The Dryden Red and Black

Dryden High School is proud to announce that two of its seniors, Isabella Weier and Lillian Wright, have achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating from Macomb Community College on Friday, December 13, 2024. Both students exemplify the values of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.

Isabella Weier graduated summa cum laude with an Associate in General Studies, demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and earning the highest honors. Lillian Wright graduated magna cum laude with an Associate in General Studies, earning high honors and showcasing her commitment to excellence in her studies.

These extraordinary accomplishments reflect the unique opportunities provided by Dryden High School’s partnership with Macomb Community College, which enables students to pursue dual enrollment and get a head start on their college education. Isabella and Lillian will officially graduate from Dryden High School in May 2025, celebrating their achievements in both secondary and higher education.

“We are incredibly proud of Isabella and Lillian for their outstanding academic accomplishments,” said Mary Finnigan, Dryden Community Schools Superintendent. “Their dedication and hard work are an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the opportunities available through our Early College Program.”

Both students have demonstrated the power of determination and the importance of leveraging educational resources to prepare for a bright future. Their success highlights the commitment of Dryden High School and its partnership with Macomb Community College to fostering academic excellence and opening doors to new opportunities.

Dryden High School’s Class of 2025 recently learned lifesaving skills and fulfilled a graduation requirement by obtaining lifesaving skills. "I really enjoyed getting the experience to learn CPR on an adult, child, and infant," stated senior Keira Miller. “Getting this certification will hopefully help me save someone’s life someday,” she added.

This year’s seniors completed the State of Michigan graduation requirement of instruction in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). The requirement to offer training began with the 2017-2018 school year. Beyond training, however, Dryden High School seniors were certified in Heartsaver CPR AED, a skillset they can now renew every two years.

According to http://cpr.heart.org, Heartsaver® CPR AED is a video-based, instructor-led course that teaches adult and child CPR and AED use, infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in adults, children, and infants. This course teaches skills with the AHA’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which allows instructors to observe the students, provide feedback, and guide the students’ learning of skills.

Class of 2025 member Jalynn Delmotte appreciated the many facets of the training. “The training was beneficial and made me understand the reality of how things can go sideways and how important it is to be prepared,” Delmotte reflected.

Students were taught by AHA Certified Instructor Denise Brewer and assistant Rachelle Lageski. “I learned a lot of new stuff about CPR,” said senior Isabella Weier, who added, “I also learned how to save an adult and a baby.”

“I’m glad we had the opportunity to receive the training,” summarized senior Jade Insley. “And hopefully if we’re in a situation where somebody needs CPR, we will be able to help them.”

“From my experience,” reflected Dryden senior Liam Napolitano, “it is rare for a motivational speaker to inspire merely with their story; oftentimes, they use pathos on their audience by pitying them, then read them a quote from Dr. Seuss and call it a day.”

“Breaking that cycle,” continued Napolitano, “was Zack Ballinger, who came in from Atlanta, Georgia, on the twenty-second of last month to speak to our Senior Seminar class.” Zack Ballinger, a motivational speaker, educator, and author from Atlanta, Georgia, spoke to Dryden High School students on November 22 on topics including living with purpose, overcoming obstacles, leadership, and career development/job interviewing.

A motivational speaker who was diagnosed with Meniere's disease, Zack was told he would never hear again and should sign up for disability. Ballinger tells the powerful story about his background and disability, motivating his audiences to live life to the fullest and pursue their passion. He has spoken internationally colleges, corporations, and non-profit organizations.

He is the founder and CEO of a career agency and training company that provides job interview tips, connects professionals, and serves as a resource to everyone. His career expertise informs individuals how to ace the job interview, find work they love, and discover life's passion. Featured regularly at The University of Tennessee, Ballinger has also been featured by the Huffington Post, NBC, CBS, Southern Digest, Morgan County News, Jane Jackson Careers, and several other key outlets.

Attending and graduating from a small school, Dryden senior Jade Insley found similarities between her experiences and Ballinger’s. “During high school, everyone assumed that the people who went to his school would never really succeed in life just because of where they were from,” she summarized. “He decided to prove them wrong and ended up getting into a great college and earning a degree,” Insley continued.

“I will not forget some of the things he told us during his presentation, reflected Dryden senior Trenton Carroll. “All things he was referring to were all adjacent to how to overcome what people say you can’t, do what you never thought you could before, and strive for what you've always wanted to be, even though it may be extremely hard to get there,” Carroll added.

Dryden senior Preston Kuligowski found Ballinger’s words inspiring as well. “The moral of the story is don't give up and do something that makes you happy,” he stated.

