Rudyard Jr/Sr High School is proud to host 4 Career Tech Programs right at Rudyard, this in part to the EUP Career Tech Regional Millage. Currently students from six different high schools take part in the programs at Rudyard (and they are open to all EUP high school students in grades 11-12). Thank you to our communities for their support of Career Tech!
Each quarter our programs recognized 1 student each for their excellence in the classroom or field placement.
Congratulations to each of the students:
CTE Cabinetry: Brode Hunt (Rudyard)
CTE Education: Maddison Fox (Pickford)
CTE EMT: Kiara Hooper (Brimley)
CTE Mechatronics: Nick Hecox (Sault)
This week's alumni spotlight is Eric Wallis '76!
My best memory from school is probably when our band received a 1 rating at state competition. I enjoyed band class and all the extra curricular bans as well that I was involved in... jazz band, pep band, marching band.
My advice to students today: Enjoy your years in school but do it with respect, respect for yourself, your teachers, and other students. And while being respectful, do not drop your standards and morals to "fit in." Stand for truth.
After I graduated in 1976, went to LSSC ( now LSSU ) for 1 year and then went to work at Pickford Power Sports where we sold and serviced Arctic Cat, Suzuki, Husqvarna, and other powered equipment. Because of the closing of Kincheloe air base the economy collapsed such that that business couldn't continue. I worked a couple other places as I transitioned back to the farm where I grew up. I sold the cattle my brother and I were raising when he went into the ministry and began raising sheep. This is what I do today...I am a shepherd.
Attention Parents of 7th Grade Students that are interested in going to Washington DC.
https://rsvp.efexploreamerica.com/nfne86v
Congratulations to our new Junior class members of National Honors Society, who are joined the Seniors tonight at their induction ceremony!
This week's alumni spotlight is Dana Kabat-Farr '02!
What was your best memory from school? I really liked getting together as a class to work on a common project - whether it was building our class float at Folkersma's barn or prepping to decorate for the "Enchanted Under the Sea" prom at the Kabat house.
What was your favorite class/activity? Anatomy and Physiology was really challenging and I learned a lot. Including what the inside of a cat looked like. What advice do you have for students?
Take advantage of all forms of learning - in the classroom, extracurriculars, and sports. Also, humans' ability to creatively problem solve and critique the production of artificial intelligence will be more and more important and a skill needed.
What do you do now? After high school I went to the University of Michigan - and was there for three degrees. After that I moved to Nevada to be a professor for a few years before moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada where I am a professor at Dalhousie University
This week's alumni spotlight is Dana Kabat-Farr '02!
What was your best memory from school?
I really liked getting together as a class to work on a common project - whether it was building our class float at Folkersma's barn or prepping to decorate for the "Enchanted Under the Sea" prom at the Kabat house.
What was your favorite class/activity?
Anatomy and Physiology was really challenging and I learned a lot. Including what the inside of a cat looked like.
What advice do you have for students?
Take advantage of all forms of learning - in the classroom, extracurriculars, and sports. Also, humans' ability to creatively problem solve and critique the production of artificial intelligence will be more and more important and a skill needed.
What do you do now?
After high school I went to the University of Michigan - and was there for three degrees. After that I moved to Nevada to be a professor for a few years before moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada where I am a professor at Dalhousie University
Upcoming Winter Formal for our 6th-8th Graders.
Good Morning Bulldog Country!
Well winter has quickly swept in and we find ourselves already in the midst of 2 hour delay and cancellations. There are several ways anyone can be notified of any delays/closures: 9&10 News, the Rudyard Area Schools App, our Facebook Page (Rudyard Bulldog Bulletin).
As for parents and guardians, you'll be notified via text/phone call. If you didn't receive a text or call this morning please reach out to the Elementary or High School Office and check to see if your number is attached to your student's information.
Students, we are also adding your personal numbers to the system now (if you'd like), this is optional to be added to the call list in case of delays/closures. If you'd like to add your number please talk to the secretary in the office to get that added.
The decision to delay or close will be made before 6am and though there may be times you disagree with the decision the Superintendent, Transportation Director, and other designated employees have the safety of our students in mind when making these decisions.
Even on days that may not have a delay the roads still may be slick in certain areas of our district, please drive with caution through these winter months especially as weather can be unpredictable and can be different within minutes or miles.
Everyone here at Rudyard Area Schools looks forward to our snowy season... well I'm sure some of us do. Have a great and safe morning Bulldogs Country.
This week's alumni spotlight is Owen Mills '15! Best memory from school was hands down playing sports. It got me into what I do now as a profession Favorite class was shop class with Mr. Kwiatkowski. It taught me a ton about woodworking and gave me a cool hobby after graduating college. My advice to students is to make the most of your time in school. The older you get, the faster time goes. One minute you’re running around in gym class, you blink and you’re in the real world. Drink it in and enjoy the ride. After high school, I attended Northern Michigan University and got my bachelor’s degree in athletic training. After that, I worked in NMU’s Olympic Training Site as an athletic trainer for two years while I got my Masters degree in public administration. Now, I work at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI as an outreach athletic trainer at Viterbo University
Reminder: 1/2 days 11/20-11/22. No school 11/23-11-24. Conferences 11/20 (12:30-3:30), 11/21 (12:30-4:30 & 5:00-6:30). Happy Thanksgiving Bulldog Country!
Class of 2026 will be hosting a fun event coming up!
This week's alumni spotlight is Abbie (LaPointe) Helveston '11!
I had so many amazing memories at RHS, it’s hard to choose just one! But I think my best memory was all about the students and staff at RHS. Everyone was so kind and welcoming when I transferred to RHS my junior year, and it truly made a difference in my transition.
