Zeeland East High School senior Gibson DeGroot pets his real-life cat. DeGroot has created an AI-powered app that generates witty captions for cat photos.
Photo courtesy Zeeland Public Schools
By Brandy Navetta
Zeeland Public Schools
Developing an app is challenging for professionals. Zeeland East High School senior Gibson DeGroot did it before his high school graduation.
DeGroot recently developed CatGPT, an AI-powered app that generates clever, surprisingly accurate captions for cat photos. For cat lovers, the appeal is obvious. Cats have distinct personalities, and CatGPT taps into the question many owners find themselves asking: What exactly is going on in their minds?
CatGPT opens directly to a camera or photo library, allowing users to snap a picture or select one from their camera roll. After uploading a cat photo, the app uses artificial intelligence to analyze the image and generate a caption that reflects the cat’s expression and personality. The results are humorous and almost always on the mark, making the app both entertaining and technically impressive.
Behind this simple user experience is a motivated high school innovator. Beyond building the app itself, DeGroot has been intentional about understanding how CatGPT could work in the real world, exploring everything from advertising models and cost-per-use to how long users engage with the app. His experiences in high school robotics sparked his interest in coding. They gave him the skillset to take an idea, test it, refine it, and keep pushing until it worked, turning a creative concept into a viable product.
Creating an app like CatGPT involves much more than writing code.
“Designing CatGPT has been a fun challenge. I’ve had to learn how to design UI and logos, prepare a project for production, and market the project,” DeGroot said.
DeGroot’s work reflects the hands-on, future-focused learning taking place at Zeeland Public Schools, where students are encouraged to explore their interests and apply technical skills in real-world settings.
As DeGroot gets ready for high school graduation this spring, he plans to continue pursuing opportunities in technology and software development, building on the foundation developed through robotics and independent projects.
You can download CatGPT on all Apple devices by visiting the App Store.
Zeeland Public Schools
Developing an app is challenging for professionals. Zeeland East High School senior Gibson DeGroot did it before his high school graduation.
DeGroot recently developed CatGPT, an AI-powered app that generates clever, surprisingly accurate captions for cat photos. For cat lovers, the appeal is obvious. Cats have distinct personalities, and CatGPT taps into the question many owners find themselves asking: What exactly is going on in their minds?
CatGPT opens directly to a camera or photo library, allowing users to snap a picture or select one from their camera roll. After uploading a cat photo, the app uses artificial intelligence to analyze the image and generate a caption that reflects the cat’s expression and personality. The results are humorous and almost always on the mark, making the app both entertaining and technically impressive.
Behind this simple user experience is a motivated high school innovator. Beyond building the app itself, DeGroot has been intentional about understanding how CatGPT could work in the real world, exploring everything from advertising models and cost-per-use to how long users engage with the app. His experiences in high school robotics sparked his interest in coding. They gave him the skillset to take an idea, test it, refine it, and keep pushing until it worked, turning a creative concept into a viable product.
Creating an app like CatGPT involves much more than writing code.
“Designing CatGPT has been a fun challenge. I’ve had to learn how to design UI and logos, prepare a project for production, and market the project,” DeGroot said.
DeGroot’s work reflects the hands-on, future-focused learning taking place at Zeeland Public Schools, where students are encouraged to explore their interests and apply technical skills in real-world settings.
As DeGroot gets ready for high school graduation this spring, he plans to continue pursuing opportunities in technology and software development, building on the foundation developed through robotics and independent projects.
You can download CatGPT on all Apple devices by visiting the App Store.
OAISD Expands Career and Tech Education Options
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) is advancing a multi-year effort to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for learners from kindergarten through adulthood. Growing demand for skilled career pathways, industry credentials and work-based learning has driven the district to reconfigure facilities, open new instructional spaces and collaborate closely with local districts and business partners to expand partnerships.
