GRAND HAVEN, Mich. - There's a lot to be proud of in Coast Guard City USA. It's such a beautiful town right next to one of our state's most precious resources, Lake Michigan. But if all you know about Grand Haven is the beach, Coast Guard Fest and "The Strip," then allow us to take you for a walk inside the halls of Grand Haven High School during one of the best times of year—homecoming.
There are wonderful educators at Grand Haven, including Mr. Ferris, who we got to know a little better early on.
The Buccaneers do blood drives multiple times per year. It's a big deal at Grand Haven. You get special accolades at graduation if you donate up to a certain amount.
Grand Haven also has an entrepreneur class where students can build their own surfboards, skim boards, skateboards and any other board you can imagine. They then auction them off.
The school also has a class called outdoor education. You can do a number of things including hunting, paintball, surfing and even skydiving. Kids say they learn some great life skills and the class does wonders for their mental health.
Of course, physical health is important too and that's why Kamady and Laura crashed an exercise class. The routine certainly put our ladies to the test.
One of our favorite things about Sunrise Sidelines are the bands. The Buccaneer Marching Band has a big competition coming up on Oct. 13 and we got a taste of what they can do out on the field.
Speaking of performances, we got one from the cheerleaders who really got us in the Buccaneer spirit.
But of course, we couldn't leave Grand Haven without doing the messy game that everyone looks forward to. Lately we've noticed a trend in teachers going after each other, doing anything to win.
And the $200 giveaway went to football player Bryce who will be be representing the Bucs on the football field when they look to dethrone the first place team in the OK Red tonight. That's East Kentwood. Another Senior, Madison, caught our eye because she might just have the most spirit in the entire school.
Thanks again to everyone in Grand Haven for being such hospitable hosts. You're every bit as fun as wonderful as the big lake right down the street from you.
Photos: Sunrise Sidelines at Grand Haven High School
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Matt Gard is the Senior Producer of 13 ON YOUR SIDE Mornings. If you have a story idea, you can contact him on Twitter, @mgard_wzzm13 or by e-mail, MattGard@wzzm13.com.