Rudyard Eighth Graders Meet Bestselling Author Ruta Sepetys
RUDYARD, MI — What began as a classroom reading experience turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rudyard Area Schools' eighth-grade students.
After reading Salt to the Sea in their English Language Arts classes, Rudyard eighth graders traveled to Petoskey to meet New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys during a special stop on her tour promoting her newest novel, Fortunes of Sand.
The experience was made possible through the generosity of McLean & Eakin Booksellers and an anonymous patron who ensured every interested student received a copy of Sepetys' new book. Earlier this spring, ELA teacher Baige DeWitt launched an effort to provide students with signed copies of Fortunes of Sand during the visit. Community members quickly stepped forward to help, and ultimately a generous donor sponsored all 43 students who wanted books.
Before the public event, Rudyard students participated in an exclusive question-and-answer session with Sepetys, giving them the opportunity to engage directly with the author whose work had captivated them throughout the school year. Students also received their own copies of both Salt to the Sea and Fortunes of Sand.
As a token of appreciation, students presented Sepetys with projects they had created based on her work, along with a Rudyard Bulldogs shirt. The author proudly displayed the gifts during her book signing session.
While the opportunity to meet a bestselling author was memorable, the conduct of Rudyard's students left an equally lasting impression.
"Our eighth graders conducted themselves so respectfully and truly represented what it means to be a Rudyard Bulldog," said DeWitt.
Throughout the event, students received numerous compliments for their behavior, engagement, and professionalism. Among those praising the group were two eighth-grade teachers from North Dakota, who remarked that they were amazed by how well Rudyard students represented their school and even wanted to congratulate each student personally with a fist bump.
The impact of the experience was evident before the students even returned home. As buses departed the event, several students had already opened their newly signed books and begun reading.
The visit highlighted the power of literature to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful connections, and create unforgettable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Rudyard Area Schools extends its gratitude to McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Ruta Sepetys, the anonymous sponsor, and all community members who helped make this remarkable opportunity possible for our students.
RUDYARD, MI — What began as a classroom reading experience turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rudyard Area Schools' eighth-grade students.
After reading Salt to the Sea in their English Language Arts classes, Rudyard eighth graders traveled to Petoskey to meet New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys during a special stop on her tour promoting her newest novel, Fortunes of Sand.
The experience was made possible through the generosity of McLean & Eakin Booksellers and an anonymous patron who ensured every interested student received a copy of Sepetys' new book. Earlier this spring, ELA teacher Baige DeWitt launched an effort to provide students with signed copies of Fortunes of Sand during the visit. Community members quickly stepped forward to help, and ultimately a generous donor sponsored all 43 students who wanted books.
Before the public event, Rudyard students participated in an exclusive question-and-answer session with Sepetys, giving them the opportunity to engage directly with the author whose work had captivated them throughout the school year. Students also received their own copies of both Salt to the Sea and Fortunes of Sand.
As a token of appreciation, students presented Sepetys with projects they had created based on her work, along with a Rudyard Bulldogs shirt. The author proudly displayed the gifts during her book signing session.
While the opportunity to meet a bestselling author was memorable, the conduct of Rudyard's students left an equally lasting impression.
"Our eighth graders conducted themselves so respectfully and truly represented what it means to be a Rudyard Bulldog," said DeWitt.
Throughout the event, students received numerous compliments for their behavior, engagement, and professionalism. Among those praising the group were two eighth-grade teachers from North Dakota, who remarked that they were amazed by how well Rudyard students represented their school and even wanted to congratulate each student personally with a fist bump.
The impact of the experience was evident before the students even returned home. As buses departed the event, several students had already opened their newly signed books and begun reading.
The visit highlighted the power of literature to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful connections, and create unforgettable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Rudyard Area Schools extends its gratitude to McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Ruta Sepetys, the anonymous sponsor, and all community members who helped make this remarkable opportunity possible for our students.
Congratulations to the Rudyard Varsity Girls Track Team on winning the 2026 UP Division II State Championship. This marks the Second State Track Championship in school history and the first since 1977!
Congratulations also to the Varsity Boys Track Team for earning a Runner Up finish at the state meet. This is the program's first runner up finish since the 1987 State Title.
An incredible accomplishment by both teams. We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and success. Well done, Bulldogs! More info to come, lots of great finishes by so many athletes.
And that to wrap for the class of 2026! Good luck on your future plans! Congratulations again!
All preparations are complete, and we're ready! The community is encouraged to join the Class of 2026 at Graduation Commencement on May 22 at 7:00 PM in the Harris Kahl Gymnasium at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School.
