Congratulations to Tess Griffith and Sam Eppler who were named Independent Bank Student-Athletes of the Month for October.  Both student-athletes were recognized by Independent Bank representative Boomer Hoppough at the IHS student awards ceremony on Thursday, October 27th.  The award is presented to seniors based on leadership, academics, and athletics.  Each student-athlete now qualifies for a chance to win the $1000 Independent Bank Student-Athlete of the Year scholarship presented on senior night to one male and one female athlete.

October Female Athlete of the Month: Tess Griffith

Parents: Jason and Kara Griffith

College: Undecided (plans to play volleyball at college)

Major: Undecided

Sports: Volleyball and Track & Field (All-Conference in both)

Academics: CAAC Scholar Athlete, IHS Scholar Athlete, and IHS Honor Roll Student.

Leadership: NHS, Superintendent Student  Advisory Committee, and 2022 volleyball team captain

October Male Athlete of the Month: Sam Eppler

Parents: Jason and Patricia Eppler 

College: Hoping to attend West Point

Major: Defense and Strategic Studies

Sports: Tennis(CAAC White Champions 21-22 & 22-23, Ionia County Player of the Year 21-22, Team MVP 20-21, 21-22, &  22-23, State Finals 22-23, and Honorable Mention All-State 22-23), Basketball (CAAC White Champions 21-22 and Team Academic All State 21-22), and Track (CAAC White Champions 21-22, CAAC White All Conference 21-22, Track All Region 21-22).

Academics: CAAC Scholar Athlete, IHS Scholar Athlete, and IHS Honor Roll student.

Leadership: Link Crew Officer, Interact Club, Ionia Athletic Advisory Committee, Youth Advisory Committee, Principal Student Advisory Committee, National Honor Society Treasurer, and Superintendent Advisory Council 

Both Tess and Sam are not only successful in their respective sports but in the classroom as well, and serve as great role models for our younger athletes.  Congratulations to both of them for being recognized as the Independent Bank female and male student-athletes of the month for October!  

Thank you to Independent Bank for their continued  support of our student-athletes.