On the same day thousands of marching soldiers, rows of tanks, parachute jumps and flyovers were set to take center stage in the nation’s capital, millions of Americans made their views about those occupying the White House clear.

Ferndale police estimated 4,000 people turned out for Ferndale’s “No Kings” demonstration, hours before the 6:30 p.m. parade in Washington, D.C. Trump sought a parade for his June 14 birthday during his first term in office, but he didn’t get it. Saturday’s event, which is estimated to cost anywhere from $25-$40 million or more, has been recharacterized as part of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Ferndale police spokesman Evan Ahlin said organizers worked with police to ensure a peaceful event. Police responded to one medical issue involving an elderly woman that was quickly resolved, he said.

Jenny Pascal of Berkley carried a sign appealing for justice for all people. The mom and special needs teacher said she’s worried sick about how Medicaid changes will affect her vulnerable students.

“But it’s hard to pick one topic,” she said. “There’s so much at stake.”

Signs took aim at ICE deportations, Elon Musk’s influence on federal policy and spending, including plans to lay off 80,000 Veterans Administration employees, the erosion of civil rights policies and more. The crowd filled sidewalks on either side of Woodward Avenue at Nine Mile Road and the median. The sidewalks were filled for a half mile north and south of Nine Mile.

One sign read: “Democracy doesn’t fear protest. Dictators do.”

Another said, “If a senator can be handcuffed for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you?”

Some signs were professionally printed while others were handmade with cutouts. Some were pieces of ripped cardboard with statements scrawled using markers.

Demonstrators were peaceful but cheered loudly in response to drivers in passing cars who tooted or blared horns.

Debbie Rosenman of Bloomfield Township helped organize the event for Indivisible Fighting 9.

“I’m the daughter of a Holocaust survivor,” she said. “My dad taught me how bad dictators are, so when I see what is happening now in this country with taking away rights, the disappearing of people – even grabbing citizens off the street, – ignoring the judicial decisions, disrupting our public agencies. This makes me remember my dad and his words.”

Herman Bohm often told his daughter to fight for a healthy democracy, she added.

Rosenman said Ferndale police were very supportive of the group and she was glad threats of a counter-demonstration by Trump supporters never materialized.

“We saw one man with a Trump flag — but it said ‘Veterans against Trump” so that means he was with us,” she said.

About 2,000 No Kings demonstrations were organized across the U.S. and in 17 other countries, she said.

“We’ll keep coming to the streets,” she said. “We have to let our government know we’re not going to stand for this.”

Indivisible is organizing a July 5 “Elbows Up” rally at Hart Plaza with people in Windsor, she said, adding details will be announced soon. “We’re not gonna stop until we see change.”

Many people carried double-sided signs with slogans about different issues. Amelia Nowicki, 21, of Grosse Pointe Woods is one of the Michigan State University students on campus during the Feb. 13, 2023, mass shooting. She said fighting gun violence is one of her core issues. But she’s always been interested in politics and how government policy affects the environment.

“If you don’t have a planet to inhabit, we don’t have any of this. We don’t have each other,” she said.

Her double-sided sign said “Melt ICE, not icecaps.” and “No one is free until we’re ALL free.”

She said she and her dad have different political views.

“My mom is just nervous. She doesn’t want to get overly involved because she worries about repercussions and safety,” she said.

Greg Sumner teaches American history at University of Detroit-Mercy. On Saturday, he carried a sign stating “Washington would be appalled.”

“I wanted to make a historical reference that what’s happening today is unprecedented. The founders would be appalled,” he said. “We live with limited government. Our country was created by rebelling against a mad king, so that’s where we are today.”

By Barrett Dolata, The Detroit News

After a 20-year hiatus, the Detroit Zoo has brought back its Zoo Keys, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. These rhinoceros and gorilla-shaped keys can be purchased for $4 and used at 11 different audio boxes located around the zoo to unlock poems about the nearest animal.

The poems are intended to foster both learning and a deeper appreciation for animals, which were written and recited by local youth from the zoo’s education and volunteer programs, including InsideOut Literary Arts and additional afterschool programs.

“They were able to come spend time at the zoo, observing the animals,” said Emily O’Hara, senior director of guest experience at Detroit Zoological Society. “And then work with our team on writing and working through the poetic process.”

O’Hara said with the newly developed audio boxes, the zoo is able to reprogram the messages and poems from each box as needed, offering both messages in English and Spanish. After purchasing a Zoo Key, guests can reuse the key at every box and with every visit.

When guests used their Zoo Keys back in the 1960s-’70s, and again in the early 2000s, the audio boxes were programmed with storybook animal tales — still as a way to engage zoo guests with the animals creatively. While the messages have switched to poetry, guests can use their old Zoo Keys from their early days to prompt the audio boxes.

“You can bring them back if you pull them out of a drawer or an old box that maybe a parent or grandparent or someone else in your life has,” O’Hara said.

The keys that date back to the ‘60s were red and shaped like an elephant, and adapted to a flat shape in the early 2000s. The iconic Zoo Keys were also used at other zoos like the San Francisco Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and are now selling on Ebay for upwards of $30-$50 or more.

