Fourth– and fifth-grade students from Hedke Elementary enjoy lunch at TV’s Deli Diner with Principal Vince Porreca and PTO President Brooke Anderson.

     As an incentive for raising money for the annual Hedke PTO Walk-a-thon, a group of the top winners won a lunch off campus at TV’s Deli Diner with the PTO President Brooke Anderson, and Hedke Principal Vince Porreca.  

     The students enjoyed the field trip, loved the food, and showed off great table manners at the Downriver-famous TV Deli Diner on Fort Street. 

     The Hedke PTO appreciates the parents, students and community for supporting its fundraising efforts so it can fulfill its mission of supplementing the educational experience of the students and staff at Hedke. 

     The students traveled to TV Deli Diner on three separate days so they wouldn’t disrupt the normal restaurant patrons. 

BY KATHY KANE

     With the growing need for science, technology, engineering and math skills in the workplace, a partnership between DTE foundation and Cranbrook Institute of Science has brought a three-year program to Trenton’s Arthurs Middle School.

     The partnership has been developing student programs, including STEM, for more than a decade all over Michigan and the first partnership of the two groups actually happened in the 1950s at the Edison House. The results of the cooperative efforts of DTE and Cranbrook’s most recent needs assessment of skilled workforce in our area granted a three year learning opportunity to students in Trenton, Ecorse, River Rouge and Detroit Public Schools at no cost to the schools.

     More than 7,500 students grades six-eight have access to these programs in the studies of environment, electricity and geology as of last month.

     “These programs are designed to get students excited about electricity, geography and environmental issues.” Dr. Michael Stafford, director of the Cranbrook Institute, said. “When it’s hands-on, it sticks with students. We are hopeful these initiatives will stimulate interest in the fields and ultimately help with recruitment of future work force. We especially are encouraging young women to consider these fields.”

     “Together with our teams, we have created curriculum that reveal the science behind how things work.” Trevor Lauer, president and CEO of DTE Electric, who also attended the kick off programming, said. “People, Power and Place give us a chance to show students how exciting science is.”

     DTE is committed to “a Force for Growth” in the community. Through this three year curriculum, the group will track and record the results. If schools feel it is something they would like to continue, they can extend the programming for additional years at a variable cost.

     Students were eager to give feedback on the program as well. Anna Bruce, seventh grader, said, “The people of the program seemed to want to teach kids with a fun, interactive program.”

     Luke Vallar, another seventh grader, said, “They kept your attention because it was hands on.”

     “I thought yesterday was very eye opening to see,” Kelly Truitt, eighth grader, said. “I was called up to make a light bulb turn by cranking a device acting like a generator. Each time you added more generators (people) the resistance was bigger. I thought the experiment was so interesting to participate in.”

     “When we connected the circuit and got three light bulbs and a buzzer to work, I felt overjoyed,” said Jenna Smith, eighth grader. “The hands on experiments were amazing. I loved this learning experience.”

     Jordyn McNamara, eighth grader, also commented, “I liked putting together the circuit because it was fun to try and figure out how to set it up.”

     Boyd Arthurs Middle School science teachers Melony Cicotte, Gail Vos, Nichole Johnson, Aaron Segedi, Brooke Tucker and Dave Cloutier are tasked with implementation of this fun new science curriculum into their classrooms.

     “I always love when real ‘Scientists’ are able to introduce or reinforce science concepts that we are studying with our students.” Gail Vos said. “In this case, Cranbrook not only gave us that opportunity but they also provided hands on samples for the students to explore and interact with.”

     Instructors from Cranbrook, including Kathy Finneran, John Zawiski, John Maddox, Michele Arquette and team leader Nancy Swords, will also be on hand to help coordinate the experiments and exposures that are aligned with the (NGSS) Next Generation Science Standards.

     Over the next three years, students will interact with actual oil shale, coal and local bedrock to better understand geology and witness the power of electricity by building simple circuits using light bulbs and buzzers. The end goal is that more students in our area will choose careers in Technology, Science, Math and Engineering. 

     More info about these programs is available at science.cranbrook.edu or dteenery.com/foundation.

Trenton High School DCTC participants for the 2016-2017 school year were Tanner Smith, Katrina Catabian, Kathryn Bialoblocki, Madison Donaldson, and Donald Grocki and Morghan Crandall (not pictured).

BY KATHY KANE

     The Downriver Career Technical Consortium is made up of nine school districts including Trenton, Grosse Ile, Carleton Airport, Huron, Flat Rock, Riverview, Southgate, Carlson and Woodhaven.

     It was founded 51 years ago with two schools, two programs and the ideal of giving students educational choices. Its purpose is to provide academics, career and technical experiences to prepare high school students for college or highly skilled trades. Students in the program can now also earn advanced placement credits and up to 29 credit hours at Henry Ford College and Schoolcraft College.

     The group held an appreciation breakfast in January for its 10^th grade job shadowing program that was held last year over several weeks at 26 businesses, schools and police and fire departments with 35 mentors in the Downriver area. Forty four students who were chosen for the program had to compete by writing and interviewing for the opportunity to job shadow.

     Four Trenton businesses that participated in the job shadowing were Jackson, Snider, Parker, DDS, Colors By Kim, Market Insights  and the Trenton Trib. Trenton Counselors Stacy Marcum, Angie Siggia, Principal Michael Doyle, Assistant Principal Ronald Diroff and Superintendent Rodney Wakeham from Trenton Public Schools were also present at the ceremony.

     Trenton students involved in the program included Tanner Smith, who experienced Jackson, Snider, Parker dental offices, Kathryn Bialoblocki, who worked at Home Spun in Riverview, Madison Donaldson and Katrina Catabian, who worked at Grosse Ile nursing, Morghan Crandall who had a marketing and journalism experience at Trenton Trib and Market Insights and Donald Grocki, who shadowed at the Woodhaven High school dental program.

     One Grosse Ile business, Grosse Ile Nursing, hosted four students, two were from Trenton High School. Grosse Ile was represented by counselors Joan Sclater and Sarah Strohbeck, Grosse Ile High School Principal Paul Szymanski and Superintendent Joanne Lelekatch.