During the last school year alone, OAISD high school students earned nearly 3,000 industry-recognized credentials and 3,000 college credits, demonstrating the strong regional impact of hands-on career training.
“When we expand career and technical education, we open doors for students, respond to the talent needs of local employers, and strengthen the economic future of our entire region,” OAISD Superintendent Dr. Kyle Mayer said.
“These projects reflect our long-term commitment to helping learners of all ages succeed while building a workforce that supports the vitality of our community.”
To accommodate increasing enrollment and growing waitlists, OAISD opened the Careerline Tech Center (CTC) East Building last year, a fully renovated facility that houses health sciences and emergency services programs. The building renovation also enabled the launch of a new Fire and Rescue program, which offers state-recognized certification and hands-on training through partnerships with local fire departments.
Relocating Thompson M-TEC, OAISD’s adult training center, into the same building as CTC East in fall 2025 further strengthened alignment between high school and adult CTE programs. Shared access to advanced classrooms and equipment supports a more seamless learning experience and enhances workforce readiness for both student groups.
With Thompson M-TEC relocated, its former building at 6364 136th Ave. in Olive Township is undergoing construction to become the Learning and Leading Commons, a centralized hub for OAISD’s professional learning and administrative services and a critical step in the district’s long-term strategy to increase overall CTE student capacity.
The Learning and Leading Commons will:
• House staff previously located in the former Educational Services Building and integrate early childhood staff currently in a leased Zeeland facility.
• Provide flexible, collaborative and centrally-located space for instructional services, leadership development and regional professional learning for educators.
• Return classroom space in the main Careerline Tech Center building (currently used as temporary office space) to student use, enabling further expansion of CTE programming.
Beyond facility renovations, OAISD continues to support regional CTE growth. Eight local high schools now offer OAISD-supported CTE programs serving more than 1,500 students, and OAISD supports Work-Based Learning in eight districts, connecting students with nearly 300 employer partners. futurePREP’d programs have also expanded, including a new Environmental Science Academy in partnership with Hope College and an after-school PREP’d Connect program serving more than 160 students.
“As more students pursue hands-on, career-focused education, we are committed to creating the spaces and partnerships needed to help them thrive,” said Dave Searles, OAISD Associate Superintendent of Career and Technical Education. “This growth would not be possible without our local districts, business partners, and the dedication of our staff.”
During the last school year alone, OAISD high school students earned nearly 3,000 industry-recognized credentials and 3,000 college credits, demonstrating the strong regional impact of hands-on career training.
“When we expand career and technical education, we open doors for students, respond to the talent needs of local employers, and strengthen the economic future of our entire region,” OAISD Superintendent Dr. Kyle Mayer said.
“These projects reflect our long-term commitment to helping learners of all ages succeed while building a workforce that supports the vitality of our community.”
To accommodate increasing enrollment and growing waitlists, OAISD opened the Careerline Tech Center (CTC) East Building last year, a fully renovated facility that houses health sciences and emergency services programs. The building renovation also enabled the launch of a new Fire and Rescue program, which offers state-recognized certification and hands-on training through partnerships with local fire departments.
Relocating Thompson M-TEC, OAISD’s adult training center, into the same building as CTC East in fall 2025 further strengthened alignment between high school and adult CTE programs. Shared access to advanced classrooms and equipment supports a more seamless learning experience and enhances workforce readiness for both student groups.
With Thompson M-TEC relocated, its former building at 6364 136th Ave. in Olive Township is undergoing construction to become the Learning and Leading Commons, a centralized hub for OAISD’s professional learning and administrative services and a critical step in the district’s long-term strategy to increase overall CTE student capacity.
The Learning and Leading Commons will:
• House staff previously located in the former Educational Services Building and integrate early childhood staff currently in a leased Zeeland facility.
• Provide flexible, collaborative and centrally-located space for instructional services, leadership development and regional professional learning for educators.
• Return classroom space in the main Careerline Tech Center building (currently used as temporary office space) to student use, enabling further expansion of CTE programming.