“For anyone who grew up with Zoo Keys, we have heard for years guests asking, ‘Are they ever going to come back?’,” O’Hara said. “So we’re really excited to offer this up to guests who come to the Detroit Zoo to be able to come back and live some of that nostalgia.”

With the reintroduction of the Zoo Keys, the zoo also added a limited-time Dragon Forest trail for guests to explore and new penny press machines, featuring eight designs to collect this summer.

They also plan to add a few more audio boxes in the near future, and eventually expand even more down the line. Zoo Keys are available for purchase at the Detroit Zoo Shop, main gate ticket booths and other attractions.

bdolata@detroitnews.com

©2025 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The traffic death of a man crossing Baldwin Avenue in Pontiac may lead to some traffic-safety changes, if two concerned women have their way.

Charles Arnold O’Connor, 37, of Flint, died just before 9 p.m. Friday, March 7 near Virginia Avenue after being hit by a truck.

He’d just left Hope Shelters with a supply of toilet paper, said Karen Plants, the shelter’s operations manager. Police did not cite the 16-year-old driver because O’Connor had not used a crosswalk about 350 feet north of the shelter.

“We’ve asked for a crosswalk before and that was my problem with this dear young man struck and killed,” Plants said.

Since O’Connor’s death, Plants and her boss, Hope Shelters interim CEO Elizabeth Kelly, have campaigned for safety measures.

Kelly said she asked Pontiac officials nearly a decade ago to add a crosswalk and a sign reminding drivers to watch for pedestrians.

“They told us ‘yes’ and then ignored our requests,” she said,

There are bus stops on either side of Baldwin near the shelter. Most people walk to the shelter and many residents walk or use bicycles to get around, Plants said.

O’Connor is one of four pedestrians killed on Oakland County roads this year.

The latest occurred on May 20 when a Burton man stepped out of his disabled vehicle on I-75 near Grange Hall Road in Groveland Township and was hit by a car. He was

On May 14, less than a mile from where O’Connor died, Popular Pontiac musician Justin Roettger, 51, was killed in a hit-and-run crash.

He’d been walking two women home after a concert at The Crofoot ballroom in Pontiac. They were hit near the intersection of Saginaw Street and Woodward Avenue. Both women were hospitalized with injuries.

No suspect or vehicle have been identified so far, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Steven Huber.

1 dead, 2 hospitalized after hit-and-run crash in downtown Pontiac

Ferndale police are investigating the death of a pedestrian on May 2, according to spokesman Evan Ahlin.

Ferndale police have declined to release details on the victim who was hit by a car on Eight Mile Road near Lindsay Lane.

Pedestrian hit by vehicle in Ferndale dies

Jim Santilli has worked for years on traffic safety as CEO of the Troy-based National Transportation Safety Organization.

Oakland County has one of the lowest traffic-death rates in the nation, Santilli said: 0.44 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, compared to 0.83 for Macomb County and 1.38 in Wayne County. Michigan is 1.11 and the U.S. is 1.35.

“But people still get killed – and our goal is zero deaths,” he said, adding that the county road commission prioritizes safety with every project.

NTSO statistics on Oakland County’s pedestrian crashes show 12 died in 2024, 12 died in 2023 and 14 were killed in 2022. Santilli said during the COVID-19 pandemic, more pedestrians were killed because more people were walking and drivers were more likely to speed on empty roads.

“We all have a personal responsibility to protect our life and the lives around us,” Santilli said. “We need to lose the ‘it’s all about me mentality’ and start caring about one another.”

SEMCOG studies traffic safety and commuting, which influences the region’s economic health. Data from 2023, the most-recent available, shows 37,652 people walk to work, more than 5,800 commute on bicycles while more than 1.5 million drivers commute to work southeast Michigan.

In 2023, pedestrians were involved in fewer than 1% of Michigan’s traffic accidents but accounted for more than 25% of the fatalities, including 97 people in southeast Michigan, said Trevor Layton, SEMCOG spokesman.

Plants and Kelly from Hope Shelter are asking for a new crosswalk, but Santilli said that is just one safety measure to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe.

“It comes down to: A pedestrian should wear bright or reflective clothing at night,” he said. “Don’t cross the street while texting or looking at the phone and don’t step out into traffic assuming the driver will stop.”

Drivers, he said, must be especially cautious at night or on busy roads. Observing the speed limit and avoiding distractions like a phone or food and not trying to beat red lights are among his most-important tips.

Santilli joined the recent state police Operation Ghost Rider patrols as a spotter in unmarked vehicles. He and others alerted troopers to distracted drivers and nearby marked police units made traffic stops to warn drivers to change their habits.

“Everyone knows we do this, but the drivers’ behavior doesn’t change,” he said. “Some people think they drive so well that nothing bad can happen.”

Santilli would like to see tougher penalties for distracted driving, especially if people are hurt or killed as a result.

Hope Shelters’ Kelly said she won’t stop asking for a crosswalk because it would give meaning to O’Conner’s death and save others from the same fate.

