H2Know Podcast - Hamilton Community Schools (MI)

What does it take to go from Hamilton High School to becoming a doctor?

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, we sit down with 2016 Hamilton High School graduate Jacob Charron to talk about his 10-year journey through college, medical school, and the highly competitive Match Day process. Jacob shares what it means to match into a family medicine residency at Trinity Health Muskegon, why staying in West Michigan matters to him, and ...

Episode Overview

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, Zach Harig sits down with Superintendent Dr. Brad Lusk for an in-depth conversation about major construction initiatives happening across Hamilton Community Schools. The discussion focuses on the why behind key decisions, including the full replacement of the Hamilton Middle School roof, the temporary relocation of 8th grade students to the high school for the 2026–27 school ye...

Episode Description

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, host Zach Harig sits down with Deputy John Dekkinga, School Resource Officer for Hamilton Community Schools and a deputy with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office.

A 2018 graduate of Hamilton High School, Deputy Dekkinga reflects on what it’s like returning to his home district in a new role — one that goes far beyond law enforcement. Together, they dive into school safety, re...

Snow days are one of the most talked-about topics every winter, and in this episode of the H2Know Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Brad Lusk joins host Zach Harig to give families a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at how Hamilton Community Schools makes those important decisions. With a district spanning approximately 135 square miles, Hamilton faces unique challenges when determining whether roads are safe for buses, student driver...

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Brad Lusk joins host Zach Harig to share the story behind the purchase of the Hamilton Christian Reformed Church property and what it means for students, families, and our community.

The episode begins with a look at the rapid growth of Hamilton Virtual School and why additional space has become a priority. Dr. Lusk explains how the district evaluated numerous possibilities —...

In this episode of H2Know, we sit down with Hamilton Elementary Principal Dean Kramer to celebrate a historic milestone — Hamilton Elementary becoming the first school in Hamilton Community Schools history to be recognized as a Michigan Blue Ribbon School.

Dean shares what this recognition means, how his staff’s dedication and strong systems like PBIS and MTSS have built a culture of excellence, and why community support and student...

In this episode of H2Know, we’re joined by Hamilton High School Principal Mitch Bosch to dive into the wide range of academic and career pathways available to Hawkeye students. From Advanced Placement and direct college credit options to hands-on learning through Business Development, Co-Op, and HVAC program, Hamilton High School is preparing every student for their unique future.

Mr. Bosch explains how teachers, counselors, and com...

In this episode of H2Know, we’re joined by Whitney Hobbs, Hamilton Community Schools’ Preschool and Before & After School Childcare Coordinator, to take a closer look inside one of the district’s most impactful early learning programs — Hawkeye Preschool.

Located at Sandyview Learning Center, Hawkeye Preschool offers both 3-year-old and 4-year-old (PreK for All) programs designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence....

In this episode of H2Know, we sit down with Hamilton Community Schools Director of Career, College & Innovative Programs Mat Rehkopf to dive into the exciting new Ignite Program — a unique opportunity for 9th and 10th grade students who are passionate about the trades.

Ignite blends the flexibility of online learning with hands-on training at ROUTE, where students learn valuable skills like framing, plumbing, electrical, and mor...

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, we sit down with Whitney Hobbs, coordinator of Hawkeye Kids Before & After School Childcare and Hawkeye Preschool, to explore how Hamilton Community Schools supports students and families beyond the traditional school day.

Whitney shares how the Hawkeye Kids program provides a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for students before and after school — allowing parents flexibility while...

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, we sit down with Hamilton Community Schools Athletic Director, Eric Talsma, to take a deep dive into the exciting upgrades and innovations happening across Hawkeye athletics — from new infrastructure and technology to community engagement and accessibility.

From improved Wi-Fi on the athletic campus and game streaming options, to the new athletic walkway, ADA-accessible paths, and the boosters’...

Every school day, Hamilton’s buses travel nearly 1,954 miles, transporting more than 1,300 students safely across 135 square miles. Behind that incredible effort is Transportation Supervisor Kathy Dykema and her team of dedicated drivers and aides — a close-knit crew united by care, community, and purpose.

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, Kathy shares what it’s like to lead the transportation department, the steps it takes to ...

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, Hamilton Community Schools Director of Career, College, and Innovative Programming, Mr. Mat Rehkopf, joins us to dive deep into the district’s innovative approach to Early College.

Mat explains what Early College really means, how it’s helping Hamilton students earn free college credits while still in high school, and what makes the new Hope College partnership so unique. He also shares insight...