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.
Reminder the staff is in training today, no school today (10/9/23) for students, see you on Tuesday!
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Jillian LeBlanc '05.
Best memory:
My best memories from high school were likely after school while we waited for games or late practices we’d always head over to Summers Captains house play euchre non-stop while eating a BLT pizza from Pure Country or cheese bread sticks from Odds and Ends restaurant. It’d be the same group of us just hanging out being kids and laughing over silly events that occurred that day.
Favorite class:
When asked my immediate memory was in Anatomy and Physiology, we were dissecting the cats and I sat at a table with Derek Harter, Bob Lohff and Christina Ganga. Derek Harter gutted his cat like it was 8 point buck as soon as he got the blade in his hand. Christina and I still laugh over that memory.
Advice for students-:
It’s okay if you don’t immediately know what you want to do out of High School. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to complete the normal “milestones” society pressures us into thinking is living. Find yourself, travel, try new activities that intimidate you. Eventually you’ll find out who you’re meant to be and it doesn’t have to occur when you graduate. Have fun with it life is so quick and the ride can be incredible.
After HS:
I enrolled into college immediately after High school and went to Central Michigan for a semester. I quickly realized I wasn’t ready to be far away from home and returned to Lake Superior State University. I graduated with my Bachelors of science in Nursing.
I’ve had a wide range of jobs during my career as a Registered Nurse and now you’ll find me at My Michigan Medical Center, in Sault Ste Marie, PACU department, I wake patients up after surgery and it’s by far my favorite job I’ve had as a nurse.
Rudyard Area Schools has a scheduled professional development day on Monday (10/9/23), no school for students.
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Shawn Bennett '92!
What was your best memory from school?
I really enjoyed ALL of high school from wonderful teachers to all my friends.
What was your favorite class/activity?
I enjoyed any class with Mr. Bickle because he would talk about hunting with us as soon as the lesson was laid out. I loved running track and singing in the chorus.
What advice do you have for students?
Don't rush to get through it! Enjoy those years. They might seem to drag by but it will be over so fast in the great scheme of life. Done right, you will have a lifetime of great memories.
What did you do right out of high school, and what do you do now?
I worked at the Kinross Co-op in the produce department. I moved out west to Idaho and began a career in Forestry and Arboriculture. Now I'm a certified arborist and the co-owner of Grace Tree Service.
The Native Culture class had the opportunity to harvest needles from a porcupine today! Students will be to use the needles for a variety of special projects this year including jewelry design!
Student Council is looking for parent with a truck that would be willing to be in the homecoming parade to take the court on the parade route. Please call the high school office if you would love to volunteer.
Thank you to all the work that the Spirit Team has been doing around the building to help make Bulldog Country the best it can be! They have made signs for all of the Fall High School Student Athletes, and decorated the main academic hall to add a little spirit to the school! Keep up the great work!
We have a few changes to our 2023 Homecoming Schedule due to multiple cancellations from other schools. We are excited to share our schedule of events as Homecoming is still on!
Concessions, Yearbook Sales, Spirit Team Sales, Bounce House will still all be a go! Come celebrate with all of us for Homecoming 2023!
Entrance Fees will be by donation to help support our Kids Closets and Food Pantry.
Welcome to Homecoming Week! Check out the Spirit Days!
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Ryan Nicklas '16.
What was your favorite memory:
Getting to play guitar for the school production of "Godspell" in 2013. It was the first time I was involved in a theater production and made me realize that I really enjoyed the technical production aspect of it.
What was your favorite class/activity:
I really enjoyed Band and Pep Band with Mr. Dugan.
Advice for Students:
Find an industry or field of work that you enjoy and pursue it. There are often more ways to get involved than you realize.
What did you do after high school:
Right out of high school I joined Michigan Tech's "Audio Production & Technology" program, which covers a wide variety of technical sound fields including: sound design for film and theater, acoustics, music production, and more. I am now producing a podcast, writing, recording & mixing music for myself & others, and working as an Audio/Visual technician at the Detroit Athletic Club.
The Streaming Club is looking for new (and hopefully returning) sponsors for the 2023-24 Sports Season. Contact the Bulldog Bulletin (Facebook) or email kdewitt@eupschools.org for more information.
Homecoming 2023 Can't wait for next week! Thank you to all the groups that are helping to make this week fun!
We are very pleased to share that Lauren Borowski is a "Commended Student" by the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. Lauren had one of the top 50,000 scores (out of 1.7 million students) based on the combination for their PSAT/ and SAT scores! Nice Job Lauren! We look forward to hearing more about your future academic plans!
The Week Ahead for 9/18-9/24...
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Nick Griswold '00.
Best Memory from School:
One of my best memories from school was playing on the golf team. It was an incredible experience that not only allowed me to improve my golf skills but also created a lifelong love of the sport.
Favorite Class/Activity:
My favorite class was Yearbook, which I had the pleasure of taking with Mrs. Talentino and later Mr. Fountain. Working on the yearbook allowed me to develop my creativity, organization skills, and collaborate with a talented team. I’m really proud of the award-winning yearbooks we put out in the late 90s.
Advice for Students:
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give to students is to be willing to work hard for your goals and dreams. While I didn't have the highest GPA during my time at RHS, I learned that putting in the extra effort and being willing to work hard can make a significant difference. This mindset continued to serve me well in my education at Ferris State University and has been a big reason for my career success today. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or comparing yourself to others. Focus on your own growth and be persistent!
After high school:
I pursued higher education at Ferris State University, where I studied Accountancy. Following my graduation in 2004, I worked in public education, gaining valuable experience in the field. Currently, I am the CEO of Growth Works, a behavioral healthcare and case management organization that serves about 2,000 clients a year in southeast Michigan. It's a rewarding role where I can make a positive impact on individuals' lives and contribute to the well-being of our community.
Its been an exciting start to the school year. Mrs. Pearsall's physical science class has dove right into some awesome hands on learning!
Our Alumni Spotlight will be returning this Fall! If you would like to nominate someone for the spotlight, send us their name and contact information (email preferred)!
Bus 39 (Woody Wood Pecker) and 40 (Bluey) will be 20 minutes behind schedule tonight.
Welcome Back, the first day of school is here! Don't forget its only a 1/2 day of school today.
