The Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education has selected two finalists in its selection process to name a new superintendent for the District.
The finalists are Bethany Rayl, currently acting superintendent and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Clio Area Schools, and Matthew Wandrie, currently director of human resources at Dearborn Public Schools.
The board narrowed the field of candidates from more than 40 applicants to six for the first round of interviews and completed the second round of interviews with three candidates on Thursday, March 10.
It is anticipated that the new superintendent will begin working for the District on July 1, replacing current Superintendent Debbie Thompson who is retiring after serving the district for the last six years as its superintendent.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Bands capture honors at Festival
On February 25, 26 and March 4th , bands from Rolland-Warner, Zemmer, Lapeer East and Lapeer West participated in MSBOA District Band Festival.
More than 350 band students participated, and each band came home with recognition for outstanding performance and musicianship.
Five bands also qualified for State Band Festival by receiving an overall rating of a 1, which is the highest rating a band can receive at this event.
The Lapeer Community Schools bands all had a tremendous showing of parents at each of the performances to show support for students. The band students represented the District at the highest level and should be commended for their outstanding achievement.
More than 350 band students participated, and each band came home with recognition for outstanding performance and musicianship.
Five bands also qualified for State Band Festival by receiving an overall rating of a 1, which is the highest rating a band can receive at this event.
The Lapeer Community Schools bands all had a tremendous showing of parents at each of the performances to show support for students. The band students represented the District at the highest level and should be commended for their outstanding achievement.
Book drive aids FLC
Donations of new or gently used books will be collected at Murphy Elementary School between March 14th and March 18th as a school project to help the Family Literacy Center.
Books collected during the drive will be donated to FLC. The Family Literacy Center is a local non-profit organization that helps adults learn or improve their reading and assists school-age children and their parents to improve reading and literacy.
“The books can be for children or adults, fiction or non-fiction, but should be in good condition. We are especially looking for children’s chapter books,” said Lisa Schultz, a parent volunteer who is coordinating the drive. “We invite the community to support this worthy cause and drop your spare books off at the Murphy Elementary school office during the week of March 14th to March 18th,” Schultz said.
For further information on the Family Literacy Center go to www.readlapeer.org. For additional information on the book drive call Schultz at 810-797-5537.
Books collected during the drive will be donated to FLC. The Family Literacy Center is a local non-profit organization that helps adults learn or improve their reading and assists school-age children and their parents to improve reading and literacy.
“The books can be for children or adults, fiction or non-fiction, but should be in good condition. We are especially looking for children’s chapter books,” said Lisa Schultz, a parent volunteer who is coordinating the drive. “We invite the community to support this worthy cause and drop your spare books off at the Murphy Elementary school office during the week of March 14th to March 18th,” Schultz said.
For further information on the Family Literacy Center go to www.readlapeer.org. For additional information on the book drive call Schultz at 810-797-5537.
Student art on display
Gallery 194 is hosting an art show featuring student art from students at Lapeer middle schools and high schools.
Stop by the gallery to see how talented these young students are at creating both 2- and 3-dimensional pieces.
The show is now open and will run until Saturday, March 19. A special student artist reception will take place from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12.
Everyone is invited to meet the artists and to see their work, or to just stop by the gallery any time during normal business hours. Art from many other districts also will be on display at this special show (grades K-8).
Students of teachers Deb Helbig (East) and Jeff Bolzman and Nancy Barry (West) have work in the show which will go on to state competition this weekend.
The middle school artist are students of art teachers Marty Norton at Zemmer Middle School and Lisa Reinertat Rolland-Warner Middle School.
Many thanks to the folks at Gallery 194 for their continued support to the arts in Lapeer.
Stop by the gallery to see how talented these young students are at creating both 2- and 3-dimensional pieces.
The show is now open and will run until Saturday, March 19. A special student artist reception will take place from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12.
Everyone is invited to meet the artists and to see their work, or to just stop by the gallery any time during normal business hours. Art from many other districts also will be on display at this special show (grades K-8).
Students of teachers Deb Helbig (East) and Jeff Bolzman and Nancy Barry (West) have work in the show which will go on to state competition this weekend.
The middle school artist are students of art teachers Marty Norton at Zemmer Middle School and Lisa Reinertat Rolland-Warner Middle School.
Many thanks to the folks at Gallery 194 for their continued support to the arts in Lapeer.
Zumba Fundraiser for Project Graduation
Lapeer East Project Graduation will host a Zumba Fundraiser on Friday, March 18th, beginning at 7 p.m. at Maple Grove Elementary School.
Pre tickets are available. Call Lisa at 810-627-9426 or email lmar925@charter.net
Cost is $6 per ticket in advance. $8 at the door.
Pre tickets are available. Call Lisa at 810-627-9426 or email lmar925@charter.net
Cost is $6 per ticket in advance. $8 at the door.
Monday, March 7, 2011
TurrillMom 2 Mom Sale March 12
The Turrill Elementary PTC will host a Mom 2 Mom Sale on Saturday, March 12, from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm.
If you are interested in renting a table, please contact: Nichole Hayden nhayden@lapeerschools.org or (810)614-9438.
Table rental costs are $20.00 for an 8’ table, $10.00 for 1 additional 8’ table, $25.00 for a cafeteria table, $5.00 for rack space and $1.00 for large items.
The PTC is also accepting donations of toys and clothes. All proceeds from donated items will go to Turrill Elementary!
Donations can be dropped off to Nichole Hayden at Turrill Elementary before March 4.
If you are interested in renting a table, please contact: Nichole Hayden nhayden@lapeerschools.org or (810)614-9438.
Table rental costs are $20.00 for an 8’ table, $10.00 for 1 additional 8’ table, $25.00 for a cafeteria table, $5.00 for rack space and $1.00 for large items.