Beyond facility renovations, OAISD continues to support regional CTE growth. Eight local high schools now offer OAISD-supported CTE programs serving more than 1,500 students, and OAISD supports Work-Based Learning in eight districts, connecting students with nearly 300 employer partners. futurePREP’d programs have also expanded, including a new Environmental Science Academy in partnership with Hope College and an after-school PREP’d Connect program serving more than 160 students.
“As more students pursue hands-on, career-focused education, we are committed to creating the spaces and partnerships needed to help them thrive,” said Dave Searles, OAISD Associate Superintendent of Career and Technical Education. “This growth would not be possible without our local districts, business partners, and the dedication of our staff.”
Holland Symphony Trio to Perform at Second Church
The Second Church Recital Series at Second Reformed Church in Zeeland continues Sunday, Feb. 22 with a performance by a trio of musicians from the Holland Symphony Orchestra.
The recital will take place at 4 p.m. at the church, located at 225 E. Central Ave. Admission is free.
The musicians are Amanda Dykhouse, violin; Lee Copenhaver, cello; and Allison Keep, piano. Their program will feature the Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1, “Ghost” by Beethoven and the Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120 by Gabriel Faure.
Guests are cordially invited to remain for a reception in the Gathering Place following the performance. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with the performers and meet your friends as you enjoy delicious snacks.
Convenient parking is available at the corner of Church Street and Cherry Avenue, with an accessible entrance from the parking lot into and throughout the building.
The recital will take place at 4 p.m. at the church, located at 225 E. Central Ave. Admission is free.
The musicians are Amanda Dykhouse, violin; Lee Copenhaver, cello; and Allison Keep, piano. Their program will feature the Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1, “Ghost” by Beethoven and the Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120 by Gabriel Faure.
Guests are cordially invited to remain for a reception in the Gathering Place following the performance. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with the performers and meet your friends as you enjoy delicious snacks.
Convenient parking is available at the corner of Church Street and Cherry Avenue, with an accessible entrance from the parking lot into and throughout the building.
Thoreson Named to Albion Dean’s List
Carter Thoreson was recently named to Albion College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester. Thoreson is majoring in kinesiology - exercise science. Thoreson is a resident of Zeeland and is a graduate of Zeeland West High School.
Albion College is a private liberal arts college of approximately 1,500 students and is nationally recognized for its academic excellence in the liberal arts tradition, a learning-centered commitment, and a future-oriented perspective. The college is a leader in preparing students to anticipate, solve, and prevent problems in order to improve the human and global condition.
Canfield Makes Dean’s List at Point Park
Saige Canfield of Zeeland was recently named to the fall 2025 Dean’s List at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pa.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must have a 3.5 grade point average.
Point Park University focuses on student success through innovative experiential learning opportunities. Point Park enrolls nearly 3,700 students in over 100 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs offered through its Conservatory of Performing Arts (School of Dance and School of Film, Theatre and Animation), Rowland School of Business, and schools of Arts and Sciences, Communication, and Education.
Brands Named to Wisconsin Lutheran Dean’s List
Emily Brands, of Zeeland, a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran College, has been named to the college’s Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester. Emily is a graduate of Pentecostal Christian Academy.
To be eligible for Dean’s List, a student must carry a semester grade point average of 3.6 or higher.
Wisconsin Lutheran College is an independent, nationally-ranked Christian college located in Milwaukee, Wis. The college, which prepares students for lives of Christian leadership, is recognized for its academic excellence and superior student experience. For more information, visit wlc.edu.
Seay Makes Cumberlands Dean’s List
In recognition of academic performance, the Office of Academic Affairs at University of the Cumberlands has announced that Christopher Seay of Zeeland has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester.
To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (a full course load), maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 for the semester, and be in good academic standing.
University of the Cumberlands is one of the largest and most affordable private universities in Kentucky. Located in Williamsburg, Ky., Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction offering quality undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree programs. Learn more at ucumberlands.edu.
