2023-24 Independent Bank Athletes of the Year

Congratulations to Jacob Montgomery and Lilly Reams who were named the 2023-24 Independent Bank Student-Athletes of the Year.  Both Jacob and Lilly were recognized by Independent Bank representative Jenny Dinehart on Tuesday, May 21st at the Senior Scholarships and Awards Night held at the Ionia Movie Theatre.  The award has been presented to seniors based on leadership, academics, and athletics for over 25 years.  Independent Bank gave each student-athlete a $1,000 scholarship towards their future education.

Male Athlete of the Year: Jacob Montgomery

Parents: Susie and Tim Montgomery

College: University of Michigan

Area of Study: Computer Science

Sports: Basketball (2 yrs.), Cross Country (4 yrs.), and Track (4 yrs.).   Cross Country CAAC White League Champion 2023 and State Finals qualifier.  Track State Finals qualifier and all-state in the 800 meter run.

Academics: CAAC Academic All-Conference, CAAC Top 10 Senior Scholar-Athlete, IHS Scholar-Athlete, IHS Bulldog Scholar, IHS Senior Scholar, Class of 2024 Valedictorian, and Academic All-State in XC and track. 

Leadership: National honors Society, Link Crew, Interact, SADD, YAC, Student Council, Principal’s Advisory Committee, and Cross Country Team Captain.

Female Athlete of the Year: Lilly Reams

Parents: Jason and Tami Reams, Rob and Tricia Gregory

College: Baker College 

Major: Nursing planning to become a CRNA(certified registered nurse anesthetist)

Sports: volleyball (4 yrs), basketball (4 yrs), and track and field (4yrs).  Block I recipient for the Class of 2024.

Academics: CAAC Academic All-Conference, CAAC Top 10 Senior Scholar-Athlete, IHS Scholar-Athlete, IHS Bulldog Scholar, and IHS Senior Scholar.

Leadership: President of the Superintendent's Advisory Committee, Secretary of National Honor Society, Treasurer of Student Council, a member of the Principal's Advisory Committee, participated in 4H at the Ionia Free Fair and the reigning 2023 Ionia Free Fair Queen. 

Both Jacob and Lilly have represented their teams, school, families, and community with pride over the last 4 years.  They have made their teams and teammates better through their participation and are better for having participated.  We wish both of these Bulldogs good luck in all their future endeavors. 

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