The PTC is also accepting donations of toys and clothes. All proceeds from donated items will go to Turrill Elementary!
Donations can be dropped off to Nichole Hayden at Turrill Elementary before March 4.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
March is Reading Month
Students all across the Lapeer Community Schools are putting an added focus on books this month to celebrate Reading Month.
Each school is charting its own course with a theme for this month’s extra focus on reading, from the wonderful tales of Dr. Seuss at Schickler to the eyes to the skies and the wonders of outer space at Mayfield.
At Lynch the theme is Reading Builds Character, and at Seaton the students have a decidedly automotive focus as they “track” their selections as they race into reading.
Many activities are underway across the District to help focus students and families on the importance of READING.
There is ample research that tells us over and over again that the best way to improve a child's ability to read is to read and be read to. Parents are being asked to help keep track of the minutes their children are reading, to help them participate in the events. Every child will be a winner.
Photo captions:Mayfield teachers garbed as white-suited astronauts offered the challenge to their students for their out-of-this-world focus on reading.
Schickler students were in for a wonderful treat at lunch on Wednesday, March 2, as they celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss with some personalized cake created by Jill McLaughlin from the food service department.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Seaton 2nd grader collecting school supplies for Haiti
When he learned his mom and dad would be going to Haiti in April to help out in the 
town of Desalines, he wanted to do his part, so Seaton 2nd grader Judson Page decided to collect school supplies to send along to school kids in the hurricane-ravaged country.
He began his project in early February and decided to collect pencils, pens, notebooks and rulers to send along to school children in Desalines. The collection also includes some other practical items such as jump ropes, barrettes, bouncy balls, jacks and small model cars.
His fellow students chipped in, and by the end of the month he had overflowed the box that sits in the Seaton Elementary office. He says he thinks his total so far tops 85 pounds.
Judson’s efforts will continue through Friday March 4, and he’s looking for as many school supplies and small toys that he can send along to students in Desalinesi.
To make a donation of any of the items, you can drop them off at Seaton Elementary or leave a message for Judson’s parents, Kelli and Gene Page, at the Lapeer Free Methodist Church at 810-664-3393.
To learn more about the Haiti mission trip, visit http://haititrip.weebly.com.
town of Desalines, he wanted to do his part, so Seaton 2nd grader Judson Page decided to collect school supplies to send along to school kids in the hurricane-ravaged country.He began his project in early February and decided to collect pencils, pens, notebooks and rulers to send along to school children in Desalines. The collection also includes some other practical items such as jump ropes, barrettes, bouncy balls, jacks and small model cars.
His fellow students chipped in, and by the end of the month he had overflowed the box that sits in the Seaton Elementary office. He says he thinks his total so far tops 85 pounds.
Judson’s efforts will continue through Friday March 4, and he’s looking for as many school supplies and small toys that he can send along to students in Desalinesi.
To make a donation of any of the items, you can drop them off at Seaton Elementary or leave a message for Judson’s parents, Kelli and Gene Page, at the Lapeer Free Methodist Church at 810-664-3393.
To learn more about the Haiti mission trip, visit http://haititrip.weebly.com.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Student art work on display at Gallery 194
The artwork of 20 middle and high school students from Lapeer Community Schools are currently on display at Gallery 194 in downtown Lapeer as part of the annual Michigan Art Education Association exhibit that runs through March 5.
The work of the artists includes a variety of media, including dry-point etching, prismacolors, pencil, oils, acrylics, tempera, fabric and clay.
The exhibit includes art work from nearly 70 students in Lapeer and Genesee counties. Winners from this regional exhibit will advance to judging in Lansing for statewide recognition. Winning artwork at the state level is displayed at several venues and in state offices throughout the Lansing area.
LCS exhibiting student artists at Gallery 194 include:
Adrianna Allen, Lapeer West 10th grade, “My Escape” conte pencils.
Karley Bauroth, Lapeer West, 11th grade, “Bonita Alta,” clay.
Kaitlyn Becker, Lapeer West, 11th grade, “Calla Lilies,” clay.
Eric Birkle, Lapeer West 12th grade, “Olde Time Machine,” prismacolor pencils.
Cheryse Burns, Lapeer West, 12th grade, “Three Siblings,” prismacolors.
Angelique Clark, Lapeer West, 12th grade, “Rainbow Rich,” clay.
Courtney Gilbert, Lapeer West 12th grade, “I Ride, Therefore I Am,” pencil.
Courtney Lang, Lapeer East 12th grade, “Sacre-Coeur,” dry-point etching.
Zoe Lovelette, Zemmer 8th grade, “Intense Color,” markers.
Amelia Meerschart, Lapeer East 11th grade, “Junk Yard Trucks,” oil pastels.
Jessica Ogles, Lapeer East 11th grade, “Initially Print,” mixed media.
Adam Porter, Lapeer East 12th grade, “Toy Store,” colored pencil.
Miranda Sanborn, Lapeer East 12th grade, “”Self-Portrait,” pencil.
Samantha Schlaud, Zemmer 7th grade, “My Many Emotions,” watercolor print.
Connor Schulte, Rolland-Warner 8th grade, Untitled, acrylic paint.
Madison Skene, Rolland-Warner 6th grade, “Frogs in the Rainforest,” water color.
Brooke Soroka, Rolland-Warner 8th grade, Untitled, embossment.
Lexi Thomas, Rolland-Warner 8th grade, “Spring Fever,” tempera/fabric.
Paige Tigner, Lapeer West 11th grade, “Trapped,” nu pastels.
Catherine Wonders, Lapeer West 12th grade, “Mad Hattress,” clay.
The work of the artists includes a variety of media, including dry-point etching, prismacolors, pencil, oils, acrylics, tempera, fabric and clay.