     Grosse Ile 10^th graders who participated were Hannah Thomas, Julia Bargardi and Jillian Pusdesris, who had a Police Department experience and Kaylee Sochocki, who had a teaching experience at Woodhaven High School.

     Students were expected to keep journals of their encounter and report back to their counselors. Those students who spoke about their career duties at the event enjoyed the career exploration and really engaged with the programming.

     The DCTC also offers 20 two-year (junior and senior year) programs, including criminal justice and EMT, agri-science, architecture, auto body, aviation, cabinet and furniture, construction, cosmetology, dental, digital media, engineering, graphic arts, health, hospitality, heating and cooling, information technology, education, marketing, megatronics and welding.

     Interested students should check with the participating high school’s counseling office for more information.

Kenny Styles

Senior, Hockey

 After joining a Trenton High School hockey team that was fresh off of a state championship as a sophomore, Kenny Styles has been able to build on his hot start on the ice, the field and in the classroom. One of the Trojans’ leading scorers over the course of the last two years on the hockey team, Styles has proven himself to be a leader on the ice and a role model for the younger members of the team. Styles already has surpassed his points total from last year with part of this season still to play and he has been a guiding force on the team’s power play. On the gridiron, Styles ranked sixth on the team in receiving yards as a junior and took on more responsibility this year, as he was the team’s leading receiver. For his efforts on the football team, he was named 1^st team All-League. His accomplishments in the classroom stack up just as well — as his 3.46 grade-point average and status as a member of the National Honor Society show that he has truly mastered the delicate balance of being a student-athlete. Though he is unsure of where he will be continuing his education next year, he is eying Wayne State’s medical program and hopes to continue his hockey career in some form. While his college has not yet been decided, Styles hopes on following in his mother’s footsteps and becoming a nurse after his educational pursuits are completed. His parents, Marc Styles and Melissa Pidcock, are excited to continue supporting him every step of the way.

BY CHRIS SORENSEN

     “Oh my gosh, I’m actually doing it!” I’m talking with several members of the Trenton High School Band about their experiences in the ensemble, and sophomore Kaitlyn Darling is recalling the first time she performed on the field as a member of the Trenton High School Marching Band.

     “I remember going to the football games as a young girl and watching the band during halftime shows thinking, ‘Some-day, I’m going to do that.’ All of a sudden I’m a freshman, standing at attention on the field right before the first show started. I looked up at the kids in the stands and it hit me — it’s real! My dream came true!” Darling said.

     Like many other student organizations, the Trenton band programs have funding needs that exceed any amount allocated by the school district. The band uses money for instrument repairs, competition entry fees, and travel expenses. With 180 students participating, the transportation bill each year can easily top $10,000.

     Junior Braiden Roegner enjoys band all year but especially likes competing with other schools during the marching band season, “but I never realized that the band has to rent the trucks and busses we use to get to competitions. This is why it’s important for us to have a successful fundraising event. We can’t ask parents to carpool 180 kids, plus instruments and equipment!”

     Senior Sam Jimenez loves being a part of the band, both marching in the fall and concert band in the winter and spring.

     “The band provides kids an opportunity to express themselves through music while also participating in a team sport. We work on individual skills, but also toward a common goal. All while learning the value of discipline, competition, teamwork and leadership.” Jimenez said.

     During a recent Concert Band festival, the band played four pieces for a panel of judges who each issued a score from 1-5, with 1 being the highest. Trenton earned a 1 rating from all four judges.

     The Trenton Band Boosters are a key part of supplying instruments, and keeping them in working order. Some kids rent or buy their own instruments, especially if they’re smaller, but most cannot afford to own a large instrument like a tuba, which can run several thousand dollars. The Boosters help buy these instruments for the band and pay to repair them. Some of the instruments currently in use are more than 30 years old. The timpani set (large kettle drums) are over 60 years old. This year’s goal is to raise money to replace the Symphonic Chimes. This instrument has been repaired many times over the last 20 years and is now beyond its useful life and barely playable.

     The Trenton Band Boosters annual fundraiser starts in April and culminates with a party, jazz concert, and raffle drawing on Tuesday, April 25, at the Westfield Center. Raffle prizes include an Amazon Echo, a Detroit Tigers Ticket package, and a Ninja Kitchen System. The grand prize is a Family Weekend on Mackinac Island. Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from any band member, parent, or Band Booster, or send an email to trentonbandboosters1@yahoo.com.

     Doors open at 6 p.m. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Selling smiles raised more than $300 at Anderson Elementary School.

BY MICHEL DeJULIAN

    The fourth-grade Leader In Me students held a Smile-O-Gram sale to raise money for the school’s Positive Behavior Intervention Support Program (PBIS).

     Smile-O-Grams are encouraging notes sent to students during the school day spreading kindness and compliments. The students raised more than $300, which went toward the purchase of Dr. Recess, inclusive recess items which helps to promote access to equal and fun recess for all.

     Leader In Me students are chosen by their classroom teacher based on their exemplary behavior in the areas of respect, responsibility and safety in the school community.

     A second Smile-O-Gram sale was held for students only during lunch the week of Feb. 13, with profits going towards the Anderson all school end of year PBIS celebration. We promote the healthy development of social, emotional and behavioral health through our PBIS lessons and programs. The end of the year celebration is a way to congratulate all of the students on their continued efforts and improvements through the school year.

      A special thank you to the fourth-grade teachers, Mrs. Purdy, Mrs. Darnell, Mrs. Ford and Mr. Dettling, for allowing their Leader In Me participants to have time to plan these events.

     The fourth-grade Leader In Me students are: Scout Higgins, Marisa Chuey, Grace Donovan, Seth Kneiding, Mikey Bacha, Hannah Carr, Owen Hassett, Ben Pautuk, Bryson Roberts, Abbey Douglas, Faith Seog, Ethan Fritz, Stella Frederick, Kaylee Watson, Owen Lee, Sienna Karn, Joel Mator, Alexa Bailey, CJ Barbeito and Brady Green.

