Senior Spotlight: Gavin Menke-Bailey

Gavin Menke-Bailey was born on Oct. 29, 2006 to Kelly and Matthew Bailey. He became a member of the “all boys” Bailey club by joining Seth, 21, Brody, 18, and welcoming Grayson, 11, and Miles, 9. Nicknamed GMB, his grandparents, Jeanne and Jerry Menke and Kevin and Gail Bailey, were equally overjoyed with this fella’s arrival.

Since his stint at Grow and Glow Preschool, Gavin has been part of the Class of 2025.

He has been busy at school, participating in football, wrestling, and high school and club baseball. He has been part of MpowerU leadership development. He was also chosen by the student body of NLHS as the 2024 Homecoming king.

GMB has received many awards in his four years of high school. They include first team All-District linebacker — senior year; honorable mention All-Hawk Eye football team-senior year; first team All-District running back-junior year; honorable mention All-District linebacker-sophomore year; second team All-District shortstop-junior year; first team All-Hawk Eye shortstop-junior year, honorable mention All-District shortstop-sophomore year; and honor roll all four years.

When he’s not at school, Gavin enjoys being with friends and family, lifting, and playing baseball.

When asked what special memory Gavin will carry with him, he says, “Being with the majority of our class from preschool to senior year and everything in between.”

His most embarrassing moment was tripping down the stairs, face first, in front of a ton of people and spilling his goldfish everywhere.

Gavin feels his class is special because of their years spent together. As he puts it, “The majority of us have been here since day one!” His advice to the underclassmen is to be involved, be yourself, have fun, and put your trust in God.

When asked to single out special people for recognition, Gavin picked his parents. “My mom and dad, Kelly and Matthew Bailey. I chose them because they are always by my side and always helping and pushing me to be a better person and always do the best I can.”

As Gavin looks forward to graduation and the start of baseball season, his future plans include SCC to finish his AA degree and play baseball for the Blackhawks.

Tiger Nation wishes GMB all the best in whatever endeavors that are ahead. We know he will make us proud and he will be missed!