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Chirp Sheet
Singing the praises of our DCS students and staff 9-15/23
![Chirp Sheet Singing the praises of our DCS students and staff 9-15/23](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/6d5b/thumb-5fb6becdf668c2d493b65b7c6f3a2781.jpeg)
November 10, 2023
Fourth graders learn about flag etiquette from veterans
Members of the Marine Corps League Flint Detachment #155 visited students at Siple, Gates, Central and Hill Elementary buildings this week. While the primary reason for the visit was to explain to students about the history of the flag - such as why it has 13 stripes - and demonstrate how and why the flag is folded when presented, students were also privy to a real-life history lesson when they began asking questions of the veterans about their service.
For instance, when one student asked what the land was like where they served, Michael Key, Corps League Commandant, said he was everywhere from the mountains to the desert to the island nations of Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.
Students also learned that Lou Bryan, Past Commandant, built roads and bridges while he was in the service. Mr. Bryan, along with Corps member Ted LeClair, demonstrated how the flag is folded.
Joining the veterans were Marine Corps League Auxiliary members Kathie Rappley, Ann LeClair and Cathy Rayl.
Auxiliary member Kathie Rappley talks with fourth graders at Siple Elementary.
Commandant Michael Key explains the reasons behind each fold when the U.S. flag is presented to an individual.
Past Commandant Lou Bryan salutes the flag held by Ted LeClair.
Veterans invited to share lunch with Hahn students
Staff and students at Hahn Intermediate invited area veterans and veteran family members to join them for lunch today. Success Coordinator Travis Rodgers invited his dad, a Vietnam veteran who brought along with him photos and items - including a military police helmet and arm band - from his days in the service.
Theresa Rouse, a Purple Heart recipient, came to have lunch with her daughter, Isabella, who shared the story with her classmates about how her mother miraculously survived an attack on the Humvee she was riding in as a gunner pulling security in a convoy during the Iraq War. Ms. Rouse said her daughter asked to write about the experience because she doesn't really ever talk about it.
In addition to hosting lunch, students also decorated the building with red, white and blue posters, thanking veterans for their service.
DTV back on pace with Pacemaker Award win
For the fifth time since 2003, the DTV crew has earned the distinction of having the best high school newscast in the nation. DTV was announced as the winner of the Pacemaker Award by the National Scholastic Press Association last weekend in Boston.
In all, 20 finalists were chosen this year and nine schools were selected as Pacemaker winners.
This is the 5th time DTV has won the Pacemaker; other winning years included 2003, 2008, 2012, 2017 and 2023.
"The competition for this award is pretty intense and very hard to win, but the kids nailed it again!" said DTV Teacher Randy Scott. "And we are thrilled."
Davison High School senior Camy Aboneaaj also won an individual honorable mention for best sports story in the nation for her story on a Davison football player. This story also won first place in the state and a student Emmy award last year. You can watch that story here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLSni8AoiYs
Here are the links to the winning newscasts.
Central Super Stars of the Month
Each month Central Elementary celebrates Super Stars that were selected by their teacher for following the Cardinal Code and being a generous, helpful or kind friend to others! This month's Central Super Stars include: Charlotte St. Marie, Easton Thorpe, Josephine Monahan, Jayce Good, Carter Kaffenberger, Lila Creech, Blakely Buzzard, Carsyn Monreal, Layne Sherwood, Oliver Thompson, Austin Bennett, Kennedy Rowan, Lance Trout, Ryder Tolley, Wyatt Duprey, Hudson Beaty, Gunnar Garrard, Colton Tankersley, Aubree Watson, Nora Spicer, Anayah St. Charles, Jameson Schulte, Sienna Griffin, Iona Harris, Thea Dotson. Not Pictured: Victoria Berry and Marek Bishop.
Student Spotlight
Jr. ROTC program transforming lives of 3 DAE students
Allison Prado is the first one to admit she was "horrible" during her freshman year of high school.
"I've always been sassy," acknowledged Prado, now a junior at Davison Alternative Education. "Now, I am completely different. My sassiness hasn't left but my personality and attitude have completely changed."
Allison credits the change to the Jr. ROTC program that she attends at the Genesee Career Institute. Located on the grounds of the Genesee Intermediate School District, the US Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) class gives students the opportunity to explore exciting military careers, with no military obligation, while developing leadership skills. The mission of the class is to motivate cadets to be better citizens.
DAE senior Jadyn White said he used to have a temper but one would never suspect that with the respect he shows - and commands - due to the uniform he now wears proudly.
And Collin Abdella, the once very reserved junior who didn't really care about school, has now taken on some leadership roles, especially in the cafeteria.
"Since he joined (the Jr. ROTC), he has really come out of his shell," DAE Principal TJ Fischhaber said about Collin. "I know it sounds kind of cliché, but he really does walk taller and with his shoulders back and wears that uniform with pride."