HALEY EBLIN

GIHS UPDATE

     With any new idea, there is always the potential for failure. Grosse Ile High School Student Council President Kyle Desana will admit that he had no idea what he was doing when he started planning this year’s first ever Charity Week.

     “No one in our school had ever attempted to plan something of this size,” he said.     “There were no notes to read or people to ask for advice. Our council had to come together and learn what we could along the way.”

     It seems their hard work paid off. After months of tedious planning, Charity Week kicked off March 13. Few high school students knew what Charity Week was on that Monday and there were many confused looks as the Student Council ran around during lunch trying to get others excited about it.

     With each day, the cause gained momentum. By Friday, students that weren’t a part of the council could be seen grinning and boasting charity week t-shirts.

     “I was worried that high schoolers wouldn’t be engaged. I was taken aback by how much the students got into it and by how much they gave to Rock CF,” Student Council Vice President Logan Watson added.

     On the very first day, Desana announced that the council had already surpassed last year’s total amount raised for Rock CF, $1,700. Between business donations, the pancake breakfast, and the chili cook-off, the council had raised $2,014.84. By day two, that total had almost doubled.

     The “penny war” competition, where teachers couldn’t start class until they counted all the change students gave, brought in a remarkable $1,444.91. The volleyball competition later that night raised another $360 dollars. The Student Council refused to stop at doubling or even ripling the amount they made the year before. The grand total of $7,188.78 was raised in just five days.

      As next year’s president, Watson, hopes to see the community realistically raise another $8,000 for Rock CF. He stays optimistic that with this year’s success that number could pass $10,000.

     “We took a risk and it paid off,” Desana said. “It took months of planning, stress and teamwork to pull this off. High schools way bigger than us have never come close to raising this much money. It really is a testament to the strength of the Grosse Ile community that we were able to come together and raise this amount for a charity that’s close to home.

     “I think every member of the council will agree that it was all worth it to see Emily Schaller’s face when we handed her that check for just over $7,000 dollars. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

     Student correspondent Haley Eblin is a senior at Grosse Ile High School.

This year the Black Out Bullying campaign at Anderson Elementary School encouraged student activities to promote kindness and friendship at home, in school and throughout the community.

BY MICHEL DeJULIAN

     Anderson Elementary School has been continuing to work hard to stop bullying behavior in its tracks. Beginning in October with Speaker Brian Williams, the students have been working on increasing their kindness by performing Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) at school, at home and in the community.

     This year the movement went global as the kids kicked off the year collecting more than 1,000 pairs of shoes for children in Ghana. Children in Ghana cannot attend school unless they have shoes and our students heard the message loud and clear. They did an awesome job bringing in donations and beginning their kindness journey here at Anderson for the year.

     In January, Brian Williams returned to show the students the effect their kindness had on the children in Ghana. With video clips and pictures the children were amazed at what they were able to accomplish. Additionally, they held another donation drive, this time for the Grosse Ile Animal Shelter. The students collected over 500 items to donate.

     During the month, the students also worked on doing as many RAKs as possible and were able to document over 2,500 acts. Efforts to create and run the programs were done by the fifth grade Leader In Me students. These students are selected for their exemplary behavior in the areas of respect, responsibility and safety in our school community.

     A big thank you to the fifth grade teachers, Mrs. Teska, Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Plough, for  not only allowing the students time to work together cooperatively in order to pull off these fantastic and very important events, but encouraging them to do their best for the students and staff.

MICHAEL DOYLE

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

     When I returned to Trenton High School in the fall of 2000, it was the first time since 1980 that I had set foot in the building. I have worked in the Deerfield School, Dearborn Schools, and Allen Park Schools, and also currently work as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University. 

     One of the first and most surprising things was the number of Trenton High School students with parents who were graduates of Trenton High School — not only students with Trenton roots, but Trenton High School graduates such as myself who chose to work in Trenton when they have the choice to work in other districts.

     One thing that people may not know is that Trenton High School on West Road was not built to be a high school. The school was built as an elementary building in 1952. With the city of Trenton growing so rapidly, students were moved from the Slocum-Truax High School, which became the middle school, to the current high school building. To accommodate the influx of students, it became necessary to add on to the counseling office and pool/gym area.

     Enrollment continued to grow and in 1970 additions were made as the “horseshoe” that faces Charlton road.  It was in the early 1970s that Arthurs Middle School was built.

     One of many things that make Trenton unique is that it has a graduation rate of more than 98 percent. MLive reported last month that THS had a 99.59 percent graduation rate.

     Trenton High School has a TV studio with its own channel on cable television. We have one of the largest bands in southeast Michigan with over 160 band members, and the success of team sports as one of the smallest enrollments in the Downriver League.

     Trenton High School has 26 varsity sports that have won 49 Downriver League Championships, and also has a number of athletes that went on to play professionally.

     THS has had huge academic success with students either currently or who have in the past attended such universities as Northwestern, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Michigan and Michigan State.

     Honors Night is separate from graduation in which we recognize seniors with college choices and scholarships. Last year, Trenton High School seniors received more than $2 million.

     We recognize senior scholars at graduation for earning outstanding grades in the classroom and having an excellent score on the SAT, meaning students who are senior scholars have to perform well in the classroom and score well on a college entrance exam.

     We bring in the 33^rd District Court with a “Court to School” program prior to the Prom. This program serves as a reminder to students about the choices they make on Prom night about drinking and driving.

     THS also hosts a program called Victory Day. This is a special program in which special needs students spend time on the Trenton High School football field with members of the THS football team, band members and cheerleaders.

     The high school is on a trimester schedule with allows students choice. Students are able to take 15 courses a year instead of the traditional 12. This allows students choice cores such as social studies, math, science and English, along with art, music, world language and career and technical programs such as woods, art, music and computer-aided design.

     Staff members are organized into two professional development teams, one with their prospective department and one that is cross-curriculum in which staff members get to work with members in other departments.