For the ninth year in a row, Dryden High School is offering a Senior Seminar College Planning Course to all high school seniors in conjunction with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). The goal of MCAN 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.

The Senior Seminar course focus is on preparing and planning for postsecondary education and employment. Topics covered include the Application Process, Letters of Recommendation, Admissions Essays, College Applications, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Budgeting, and Career Exploration.

As part of the course, weekly speakers have been scheduled to share worthwhile and relevant information with our students. Topics may range from specific educational opportunities to post-secondary life skills, as well as knowledge necessary to be productive members of a community,

among others.

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.

Dryden High School's Link Crew, sponsored by Dryden High School Science Teacher Mrs. Christi Decker, brought in elves to build excitement for their Christmas Adventure on Monday. They were very mischievous the last two weeks. The Link Crew also put on a Christmas Adventure evening for the 7th graders on Monday, December 9. The Grinch kidnapped Santa, and students had to find and solve clues to save him. Link Crew is a national mentoring program designed to help incoming grades feel welcomed in their new school as they move up in grades (in our case, from 6th grade at Dryden Elementary to 7th grade at Dryden High School). A group of older students volunteer to become Link Leaders. Throughout the year, they act as mentors to the younger students, doing (roughly) weekly check-ins, conduct mini-lessons (similar to the Positivity Project), and run events for them. These events are designed to help them learn building procedures, promote the idea that our school is a "family", and make sure each kid is "seen".

The Dryden Community School District is seeking applications for a current vacant position on the Dryden Board of Education. An individual will be appointed to fill the vacant position until the November 3, 2026 elections have been held and certified and a newly elected individual has been sworn-in to fill the remainder of this position’s term. Interested persons must submit a letter expressing interest in the board position and their qualifications for the position to the district office no later than 3:00 p.m. on January 6, 2025. A candidate must be a registered voter of the Dryden School District, at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Michigan for at least 30 days. Please mail or bring letters of interest to: Superintendent’s Office, Dryden Community Schools, 3866 Rochester Rd, Dryden, MI 48428 or email lhall@drydenschools.org

Save the Date! Saturday, February 8

Dryden Basketball Dueling Pianos Fundraiser at Hideaway Lanes

For tickets or more information, email coachdelcampo@aol.com

It's time to hit the slopes and trails with this special Michigan offer! Save big on lessons by signing up for a weekly program or academy at Snow Snake in Harrison. Snow Snake is the best place to learn for everyone who wants to learn to ski or snowboard. New this year - adults can sign up for the After School Adult Program and youth ages 6 – 12 can register for the Saturday Ski/Board Skills Academy. Returning programs include the After School Youth Program, the Snow Snake Race Academy, and Free Lesson Sunday. For more information about these programs or private lessons, please call or visit snowsnake.net.

Ski areas across the state team up with Michigan McDonald’s restaurants to offer an affordable introduction to the sports of skiing and snowboarding. This program is for people 7 years and older for skiing and 10 years and older for snowboarding. Choose to downhill ski, cross-country ski or snowboard The price is just $60 per beginner session. ONE SESSION PER CUSTOMER PER LESSON TYPE. (You may take one downhill ski session, one snowboard session and one cross-country session.) Includes Ski or snowboard rental, Beginner lesson, Lift ticket, or cross country pass. Get more information here: https://www.goskimichigan.com/programs/discover-michigan-skiing/

Kids in 4th and 5th Grade Ski all winter long with the Cold is Cool Passport! The Cold is Cool Passport App allows 4th and 5th graders to ski two or three times at each of the 29 participating ski areas! Whether you live in Michigan or are coming to visit, families with 4th and 5th grade students can download the Cold is Cool Ski & Ride Passport app, and get two-to three complimentary lift tickets or trail passes at each of the 29 participating ski areas (Over 60 lift tickets in total!). Proof of grade, photo of child for ID and $30 app development fee are required. Visit goskimichigan.org for details.

Dryden Athletic Booster Meetings for 2025:

January 15

February 19

March 19

April 16

May 21

All meetings will be at 7pm in the Dryden High School Library unless otherwise specified.

by Claire Wright

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Because he wanted to get to the other side.

Join us for an evening of music and fun!

January 23, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Dryden Bar and Grill

Only 120 tickets available at the Dryden Bar & Grill. Stop and get yours today!

If you'd like to support Project Graduation, click below!

by Claire Wright

Last week's riddle: What can you break without touching it?

Answer: A promise (or silence or eye contact or a rule).

Congratulations, Molly Wilkey, Mrs. Gammon, Willow DuBuis, and Bonnie Hulburt!

You were the first with the right answers!

This week's riddle: What kind of ring is not a circle?