Congratulations to Carrie Hoolsema and Lindsey Masterson for be recognized as 2026 EUP Principals Award Winners! They along with 50 other of the top students from across the EUP were recognized at the Grand Hotel on Mac Island today.
Congratulations to our Varsity Girls Track team for winning Regionals today in Barker River Harris!
Shout out to the Boys who took 2nd!
It's that time of year again! Fetal Pig Dissection in Anatomy!
This is the last major project that Mrs. Pearsall's Anatomy students will take part in this year. The lab gives them a great first-hand observation of mammalian anatomy and the spatial relationship of organs.
Some people have asked, " Why do high schoolers typically have a pig dissection in anatomy? Its because their internal anatomy and organ systems closely resemble humans, making it the perfect model to visualize how our own bodies work in 3D! From tracing circulatory pathways to identifying digestive organs, this hands-on experience bridges the gap between study notes and real-world biology!
Keep up the great work everyone!
This is the last major project that Mrs. Pearsall's Anatomy students will take part in this year. The lab gives them a great first-hand observation of mammalian anatomy and the spatial relationship of organs.
Some people have asked, " Why do high schoolers typically have a pig dissection in anatomy? Its because their internal anatomy and organ systems closely resemble humans, making it the perfect model to visualize how our own bodies work in 3D! From tracing circulatory pathways to identifying digestive organs, this hands-on experience bridges the gap between study notes and real-world biology!
Keep up the great work everyone!
Congratulations to the students who have successfully completed their coursework for the NR-EMT through our CTE Allied Health Program!
Please join us in recognizing:
⭐ Drew Spencer
⭐ Carrie Hoolsema
⭐ Harmony-Rain Warner
⭐ Atlantis Clark
The National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NR-EMT) program prepares students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to respond to medical emergencies, provide patient care, and serve on the front lines of emergency medical services. Completing this rigorous coursework is a tremendous accomplishment and an important step toward careers in healthcare and emergency response.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment these students have shown throughout the program. Their achievement reflects the outstanding opportunities available through Career & Technical Education at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School.
Please join us in recognizing:
⭐ Drew Spencer
⭐ Carrie Hoolsema
⭐ Harmony-Rain Warner
⭐ Atlantis Clark
The National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NR-EMT) program prepares students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to respond to medical emergencies, provide patient care, and serve on the front lines of emergency medical services. Completing this rigorous coursework is a tremendous accomplishment and an important step toward careers in healthcare and emergency response.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment these students have shown throughout the program. Their achievement reflects the outstanding opportunities available through Career & Technical Education at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School.
Congratulations to Rudyard student Koel Bird for representing our school in the Michigan Department of Education’s first Deaf/Hard of Hearing Art Contest!
Koel entered his handcrafted wooden project, The Hammer of Thor, which he created in his CTE Cabinetry and Furniture Manufacturing class at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School. His artwork was mailed to the MDE and placed on display at the art museum in Lansing as part of the statewide exhibition and celebration of student artists.
Out of only 12 students across the entire state of Michigan selected to have artwork featured in the contest, Koel proudly represented Rudyard and was also one of just four students to receive the prestigious “Judge’s Choice” Award!
We are incredibly proud of Koel’s creativity, craftsmanship, and accomplishment. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
Koel entered his handcrafted wooden project, The Hammer of Thor, which he created in his CTE Cabinetry and Furniture Manufacturing class at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School. His artwork was mailed to the MDE and placed on display at the art museum in Lansing as part of the statewide exhibition and celebration of student artists.
Out of only 12 students across the entire state of Michigan selected to have artwork featured in the contest, Koel proudly represented Rudyard and was also one of just four students to receive the prestigious “Judge’s Choice” Award!
We are incredibly proud of Koel’s creativity, craftsmanship, and accomplishment. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
Last Friday was National Decision Day, and we will finish up sharing/shout-outs to our seniors and their choices!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Last Friday was National Decision Day, and we will finish up sharing/shout-outs to our seniors and their choices!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Last Friday was National Decision Day, and we will finish up sharing/shout-outs to our seniors and their choices!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
If you are looking for an excuse to go to Culver's on May 7th!
Culver’s restaurants will host Scoops of Thanks Day to raise funds for agricultural education. On Scoops of Thanks Day, every guest who donates $1 to agriculture education will get a scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard.
This year, guests will be able to get a $1 scoop of Vanilla or Chocolate Fresh Frozen Custard or our NEW agriculture-themed Flavor of the Day, Blue Barn Brownie.
Thank you to Cuver's of Sault Ste Marie for doing this! The Scoops of Thanks Day will be donated directly to the Rudyard FFA!