College Briefs
Kith Named to Dean’s List at Maryland Global Campus
Saodara Kith of Zeeland was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 term at University of Maryland Global Campus.
To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland with more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide.
Saodara Kith of Zeeland was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 term at University of Maryland Global Campus.
To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland with more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide.
Hope Designated as ‘Top Producing Institution’ of Fulbright Students
The Fulbright Program has recognized Hope College for being one of 96 colleges and universities nationwide with the highest number of students and recent alumni selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Fulbright “Top Producing Institutions” such as Hope College value global connection and support their students and faculty to pursue international opportunities. Four students from Hope College were selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for academic year 2025-26.
The three Hope College graduates active in this flagship international academic exchange program include Nicholas Figueroa, from Grand Rapids, conducting biology research in Japan; Emma Brenny, from Plymouth, and Kaitlyn Goeman, from Grand Haven, who are both English teaching assistants working in South Korea and Spain, respectively. A fourth Hope graduate - Erin Matheny of Greenwood, Ind. - was also awarded a Fulbright grant but declined to accept a fellowship opportunity elsewhere.
Dr. Janis Gibbs — a Hope professor of history — serves as a Fulbright Program advisor at the college, along with Dr. Lauren Janes, associate professor of history, and Dr. Mark Pearson, associate professor of mathematics. Together, they guide students in their application process, mentor them during their discernment process and about their calling after graduation. These advisors also work closely with the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career to provide guidance and support to Fulbright applicants.
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange program. Each year, it provides opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach, and conduct research abroad, advancing knowledge, science, and industry through international exchange and collaboration. The United States government has offered these grants to college graduates and faculty to conduct study and/or teaching projects all over the world.
The Fulbright grants usually last between six and 12 months and cover all living costs and provide a modest stipend.
The Fulbright awards are available to recent college graduates, graduate students and early-career professionals who participate in study and research exchanges or serve as English-teaching assistants in local schools abroad. The national program is highly competitive, with Hope students having a long history of doing well in the competition, said Dr. Gibbs. Since 2004, there have been 47 Hope College students accepted and active into the Fulbright Program.
For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit fulbrightprogram.org.
Fulbright “Top Producing Institutions” such as Hope College value global connection and support their students and faculty to pursue international opportunities. Four students from Hope College were selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for academic year 2025-26.
The three Hope College graduates active in this flagship international academic exchange program include Nicholas Figueroa, from Grand Rapids, conducting biology research in Japan; Emma Brenny, from Plymouth, and Kaitlyn Goeman, from Grand Haven, who are both English teaching assistants working in South Korea and Spain, respectively. A fourth Hope graduate - Erin Matheny of Greenwood, Ind. - was also awarded a Fulbright grant but declined to accept a fellowship opportunity elsewhere.
Dr. Janis Gibbs — a Hope professor of history — serves as a Fulbright Program advisor at the college, along with Dr. Lauren Janes, associate professor of history, and Dr. Mark Pearson, associate professor of mathematics. Together, they guide students in their application process, mentor them during their discernment process and about their calling after graduation. These advisors also work closely with the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career to provide guidance and support to Fulbright applicants.
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange program. Each year, it provides opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach, and conduct research abroad, advancing knowledge, science, and industry through international exchange and collaboration. The United States government has offered these grants to college graduates and faculty to conduct study and/or teaching projects all over the world.
The Fulbright grants usually last between six and 12 months and cover all living costs and provide a modest stipend.
The Fulbright awards are available to recent college graduates, graduate students and early-career professionals who participate in study and research exchanges or serve as English-teaching assistants in local schools abroad. The national program is highly competitive, with Hope students having a long history of doing well in the competition, said Dr. Gibbs. Since 2004, there have been 47 Hope College students accepted and active into the Fulbright Program.
For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit fulbrightprogram.org.
