Rudyard Area Schools

This weeks alumni spotlight is Kori McDowell-Eby '81! My favorite memory from school was our class in general. The class of 81’ had a diverse group of kids but we all got along great. From sporting events to the arts everyone supported one another. I have lasting memories and friendships with most to this day. We are one of the few classes that have class reunions ever 5 years that are well attended. What was your favorite class /activity? My favorite class was definitely Mr. Flanders’s class , creative writing and drama. I struggle with dyslexia and probably A.D.D. Which at the time was never diagnosed or discussed in schools at that time. He helped me so much by organizing my thoughts and putting them on paper. He took an interest and helped through my difficulties. Bless his heart! He also pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was in his drama class to work creating the sets designing, painting backgrounds and such, well he had other plans, he put me in one of the leading roles, which I was definitely was not comfortable with. I thought for sure he had made a mistake, But after many supportive talks and encouragement the play went on without a hitch. He knew I could do it and helped me believe I could too. What advice do you have for students? Believe in yourself. You can do anything. Don’t put limits on yourself. Be kind to everyone, you don’t know what someone is going through. If you struggle with learning, such as ,dyslexia, Attention Deficit, RHS has the best teachers and resources to help you, use it! Be the best you you can be.! What did you do right out of school and what do you do now? My senior year I enrolled in cosmetology school through RHS vocational program. After graduating and receiving my state license, I started working at the Clip Joint for 7 years. Then moved to St.Ignace and opened my own salon Makin’ Waves , where I worked for 5 years before moving back to Rudyard and buying my present salon , which I’ve been for 30 years.

This week's alumni spotlight is Steve Klinker '74! My Best memories from Rudyard have to include, of course LUNCH! Everyday at Lunchtime Mr. Berry would allow us to play hearts in the biology room. There were usually 4 tables of 4 playing every day. The goal was to make it to the “big” table and to be able to play with Mr. Berry. Only the best were able to play at the Big” table. It took me a couple of years, but I finally made it! Another great memory, I was a yearbook photographer. This allowed a lot of unique opportunities with teachers, staff, and students, and gave a lot of unique photos. I got to see the the realness of those I had admired. My favorite classes were probably chemistry, and biology and I continued to get a college degree in Biochemistry. My favorite activities were the pep rally and the sports, better yet to be able to photograph the activities. Advice for students, discipline is the key to success. If one is not able to able discipline self, accomplishments will be few. Right out of school, I attended Northern Michigan University, where I got two degrees, biochemistry and business I was awarded the outstanding Alumni in 1991. I then went to Texas A&M college of veterinary medicine, after graduating I went to the University of Texas college of Dentistry. I then set up a dental practice in Austin Texas, I then became a medical missionary, traveling all over the world. After I retired from Dentistry, I went back to school and became a Golf Professional, in Florida where I am today, teaching and coaching golf. The Photo is with President Bush, for being his brightest point of light for volunteer work. The work was medical relief in Central and South America.

The Civics classes took classic games and converted them to be based on Executive Branch topics. The teams picked a game to use and one topic. TOPICS: A. Qualifications and Presidential Succession B. Presidential Roles C. Presidential Powers (Executive, Judicial, and Legislative only) D. Presidential Powers (Diplomatic and Military) E. Executive Offices or "Agencies" F. Executive Branch Departments G. Civil Service System H. You pick topic. Approved by me. Shown are - Qualifications and Presidential Succession Monopoly by Carrie Hoolsema -Presidential powers Memory by Megan Rolston, Atty Clark, and Liam Hansen -Qualifications and Presidential Succession Candyland by Lily Kwiatkowski, Lindsey Masterson, Madalynn Pearsall, Lexi Tobias

Thank you to the middle school student council for planning the spirit week for next week!

This week Mr. Darr's Biology classes were working on an owl pellet lab today!

Today's Boys Basketball game will be in St. Ignace, tickets will be sold via GoFan at the following link: https://gofan.co/event/1187409?schoolId=MI10368 Saturday's tickets for the Wrestling meet in the Soo will also be sold via GoFan at the following link: https://gofan.co/event/1175059?schoolId=MI10369 Go Bulldogs!

This past week our high school physical science class, instructed by Mrs. Pearsall was able to partner with LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education on a one site lab and tour of their facilities. During the tour the students were able to interact with a large sturgeon!

Our CTE Mechatronics students are busy on their square one electric car build! Stay tune in the coming days we should have video of their first attempt to drive it!

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.