Culver’s restaurants will host Scoops of Thanks Day to raise funds for agricultural education. On Scoops of Thanks Day, every guest who donates $1 to agriculture education will get a scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard.
This year, guests will be able to get a $1 scoop of Vanilla or Chocolate Fresh Frozen Custard or our NEW agriculture-themed Flavor of the Day, Blue Barn Brownie.
Thank you to Cuver's of Sault Ste Marie for doing this! The Scoops of Thanks Day will be donated directly to the Rudyard FFA!
CTE Regional Millage Renewal – May 5th
On May 5th, voters across the Eastern Upper Peninsula will have the opportunity to renew the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Regional Millage, an investment that supports programming in 19 schools and provides students with real-world skills and career pathways.
This millage plays a vital role in expanding opportunities for students by supporting programs in skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. It helps fund student transportation to regional CTE sites, work-based learning experiences, job shadowing, and industry tours. It also allows students to participate in career and technical student organizations and earn valuable industry-recognized certifications and credentials.
At Rudyard Jr/Sr High School, the impact of this millage over the past 10 years has been significant. Since its creation, we have been able to start and grow a wide range of programs that prepare students for both college and careers.
Currently, five programs at Rudyard are fully supported through this funding:
• CTE Cabinetry & Furniture Manufacturing
• CTE Mechatronics & Robotics
• CTE Education
• CTE Allied Health: EMT
• CTE Agriculture
Looking ahead, we are excited about the potential expansion of our CTE Allied Health program to include Sports Medicine in Fall 2027. In addition, we are exploring future programming opportunities, including Plumbing, Cosmetology, Graphic Design & Photography, and Automotive Technology. Our long-term vision is to develop a centralized regional career center hub that will serve students across our area.
CTE also strengthens student leadership and engagement through professional organizations. At Rudyard, we are proud of the strong involvement in groups like: MITES, Square One Robotics, HOSA (Health Professionals), and FFA (Ag). These organizations give students opportunities to compete, lead, and grow beyond the classroom.
Creating a strong college and career-focused culture at Rudyard is essential to the sustainability of our community. Over the past decade, nearly 500 Rudyard students have completed one or more CTE programs, and today, almost 60% of our students are on track to do the same.
CTE is for everyone, whether students plan to enter the workforce directly or pursue higher education. They provide practical, hands-on skills that translate into lifelong success.
The CTE Regional Millage has made all of this possible, and its renewal will ensure that these opportunities continue to grow for future generations.
On May 5th, voters across the Eastern Upper Peninsula will have the opportunity to renew the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Regional Millage, an investment that supports programming in 19 schools and provides students with real-world skills and career pathways.
This millage plays a vital role in expanding opportunities for students by supporting programs in skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. It helps fund student transportation to regional CTE sites, work-based learning experiences, job shadowing, and industry tours. It also allows students to participate in career and technical student organizations and earn valuable industry-recognized certifications and credentials.
At Rudyard Jr/Sr High School, the impact of this millage over the past 10 years has been significant. Since its creation, we have been able to start and grow a wide range of programs that prepare students for both college and careers.
Currently, five programs at Rudyard are fully supported through this funding:
• CTE Cabinetry & Furniture Manufacturing
• CTE Mechatronics & Robotics
• CTE Education
• CTE Allied Health: EMT
• CTE Agriculture
Looking ahead, we are excited about the potential expansion of our CTE Allied Health program to include Sports Medicine in Fall 2027. In addition, we are exploring future programming opportunities, including Plumbing, Cosmetology, Graphic Design & Photography, and Automotive Technology. Our long-term vision is to develop a centralized regional career center hub that will serve students across our area.
CTE also strengthens student leadership and engagement through professional organizations. At Rudyard, we are proud of the strong involvement in groups like: MITES, Square One Robotics, HOSA (Health Professionals), and FFA (Ag). These organizations give students opportunities to compete, lead, and grow beyond the classroom.
Creating a strong college and career-focused culture at Rudyard is essential to the sustainability of our community. Over the past decade, nearly 500 Rudyard students have completed one or more CTE programs, and today, almost 60% of our students are on track to do the same.
CTE is for everyone, whether students plan to enter the workforce directly or pursue higher education. They provide practical, hands-on skills that translate into lifelong success.
The CTE Regional Millage has made all of this possible, and its renewal will ensure that these opportunities continue to grow for future generations.
It’s National Decision Day!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
It’s National Decision Day!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
It’s National Decision Day!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
It’s National Decision Day!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
It’s National Decision Day!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
It’s National Decision Day!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