The exhibit includes art work from nearly 70 students in Lapeer and Genesee counties. Winners from this regional exhibit will advance to judging in Lansing for statewide recognition. Winning artwork at the state level is displayed at several venues and in state offices throughout the Lansing area.
LCS exhibiting student artists at Gallery 194 include:
Adrianna Allen, Lapeer West 10th grade, “My Escape” conte pencils.
Karley Bauroth, Lapeer West, 11th grade, “Bonita Alta,” clay.
Kaitlyn Becker, Lapeer West, 11th grade, “Calla Lilies,” clay.
Eric Birkle, Lapeer West 12th grade, “Olde Time Machine,” prismacolor pencils.
Cheryse Burns, Lapeer West, 12th grade, “Three Siblings,” prismacolors.
Angelique Clark, Lapeer West, 12th grade, “Rainbow Rich,” clay.
Courtney Gilbert, Lapeer West 12th grade, “I Ride, Therefore I Am,” pencil.
Courtney Lang, Lapeer East 12th grade, “Sacre-Coeur,” dry-point etching.
Zoe Lovelette, Zemmer 8th grade, “Intense Color,” markers.
Amelia Meerschart, Lapeer East 11th grade, “Junk Yard Trucks,” oil pastels.
Jessica Ogles, Lapeer East 11th grade, “Initially Print,” mixed media.
Adam Porter, Lapeer East 12th grade, “Toy Store,” colored pencil.
Miranda Sanborn, Lapeer East 12th grade, “”Self-Portrait,” pencil.
Samantha Schlaud, Zemmer 7th grade, “My Many Emotions,” watercolor print.
Connor Schulte, Rolland-Warner 8th grade, Untitled, acrylic paint.
Madison Skene, Rolland-Warner 6th grade, “Frogs in the Rainforest,” water color.
Brooke Soroka, Rolland-Warner 8th grade, Untitled, embossment.
Lexi Thomas, Rolland-Warner 8th grade, “Spring Fever,” tempera/fabric.
Paige Tigner, Lapeer West 11th grade, “Trapped,” nu pastels.
Catherine Wonders, Lapeer West 12th grade, “Mad Hattress,” clay.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Cramton Center serves as hostage training site
During a professional development day for staff in mid-January, the Cramton Campus on Lake Nepessing Road, home of Lapeer Community High School, was transformed into a situational training location that was designed to both challenge the preparedness of the building in the case of an emergency situation, as well as allowing for the Special Response Team (SRT) members from the Lapeer County Sheriff Department to conduct valuable situational training in a school setting. 
This was the first training of its kind in Lapeer County and involved more than 20 members of local law enforcement. “The scenario was modeled after the recent hostage situation in a high school in Wisconsin,” explained LCHS Principal Kevin Walters. “It was modified to present an opportunity for multiple levels of training and involvement.” Staff members from LCHS were active participants in the training sessions, which include active shooter, bomb and explosives, barricaded gunman, and hostage situations throughout the day. The day ended with a luncheon and an opportunity to debrief between school staff and law enforcement.
“We would like to acknowledge the outstanding collaboration between the building and the Lapeer County Sheriff Department,” said Walters. He praised the work of Sgt. Andy Engster and Sgt. Don Brady, who worked with Walters to develop the scenario for this training.
Sheriff Ron Kalanquin was present during the training as well. Deputy Dave Hill assisted and is assigned to LCHS by the Sheriff’s Department. Last school year, LCHS enlisted the assistance of the department in providing a critical review of the school’s emergency response and lock-down procedures. Lt. Jim McLain, Sgt. Engster, Sgt. Brady and Deputy Hill from the Sheriff Department assisted in that review as well.“This is a great example of collaboration between the school and local agencies in the interest of school safety,” Walters noted.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Rolland-Warner 7th graders celebrate Chinese New Year
It's the Year of the Golden Rabbit in China, and Rolland-Warner 7th graders celebrated the begining of the Chinese year 4708 on Feb. 11 (delayed because of a snow day on Feb. 3 when the new year began).
Rabbit is a lucky sign. Chinese tradition says the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.
Students made masks and then took part in a dragon dance that filled the hallway and snaked through the media center and office before returning to the classroom.
The celebration was part of the 7th grade study of the Eastern Hemisphere and in particular the study of China. For a look at more photos from the event, visit the LCS Picasa album at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/RollandWarner7thGradersCelebrateChineseNewYear#
Thursday, February 17, 2011
East's Donahue 1st girl soccer player to sign with Div. 1 school
She will attend Western Michigan University this fall
Lapeer East senior Ariana Donahue became the first-ever girls soccer player from Lapeer Community Schools to get a scholarship from a Division 1 school February 15 when she signed to play for Western Michigan University this fall.
While at East, Donahue’s accomplishments on the soccer field include starting all four years and earning All- Conference, All-District and All-Regional honors the past two seasons while leading the team in scoring.
She also was named to the All-State Second Team in 2010. Having been designated as Team MVP a year ago, Donahue, who plans to major in either psychology or journalism, also managed to lead the Flint Metro League tn 2009-10 with the most goals scored at 28 and notched 63 points as a junior, placing her fifth in the state for scoring after nabbing Honorable Mention All-State accolades as a sophomore.
“This is great. I’ve been playing (soccer) since I was seven, so this was my goal, to get a scholarship from a Division 1 school, so I’m really happy,” said Donahue. “My family has been with me every step of the way, so it’s really nice to have them here today.
“I really liked the campus and the general feel, but the coach (Suzie Grech) was probably the biggest thing for me. I really liked her. She said I would make a big impact (next season). I think she’s going to play me at center/mid, which is the position I’m used to playing, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Besides friends and family, also enjoying the glow of Donahue’s on-field success was Lapeer East varsity girls soccer coach Chad Kenny, who helped guide the Lady Eagles all the way to the 2010 regional finals against Bloomfield Hills Marian.
