March 15, 2024

Board of Education Honors Student Athletes and a Musician

At the March 12th, 2024, Board of Education Regular meeting, the Board honored the Boys Swim and Dive team, the combined Ski team and a jazz musician.

Jazz Musician

The Board of Education honored BHS senior Samuel Melkonian, who was named to the MSBOA All-State Jazz Band for percussion. Being named to the MSBOA All-State Jazz Band is a prestigious honor, over 2,000+ students auditioned for one of three All-State ensembles. As the Jazz Drummer, Sam is the top high school percussionist in the state of Michigan.

To receive All-State status, students must prepare and perform a lengthy and rigorous live audition process. The judges evaluate each entry and select students to fill specific instrument seats in the All-State ensemble.

Band teacher Jon Thomann said, “Sam is one of the most fine musicians I have ever had the pleasure to teach and work with. More importantly, he is a humble and kind person. He is well-respected by his peers and looked up to. He truly Inspires, Empowers, and Leads. Sam makes our band and community better.”

Ski Team

The Berkley/Troy Athens combined Ski team was honored at the Board meeting for earning Academic All-State honors. Seven Berkley High School athletes compete on this combined team. Individually, the Board recognized two skiers for qualifying for, and competing at, the State Ski meet. Tessa Rontal, BHS sophomore, was honored for finishing in 6th place in the state in the Giant Slalom. Jonah Rontal, BHS senior, was honored for finishing in 33rd place in the state in the Slalom and 21st in the state in the Giant Slalom.

BHS Boys Swim & Dive Team

The Board of Education honored the BHS Boys Swim and Dive team for earning Academic All-State Honors as a team, with a cumulative GPA of 3.89. In addition, for the 2023-24 season, the Berkley Bearacudas had a fantastic season. A few highlights include: