For the past 16 years, Hemlock High School has been a proud participant in the esteemed Zehnder’s Snowfest carving competition in Frankenmuth, Michigan, consistently showcasing remarkable talent, creativity, and teamwork.
This year, Hemlock High School’s two carving teams demonstrated extraordinary skill and perseverance, sculpting breathtaking works of art that captured both the spirit of the competition and the values of our school. Their dedication paid off in a big way—our Varsity team took home 1st place, and our JV team secured an impressive 4th place finish.
The JV team, consisting of Morgan Metiva, Rosie Sparling, Michaela Leddy, Grace Murtha, and Kassidy Cavendish, and coached by Madeline Spillane, crafted a heartwarming sculpture of a young girl embracing her beloved dog. Aptly titled “Human's Best Friend,” their piece celebrated the beauty of companionship and the profound bond between humans and their pets.
The Varsity team, made up of Nellie Maltby, Lilly Spillane, Makenna Church, Lydia Olinger, and Emily Jones, and coached by RaeAnn Woodcock, brought home the championship with their stunning sculpture, “Taking Flight.” This breathtaking tribute to the journey of high schoolers leaving the proverbial nest and soaring into their next season of life was embodied by a Pegasus taking flight.
With over two dozen ‘Hemlockians’ braving the cold to carve—including students, coaches, and alumni who continue to return to the festival year after year—this event was yet another incredible demonstration of the artistic collaboration and passion that runs deep in our community. In addition to our student teams, the Hemlock alumni team also made their mark, sculpting a delightful raccoon with his catch. This piece was crafted by Ana Rodriquez, Daniel Killingbeck, and Morgan Walle.
Teacher and coach RaeAnn Woodcock, who has been guiding the Hemlock team since its inception, expressed immense pride in this year’s teams: “Year after year, our students pour their creativity and hard work into these sculptures, and it’s incredible to watch them transform massive blocks of snow into breathtaking sculptures. Seeing our Varsity team win 1st place and our JV team place 4th is just absolutely amazing!”
Superintendent Don Killingbeck echoed the excitement, stating, “We are beyond proud of our students for their dedication and artistry at Zehnder’s Snowfest. Their success is a testament to the perseverance, teamwork, and creativity fostered in our district. This competition is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of the talent and passion that makes Hemlock special.”
Zehnder’s Snowfest is not only a prestigious competition but also a cherished tradition that unites our students, alumni, and the community in a shared love for creativity and excellence. Hemlock High School looks forward to continuing this legacy for years to come, shaping young artists and leaders who leave their mark—one sculpture at a time.