     We offer three world languages at the high school: Spanish, German and French. Trenton High School even has a World Language National Honor Society,

     The percentage of students who participate in extra curriculum activities is well over 60 percent of the student body. With a student body of just above 900, it is rather impressive that so many are involved in an extra-curriculum activity.

     This is a place that people want to be. And as I have said before, one of the highest complaints any educator in Trenton can receive is, “We moved here for the schools.”

Amelia Doree

Senior, Basketball

 Over her four years at Trenton High School, Amelia Doree has shown herself to be someone that both younger and older students can look up to in the classroom and on the field of play. The MVP for her freshman and JV basketball teams, Doree became a captain on the varsity basketball team her junior year and continued on that role as a senior. In addition to her leadership experience on the court, Doree also attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards as a junior. On the track, Doree made States as a sophomore and will look to return this coming season. In the classroom, she sports a 3.6 grade-point average and is a member of a number of different clubs and organizations, including the National Honor Society, the French National Honor Society and the French Club. She is also a board member of the Interact Club. While she is talented as an athlete and had received interest from colleges in the region to continue her track career, Doree has opted to stay close to home while still getting a bigger city experience. She will attend Wayne State University in the fall and while she has not yet chosen a major, she is considering both political science and global studies. In whichever path she decides upon, she hopes to find a career that will allow her to travel the world and help people. Her parents, Heather and Darrel, are excited to support her in whichever direction she may head in. — Brian Rzeppa

Middle school students from Trenton, Grosse Ile and several other Downriver communities crowded Wayne County Community College District Taylor Campus to participate in this year’s STEM Savvy event.

  It’s clear from research that girls have just as much aptitude for science, technology, engineering, and math as boys. But, at almost every step of education, we see girls walk away from “STEM” classes.

     By seventh grade, many girls are ambivalent about these fields, and by the end of high school, fewer girls than boys plan to pursue STEM in college. The low number of women and girls pursuing STEM fields is not a status quo we can live with. It has significant implications for this country’s economic growth and global innovation, as well as for women’s financial security.

     AAUW is committed to encouraging women and girls to pursue STEM careers, which hold the promise of a bright and more equitable future for young women. To this end, the Wyandotte-Downriver Branch of AAUW hosted its fourth-annual STEM Savvy consortium for middle school girls, held May 11 at the Wayne County Community College District Taylor Campus. Sue Stoll of Grosse Ile and Susan Ball of Brownstown organized the event. The free event was made possible by donations from local AAUW members as well as from the AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Foundation. 

     Middle-school girls from each of the 17 Downriver school districts participated in interactive science, technology, engineering and math workshops, led by women who are successfully pursuing careers in STEM fields in SE Lower Michigan.

     This year’s breakout sessions covered a variety of topics, including hydrology, data science, ornithology, robotic simulation, meteorology and fine arts conservation. Representatives from the U.S. Geological Survey in East Lansing, Ford Motor Co., Detroit Audubon Society, Beaumont Health, WXYZ-TV and the Detroit Institute of Arts served as role models and instructors.

Anthony Arminiak, president of the WCCCD Taylor Campus, welcomed the 130 girls with an overview of STEM programming offered at the college. The Keynote address was given by Dr. Jacqueline Stavros, professor in the College of Management at Lawrence Tech, and the concluding motivational presentation was delivered by Dr. Sari van Anders, associate professor of psychology, women’s studies and neuroscience, and program director for the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at the University of Michigan. Amy Farkas, from the Riverview school system, instructed the students’ advisors about incorporating STEM education at a reasonable cost to schools.

     To learn more about the AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch, call President Madeleine Jones at (734) 626-2136, or email her at mizmadlin@yahoo.com.

Also visit www.aauw.org, https://downriver-mi.aauw.net/, and www.facebook.com/AAUWWyandotteDownriverBranch. 

Teacher Chris Crews and trip participants gather for a group photo in New York City’s Central Park.

A group of 54 Carlson and Trenton High School students and chaperones traveled to New York City this spring for an action packed two nights and three days.

     The group arrived in Manhattan to visit Penguin Random House Books and 2007 THS Alum Kelly McGauley. McGauley serves as The marketing manager for Random House Children’s Books. McGauley gave an inspirational presentation about her path to New York as well as a description of her job. She went on to describe how a book comes to market and all of the channels, research and promotions she uses to make that happen. Students impressed while taking part in a focus group conducted by McGauley’s team.

     Students then traveled to stops at Madison Square Garden and Ripley Grier Studios for an eye opening visit. At Ripley Grier, a group was met by Broadway Actress Cassie Okenka, a Toledo, Ohio, native who plays in “School of Rock.” She gave students insight into life on Broadway as well as her own career path.

Students ended the day with shopping on Times Square as well as sightseeing from Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center. Students averaged nine miles per day walking over the first two days and were tired that first day in the city to say the least.

     Day 2 started with a trip by ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island where students explored the history of the park as well as immigration into the United States. Students had lunch in Chinatown and came back to Lower Manhattan for a tour of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Students were in awe taking in the power of both the mall as well as the exhibits in the museum. 

      The students were also introduced to the New York City Subway System and did all travel either by the subway or on foot. Uncertain at first, our students rode the rails like experts by the end of the day. It was back to Midtown for dinner in Little Italy for a four-star meal.

     Day 3 saw students take a walking tour of Central Park with visits to Strawberry Fields and Belvedere Castle to name a few sights. Students were treated to an impromptu performance at the fountain by an ensemble of acapella singers visiting New York with their high school classmates from Wisconsin. The day ended with students catching an amazing performance of School of Rock at The Winter Garden Theatre in Midtown.

     THS teacher Chris Crews, who headed the contigent, said the students who went on this year’s trip comprised an impressive group that was complimented as such by McGauley’s staff, the theatre staff at Ripley Grier Studios, our parent chaperones and the bus drive.

     “On behalf of the faculty advisers, Mrs. Bechtol, Ms. Paczewitz, Mr. Monaco and myself, we would like to thank the parent chaperones for making this an incredibly fun learning experience for our students,” Crews said. “Thanks to Mike Bulatovic, Dana Castillo, Susan Truitt, Nancy Lasich, Kellee Howey, Charisse Hoffman and Kelly Memering.

