This shared vision ensures that every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute to our collective success.
“As we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on the future, inspired by the possibilities of what lies ahead. In 2025, we will continue to build on this momentum, embracing new opportunities to enhance student learning, strengthen community connections, and prepare every student for success in an ever-changing world. Together, we will ensure Hemlock Public School District remains a beacon of learning, growth, and community spirit,” said Superintendent Don Killingbeck.
The past twelve months have been a vivid tapestry of success stories, showcasing the talents and determination of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our community. From academic excellence and athletic championships to creative artistic endeavors and impactful community initiatives, 2024 has been a year of meaningful progress and shared pride. As we reflect on these accomplishments, we look forward with excitement to the opportunities, challenges, and magic that 2025 will bring. Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and thrive.
Here are each month's highlights at a glance:
January
Hemlock Middle School Student Council’s Dedication to Toys for Tots
Hemlock High School Celebrates All-Sport Honorees from Seven Decades
HPSD Elevates Cory Snider to Full-Time Principal of Hemlock Elementary
Hemlock Powerlifting Team Sets New Records and Historic Milestones
February
HPSD Continues to Excel in Zehnder’s 33rd Annual Snowfest Carving Event
Hemlock Partners with Richland Township with On-Campus Resource Officer
Hemlock Elementary and K.C. Ling Celebrate Math Month with Grand Finale
Hemlock Public School District Announces Limited School of Choice Policy
Hemlock Board of Education Adopts Multi-Year Calendar Through 2027-2028
March
Gray Matter Triumphs in Midland District Robotics Competition
Hemlock’s Director of Business Operations Named MSBO Official of the Year 2024
Blair Guettler Honors Father’s Legacy Through The Kids Heart Challenge
April
Hemlock Receives $1 Million Grant for Patrick Wolgast Fieldhouse
Hemlock Education Board Unveils Enhanced Strategic Plan for 2024
Gray Matter Team #5712 Crowned State Champions in FIRST Robotics
Hemlock’s Gray Matter Robotics Concludes Best Ever Season in Houston
Lockwood STEM Center Receiver Consumers Energy Foundation Grant
May
June
Hemlock Welcome Angela Pohl as Athletic Director and Dean of Students
HPSD’s Human Resource Department Receives MSBO Honorable Mention
Hemlock Celebrates the Retirement of Esteemed Educator Janice Hingston
Kinsley Conger and Matthew Johnston Compete in Nike Nationals in Oregon
Coach Tyler Zolinski is Hired as Secondary Social Science Teacher
Hemlock Honors Coach Wardlow for His Dedication to Youth Sports Programs
July
HPSD Welcome Denise Dowdell as Director of Business Operations and HR
Hemlock Honored with 6 National School Public Relations Awards
Strategic Staffing Enhancements Made to Improve Student Services
August
Hemlock Students and Staff Express their Gratitude to the Community
HPSD Celebrates Grand Opening of K.C. Ling Elementary Gymnasium
Tammy Grandy Honored as Educator of the Year by Hemlock Business Association
Morning Star Farms and Scott Wylie Help Transform K.C. Ling’s Landscape
HPSD Recaps the 11 Humans of Hemlock Spotlighted Throughout Summer
September
2nd Annual Day of Dax Honors Memory of Dax Burk and Supports Trade Students
Hemlock Announces 2024 Homecoming Court and Class Representatives
HPSD Prepares to Honor 1985 Girls Track Team as 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Hemlock Girls’ 1985 Track Team Honored During Half-time Induction Ceremony
October
Annual Homecoming Powder Puff Game Brings Senior-Freshman Win
HHS Hosts the First Annual Kunold Klash as Hemlock Students Take on HPSD Staff
HPSD Partners with St. Charles Lodge No. 313 to Provide Child ID Kits
HPSD Elementary Schools’ Halloween Parade Is A Scary Success
November
HHS Theatre Delivers a Sold-Out Bingo and Dinner Theatre Experience
High School Culinary Students Honor Veterans with Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
HPSD Hosts 53RD Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Senior Citizens
Members of the HHS PomPon Team Perform in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
December
HPSD Partners with MagicSchool AI to Empower Educators and Students
Hemlock School Board Recognizes Dynamic Building and Grounds Duo
Principal Lori Gensch Receives Regional Honors from MEMSPA for 2024
“Reflecting on the remarkable achievements of 2024, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the Hemlock Public School District community. Our students, staff, and supporters have exemplified exceptional dedication, resilience, and spirit, driving us to reach impressive milestones and embody the magic of what makes HPSD so special,” said Matt Wesener, HPSD Board President. “As we step into 2025, our commitment to fostering an environment of excellence, innovation, and collaboration remains stronger than ever. We envision a future where every student is empowered to reach their fullest potential, and our community continues to grow stronger together. The successes of this past year are just the beginning; we eagerly anticipate the new heights we will achieve, building on our shared foundation of teamwork, dedication, and vision.”
Hemlock Public School District is poised to embrace 2025 with renewed energy, creativity, and a clear path forward. The past year has been a testament to the strength and unity of our students, staff, and broader community. We have celebrated remarkable achievements in academics, athletics, the arts, and community engagement, all of which lay a strong foundation for the exciting journey ahead.
In 2025, HPSD is committed to continuing its legacy of excellence by fostering innovation in teaching and learning, expanding educational programs, and strengthening the bonds within our community. We are united by a shared purpose: to “Bring the Magic” in everything we do, ensuring that every student, staff member, and family feels valued, inspired, and supported.
Our focus will be on creating even more opportunities for student success, both inside and outside the classroom. With the opening of the K.C. Ling Gym, ongoing investments in state-of-the-art facilities, and initiatives that nurture the holistic development of our students, we are paving the way for a future where every child can thrive. Supported by the unwavering dedication of our teachers, support staff, and administrators, we are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our students in innovative and impactful ways.
Community engagement will remain central to our mission in 2025. By deepening our partnerships with parents, local organizations, and alumni, we will strengthen the support systems that uplift our students and foster a vibrant, inclusive environment. These connections are vital to building a school district that serves not only as a place of learning but also as a cornerstone of our community.
As we move forward, we do so with optimism, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to making Hemlock Public School District a beacon of learning, growth, and opportunity. Together, we will continue to build on our legacy of excellence, charting a course toward an even brighter future. Here’s to a transformative, innovative, and prosperous 2025 at Hemlock Public School District.