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.
Our high school Quiz Bowl team was at Northern Michigan University today for the NMU tournament, they fell a a bit short today 200-170.
Thanks goes out to their coach Mr May for his help, they are now preparing for the EUP tournament this winter!
Can't wait for the first night of the school play!
Save the Date: Our 2023 Veterans' Day Assembly will be on November 10 at 1:30 PM. The event is open to the public and will be held in the high school gym.
Don't forget about the Fish Fry tonight! (5-8 PM)
Attention Senior Parents,
Your senior was given a packet for ordering their senior cap & gown and graduation materials a couple weeks ago to place orders. The Herff Jones Company is our cap & gown, class ring, yard sign and varsity jacket provider.
Orders for Rudyard High School should be ordered on their website, www.miherffjones.com. The order deadline is December 1, 2023. If you have any questions about ordering, please contact our Herff Jones Rep at (989) 773-1337 or by email at info@miherffjones.com.
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Eric Garcia '92!
What was your best memory from school?
One of my fondest memories was travelling with the Business Professionals of American group from RHS to compete in state competitions in Detroit, MI
What was your favorite class/activity?
My favorite class was accounting with Ms. Steikar (now Mrs. Harrington) – but I also thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Flanders drama class!
What advice do you have for students?
My advice would be to get involved in everything you can. The more connected you are to others in the school and community the more well rounded you’ll be and also it certainly helps in life to have a lot of favorable connections.
What did you do right out of high school, and what do you do now?
After graduating from Rudyard I attended Northern Michigan University where I studied finance and accounting as well as political science. I currently work as a financial examiner for The State of North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks; regulating state-chartered banks and non-depository institutions.
Save the Date for the Halloween Fish Fry at the Rudyard Bible Church! All proceeds to to the Rudyard Kids Closet, which provides foot and clothes to Rudyard students in need.
Thank you again to the Rudyard Bible Church for this wonderful event!
For this Friday's varsity football postseason game in Pickford, all tickets must be purchased via GoFan. They will have a credit card reader at the booth so you'll be able to purchase the tickets at the game if needed. There will be no cash accepted for entrance into the game. Kickoff will be at 7:00 PM. Go Bulldogs!
Gofan: https://gofan.co/event/1183040?schoolId=MI10368
Save the Date for the Fall Play!
Can't wait to see everyone in orange and black all week!
Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Division 2 State Runners Up today in Gladstone! This is the schools 10th State Runners Up, and 1st in Division 2 in over 20 years!
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Chris Brady '00.
What was your favorite memory:
I have lots of great memories, too many to count, but if it wasn't for Mr. Bickel standing up for me in 8th grade I wouldn't have had any. Thank you Mr. Bickel!
Advice for today's students:
Just when you think your down and out, keep pushing! Chase your dreams, they won't chase you!
What did you do after high school:
After high school I became a mechanic, today I'm a small engine mechanic and a goat farmer.
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Jared Kangas '01.
What was a favorite memory from high school:
Although I'm far from an actor, one good memory from high school was in fine arts with Mr. Taylor. He asked me to be in the production of Fiddler on the roof and it was a great experience to step out of my shell, although it was my first and last acting experience!
What was your favorite activity:
I really enjoyed playing football and being around my friends.
Advice for students today:
Learn a trade, not everyone has to go to college, there are plenty of successful people without a college degree.
What did you do after high school:
I completed the utility technology program at Alpena Community College. I currently work for Cloverland Electric as a foreman at the Dafter Line Department.
