This week's alumni spotlight is Gary McDowell '70!
In High school, I was in an agriculture class and all the students belonged to a
national organization, Future Farmers of America. Future Farmers had
leadership contests, and the Rudyard FFA group excelled. The contests included
public speaking, debate, judging, demonstrations, and parliamentary procedure.
In those years, we were the number one team in Michigan and represented
Michigan in the National contest in Kansas City, where we took two second
places. These contests prepared me for a career in agriculture and politics.
My advice for students is to be an agent for positive change. Get involved, always be kind, have empathy for others.
Right out of high school, I enrolled at LSSU and worked for UPS and farmed with my two brothers (Ronnie and Bobby). I was a County Commissioner for 22 years, a State Representative for 6 years, ran for Congress, and my last position was the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. I am now retired and living out my best years with my family here in Rudyard !
Students in Unified Art class made faux stained glass pieces that they can gift or keep! This middle school class pairs students from Rudyard 7th and 8th Grade with students from the EUPISD Learning Center in Kincheloe providing a very creative, collaborative, and positive atmosphere for students. Creativity abounds!
This week's alumni spotlight is Daniel Hudson '94!
Some of my best memories from school were the class discussions, training in track and field, along with hunting with friends.
It would be tough for me to pick a favorite class, I was blessed with many tremendous teachers who did a great job of cultivating interest in the subjects they were teaching – which is the most important thing a teacher can do. Outside of class, my favorite things to do were hunting and fishing.
My advice for students is to never ask (even in your own head), “When am I EVER going to need to know this??” Seek out and spend time with people who are wise and who care about you and your future. Cultivate useful interests and skills. Only go to college if/when you believe that it is necessary to attain your vocational goals. Avoid accumulating unnecessary debt. Be mindful that everyone wants you to be addicted to the thing they are selling – for their benefit, not yours: social media, other media, electronic devices, various kinds of food/beverages.
Your odds of existing are almost nil, yet here you are. God made you for a purpose. We make plans, but He guides our steps. Be eager to discover as much as you can about our Creator and walk in His ways.
Right after graduating, I went to Cedarville College (in Ohio) and studied biology. I am now a consultant for dairy farms, focusing on nutrition and management. Beyond that, I help manage the family farm.
My wife (Julia) and I have been married for over 22 years and have 9 children ranging in age from 21 years down to 15 months old. While I enjoy my work, my greatest privilege and joy is to be a husband and father.
We are incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful local businesses and individuals who quietly support our students and schools behind the scenes, not for recognition, but simply because they care about their community.
A special thank you to Central Savings Bank for generously purchasing Little Caesar’s pizzas for the 7th grade class as a class reward. Local businesses make the difference, thank you CSB for your kindness and continued support make a real difference!
Attention Parents - Its that time of year again, here is the testing Schedule for April for the Jr/Sr High School.
Good morning. Rudyard Area Schools will be on a 2 hour delay today, Monday, April 7, 2025. Classes and bus pick up will be two hours later than normal. Winter can end now...
Rudyard Area School will have a 2 hour delay today, 4/3/25, due to weather/road conditions.
Due to poor weather conditions, all after-school activities are CANCELED for 4/2/25 at Rudyard Area Schools.
Due to weather, Rudyard Area Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, March 31, 2025. We are excited to see everyone back on Tuesday, April 1.
Rudyard Area Schools will be closed today, Thursday, March 20, 2025 due to weather.
This weeks alumni spotlight is Barb Gordan '01!
It would be hard to choose just one specific memory from high school that would be my favorite. Some of my best memories would include singing in Art class with Jamie Morris and Terrance Weinzierl, playing basketball, softball, drama productions, chorus and our Pep Assemblies. I also enjoyed being an office aide for Ms. Boots Carr. She always pushed me to do my very best.
My favorite class would have to be Drama with Mr. Taylor. He always made class so fun. He encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones during activities. It was in this class new friendships were created that carried on through life.
If i could give any advice to students it would be to always keep an open mind about your future. Sometimes just taking risks, and trying new things, can change your original plan. That's ok!! Find your passion no matter how long it may take and always be kind to yourself and others.
After Highschool I attended a nurse aide training program and began working for Adult Learning Systems. A short time later I was given the opportunity to be a substitute aide at Rudyard Elementary through the EUPISD. I have now been with them for about twenty years. My days are split between our Learning Center in Kincheloe and Rudyard. I am responsible for bringing our students to inclusion classes at Rudyard. How great it is to be a part of both schools and be witness to all students' achievements as well as working with some pretty great educators. I have the best job and you have the best kiddos!
Rudyard Area Schools will start with a 2 hour delay today, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Road conditions will be re-evaluated again. Buses will be running 2 hours later than regular.
Today many of our 9th grade students were able to tour North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. Thank you to the GEAR UP program for setting up the event with our staff.
NCMC has many great options for students in both traditional and trade programs, and is close to home. NCMC
Junior High Ski Trip Students will be back at the school at 7:10 PM. Students can be picked up at the HS Gym Parking Lot.
Rudyard Area Schools will be on a 2 hour delay today, Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Exciting news for students and families! Join NMU reps on March 3rd to discover the incredible opportunities at Northern Michigan University. Many Rudyard graduates have found their perfect match here, with a diverse range of programs from trades to medical fields. Don’t miss out—make sure to register in advance: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showRSVPSignUp/8050E4EABA82DA0FC1-55004355-apps
Due to the projected winter weather coming and out of an abundance of caution, Rudyard Area Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday February 28, 2025.
Exciting news for students and families! Join NMU reps on March 3rd to discover the incredible opportunities at Northern Michigan University. Many Rudyard graduates have found their perfect match here, with a diverse range of programs from trades to medical fields. Don’t miss out—make sure to register in advance: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showRSVPSignUp/8050E4EABA82DA0FC1-55004355-apps
Rudyard Area Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday February 19, 2025. This will give the cleaning crew a chance to ensure that the air quality is perfect for our students. No fire occurred in or on the building but we did have smoke come in. Thank you for your understanding.
Rudyard Area Schools will be on a 2 hour delay today due to the wind chill and some backroads that are drifted over. Classes will start at 10:12 am. Buses will pick up 2 hours later than normal.