“We take pride in all of our kids, but seeing Ariana accomplish what she’s been able to accomplish on the grander scale has definitely been a special thing,” said Kenny.
Having also considered Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University and the University of Wisconsin, Donahue’s development was a multi-faceted process that took many forms over time. This includes spending four years with the Michigan Hawks, the fourth-ranked girls soccer club in the nation.
Donahue’s other notable accomplishments include being the first female soccer player from the county to make the state and regional Olympic Development Program team.
She also boasts an impressive academic record, holding a 3.9 GPA and has been a 4-year starter on the Eagles Cross County Team and a four-year scholar athlete. She was named Academic All-State in 2009 and 2010.
Photos by Michael Selecky
Photo captions:
(top) Ariana Donahue signs her letter of intent to attend Western Michigan University flanked by her father, Richard, sister, Brennah, and mother, Susana.
(bottom)Ariana poses with coach Chad Kenny and teammates at Lapeer East.
Lapeer East senior Ariana Donahue became the first-ever girls soccer player from Lapeer Community Schools to get a scholarship from a Division 1 school February 15 when she signed to play for Western Michigan University this fall.
While at East, Donahue’s accomplishments on the soccer field include starting all four years and earning All- Conference, All-District and All-Regional honors the past two seasons while leading the team in scoring.
She also was named to the All-State Second Team in 2010. Having been designated as Team MVP a year ago, Donahue, who plans to major in either psychology or journalism, also managed to lead the Flint Metro League tn 2009-10 with the most goals scored at 28 and notched 63 points as a junior, placing her fifth in the state for scoring after nabbing Honorable Mention All-State accolades as a sophomore.
“This is great. I’ve been playing (soccer) since I was seven, so this was my goal, to get a scholarship from a Division 1 school, so I’m really happy,” said Donahue. “My family has been with me every step of the way, so it’s really nice to have them here today.
“I really liked the campus and the general feel, but the coach (Suzie Grech) was probably the biggest thing for me. I really liked her. She said I would make a big impact (next season). I think she’s going to play me at center/mid, which is the position I’m used to playing, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Besides friends and family, also enjoying the glow of Donahue’s on-field success was Lapeer East varsity girls soccer coach Chad Kenny, who helped guide the Lady Eagles all the way to the 2010 regional finals against Bloomfield Hills Marian.“We take pride in all of our kids, but seeing Ariana accomplish what she’s been able to accomplish on the grander scale has definitely been a special thing,” said Kenny.
Having also considered Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University and the University of Wisconsin, Donahue’s development was a multi-faceted process that took many forms over time. This includes spending four years with the Michigan Hawks, the fourth-ranked girls soccer club in the nation.
Donahue’s other notable accomplishments include being the first female soccer player from the county to make the state and regional Olympic Development Program team.
She also boasts an impressive academic record, holding a 3.9 GPA and has been a 4-year starter on the Eagles Cross County Team and a four-year scholar athlete. She was named Academic All-State in 2009 and 2010.
Photos by Michael Selecky
Photo captions:
(top) Ariana Donahue signs her letter of intent to attend Western Michigan University flanked by her father, Richard, sister, Brennah, and mother, Susana.
(bottom)Ariana poses with coach Chad Kenny and teammates at Lapeer East.
East's Sawchuk signs to play at Wayne State
Lapeer East senior Mike Sawchuk on February 10 celebrated his signing of a letter of intent to play football for Wayne State University next year.
Having been projected as a safety by the WSU defensive staff, Sawchuk, who was an All-League defensive back as a junior prior to throwing for 1,201 yards and running for 1,063 yards as a senior, joins a WSU squad that went 9-2 overall in 2010.
“I’ve wanted this ever since I was little,” he told The County Press in an interview. “To finally actually do it is a huge accomplishment. This is the dream, what I’ve always wanted to do” said Sawchuk.
“It means a lot that my family supports me in everything I choose. They’re completely behind me. I’m going to miss my teammates a lot, too. They’re also my family and I’ve grown up playing football with them, so it’ll be really hard leaving them and moving on with a new group of people.”
Having also considered institutions including Grand Valley State University, Ferris State and Michigan Tech, Sawchuk was drawn to the Wayne State campus as much for its academics as anything else, where he plans to become a pre-med major in preparation for an eventual run at medical school.
“This is a great accomplishment for Mike, a real testament to all the hard work he’s put in,” said East football coach Jake Weingartz. “He’s a great kid and is going to a great university and he has an opportunity to play collegiate athletics, which is huge.”
Jim ‘Basketball’ Jones visits Seaton
Using a broad mix of basketball stunts, humor and common sense, speaker Jim “Basketball” Jones kept the crowd “in the game” February 9 as he visited Seaton Elementary with his motivational message.
His focus for the 1st through 5th grade students was on character, putting forth your best effort, teamwork and listening. With a bit of good-natured ribbing mixed in, his message is for kids to live their dream, which he says often means putting yourself out to help others do their best. Randomly selected students got a chance to test their skills alongside Jones and were rewarded with small gifts for their efforts.
Jones’s upbeat message comes from his own life. He overcame dyslexia as a youngster, honed his skills with basketball tricks and performed as a teen at halftime shows with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA.Refusing to let his learning disability define him, he put forth the extra work needed to finally exceed everyone’s expectations and graduate with honors from Bowling Green State University.
Students were captivated as Jones engaged the crowd in his positive message as he ran through his bag of tricks with the basketballs: juggling, dribbling and inspiring balancing acts with the spinning spheres.
His feats included putting his autograph on a basketball with a spinning ball on top of his pen.
The Toledo native has been putting on his show for more than a dozen years, and during that time has visited 3,000 schools in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.
