Sen. Kowall Helps with 'Burning' Demonstration at West Bloomfield High

While taking a tour of West Bloomfield High School last month, Michigan State Senator Mike Kowall, who represents West Bloomfield Township in the 15th District, visited 12 classrooms including Mervet Ismail’s Honors Chemistry class.

The senator was somewhat reluctant when Ismail asked him if he would like to light her hand on fire, but he agreed to participate in the experiment. Kowall appeared surprised when Ismail's hand caught fire, but was happy to have played a part in the demonstration–and nobody was injured.

As he toured classrooms ranging from 9th grade Engineering Academy, where students were learning to build bridges, to the Laker Express Honors Choir, which performed the National Anthem under the direction of Sheryl Hauk, Kowall said, “I have been looking forward to visiting West Bloomfield High School to see first hand why it is consistently ranked among the best in our nation.”

Principal Tom Shelton, Assistant Principals Mara Hoffert, Arthur Ebert, and Pat Watson all joined the senator as he toured classrooms, including the high school’s state-of-the-art TV Studio where Ashley Teffer teaches the school district’s popular Video Journalism course.

In the Advanced Marketing classes, students get a true sense of the common principles of the marketing mix in the school’s own store, Laker Landing. Kowall walked out with a Laker baseball cap from teacher Eric Pierce.

Counselor Lisa Graff shared some of the school's unique programs, including Political Leadership and Medical Mentorship programs. Assistant principal and athletic director Pat Watson also noted that “we have a multitude of athletic activities for students to choose from as well, and now have our own Equestrian team."

Kowall said “most districts around the nation can’t hold a candle to what we’re doing in Oakland County, and the schools in my district.”

Source: West Bloomfield Public Schools press release