     “We would also like to thank the Board of Trenton Public Schools as well as the administration for the travel opportunity.”

Thaddeus Plaza

Senior, Baseball

Joining the Trenton High School baseball team as a junior, Thad Plaza was able to make an impact right out of the gate. Pitching to a 2-1 record with a 3.66 Earned-Run Average and 29 strikeouts, Plaza was one of the more reliable options on the staff for Head Coach Todd Szalka’s Trojans team, which won 22 games and advanced to the District Finals. Not only has Plaza asserted himself as one of the better options in the rotation, he’s also been able to lead by example in the classroom. Finishing his senior year this month, Plaza has accumulated a 3.36 GPA and gained admittance to a number of different schools. After weighing his options, Plaza opted to continue his baseball career and commit to Schoolcraft College in Livonia alongside fellow Trojan baseball player Trevor Towe. While he has not yet settled on which major he would like to pursue, Plaza’s commitment to excelling both in the classroom and on the diamond should bode well for him as he moves on to the next level. His parents, Patricia and Paul, are excited to see all that he can achieve academically and athletically as an Ocelot. — Brian Rzeppa

     With the end of the 2016-2017 school year, Trenton Public Schools is bidding farewell to eight longtime teachers who have decided to retire.

     The teachers — Lisa Asquini, Peg Church, Claudia Gaynier, Mickey Gardner, Julie Klimushyn, Cheryl May, Mitzi Tascoff and Debbie Thomas — take with them a cumulative total of more than 210 years of classroom experience.

     In the profiles that follow, may of them share their favorite experiences and memories of teaching in Trenton, as well as some of their future plans.

Lisa Asquini

     Lisa Asquini taught French, language arts and has served as Yearbook advisor at Trenton High School. She taught for 22 years total, including six years teaching French and English for Pontiac Catholic (now Notre Dame Prep) before coming to Trenton. She also worked as a commercial photography studio manager in her husband’s business for 15 years.

     She attended the University of Paris-Sorbonne and the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland before graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a double major in French Literature and Language and English and American Literature and Language. She earned her master’s degree in education from Marygrove College. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, travel and cycling with her husband.

     “I am happy that I was able to bring six groups of students to France where they stayed with families over spring break and were totally immersed in French language and culture.  Many times, school was in session, so students were able to attend and get a glimpse at high school life.”

     Asquini shared that she will miss her colleagues and students.

     “Being the only French teacher, I have had some students their entire high school career.  The camaraderie that develops in a class after being together that long is very special,” she explained. “When I shared my sadness about not having young people to interact with every day, my husband joked that he has been training our neighbors to bow when they see me. But I know they will not hug me and say, ‘I love you, Mrs. Asquini.’ That is what teachers miss when they leave the profession.”

     As for her future plans, Asquini plans on doing regular volunteer work in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood, where they have a soup kitchen and a community garden. She also wants to be a regular “helper” in her granddaughter’s kindergarten class in Clarkston, and plans to travel to England and Scotland with her husband.

     “All in all, it’s been an honor to work in Trenton the past 16 years. Educators cannot do their job without the support of parents and this is a community which values education and teachers.”

Peg Church

      Peg Church retires with more than 27 years as a teacher. The 18 years have been in Trenton. Prior to that, she was with Airport Public Schools for 12 years. She most recently taught third grade at Anderson Elementary School. Through the course of her career, Church taught all of the elementary grades except grade five. She was also a reading recovery teacher for many of those years.

     Church earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Toledo. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Toledo as well.  Church later earned a reading recovery certification from Western Michigan University. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, fishing, crocheting and golfing.

Claudia Gaynier

     Claudia Gaynier spent 26 years as a teacher, most recently teaching third grade at Anderson. Before teaching third grade, she also taught second grade, Reading Recovery/Literacy and sixth grade math and science. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and earned her master’s degree in reading from Eastern Michigan University. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

     As for what she will miss the most about teaching, Gaynier explained that most of all she will miss the kids.

     “Teaching is a lot fun. I will also miss the beginning of the school year. I have always looked forward to meeting a new group of students and thinking of creative ways to challenge, support, and guide a new class of young people.” she said.

     Gaynier is extremely proud of the students she has had the privilege to teach.

     “My wish is that in some way I have had a positive influence on them. I hope that I have fostered in my students a love of learning and the understanding that when you persevere you can accomplish great things.”

     As for retirement plans, she is going to relax and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Mickey Gardner

     A 21-year teaching veteran, Mickey Gardner taught third-grade at Anderson Elementary and fourth- and sixth-grade at Owen.

     “These last few days of school are somewhat bittersweet,” Gardner said during the final week of school. “Of course I look forward to spending a lot of time helping to watch my grandchildren, camping, reading, riding my bike and many of the other things I haven’t had time to do while working, there are also many things I’ll miss about teaching. Most of all I’ll miss the people. I’ve had the pleasure to work with some truly smart, kind, caring and compassionate teachers and staff. I will miss seeing them every day.”

     Gardner graduated with a degree in personnel administration from Michigan State University. After spending several years at home with her children, she returned to school at Eastern Michigan University to earn her teaching certificate and then went on to Marygrove College to earn her master’s degree.

     “I’ll also miss the students. I recently pulled out all the class pictures that I’ve saved over the years and fondly remembered so many of the kids I’ve had the pleasure to have in my classroom. I’ll miss sharing in their joy of discovery and accomplishment. I certainly hope to read about their successes in the future.”

     In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family.

Julie Klimushyn

     Julie Klimushyn is a 20-year teaching veteran, most recently teaching seventh-grade language arts, choir and theater arts. She previously taught sixth grade language arts, kindergarten, fourth grade, and elementary music.

     Klimushyn graduated with a master’s degree in reading remediation and diagnosis from Eastern Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Eastern Michigan University.

     In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, pampering her purse dogs and spending time with her three adult children and granddaughters.  