For a look at addional photos from the day’s events, please visit:
https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/JimBasketballJonesVisitsSeaton#
East bowler rolls her first 300
From the LA VIEW:
Justice Schihl, a 16-year-old junior at Lapeer East became the first female and first youth bowler to roll a perfect game at Gerlach’s Bowling Center on Feb. 10.
Shihl was bowling during the East high school league, putting her up for Metro League honors. She fired a 176 and 193 in her first two games for a 669 series. She’s been bowling since the fourth grade and is three-year varsity player for East. Brother Austin also bowls for East as a sophomore.
"The closest I’ve ever come to 300 was a 235," Schihl told the View Newspapers Monday as she watched a brand new banner announcing her accomplishment go up above Lanes 3 and 4, where she had been bowling last Thursday. "I knew I was close when I had seven strikes in a row," she added. "I was nervous, but kept it all inside. Everyone was starting to circle around the lanes to watch."
Schihl credits her dad for getting her involved in bowling and she also plays tennis on East’s junior varsity squad.
"I like that (bowling) is all you," Schihl explained. "If you mess up, it’s all on you."
To celebrate, Schihl was taken to dinner by her mom, grandpa and boyfriend.
‘This is just a special accomplishment and I’m going to try to just let that stand as I prepare for the Baker match and then Regionals on Feb. 25," Schihl added. "I especially want to thank my grandpa, mom and stepdad, Tony, for supporting and paying for my bowling.”
Commenting on Schihl’s accomplishment, East coach Anthony Novick said, "I’ve had her for two years. She works hard, is at every practice and is a team captain. She is a leader on the squad and helped the team tie for second place in the Metro League. She made Second Team All-Metro, her first time for the accomplishment. Because she’s just a junior, it will be nice to have her back next year. She’s a good listener, and that helps in her bowling."
The banner that now hangs at at the bowling alley reads: Justice Schihl bowled 300 on 2-10-11. First Female ever @ Gerlach’s Bowling Center.
Photo by Lisa Paine
Photo caption:
Justice Schihl was surrounded by coaches Ken Sexton, Anthony Novick and Cody Crump.
Justice Schihl, a 16-year-old junior at Lapeer East became the first female and first youth bowler to roll a perfect game at Gerlach’s Bowling Center on Feb. 10.Shihl was bowling during the East high school league, putting her up for Metro League honors. She fired a 176 and 193 in her first two games for a 669 series. She’s been bowling since the fourth grade and is three-year varsity player for East. Brother Austin also bowls for East as a sophomore.
"The closest I’ve ever come to 300 was a 235," Schihl told the View Newspapers Monday as she watched a brand new banner announcing her accomplishment go up above Lanes 3 and 4, where she had been bowling last Thursday. "I knew I was close when I had seven strikes in a row," she added. "I was nervous, but kept it all inside. Everyone was starting to circle around the lanes to watch."
Schihl credits her dad for getting her involved in bowling and she also plays tennis on East’s junior varsity squad.
"I like that (bowling) is all you," Schihl explained. "If you mess up, it’s all on you."
To celebrate, Schihl was taken to dinner by her mom, grandpa and boyfriend.
‘This is just a special accomplishment and I’m going to try to just let that stand as I prepare for the Baker match and then Regionals on Feb. 25," Schihl added. "I especially want to thank my grandpa, mom and stepdad, Tony, for supporting and paying for my bowling.”
Commenting on Schihl’s accomplishment, East coach Anthony Novick said, "I’ve had her for two years. She works hard, is at every practice and is a team captain. She is a leader on the squad and helped the team tie for second place in the Metro League. She made Second Team All-Metro, her first time for the accomplishment. Because she’s just a junior, it will be nice to have her back next year. She’s a good listener, and that helps in her bowling."
The banner that now hangs at at the bowling alley reads: Justice Schihl bowled 300 on 2-10-11. First Female ever @ Gerlach’s Bowling Center.
Photo by Lisa Paine
Photo caption:
Justice Schihl was surrounded by coaches Ken Sexton, Anthony Novick and Cody Crump.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Another big crop of Scholastic art winners
Ten high school artists from Lapeer West and Lapeer East have earned awards in the recent nationwide Scholastic Art competition.
The list of awards include three Gold Key, five Silver Key and five Certificates of Merit earned by nine students from Lapeer West and one from Lapeer East.
Nine students of Lapeer West art teacher Nancy Barry took 12 awards in this year’s regional show. West artists have won National honors in this Scholastics competition 13 times over the years. “Schools are honored to have even a single piece in this juried show,” noted Barry. “The competition is very tough.”
She added, “These students continue to impress me with their dedication and work ethic as well as their talent. To be successful in life these traits are invaluable. The arts connect people more deeply to the world and open them to new ways of seeing as well as improve motivation, concentration and confidence. This is evidenced in the comments from these students. “
The Scholastic art competition is the most rigorous art competition for high school art students. For more than 80 years, students from across the United States have competed in this difficult contest. The Regional show is the first step in what can lead to National recognition. All Gold Key winners go on to compete at the national level. The Gold Key awards will be photographed by professional photographers, and the images will be sent to New York for further competition.
If these Gold Key students are award winners at the national level, they travel to New York City to receive their awards onstage at Carnegie Hall.
Barry quotes Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind, when she notes: ‘“You can’t outsource creativity.’ These students have skills they can use in their work life. I am glad I had a part in their preparation for life.”
The award-winning artists:
Adrianna Allen is in tenth grade at West. She put three pieces into the show and won three awards. This is her first time entering. Her mom also was a student of Nancy Barry.
Adrianna said, “I was surprised to learn that I had won awards in Scholastics, and I am much honored. I worked hard on my pieces, but I did not think that they could compare to the amazing art of other students. It will be exciting to see the other students’ pieces in the show.”