Submit your answer below for a shoutout next week!

by Logan Romain

On Thursday, December 19th, 2024, the Dryden Boys Varsity Basketball Team played at the Paul Grondin Tournament against Capac. In the first quarter, Capac started the lead with 12 points, while Dryden chalked up only 7. In the second quarter, Capac kept the lead by racking up 24 points while leaving Dryden in the dust with 15. After halftime, Dryden started playing harder and sunk 24 points, while Capac, still in the lead, tallied 12 points. In the last quarter, Dryden took the lead attaining 21 points when Capac only obtained 11. In the final, Dryden (3-3) won with 67 points while Capac (1-5) had 59 points.

“We played very poorly defensively in the first half. Too many easy baskets. The second half we played with much more intensity and our defense carried over to our offense," reflected Coach John DelCampo.

For Dryden, Gianni Coscione accomplished 21 points; Sonny Coscione earned; David Insley acquired 13; Luke Taylor added 10; Nick Abromaitis sank 6; and Brady Schneider finished the scoring with 3 points.

On Friday, December 20th, 2024, the Dryden Boys Varsity Basketball Team faced Webberville in the Paul Grondin Basketball Tournament Championship Game. In the first quarter, Dryden took the lead with 19 points, and Webberville only obtained 8. In the second quarter, Dryden stayed in the lead scoring 7 points, but Webberville attained 14. In the third quarter, Dryden managed 19 points while Webberville took care of 13. Dryden sank 20 in the last quarter and Webberville brought about 12 points, leaving the final score Dryden 65, Webberville 47. The Cardinals (4-3) celebrated their back-to-back tournament championships with its namesake, Paul Grondin. Webberville suffered its first loss of the season, finishing the tournament with a 6-1 team record overall.

For Dryden, Sonny Coscione achieved 16 points; Gianni Coscione followed just behind with 15; David Insley sank 12; Brady Schneider scored 11; Nick Abromaitis added 6; Drew Raymond made 3; and Luke Taylor nailed 2 points. For Webberville, Dominic Driver produced 15 points; Austin Johnson pulled off 11 points; and Karson Lycos had 11.

"It was a great win and a lot of players contributed. It was our best 32 minutes this season and it was against a very good, well-coached team." said Dryden Boys Varsity Basketball team coach, John DelCampo.

by Cara Prusakiewicz

The Varsity bowling team faced off against Bad Axe at Longshot Lanes on December 17, 2024. Both teams showed resilience and determination, with several players achieving personal bests, but ultimately came up short against a strong opponent.

The boys started the night with baker scores of 72 and 124, narrowly losing the second game by just three pins. They entered the 5-on-5 matches trailing 10-0. In the first game, Dylan Lasher led the team with a 124, while Liam Schultz rolled his career-high 116, including a turkey. In the final game, Bishop Wilson recorded his personal best with a 147, but the boys were unable to close the gap and were swept 30-0. The boys now hold a 1-3 conference record (Dylan Lasher: 151, Bishop Wilson: 147, Liam Schultz: 116).

The girls started their match with baker games of 86 and 92, falling into an early 10-0 deficit. In the first game, Kayla Baughman led the scoring with her personal best of 138, though the team still trailed 18-1 heading into the final game. In the last match, Chloe DeLoy marked out her final five frames with a 149, earning a point for the team. Despite her efforts, the girls lost 28-2 and moved to a 3-1 conference record (Chloe DeLoy: 149, 128 with 2 points earned, Kayla Baughman: 138, Mikayla Fleming: 123).

• No events scheduled

• 7:10 AM - 7:25 AM Weekly Encouragement Meeting
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Varsity Bowling at BCAS (Monitor Lanes), Bus departs at 2:00 PM (1700 S Euclid Ave, Bay City, MI)
• 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Varsity Girls Basketball vs Peck, Game at 6:00 PM (Gym)

• All Day: Wear it Wednesday (HS) - Neon Day
• 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM - JV/Varsity Boys Basketball vs Peck, JV game at 6:00 PM and Varsity at 7:30 PM

• 7:30 AM - 7:45 AM - NHS Meeting, Room 225 at 7:25 AM
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Varsity Bowling at Reese (Rocket Lanes), Bus departs at 2:00 PM
• 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Varsity Girls Basketball vs North Huron, Game at 6:00 PM

• 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM - JV/Varsity Boys Basketball vs BCAS, JV game at 6:00 PM and Varsity at 7:30 PM

January 13

February 10

March 10

April 14

May 12

June 9

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 Dryden Community Schools District Calendars here!

Faculty Advisor:

Ms. Sheryl Czerwinski

Editors:

Caila Fitchett & Cara Prusakiewicz

Reporters:

Logan Romain & Claire Wright

Email: Cardinal@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

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