Grand Island High School News Web Page 2025
Grand Island High School Website
2024 News Page
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey
Scholar Athlete: Madison McGowan - February 2025
GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) — Madison McGowan, a senior at Grand Island High School, has been a key player on both the basketball and softball teams for four years. As a two-sport athlete, she has formed lasting bonds with her teammates, creating memories that will stay with her long after graduation. "We have such a connection on the field and on the court," McGowan said. "My point guards and I just connect so well. My third and first basemen, my shortstops … they connect with me on a different level because they know I can trust them, and they can trust me. It’s just a different feeling." Outside of sports, Madison is deeply involved in school life as the president of the student council. Giving back to her school is something that truly fulfills her. "I love the aspect of being a leader," she said. "I love to help everyone around me, and giving back to my school and bringing fun events to the school just means a lot."
After graduation, Madison will stay local and attend Buffalo State to play softball. She currently holds a 3.7 GPA and aspires to become a teacher after college. "Seeing all my teachers push me to be a better person made me want to do that for kids when I get older," she said. Her basketball coach, Kristin Wegrzyn, shared her thoughts on Madison’s contributions to the team and how she will be missed. "She’s got such grit, and that's something you can't coach," Wegrzyn said. "There are times during a game when I'll look at her and we just connect. She knows exactly what I mean, whether it's to slow us down, if I need a big stop from her on a possession, or just ensuring that she’s communicating with the team. All of these qualities put together make her a really special player and I’ll definitely miss her when she’s gone." WIVB link
GIHS Viking Values December Students of the Month - January 2025
The students are pictured, from left, front row: Mikey Wagner, grade 12, selected by the Business Department; Noah Magee, grade 11, selected by the Science Department; Riley Myers, grade 10, selected by the Art Department; Hailey Green, grade 12, selected by the Social Studies Department; Zoha Elahi, grade 10, selected by the Physical Education Department. Back row: Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey; Assistant Principle Adam Hernandez; Jocelyn Jung, grade 9, selected by the English Department; Jacob Belous, grade 11, selected by the Technology Department; Evan Pickering, grade 12, selected by the Math Department; Tyler Hazel, grade 10, selected by the World Language Department; and Assistant Principal Jaime Peld. Not pictured: Annabelle Linenfelser, grade 12, selected by the Music Department.
Photo by Larry Austin/Grand Island Central School District
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, and assistant principals Jaime Peld, and Adam Hernandez of Grand Island High School have announced the Viking Values Students of the Month for December.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are nominated by the departments of World Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, English, Business, Art, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Science.The Viking Values Students of the Month are chosen based on character, academic performance, effort, behavior, social relationships, and attendance. Character: The student demonstrates the Viking Values of respect, responsibility, safety, and compassion. Academic performance: The student is passing all classes taken within the department and demonstrates excellent class participation and completion of assignments. Effort: The student demonstrates good effort in class and works up to or exceeds innate ability. Behavior: Both inside and outside of the classroom, the student obeys rules, shows respect to peers and adults, and is well-mannered. Social relationships: The student displays leadership, a willingness to help peers, and shows respect toward others. Attendance – The student attends school regularly and arrives at school and classes on time.
