The Dryden Red and Black

Dryden High School is proud to announce that Ava DeVlaminck is this year's DAR Good Citizen. Ava was selected by teachers based on the DAR Good Citizen qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Ava will have the opportunity to compete for a scholarship at the state and national levels.

"I am honored to represent Dryden High School, Women, and Daughters around the state. I want to thank my teachers for their consideration of me for this scholarship. It means a lot to me to be thought of for qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism," reflected DeVlaminck as she accepted her award.

This recognition was presented by Dryden High School Counselor Kimberly Fleming, who said “We are incredibly proud and honored to have Ava DeVlaminck represent Dryden High School as this year's Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen. Ava is a phenomenal student who cares about her community and others. She expresses this through her philanthropic endeavors and the leadership roles she assumes.”

The award is presented under the auspices of the John Crawford Chapter, NSDAR in Almont, Michigan. Once a student is chosen as their school's DAR Good Citizen the student is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. This consists of a personal statement and an essay. Student participation in the scholarship portion of the program is optional. Scholarships are awarded to essay winners at the chapter, state, division, and national levels.

The Dryden boys’ basketball team is putting an emphasis on getting stronger and more athletic this season. They took the first step by having a clinic on weight training and conditioning. “We really see a need for our athletes to do weight training in addition to conditioning,” said Dryden varsity boys’ coach John DelCampo. “We wanted to be sure we were doing proper technique.”

Tracey Woycik of Doctors of Physical Therapy in Imlay City came in on November 3rd and spent over 90 minutes with the players. They were shown various weight training exercises as well as conditioning exercises. “We would like to thank Dryden schools for stepping up and protecting their athletes,” said Woycik. “They have taken the welfare of their athletes first.”

The players will be allowed to develop their own routine that they will follow throughout the season and hopefully continue it during other sports. The goal is to have Dryden athletes doing weight training and conditioning all year.

Players were impressed with Woycik and her instruction. “The presentation gave us the knowledge to safely perform at the highest level,” said Sonny Coscione, one of the team’s captains.

Woycik is excited to continue working with Dryden athletes. “We enjoy working with the athletes to get them better,” she said. “ Doctors of Physical Therapy will work hard to make sure all athletes are in good condition to prevent injury as well as help reduce the risk of injury.”

The relationship between Dryden and Doctors of Physical Therapy goes even further. If injured, athletes can call for a free screening at Doctors of Physical Therapy Imlay City, Almont or Lapeer locations. “The goal is to get them back in the game doing what they love,” said Woycik. The free screening is for all Dryden athletes.

DelCampo has already seen the positives. “We have already sent numerous athletes for the screening for football and basketball injuries. It has helped our athletes return to playing,” he said.

Excellent performance from our Dryden band students in the University of Michigan Flint Honor Band! Select band members spent the weekend rehearsing music with students representing over 20 districts in Michigan which culminated in a spectacular concert Sunday afternoon. Congrats and great job to all!

Note: Dryden High School seniors have the opportunity to take Senior Seminar, a class offered for the eighth year in a row in conjunction with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN).

MCAN's mission is to increase college readiness, participation, and completion in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color. Further, the goal of the College Planning Course is to increase college completion by lowering barriers that prevent students from getting to and through college, including Social Capital, Academic Preparation, College Knowledge, and Affordability. College is defined as the attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees.

Weekly guest speaker topics may range from specific educational opportunities to post-secondary life skills as well as the knowledge necessary to be productive members of a community, among others.

by Ava DeVlaminck

Last week, Micaela Boomer and Nancy Boxey representatives from Four County Community Foundation and Lapeer County Community Foundation came into the Senior seminar class to discuss the many intriguing scholarships they offer to Dryden, county, and individual seniors. Both community foundations are organizations that receive donations and thus can give scholarships, grants, and services back to the community. They also both have Youth Advisory Committees, where youth in the representing areas can improve their schools and communities as they see fit. Although both of these foundations are a little unheard of, they make a big impact on the community.

The burden of student loans while in college can be quite scary. That’s why scholarships are enticing for many seniors. Lucky for Dryden, there are many that both community foundations offer specialized to Dtyden, making the competition a little less daunting. Being as though some of these awards can only be won by a senior from Dryden with a certain GPA, you are more likely to win because the odds are better. There are also some even more specialized awards, such as one for students who attend Ed Tech, or one for seniors in the Youth Advisory Committee for more than two years. Overall, the community foundations will have a scholarship for everyone interested.

My favorite part of the speakers’ presentations was the tips about what to put into your essay for a scholarship. Most people write their essays a certain way, but learning what makes an essay stand out to the committee reading them can be helpful. Thank you to Micaela and Nancy for the great tips!

Stay updated on our progress with funds from the bond passed in May 2023 by using this checklist! We appreciate your continued support of our students, our schools, and our community.

5:30 PM-7:00 PM - Drumline Rehearsal - High School Band Room

7:30 AM-7:45 AM - NJHS meeting - Room 331

7:15 AM-7:30 AM - Weekly Encouragement Club Meeting - Meeting is from 7:10-7:20AM

2:30 PM-4:00 PM - Homework Club - Room 133

6:00 PM-7:15 PM - Boys Basketball open gym grades 6-8 - Dryden Elementary

7:00 AM-3:00 PM - Blood Drive (NHS) - MPR - High School

Wear it Wednesday - Hunter orange/camo day

9:00 AM-9:30 AM - Josten's - Cap and Gown & Class Ring Orders Placed

2:30 PM-4:30 PM - PLC Meeting #3 - Library

8:00 AM-9:00 AM - Color Me Green - Room 153

2:30 PM-4:00 PM - Homework Club - Room 133

5:00 PM-8:00 PM - Boys Basketball Scrimmage vs Morrice - Gym - High School

Last Week's Riddle: I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?

Answer: A candle!

Winner: Levi Fitchett

This Week's Riddle: What is always in front of you but can’t be seen?

Think you know the answer? Submit it using the link below for a shout out in next week's issue!

What do you get from a pampered cow?

Spoiled milk!

November 13

December 11

January 8

All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m., will be held in the Dryden High School Library, and are open to the public.

Check out the 2023-2024 Dryden Community Schools District Calendar here!

Editor:

Ava DeVlaminck

Reporters:

Lily Finnigan

Audrey Napolitano

Penelope Spencer

Claire Wright

Faculty Advisor:

Ms. Sheryl Czerwinski

Email: SCzerwinski@drydenschools.org
Website: https://www.drydenschools.org/
Location: Dryden High School, Rochester Road, Dryden, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 796-2266
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drydencommunityschools

Want to tell us something? Fill out the form below and submit a comment, question, or request for something you want us to add. We really appreciate the feedback!