...........................
Kaitlyn Becker is a junior at West. She entered the competition last year and won a Certificate in Drawing.
Kaitlyn said, “The Scholastics art show is a great experience; you get to see the unique work from around the country. You see techniques you may never have seen before.”
...........................
Eric Birkle is a West senior. He is also a student in Barry’s Kendall Dual Enrollment College Drawing class. This was his first time in the show. “After putting in as much effort as I did into this project, I am so pleased to have won a Gold Key!” Birkle said. “I was overjoyed when I heard the news. 
This piece was of an antique cash register, from about 1900. This is an era that I really respect, due to the great amount of effort they put into designing and making things look appealing to the eye. I hope and strive to show this through my work.”
...........................
Rachael Broecker, a senior at West, won a Silver Key for her drawing of lacrosse players. She spent several hours just drawing the net in the picture. “I worked very hard on this piece so I am really excited to win a Silver Key.”
...........................
Cheryse Burns is a senior at West. She said, “Who wouldn’t be super stoked? I am deeply touched that people
enjoy my art in which I have invested countless hours of focus, frustration and annoying perfectionism.”
Cheryse entered a group portrait of herself, her brother and her cousins for which she was awarded a Silver Key. She also entered a charcoal drawing. It, too, won a Silver Key.
...........................
Victoria Hays drew a very detailed drawing of ribbons in spirals. The piece was done in prismacolors and took several weeks of meticulous work to complete. Victoria is a West junior. 
“Though I have worked with prismacolor pencils before, I have never done a piece as challenging and time consuming as this project. Every inch of this project has taken a great amount of focus, dedication and patience. Because of this, it makes me even more proud of the Certificate in Drawing that my piece received.”
...........................
Paige Tigner won a Silver Key in her first show. She drew her brother hard at work at his desk. 
Paige had this to say, “I was unsure that this project would even be accepted into the show, let alone receive a Silver Key! So, after spending many hours putting my best effort into every detail, I’m absolutely ecstatic that I’ve been so fortunate.” Paige is a junior at West.
...........................
Emily Prchlik, a junior at West, is interested in fashion design. She made a hat using a felting process. 
Her piece won a Certificate of Merit in the fashion division. “Receiving a certificate in the fashion division has made me more confident in following my dream to become a fashion designer. It feels great to know that my work can be shown with the other students in the Scholastics show, and that my hard work is being recognized.”
...........................
Paige Vronch won a Gold Key in Fashion for a dress she created using white garbage bags. 
Paige used the yellow tie section of the trash bags to make a pleated border around the top of the dress. The dress balloons out in layers and flows to the floor.
Paige is a senior in the commercial art class at Lapeer West. “When I found out how I did at Scholastics I was surprised. It made me feel like it was possible for me to enter a career in fashion, even though I’m only a senior in high school.”
...........................
Shelbi Davis, an East senior, earned a Certificate of Merit of in the Scholastic art competition 
for her drawing of a young woman fashionably dressed for winter, titled “Wonderous Surprise.” She is a student of Lapeer East High School art teacher Debbie Helbig.
...........................
Paige Vronch and Adrianna Allen also earned special awards for a scholarship for a class at The College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
All of the West students study with Mrs. Barry, who has taught at Lapeer West for 37 years and is also the school’s fine arts chairperson. Barry also teaches classes for Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University after school. Students receive college credit for the classes at a reduced cost. One half of the students who received awards are dual enrolled in these college classes and have already started their college careers.
For another look at the winning art and photos of the artists at work in the classroom, visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo album at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/LCSScholasticArtAwardWinners2011#
The list of awards include three Gold Key, five Silver Key and five Certificates of Merit earned by nine students from Lapeer West and one from Lapeer East.Nine students of Lapeer West art teacher Nancy Barry took 12 awards in this year’s regional show. West artists have won National honors in this Scholastics competition 13 times over the years. “Schools are honored to have even a single piece in this juried show,” noted Barry. “The competition is very tough.”
She added, “These students continue to impress me with their dedication and work ethic as well as their talent. To be successful in life these traits are invaluable. The arts connect people more deeply to the world and open them to new ways of seeing as well as improve motivation, concentration and confidence. This is evidenced in the comments from these students. “
The Scholastic art competition is the most rigorous art competition for high school art students. For more than 80 years, students from across the United States have competed in this difficult contest. The Regional show is the first step in what can lead to National recognition. All Gold Key winners go on to compete at the national level. The Gold Key awards will be photographed by professional photographers, and the images will be sent to New York for further competition. If these Gold Key students are award winners at the national level, they travel to New York City to receive their awards onstage at Carnegie Hall.
Barry quotes Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind, when she notes: ‘“You can’t outsource creativity.’ These students have skills they can use in their work life. I am glad I had a part in their preparation for life.”
The award-winning artists:
Adrianna Allen is in tenth grade at West. She put three pieces into the show and won three awards. This is her first time entering. Her mom also was a student of Nancy Barry. Adrianna said, “I was surprised to learn that I had won awards in Scholastics, and I am much honored. I worked hard on my pieces, but I did not think that they could compare to the amazing art of other students. It will be exciting to see the other students’ pieces in the show.”
...........................
Kaitlyn Becker is a junior at West. She entered the competition last year and won a Certificate in Drawing.
Kaitlyn said, “The Scholastics art show is a great experience; you get to see the unique work from around the country. You see techniques you may never have seen before.”...........................
Eric Birkle is a West senior. He is also a student in Barry’s Kendall Dual Enrollment College Drawing class. This was his first time in the show. “After putting in as much effort as I did into this project, I am so pleased to have won a Gold Key!” Birkle said. “I was overjoyed when I heard the news. 