Cheryl May

     Cheryl May has spent 39 years as an educator with Trenton Public Schools, including nine years early on as a teacher tutor. Most recently she taught fifth grade at Hedke and previously taught first grade. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in early childhood education. 

     “What I will miss most about teaching is the students! I calculated that I have taught about 900 students in those 39 years!” May said, looking back on her career. “I love when they see me around town and say, ‘Hi Ms. May, do you remember me? You were my first grade teacher at Owen.’ Well, sometimes I do, but honestly most have changed so much since first grade it is difficult to remember them all!”

     May has taught at all of the elementary school buildings except for Foley.

     “I have been fortunate to work with so many talented teachers. I guess that is another thing I will miss. A few of my teacher friends still get together and that will continue,” said May.

     As for the years ahead, she is excited to spend time with her family.

     “I have six grandchildren that I love spending time with,” she said. “Four are in Michigan, two are in Oregon, so there will be traveling involved. My own children, Allison and Andrew, are Trenton graduates and the joy of my life. Retirement will mean extra time with them and their families. I look forward to this next chapter in my life!”

Mitzi Tascoff

     Longtime Anderson School third-grade teacher Mitzi Tascoff announced in February that this year would be her last with the school district.

     “I have been teaching in Trenton for 35 years, and I am a lifelong resident of Trenton. I even went through this school system myself,” said Tascoff. “I began my teaching career at Hedke Elementary doing a tutoring assistance program. I then taught special education at Monguagon, now known as Arthurs Middle School.”

     From there, she was hired to teach the Gifted and Talented at Anderson Elementary, before moving into the third-grade position.

     Tascoff graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education/elementary education from Eastern Michigan University and earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix.

     During her time within Trenton schools, Tascoff was involved with several committees, which included the school improvement/district accreditation committee (since its inception), held the role of the school improvement chair for Anderson Elementary School (20 years), and numerous curriculum committees within the district. 

     “Working with our own professional learning community in our building has been a most rewarding experience. I have loved the people that I have worked with and will miss them,” said Tascoff.

     Tascoff said she had no immediate specific retirement plans — other than take some time to play golf, be with friends, travel, read, and whatever else comes to mind.

     Tascoff said that she will miss the students and engaging them in the learning process and seeing them grow. She also said that she will miss working on the committees she served for several years and her amazing colleagues.

     “I have witnessed so many wonderful changes in Trenton throughout my career, and have been proud to work with such an astounding group of educators who strive every day for the betterment and success for all students,” Tascoff said. “I would like to just express my sincere appreciation to the students, colleagues, administrators and the administration that I have worked with throughout my years in Trenton. I have had many mentors who influenced me both professionally and personally, and I consider myself very fortunate to have been an educator in the Trenton Public School system. I will look back on my career in Trenton with the fondest of memories and deepest gratitude for a fulfilling and rewarding career.”

Debbie Thomas

     Anderson fifth-grade teacher Debbie Thomas concludes her career with 27 ½ years experience. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and earned her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.

     “The one thing I will miss the most about teaching is the students,” Thomas said. “I enjoy talking with kids and getting to know them. I also enjoy creating lessons that my students are excited about and putting together projects that students look forward to doing each year.”  

     The accomplishment Thomas is most proud of is implementing Science Camp into the fifth-grade curriculum.

     “It all started because I wanted my students to learn about science in an outdoor educational setting. Over the years, I have incorporated social studies and team-building skills into their camp experience,” she said. “The students have attended YMCA Storer camp and now attend Camp Michindoh. This program has been possible due to the parents who have graciously volunteered their time to be camp chaperones. The students love camp and I am very happy it will continue after I retire.” 

     Out of all the special memories she has from teaching, camp is at the top of the list.

     “I really enjoyed seeing the students bond together, helping each other, cheering for each other, and becoming part of a team. New friendships were made and I saw the students accomplish things that they didn’t think they could do.”  

     She plans to spend her spare time with her family, friends and going to her daughter’s sporting events.

     Article compiled and written by Eric Hoshaw and Denise Sobh.

BY SHEILA R. McAFEE

               The days are getting shorter, buzzing cicadas fill the evening air, some nights are cooler — all signs that summer is waning, and a new school year is right around the corner.

               Administrators at Trenton Public Schools and St. Joseph Catholic School have been checking off items on their summer to-do lists as they, too, note the subtle seasonal changes.

               Grounds have been spruced up, windows and rugs are cleaned, floors are waxed, and soon school staffs will be putting their rooms back together.

               Among the summer projects TPS will complete this month are repairs to school parking lots and the repaving of the play area behind Hedke Elementary School. Administrators also expect the Phonak Dynamic Sound Fields to be in place by the start of the school year. With the help of Trenton Educational Foundation and a $60,000 grant, the district has purchased 48 new sound fields and 20 pass-around microphones.

               One thing TPS administrators didn’t have on their summer agenda was filling teaching vacancies left by eight retirements last spring. Ann Deneroff, curriculum director, said positions were filled by the end of the school year, with the exception of a new teacher for the hearing impaired program, who was hired over the summer.

               But, before the year is officially under way (more on those dates below), school families will gather for fellowship and fun at events this month.

               On Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m., TPS will dedicate the high school natatorium in honor of Jim Lawrence, longtime swim coach who died last February of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). The program will start at the high school and continue at the Westfield Activities Building.

               Members of the THS Class of 1967 will be in town Aug. 12 for their 50th reunion, which includes a tour of the high school.

               The St. Joseph Catholic School community kicks off the school year Aug. 19 with a Hoedown at the Trenton Cultural Center. Here’s the lowdown: The event is a fundraiser for the school and will feature a pig roast, food trucks and children’s activities, along with a beer tent, vendors and a variety of desserts. The fun is scheduled for 1-10 p.m. There is a $10 fee only for the beer tent, which includes a beer mug.

               St. Joseph will be the first to welcome students back. Classes start Aug. 21 for first- through eighth-graders (a half day). Kindergartners start Aug. 24 (an orientation is at 6 p.m. the night before). The first day off will be Sept. 1 – Friday of Labor Day weekend and the start of a four-day weekend.

