District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- At Harrison Park Academy, building school spirit has become a key part of strengthening the school’s culture and climate. That effort came to life in a powerful way when the school’s girls’ basketball team won the GRPS Middle School Girls Basketball Tournament championship.

The team defeated Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy in a hard-fought game, bringing home Harrison Park’s second middle school championship this school year. Earlier in the fall, Harrison Park’s boys’ soccer team won a GRPS middle school title, giving the school its first two middle school championships in 12 years.

For scholars and staff, the girls basketball victory showcased the growing sense of pride and support developing throughout the school community.

“We are trying to pave the way when it comes to school spirit for Harrison Park,” said April Kidd, Harrison’s Scholar Success Coordinator.

That vision was on full display during the championship game. Kidd organized a fan bus so scholars could travel to the game and support their classmates. More than 40 scholars joined the trip, creating a lively Harrison Park section in the stands. School staff also packed the gym, cheering alongside scholars.

The turnout reflected a larger shift in how the school community shows up for one another.

“A lot of our staff are supporting our kids, but our kids are supporting our kids too,” Kidd said.

Back at school, the celebration continued with a schoolwide parade honoring the team. More than 700 scholars lined the hallways as the girls’ basketball players walked through the building carrying their championship trophy. The parade ended at the school’s trophy case, where the team officially placed the trophy on display as the entire school cheered.

The moment captured what staff hope to continue building: a culture where scholars feel connected, celebrated, and proud of their school.

Athletics has become an important part of that effort. These championships have created new opportunities for the Harrison Park community to come together and celebrate shared success. While the victories are exciting, school leaders say the larger goal is strengthening the environment for scholars by creating opportunities for them to support one another, building a stronger sense of belonging and school pride that reaches far beyond the final score.