This piece was of an antique cash register, from about 1900. This is an era that I really respect, due to the great amount of effort they put into designing and making things look appealing to the eye. I hope and strive to show this through my work.”...........................
Rachael Broecker, a senior at West, won a Silver Key for her drawing of lacrosse players. She spent several hours just drawing the net in the picture. “I worked very hard on this piece so I am really excited to win a Silver Key.”
...........................
Cheryse Burns is a senior at West. She said, “Who wouldn’t be super stoked? I am deeply touched that people
enjoy my art in which I have invested countless hours of focus, frustration and annoying perfectionism.” Cheryse entered a group portrait of herself, her brother and her cousins for which she was awarded a Silver Key. She also entered a charcoal drawing. It, too, won a Silver Key.
...........................
Victoria Hays drew a very detailed drawing of ribbons in spirals. The piece was done in prismacolors and took several weeks of meticulous work to complete. Victoria is a West junior. 
“Though I have worked with prismacolor pencils before, I have never done a piece as challenging and time consuming as this project. Every inch of this project has taken a great amount of focus, dedication and patience. Because of this, it makes me even more proud of the Certificate in Drawing that my piece received.”...........................
Paige Tigner won a Silver Key in her first show. She drew her brother hard at work at his desk. 
Paige had this to say, “I was unsure that this project would even be accepted into the show, let alone receive a Silver Key! So, after spending many hours putting my best effort into every detail, I’m absolutely ecstatic that I’ve been so fortunate.” Paige is a junior at West............................
Emily Prchlik, a junior at West, is interested in fashion design. She made a hat using a felting process. 
Her piece won a Certificate of Merit in the fashion division. “Receiving a certificate in the fashion division has made me more confident in following my dream to become a fashion designer. It feels great to know that my work can be shown with the other students in the Scholastics show, and that my hard work is being recognized.”...........................
Paige Vronch won a Gold Key in Fashion for a dress she created using white garbage bags. 
Paige used the yellow tie section of the trash bags to make a pleated border around the top of the dress. The dress balloons out in layers and flows to the floor. Paige is a senior in the commercial art class at Lapeer West. “When I found out how I did at Scholastics I was surprised. It made me feel like it was possible for me to enter a career in fashion, even though I’m only a senior in high school.”
...........................
Shelbi Davis, an East senior, earned a Certificate of Merit of in the Scholastic art competition 
for her drawing of a young woman fashionably dressed for winter, titled “Wonderous Surprise.” She is a student of Lapeer East High School art teacher Debbie Helbig............................
Paige Vronch and Adrianna Allen also earned special awards for a scholarship for a class at The College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
All of the West students study with Mrs. Barry, who has taught at Lapeer West for 37 years and is also the school’s fine arts chairperson. Barry also teaches classes for Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University after school. Students receive college credit for the classes at a reduced cost. One half of the students who received awards are dual enrolled in these college classes and have already started their college careers.
For another look at the winning art and photos of the artists at work in the classroom, visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo album at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/LCSScholasticArtAwardWinners2011#
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Distinguished Alumni nominees being sought
Do you know a Lapeer Community Schools high school alumnus worthy of induction in the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor?
Nominations for candidates for the sixth annual Lapeer Community Schools Distinguished Alumni Award program are being accepted for the fall induction program.
The Distinguished Alumni Award program is a coordinated effort by the District and the Lapeer High School Alumni Association.
To be eligible for the award, a person, living or dead, must have graduated from the Lapeer Community Schools at least 10 years ago and be noted in his or her field of endeavor or recognized for expertise and good works.
The person must be considered a role model for youth and demonstrated positive leadership and outstanding achievement, service or contributions to society. Honorees will attend the Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony this fall.
Applications are available in District buildings or by calling Mary Linn Voss at (810) 538-1634. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 29.
Nominations for candidates for the sixth annual Lapeer Community Schools Distinguished Alumni Award program are being accepted for the fall induction program.
The Distinguished Alumni Award program is a coordinated effort by the District and the Lapeer High School Alumni Association.
To be eligible for the award, a person, living or dead, must have graduated from the Lapeer Community Schools at least 10 years ago and be noted in his or her field of endeavor or recognized for expertise and good works.
The person must be considered a role model for youth and demonstrated positive leadership and outstanding achievement, service or contributions to society. Honorees will attend the Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony this fall.
Applications are available in District buildings or by calling Mary Linn Voss at (810) 538-1634. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 29.
Art project provides mementoes for orphans
Lapeer East art students are busily putting the finishing touches on their work for the Memory Project, an international program that provides personal portraits for orphans from around the world.
This year, Debbie Helbig’s art students at East are creating portraits for orphaned children in Indonesia and Thailand.
Student artists who work on the Memory Project create portraits (drawings, paintings, graphic design, etc) for children and teens world who have been orphaned, neglected or disadvantaged.
The artists receive photos of kids waiting for portraits and then create the portraits. Memory Project volunteers deliver the portraits to the kids as special gifts. The goal of the project is to inspire caring, global friendship, and a positive sense of self.
The program was begun by University of Wisconsin grad Ben Schumaker after a chance encounter with a young man in Guatemala. The man said that he didn’t have any photographs of himself as a child, no belongings from his early years, no parents to share memories with. His childhood was a blank slate, and he didn’t want any other orphaned kids to share in his fate.
Schumaker thought that if he could get high school art students to paint pictures of the orphans and send them as gifts, the children would have a memento of their youth, a bit of history to hold on to.
The program began with 100 art teachers and their students in 2004 and has since grown to produce a total of 25,000 portraits for children around the world.
Lapeer West art students are just now beginning to work on their Memory Project creations for this year. Artists from both Lapeer high schools have participated in the project for years.
