The Dryden Red and Black

Dryden senior Ava DeVlaminck, who was chosen as this year's Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen award, has been chosen as the John Crawford Chapter's winner and contestant for the state level contest. Congratulations, Ava!

According to dar.org, the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 with the simple mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. This nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America's future through better education consists of over 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the world.

The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree. Once a student is chosen as the 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.

Good luck, Ava, at the state level competition! Read Ava's essay below.

by Ava DeVlaminck

“What are the civic responsibilities of a good citizen and why are these duties, activities, and behaviors important to the shaping of the America you hope to experience?”

The future can be a daunting thought. Americans have tried time and time again to preserve this land and create better habits, but most of all, live up to the “American dream”. The “American dream” is a generalized idea of what America is like, an idea far from the truth. The truth is that people fought for our freedom and everything that comes with it, and it is our responsibility to preserve it. From increased healthcare costs, global warming, women's rights, and the obesity epidemic, the American dream is not all that it cracks up to be. That is why, as good citizens, it is our responsibility to create change by taking care of our lives and helping the lives of others in hopes of shaping America into one everyone hopes to experience.

Helping others can be a very broad term. Helping people not in the physical sense, but also in the mental. As citizens, we must live by the “golden rule”; treat others the way you want to be treated. For example, we need to protect women’s rights. As we move farther away from the women’s rights movement, the focus has become skewed. When women, daughters, mothers, etc. fought for our freedom, they didn’t want future generations of women to get paid less, or that women are less likely to be offered a job. These discriminatory acts harm America not in the literal sense, but in the figurative. It figuratively draws a line between man and woman, creating a divide that America cannot have, being as though America has a united front. I hope to experience a real change in women’s rights. As a strong woman, I am certain that no person, woman or man, deserves to be treated poorly, even if it is minute in the grand scheme of the issues of the nation.

Helping people can also be very literal. For example, the net increase in the obesity epidemic is skyrocketing. By helping people get the necessary resources they need, such as access to healthy fruits and vegetables, exercise, and a support group, the overweight side of America can decrease. This is not only our pride as Americans but also our land, as the amount of pollution by landfills is growing. The decrease in plastic candy wrappers, fast food containers, and processed packages, could impact more than one change in America; global warming and obesity.

One important civic behavior that many citizens overlook is to lead by example. Leadership is a great way to show the people in your community, county, and even state how being a good citizen can change America, for the America that our ancestors fought for is slowly slipping through our fingers. Even the smallest acts of leadership can point good citizens in the right direction. America needs a leader to help guide citizens back on track.

I hope that I can be a part of, and impact the change happening around us. I look forward to seeing what America can do as a whole to make the impactful people who created this wonderful nation proud. It is our responsibility as good citizens to protect this sacred place that we call home, just like our founding fathers did in the past.

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.

Editor's Note: Senior Seminar students concluded their semester course by listing what they wish parents knew about graduating seniors and their final year of high school. We'll feature their ideas here.

by Delaney Wolle

1.) Stay Informed About Deadlines: Keep track of college application deadlines,financial aid applications, and any other important dates to ensure a smooth application process for you and your senior.
2.) Encourage Independence: Support your seniors in taking charge of their college application journey. Support independence by allowing them to make decisions and take responsibility for their applications.
3.) Visit Colleges: Plan visits to colleges with your senior. These visits offer valuable insights into campus life, and academic programs, and help in making informed decisions.
4.) Stay Positive: The college application process can be stressful. Encourage a positive mindset, and provide emotional support to help your senior confidently navigate the challenges.
5.) Encourage a Balanced Approach: While college admissions are important, remind your senior to maintain a healthy balance between academic pursuits and personal well-being. Allow them to have fun and enjoy their senior year.
6.) Prepare for Transition: Help your senior in preparing for college life, including discussions about independence, time management, and the emotional aspects of leaving home. Embrace the upcoming changes as an exciting new chapter in their life.
7.) Discuss Expectations and Goals: Have open conversations about your senior's expectations for college and their career goals. This can help in aligning choices with their aspirations and finding the right fit for their academic and personal growth.
8.) Discuss Finances: Be honest with your senior about what you can afford, so they
an apply for scholarships, and/or have the information to fill out the FAFSA. Letting them know what colleges are out of range money-wise will help narrow down their list of where to go.
9.) Be honest: Have honest conversations with your senior about college, and let them know any concerns you have now before it’s too late.
10.) Don’t stress: Your senior is stressed enough as it is. Don’t add to it by being stressed yourself; work together and everything will be fine.

by Claire Wright

Mallory Barker is a sophomore who has been going to Dryden since the end of her 8th-grade year. Mallory participates in volleyball here at Dryden and club volleyball outside of school as well. Her favorite thing about Dryden is the people. Outside of school, Mallory enjoys playing volleyball, sleeping, and hanging out with friends. Her dream career is as an Anesthesiologist. Her plan after high school is to go to an out-of-state college (preferably somewhere warm). Mallory has a dog named Bo, which she got the summer before she went into second grade.

by Claire Wright

Maxwell Webb is a 7th grader, and he has been going to Dryden all of his life (or for 8 years). He enjoys drawing and sketching, hanging out with friends, and playing video games. Maxwell’s favorite thing about Dryden is “ the fact I know almost everyone”.

by Lily Finnigan

Away at Strikers Entertainment Center in Richmond, the Varsity bowling teams had a match against Memphis. The boys started out strong with 158 and 155 baker games. Memphis came to play in the five on five games, but Matthew Hickmott would lead the boys with a 216 game with six strikes in a row! This gave a little time for the other boys to settle in, which was helpful.