Collin actually discovered the Jr ROTC program by mistake. Originally he had planned to sign up for the diesel mechanic program at GCI but the class was full. Someone suggested the ROTC class.
"It sounded fun so I said sign me up," he said. "It's mostly about leadership and pushing you to be a better person, more reliable. If you miss a day, you are expected to take responsibility."
"You definitely have to shut your brain off," added Allison. "You listen - listening is the major thing. You cannot have any kind of drama or anything going on. You do what you're told before you're told it."
Mental discipline is not the only thing required; there is also a physical challenge to the class. Allison recently was selected to compete nationally in a challenge that included making a rope bridge over a 95-foot wide river, running a 5K and participating in an obstacle course.
In December, Jadyn will compete in Drill exercises. Cadets spend Saturdays practicing for the competitions.
Jadyn said his only regret about his involvement in the Jr. ROTC program is that he didn't start it sooner. It is only one of two GCI classes available to freshmen; all of the other courses require students to be at least a junior in high school.
Jadyn comes from a long line of family members who served - or are serving - in the military. It is also his plan and said he will enlist next year with the U.S. Army. After basic training, he wants to join the ROTC program at Ferris State University to fulfill his dream of joining the military police in order to prepare him for a career later in law enforcement.
While Allison does not think she will enlist in the military, she does want to pursue a career in nursing. Collin said he is considering it but unsure as he is also thinking about a career as a conservation officer.
"I took four years of ROTC when I was in high school and I absolutely loved it," said Fischhaber. "I think it is a wonderful program."
Pictured below are left to right, Collin, Allison and Jadyn.
Athletic News
Varsity Football Headed for Regional Playoff Saturday
The Varsity Football Team takes on Rockford at 6 p.m. Saturday, November 11. The game will be played at Rockford High School. Parking will be available at the high school, Freshman Center and Roguewood Elementary.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. No cash or passes will be accepted. Credit cards will be accepted. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased through gofan.co
Swim Team sets six new school records
The Davison Girls' Swim and Dive finished third in the SVL with a score of 630.5, which is believed to be the highest finish in school history. The regular season included 16 top eight finishes and six season best and 21 personal best times.
One D1 State cut was accomplished by Lucy Stevens- 50 Freestyle (also re-setting her own school record, 25.11)
The six new school records included:
- 50 Freestyle - Lucy Stevens 25.11
- 100 Backstroke- Lucy Stevens 104.22
- 100 Freestyle - Emmersyn Erway 55.97
- Diving - Isla Puzjak 335.70
- 400 Free Relay- Emmersyn Erway, Lauryn Auger, Merrick Spiewak, Maddie Haldy, 3:52.70
- 200 Medley Relay- Lucy Stevens, Maddie Haldy, Emmersyn Erway, Maddy Flynn, 1:44.60
Other accomplishment include:
1st team all SVL - Emmersyn Erway, Maddie Haldy, Isla Puzjak, Merrick Spiewak, Lucy Stevens
2nd Team all SV L- Rebecca Simonsen and Augusta Young
Honorable Mention - Lauryn Auger
Top 8 finishes
200 Medley
3rd , 1:55.47- L. Stevens, M. Haldy, E. Erway, L. Auger
200 Free
6th, 2:06.70- M. Spiewak
7th, 2:06.73- M. Haldy
200 IM
4th, 2:21.01- E. Erway
50 Free
4th, 25.46- M. Flynn
5th, 25.51- L. Stevens
Diving
1st, 335.70- Isla Puzjak
6th, 211.50- Faith Tiggert
100 Free
3rd, 56.45- E. Erway
7th, 59.09- L. Auger
500 Free
3rd, 5:38.38- R. Simonsen
4th, 5:40.41- M. Spiewak
200 Free Relay
4th, 1:44.92 - L. Stevens, M. Haldy, E. Erway, L. Auger
100 Back
6th 1:04.22 - L. Stevens
100 Breast
3rd, 1:11.15- M. Haldy
400 Free Relay
3rd, 3:57.34- M. Spiewak, A. Young, M. Hoppe, R. Simonsen
D1 states will be held November 17 and 18 at Eastern Michigan University. Currently, Junior Lucy Stevens (pictured above_ is the only qualifier for the team. Diver Isla Puzjak will try to qualify at diving regionals this week.
Cross Country finishes season at state finals
#Flashback Friday
1943 Football Team
In honor of our Varsity Football team heading to the Regional Playoff on Saturday, today's Flashback takes us back to 1943 when the football team was quite a bit smaller! Pictured are: front row, Lloyd Wortz, John Kokla, George Montague, Harold Jones, George Riegle, Dave Paul and Bob Cherba, Middle row, Joe Dickinson and back row, Garold Minto, Floyd Howlett and Norm Jackson.