               On Sept. 6, orientation is planned for 3 and 4-year old preschool families. The 4-year-olds will attend a Meet and Greet Sept. 8 with their official first day Sept. 11 from 8-11 a.m.  Those in the 3-year-old class will have their Meet and Greet Sept. 12 with their first day Sept. 14 from 8-10:30 a.m.

               The school was featured last month in a video broadcast on the Catholic Legacy Michigan, which features local faith stories.

               For TPS students, the first day of school across the district is Sept. 5, the day after Labor Day, morning session only. Start times are 8:30 a.m. for kindergarten through fifth grade, 8:10 a.m. for sixth, seventh and eighth grade, and 7:30 a.m. for ninth through 12th. Students enrolled in special education classes also report Sept. 5 to the same building as last year, unless otherwise notified.

               Full days are scheduled the remainder of that week.

               In preparation for the start date, mandatory meetings and orientations are scheduled for students attending Arthurs Middle School and Trenton High School. Administrators will review important rights and responsibilities, students will be issued handbooks and locker assignments, and school pictures will be taken.

               On Aug. 28 at 10:30 a.m., incoming freshman and all new students should meet in the THS cafeteria. Sophomores are expected at 8:30 a.m. the same day.

               On Aug. 29, returning juniors should meet at the school at 8:30 a.m., followed by returning seniors at 10:30.

               Incoming sixth-graders and all new students at Arthurs are expected to attend a Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) orientation from 8-10:30 a.m. Aug. 31. Students should dress comfortably and bring a water bottle, labeled with their names. They should be dropped off in front of school.

               Families interested in registering children at St. Joseph or TPS, can still do so. St. Joseph is located at 2675 Third St. (734) 676-2565. For TPS, enrollment packets are available at the Neil E. Van Riper Administration Building, 2603 Charlton Road, adjacent to the high school (734) 676-8600.

         Students in Trenton will see a new face in the halls when school resumes in September. The district will soon employ a “school resource officer“ from the Trenton Police Department.

     Superintendent Rodney Wakeham first proposed the idea to the school board last spring and requested permission to investigate the possibility of working with the Police Department. The board gave their blessing and talks have been ongoing for the past six months.

     At the Aug. 7 City Council meeting, the request was unanimously approved. According to Director of Police and Fire Services Jim Nardone, the school district will cover $60,000 per year for the three-year pilot program. The city will cover the remaining $20,000 per year.

     “We’re really grateful to the school district. We’re happy they see the merit in doing this.” Nardone said, stating that this has been a long time coming.

     According to Wakeham, the goal of the SRO is to focus more on prevention and awareness than enforcement.

     From the school’s perspective, the officer will have three main functions. They will address social media issues, address truancy and make sure investigations into civil infractions are done properly. Wakeham hopes having the officer will allow the district to remain proactive, as opposed to being reactionary.

     “It’s going to be very positive for everyone involved.” Wakeham said.

     Police Chief Steve Voss stressed that there is a vast amount of training that will be required for the officer selected for the position.

     He also stated that one officer will be selected for the entire three year term as a way for the officer to build a relationship with students. The goal of the program is for the officer to get to know the students.

     “The officer will be more like a counselor that is able to offer some sort of support to students,” said Voss.

     The officer will be in place for the beginning of the school year.

Jim Lawrence’s daughter Emily (center) and wife, Marty, with Athletic Director James Trush (left) and Superintendent Rodney Wakeham, display a check with the funds raised for the project. During her remarks, Marty thanked the community for the “outpouring of love and support.”

BY SAMANTHA ELLIOTT

     If there is one thing the Trenton community is known for, it is coming together in times of celebration and pulling close in times of sorrow. On Aug. 11, the community did a little bit of both.

     That Friday night, a large crowd, including coaches, teachers, family members and current and past members of the swim program, gathered in front of the high school to honor longtime Trenton High School swim coach Jim Lawrence.

     Lawrence, a swim coach with the program for 31 years and a former teacher, died earlier this year after being diagnosed with ALS the year before. Those in attendance witnessed the unveiling of the new signage and the dedication of the Trenton High School natatorium in Lawrence’s honor.

     Outside, at the main entrance to the pool, stands a new sign reading, “Welcome to James W. Lawrence Natatorium.”

     Upon entering the pool, visitors are greeted with a plaque with Lawrence’s long list of accomplishments during his coaching career. The quote above is from Lawrence himself: “If you do the work, the winning will take care of itself.”

     On the left is etched a picture of the longtime coach, posed in typical Jim Lawrence fashion, shorts, a vest over a polo, arms folded in concentration. Behind that concentration are the eyes of someone who seemingly everyone knew and adored, especially when your swimmer wasn’t in the lane next to his. When it was game-time, Lawrence was all focus. After the meets, he would help anyone who asked.

     During the dedication ceremony, Lawrence’s wife of almost 34 years, Marty Lawrence, told the crowd of a time in the fall of 2016, when Lawrence was asked how he saw himself and how others saw him. His response was perfect and fitting.

     “I see myself very simple as a teacher and coach who was lucky enough to mentor kids and hopefully encourage them to do what is right,” he said. “I think other people see me as a fierce competitor and a person who wants to and likes to win, while always pushing the boundaries, but yet will help any coach, any time when asked.

     “I hope that I am viewed as someone who has a passion for what I do and for doing what is right for my teams and program (and) lastly, that they all believe that I have the kids’ best interest at heart.”

     During the ceremony, the Trenton community showed Marty, along with their daughters Melissa and Emily, just how much Jim had meant to the area.

     “Tomorrow would be a year since we had Swim for Jim after he was diagnosed and it’s just phenomenal and unbelievable what the community has done,” Marty said. “From the mayor on down, everyone has just been so supportive of Jim being ill and making sure this ceremony happened today. We couldn’t be any more grateful (and) it’s overwhelming the outpouring of love and support.”

     Jim was involved with the beginning of the process to re-name the pool; he even picked the finalized name and picture to go at the entrance. His request for the ceremony; keep it simple.