The second five on five game was lead by Matthew Hickmott with a 189, followed by Michael Hickmott with a 181. The boys were able to pull together a 21-9 win. Best efforts include Matthew Hickmott with a 216 and 189 game, Michael Hickmott with a 181 game, and Connor Wolff with a 173.

The girls had a rough start that eventually led to defeat. After the bakers, they were down 10-0. They would take the first game by 26 pins led by Raeshell Richardson with a 170. Going into the last game, they were down 12-7. Chloe DeLoy led the final game with a 155, and Josclyn Mohler had a 114 off the bench; however, it would not be enough to take home the win. Best efforts include Raeshell Richardson 170, Chloe DeLoy 155, and Josclyn Mohler 114 in her second varsity start.

The boys are now 6-0 (5-0 conference), and the girls are 4-1 (3-1 conference). This will be a big week as they will bowl against Merritt Academy on Monday, Landmark on Wednesday, and Imlay City on Thursday.

by Ava DeVlaminck

Last week, Monday, the Varsity Girls Basketball Team played against Mayville for a heated competition. Luckily, Dryden came out on top with a final score of 49-25. Dryden tallied on some awesome stats as well! These include: Dakota Deel with 16 points, Delaney Wolle adding on 10, Keira Miller following close behind with 9, Isabella Weier putting up 6, and Sophia Peter and Olivia Reynolds with 4 each.

Later that week, on Thursday, January 19, the girls added another win onto their record by playing against the Peck Pirates. The highlights of this game include Dakota Deel with 14, Keira Miller scoring 12 points, Sophia Peter fighting for 10, Olivia Reynolds also adding 10, Delaney Wolle with 6, and Isabella Weier adding 4. Great job, ladies!

by Audrey Napolitano

On Tuesday, January 16th, the Dryden Varsity Boys Basketball team played at home against Mayville. Dryden snagged a win against Mayville, knocking in a concluding score of 80-34. Jacob Burgess secured 27 points. David Insley garnered 17 points. Hayden Blair acquired 12 points. Brady Schneider landed seven points. Sonny Coscione logged six points. Luke Taylor captured five points. Santi Perales obtained four points, and Gianni Coscione carried two points.

At halftime there was a special ceremony for Jacob Burgess becoming a part of Dryden’s 1000 point club. Four members of the 1000 point club (Paul Grondin, John DelCampo, Jack Kaplan, and Pete Schihl) presented the plaque.

“What a special evening. It was great to have the members be able to come back for the night.” says John DelCampo “We played extremely well in all areas of the game.”

Great job on an astounding game! The next Varsity Boys Basketball game will be at Millington High School on Monday, January 22, at 7:00 p.m.

by Lily Finnigan

The Cardinals lost to Mayville on January 16, 37-29. Owen Gall put up six points. David Insley and Brady Schneider added four points each.

by Ava DeVlaminck

Last week, the Cardinals played on Monday and on Thursday. On Monday, against Mayville, the girls won, 42-12. On Thursday, the girls unfortunately lost, 23-36. Good luck next week!

Bowling vs Merritt @ Premier Lanes - bus departs @ 1:45 pm

5:30 PM-8:30 PM - JV/Varsity Boys Basketball @ Millington - bus departs @ 4:00 pm

6:00 PM-7:15 PM - 7th/8th grade Boys Basketball @ Peck - bus departs @ 4:45 pm, game @ 6:00

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM - JV/Varsity Girls Basketball vs Millington - JV @ 6:00 pm, Varsity @ 7:30 pm

7:15 AM-7:30 AM - Weekly Encouragement Club Meeting

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

Wear it Wednesday - Pajama Day

7:30 AM-2:30 PM - English Dept Meeting - Room 121

2:30 PM-4:00 PM - PLC Meeting #4 - Library

3:30 PM-5:00 PM - Bowling vs Landmark @ Hideaway Lanes

6:00 PM-9:00 PM - 7th/8th grade Boys Basketball @ Caseville - bus departs @ 3:45 pm

2:30 PM-3:30 PM - Color Me Green - Room 153

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

6:00 PM-9:00 PM - JV/Varsity Girls Basketball vs BCAS

1:00 PM-2:30 PM - Snowcoming Pep Assembly - Gym

6:00 PM-9:00 PM - JV/Varsity Boys Basketball vs BCAS (Snowcoming)

7:00 PM-10:00 PM - Snowcoming Dance - MPR - High School

Previous Riddle:What do you answer even though it never asks you questions?

Answer: The door!

Winner: nobody!

Current Riddle: What is the next letter in this sequence? JFMAMJJASON

How do you make 7 even?
Take away the ‘s.’

February 12

March 11

April 8

May 13

June 10

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

Claire Wright

Faculty Advisor:

Ms. Sheryl Czerwinski

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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