My favorite activities were participating in sports! I loved playing basketball and softball.
My advice for students is to be kind to each other, have FUN, get involved, and enjoy your time at RHS!
After high school I joined the United States Air Force. I served as a paralegal for over six years before I became a stay at home mom. I’m currently still a stay at home mom, but also a full time graduate student.
Just in time for Hunting Season! Grab one for $12!! You can buy them in the High School Office between 11:30-12:30! Limited Supplies so get yours while they're here!
Please see the attached the letter about our upcoming Career Day!
This week's alumni spotlight is Mason Stierley '15!
1. What was your best memory from school?
There are too many great experiences to just select one! The first that comes to mind was when Mr. Isaiah Otten and I stood the robotics team up from the ground. Another is being the Mascot at some basketball games! Being the homecoming King was pretty awesome, too, as well as all the fun I had in Mr. Dugan's band/pep band! Of course, not to be corny but, the support from the entire faculty. These people cared for every student and truly wanted the best for us!
2. What was your favorite class/activity?
This is a tough one. I really had a lot of fun in Mr. Dugan's Band/Pep Band as the energy was so high and exciting, and so was his! However, Mr. DeYoung's Baker College Humanities 101/102 courses were also very interesting and fun to learn about. Mr. DeYoung had a way with his teaching that made it interesting, fun, and easy to remember. These courses were by far my favorite throughout my entire associate's and bachelor's degrees!
3. What advice do you have for students?
Don't stop learning when you leave school for the day, week, or year. Teach yourself more! The teachers at Rudyard care about you and your success more than you know. Reach out to them more often. Get to know them. Ask them questions and don't feel dumb for doing so! Ms. Verdoni and Mr. DeYoung used to get a LOT of questions from me about course material, life, college, finances, social happenings, and more, and I am so thankful for their patience and willingness to teach me more and lend me their insight. Check out how to handle your finances (Dave Ramsey is a GREAT way to start!) and start investing NOW! Do not take out student loans if you can help it! Learn from hundreds of thousands of students who did- including myself- and just go to a cheaper school and get a job to pay for it yourself (or if mom and dad want to help out, that's cool too!). Community colleges are just as qualified and teach the same course material as public/private universities, and trades are in demand! Finally, join some clubs, groups, sports... anything to become a part of a community of people. You will grow fantastic relationships with members of the group/team/organization at Rudyard and surrounding schools, and having a sense of purpose, of belonging, is imperative to happiness- especially if you get out and start volunteering in the community!
4. What did you do right out of high school, and what do you do now?
Right out of high school, I drove down to attend Texas A&M University as a member of their Corps of Cadets ROTC program. But, as I mentioned, public Universities are expensive! So, after a few semesters, I drove back to Michigan and continued my education through Baker College Online since I had dual-credits through them (thanks for the opportunity, Rudyard!), and started working within the Department of Homeland Security. Now, I am a Maintenance Management Analyst - or a Database Analyst/Manager in the United States Air Force. If Ms. Verdoni found out that I work with math, statistics, and numbers daily, her jaw might hit the floor (math was tough for me, but she was great in helping me!). As of now, I oversee nearly $3 Billion worth of MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Drones and F-16 Fighter Jets as well as their flights, munitions fired, maintenance actions/reports, and much more all at the world's largest MQ-9/F-16 base. On top of this, I manage a database containing millions of top secret data records and thousands of user accounts for the database. To name a few cool extra things I've done with my job and position, I have launched and flown the MQ-9 Reaper, launched and flown as wingman in the F-16 Fighter Jet, received a letter of commendation from President Biden for my work and volunteerism, met people in high places, and so much more. All of this comes from making connections, getting out, and being kind! It is so much fun!
Our 2023 Veterans' Day Assembly is today (November 10) at 1:30 PM. The event is open to the public and will be held in the high school gym.
Nice job to the 7-12 grade Art students on their Dia de los Muertos exhibit! It can be view outside the high school office!
Last chance to see the school play, this afternoon!
Don't forgot night 2 of the play is TONIGHT at 7 PM!
This weeks alumni spotlight is David Jarvie '11!
What was your best memory from school?
The confused stares from parents and other teams while we ceremoniously paraded a pink flamingo around at every cross country meet and award ceremony. Though beginning as a modest lawn decoration, Pinky, as he came to be known, was destined for greater things. After being requisitioned from someone's yard by an upperclassman, he became our adopted mascot and a staple of the team for several years. His journey culminated with an appearance on stage following our team's U.P. Finals victory.
What was your favorite class/activity?
My favorite class was Biology taught by Mrs. Ewing. I remember an assignment on Mendel's principles of inheritance from pea plant breeding and thinking that it was the coolest thing I'd ever learned. Her class was a large reason I pursued the major I did and why I ultimately ended up in healthcare.
What advice do you have for students?
Never lose sight of who you are or where you've come from. I've talked about the U.P. and my hometown in every application and interview I've ever had. It may not always seem like it, but you have everything you need to succeed, and how you define your success is up to you.
What did you do right out of high school, and what do you do now?
I attended the University of Michigan and earned a bachelor's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2015. Afterwards, I knew I wanted to continue my education but was undecided on the field. I came home for the summer and mentioned this dilemma during an appointment with my longtime dentist, Dr. Bill Bacheler. A few days later he called me with an invitation to come into the office to observe - the rest is history!
I returned to U of M for dental school and earned my doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2020. After seeing how big of an impact I could have on the self-confidence of my patients by transforming their smile, I decided to specialize in orthodontics and returned for a third degree. My thesis research explored the control of tooth movement with alkaline phosphatase inhibitor injections in rats with orthodontic appliances. After 11 years at U of M, I finished my training in June and am now practicing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.