For a look at photos of some of the East artists at work, visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo albums at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/EastArtStudentsCreateArtForTheMemoryProject#
This year, Debbie Helbig’s art students at East are creating portraits for orphaned children in Indonesia and Thailand. Student artists who work on the Memory Project create portraits (drawings, paintings, graphic design, etc) for children and teens world who have been orphaned, neglected or disadvantaged.
The artists receive photos of kids waiting for portraits and then create the portraits. Memory Project volunteers deliver the portraits to the kids as special gifts. The goal of the project is to inspire caring, global friendship, and a positive sense of self.
The program was begun by University of Wisconsin grad Ben Schumaker after a chance encounter with a young man in Guatemala. The man said that he didn’t have any photographs of himself as a child, no belongings from his early years, no parents to share memories with. His childhood was a blank slate, and he didn’t want any other orphaned kids to share in his fate.
Schumaker thought that if he could get high school art students to paint pictures of the orphans and send them as gifts, the children would have a memento of their youth, a bit of history to hold on to.
The program began with 100 art teachers and their students in 2004 and has since grown to produce a total of 25,000 portraits for children around the world.
Lapeer West art students are just now beginning to work on their Memory Project creations for this year. Artists from both Lapeer high schools have participated in the project for years.
For a look at photos of some of the East artists at work, visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo albums at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/EastArtStudentsCreateArtForTheMemoryProject#
Monday, February 7, 2011
New golf program at Zemmer
A new morning golf program is open to 6th-8th grade boys and girls at Zemmer Middle School.
Three pros from Lake Nepessing Golfland and four teachers have volunteered their time to work with the students. The Golf Club currently has 18 students participating.
The club meets on Tuesdays from 7:45 to 8:45 am in the Zemmer gym. Club dues are $10 for the program, which runs through the remainder of the school year.
Space is limited, but there are still a few spaces left. Students can contact Mr. Reitz, Mr. Brinker, Mrs. Peacore or Mrs Yderstad for more information. Students must have a permission slip and dues paid before they can participate.
Three pros from Lake Nepessing Golfland and four teachers have volunteered their time to work with the students. The Golf Club currently has 18 students participating.
The club meets on Tuesdays from 7:45 to 8:45 am in the Zemmer gym. Club dues are $10 for the program, which runs through the remainder of the school year.
Space is limited, but there are still a few spaces left. Students can contact Mr. Reitz, Mr. Brinker, Mrs. Peacore or Mrs Yderstad for more information. Students must have a permission slip and dues paid before they can participate.
LCS students perform in honors band concert
More than two dozen high school and middle school music students from Lapeer West, Lapeer East, Zemmer and Rolland-Warner performed in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District III Honors Band Festival on Saturday, January 29, at Brandon High School.
Lapeer West High School students participating in the District III MSBOA High School Honors Band Festival included Kayla Haneline, Stephanie Wilcox, Taylor Harvey, Ashley Nugent, Tim Waelde, Deanna Childress, Aidan Smith. Lapeer East High School students included Dakota Hart, Sarah Powers, Whitney Harvey, Hannah Hastings, Keefer Maresh, Alison Gonda, Lillian Miller, Mason Sorenson, Alex Frederick.
Rolland-Warner Middle School students who participated included Sara Burns, Vanessa Sparks, Mark Lutz, Desmond Doneen and Emily Gillis. Zemmer Middle School participants inlcluded Morgan Combs, Shawn Deverell, Blake Clements, Serra Seib, Emily Dice, Meredith Henderson, Mark Lutz.
The Middle School Honors Band was conducted by Roger Weyersberg, director of the Lions of Michigan All-State Band, Low Brass Instructor at Saginaw Valley State University and the retired director of Music in the Ovid-Elsie area schools.
The High School Honors Band was conducted by Scott Boerma, associate director of bands, director of the University of Michigan Marching Band and professor of Conducting at he University of Michigan. He is also an avid composer. The band performed Glimpses, one of his original compositions, at the performance.
The students were nominated by their director and chosen from hundreds of entries around the Thumb, based on outstanding musicianship and participation in solo & ensemble.
Rolland-Warner Band Director Heather Hundt noted, “Their participation is an honor, and they did a wonderful job representing our school and our district and gave an awesome performance Saturday night.”
To view photos from the concert, please visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo albums at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/MSBOABandFestival#
Lapeer West High School students participating in the District III MSBOA High School Honors Band Festival included Kayla Haneline, Stephanie Wilcox, Taylor Harvey, Ashley Nugent, Tim Waelde, Deanna Childress, Aidan Smith. Lapeer East High School students included Dakota Hart, Sarah Powers, Whitney Harvey, Hannah Hastings, Keefer Maresh, Alison Gonda, Lillian Miller, Mason Sorenson, Alex Frederick.
Rolland-Warner Middle School students who participated included Sara Burns, Vanessa Sparks, Mark Lutz, Desmond Doneen and Emily Gillis. Zemmer Middle School participants inlcluded Morgan Combs, Shawn Deverell, Blake Clements, Serra Seib, Emily Dice, Meredith Henderson, Mark Lutz.
The Middle School Honors Band was conducted by Roger Weyersberg, director of the Lions of Michigan All-State Band, Low Brass Instructor at Saginaw Valley State University and the retired director of Music in the Ovid-Elsie area schools.
The High School Honors Band was conducted by Scott Boerma, associate director of bands, director of the University of Michigan Marching Band and professor of Conducting at he University of Michigan. He is also an avid composer. The band performed Glimpses, one of his original compositions, at the performance.
The students were nominated by their director and chosen from hundreds of entries around the Thumb, based on outstanding musicianship and participation in solo & ensemble.
Rolland-Warner Band Director Heather Hundt noted, “Their participation is an honor, and they did a wonderful job representing our school and our district and gave an awesome performance Saturday night.”
To view photos from the concert, please visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo albums at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/MSBOABandFestival#
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