     “He said if you have a celebration, I want it to be casual and people have fun and mingle,” Marty said. “Nothing too fancy, so we tried to honor everything. He had a lot of input; he just wasn’t here to see the end product.”

For Marty, various memories stood out from her husband’s coaching career. He finished with a 566-170 record through boys’ and girls’ swimming. With both programs he finished with 24 League Championships and 40 News-Herald Championship Titles.

     Over the years he was named News-Herald, Downriver League, Wolverine A Conference, Michigan Mega Conference, Michigan High School Coaches Association and Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association Coach of the Year.

     He was the MISCA Zone Coach of the Year and also the Matt Mann Award Recipient and is in the MHSCA’s Coaches Hall of Fame. In 1995, he won a state title with the girls’ team and it was Marty’s favorite memory. It was their daughter Melissa’s senior year.

     “My favorite memory was them winning the state championship together,” she said. “I was proud of both of them as a mother and a coach’s wife and everything. You couldn’t get any sweeter than that.”

     At the ceremony’s end, the Lawrence family presented Athletic Director James Trush with a check for $10,000 to use for the swimming and diving program. Trush was grateful for the money for the program and thrilled with the number of community members in attendance, though not surprised.

                “Its’ a culmination of a lot of people’s efforts from the last year, year and a half,” he said. “Everyone knows all the time and hard work that helped contribute to this. Jim was able to reach a lot of different people throughout his years of coaching and it was no surprise the amount of people that came, or the number of people looking forward to this or the number of people that were involved with fundraising this. It was nice to see, as always, but definitely not a shock.”

Jay Solano

Junior, Football

Lining up behind center for the Trenton High School varsity football team, Jay Solano has been able to make quite an impact throughout his two years suiting up for the Trojans. The starting quarterback on the football team, the starting third baseman on the District-Finals-competing baseball team and a member of the varsity basketball team, Solano was recognized by the Downriver League for having played three varsity sports — especially impressive considering he did so last year as a sophomore. Along with his athletic abilities, Solano has been a force in the classroom as well. He maintains a 3.8 grade-point average and is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and Interact Club. He hopes to have the opportunity to continue his athletic pursuits at the collegiate level, but for now he’s looking forward to the next two years of competing for Trenton athletics. While he is undecided as to what field he would like to study, Solano currently is leaning toward a major within the business or mathematics fields. His parents, Linda Kell and David Solano, are excited to see what the next two years and beyond hold for him. — Brian Rzeppa

Well rounded both as an athlete and a student, Brent Trela has been able to make his mark anywhere that he has involved himself throughout his three-plus years at Trenton High School. Currently the No. 1 singles player on the varsity tennis team, Trela was named team MVP last season and has continued his success into this year, holding a solid personal record and anchoring a team that will be looking to make noise in this year’s state tournament.

An MVP on the varsity golf team last year as well, Trela’s most impressive accomplishment during his career as a Trojan might be outside of the realm of sports altogether; through his first nine trimesters at Trenton, Trela has been able to uphold a 3.82 grade-point average even with his commitment to excellence on the court and on the course. As of now he does not plan on continuing either of his athletic careers beyond his days at Trenton, but he is currently eyeing Lawrence Technological University, Wayne State University, Grand Valley State University and Oakland University as potential options for his academic pursuits. He currently is undecided in terms of his major as well, but the field of engineering — and bioengineering specifically — is one that has appealed to him. Wherever he ends up after his graduation his parents, Chris and Lisa, will be there to cheer him on. — Brian Rzeppa

Brady Tanguay is still kicking at Siena Heights.

BRIAN RZEPPA

     Graduating in 2015 from Trenton High School as one of the program’s more reliable special team’s players in recent memory, Brady Tanguay has continued his success on the football field at the collegiate level with Siena Heights University.

     After a game on Sept. 30 against Missouri Baptist in which he went three-for-three in both field goals and extra points — including a school-record 43-yard kick, Tanguay was named Mid-States Football Association Special Teams Player of the Week.

     This is his second time earning the honor this year, the first coming after a game against Robert Morris University in which he was 1-1 on field goals and 4-for-4 with extra points, and it’s his third time receiving the honor in his three-year career with the Saints. Despite having won it before, the award was as meaningful as ever to Tanguay. 

     “It was pretty neat being recognized. The first few weeks I didn’t get many opportunities to kick, but lately our offense has been moving the ball and are setting me up in positions to put three points on the board so I give a lot of credit to them,” Tanguay said.

     Following a strong career with the Trojans, Tanguay has been a model of consistency so far with the Saints. Halfway through his junior season, he has nailed his field goals at a 72.4 percent clip and has been at an excellent 93 percent with his extra points. He has taken his game to the next level as a player and that has come through hours and hours of hard work.

     “I think I’ve come very far since I graduated from Trenton. I’ve gotten much stronger and added on a lot of muscle weight which helps especially when I’m kicking long field goals or kicking into the wind.”

     Not only has Tanguay continued to improve, but the team around him has also made some strides in the right direction. After finishing with four and five wins, respectively, in his first two seasons, Siena Heights already hit the four-win mark at the halfway point in the season.

     With the team’s success in mind, Tanguay has been able to feed off of his teammates’ energy throughout the year.

     “I think kicking is about 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical so when we’re on a roll like we are right now, I have a lot of confidence. When I get sent out I expect to make everything and when the offense and defense are playing good, I think that translates to special teams excelling as well.”

     While the work that he has put in has played a major part in his excellence in college, Tanguay credits the work of the Trenton coaching staff and another local coach with his continued development.

     “Playing for Trenton impacted me a ton with who I am as a player and person today,” he said. “The Trenton football program especially taught me way more about being a man than it did about football and I really credit Coach Czarnecki and Coach Segedi with that.

     “I also worked a ton throughout high school with Mike DeSana and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. As I’m learning, football goes by so fast and it isn’t forever, so developing those life skills and becoming a better man is what it’s all about. I still keep in touch with my high school coaches and it’s awesome that they’re still giving me support and advice today.”