Congratulations to Jillian Merrifield and Micah Hatfield who were named Independent Bank Student-Athletes of the Month for April.  The award is presented to seniors based on leadership, academics, and athletics.  Each student-athlete now qualifies for a chance to win the Independent Bank Student-Athlete of the Year scholarship presented on senior night to one male and one female athlete.

Jillian is the daughter of James and Cathy Merrifield and has participated in swimming and track and Field all 4 years at IHS.  She plans to attend the University of New Mexico, where she will study Pre medicine and pole vault for the Lobos.  Jillian was nominated by girls track and field coach James Merrifield who had this to say about her:

“Jillian has been a 4 year Track and Field Athlete for Ionia High School.  She Pole Vaulted and ran sprints. Throughout her high school career she worked hard and was our #2 Pole Vaulter by the end of her Junior Year.  Thanks to a lot of hard work she was entering the 2020 season as our #1 Pole Vaulter and had already matched the school record several times during a series of indoor meets she competed in over the winter.  We were expecting big things from Jillian during her senior year.”

Micah is the son of Wade and Colette Hatfield and has participated in cross country and track and field all 4 years at IHS.  He plans to attend Hope College  and major in Engineering.  Micah was nominated by track and field coach James Merrifield who had this to say about him:

“Micah has been a 4 year Track and Field Athlete for Ionia High School.  He ran Sprints and Relays.  Throughout his 4 years he continuously worked hard and his performances were steadily improving.  By the end of his Junior Year he was part of the Varsity 4 x 100 Relay and had dropped his hundred meter time to be one of the top 4 sprinters.  As the 2020 season began, Micah was our #1 returning 100 meter guy. “ 

Both Jillian and Micah are not only successful in athletics but in the classroom as well, as both of them are in the top 20 of their graduating class and CAAC top ten senior scholar athletes.  Congratulations to both of them for being recognized as the Independent Bank male and female student-athletes of the month for April.