“This is beyond the HOPE guests who use the crosswalk,” she said. “I believe that lives in areas where people with economic challenges live are often not valued as highly as more prosperous areas. That needs to change.”

The city issued a statement that said residents’ health and safety are a high priority. Pontiac recently completed a pedestrian-safety study funded by a Safe Streets grant to review lighting, crosswalks, sightlines, and speed limits for the city’s road-safety action plan. The results are not yet available online.

No changes will happen until the Department of Public Works finds the money for projects, according to the city’s statement, which concluded with an appeal that people cross busy roads at intersections with traffic lights and pedestrian signals.

Here is a list of Top Scholars of the 2024-2025 graduating class for schools in Oakland County. Not all schools participated. Congratulations to all graduates!

ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART

ISABELLA SETH

Parent/Guardian: Kristina and Brad Seth

Clarkston

With a 4.046 GPA, Isabella was named valedictorian, and was awarded Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award; Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony Service Award; Scholastic All Catholic and Detroit SWE Award. Isabella was class secretary and participated in field hockey as captain; lacrosse (club and school); Ethics Bowl team; and Service & Social Justice Club. Volunteer work included FOCUS: Hope and Hazel Park Animal Shelter. Isabella plans to attend University of Notre Dame.

ELLANOR BRENNER

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and William Brenner

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.009 GPA, Ellanor was awarded High Honors of Academic Excellence throughout high school and received the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year Award, 2022-2023 (for all sports). Ellanor was also awarded the UChicago Book Award for outstanding academic achievement. Ellanor was class vice president, National Honor Society member and president, served as an ASH Ambassador for prospective students and participated in multiple school clubs. Ellanor was a member of the school’s varsity lacrosse team and varsity hockey team throughout high school and played varsity basketball, 2022-2023, and also participated in Club Lacrosse and Competitive Dance. Ellanor volunteered for a Sleeping Bear Dunes Camping Service Trip, and bought and wrapped presents for children through Variety Children’s Charity. Ellanor plans to attend Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.

View images of students

A.G.B.U. ALEX & MARIE MANOOGIAN SCHOOL

AREN VARDANYAN

Parent/Guardian: Arman Vardanyan and Anna Tokmajyan

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.0 student, Aren was honored on the Administrators’ List, Oakland County Competitive Robotics Association Team MVP, and High School Basketball Team MVP. Aren was a member of the varsity basketball, boys volleyball, cross country and soccer teams. Aren participated in National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Robotics. Aren’s volunteer work outside of school included summer camps, Armenian festivals, and church services. Aren plans on attending The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

LORI OURLIAN

Parent/Guardian: Daniel and Ani Ourlian

Livonia

A 4.0 GPA student, Lori was honored on Administrator’s List, Robotics Dean’s List School Nominee, Most Improved Cross Country, Excellence in AP English, Outstanding Achievement in Pre-Calculus and Outstanding Achievement in Economics. Lori was Senior Class President, NHS Secretary, and a math tutor. Lori participated in Science National Honor Society, the yearbook committee, Career Readiness Academy, cross country and Robotics. Volunteer work included volunteering at Trinity Health Hospital, the local library and Forgotten Harvest. Lori plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

LUCAS YESSAYAN

Parent/Guardian: Lenar Yessayan and Roza Matevosian

Northville

A 4.0 student, Lucas was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Scholarship Test Commended and Northville Library teen writing contest-2nd place. Lucas was a student volunteer at Innovative Biotherapies, NHS president, participated in soccer (11 years) and was a member of MLS Next League, Robotics and Career Readiness Academy. Outside of school, Lucas participated in Armenian Christian Youth Organization of America, served as a New Hope mentor, and neighborhood beautification committee president. Lucas also donated and packed food for Northville Civic Concern, and volunteered at Eventcorp Charities and Northville Educational Foundation. Lucas plans to attend The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

AVONDALE HIGH SCHOOL

SHAHMEER KHAN

Parent/Guardian: Safia Jafri and Altaf Khan

Rochester Hills

With a 4.47 GPA, Shahmeer was valedictorian, an AP Scholar, and received a HOSA (Future Health Professionals) regionals award in Behavioral Health and state qualifier, and was awarded Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) second in state for Intro to Financial Math. He served on the class board for one year, as secretary and blood drive manager for the school’s NHS chapter and founded Avondale Red Cross. He was also a member of Magnet Schools of America, Model UN, Asian Student Association, and served as secretary and treasurer of FBLA. Shahmeer competed on the Varsity Bowling Team and JV Tennis for two years, serving as JV Captain. Outside of school, he volunteered at Serving Educational Equality and Reducing Acute Climate Change (SEERACC) serving as director of Community Service, International Hospital, Beautifili, and the American Red Cross serving as a volunteer and Blood Drive Lead. Shahmeer plans to attend Wayne State University.

LIAM KAKUDA

Parent/Guardian: Bonnie and Wayne Kakuda

Auburn Hills

A 4.43 GPA student, Liam was named salutatorian and served on the Class Board, two years as president and two years as vice president. Liam was a member of: National Honor Society, serving as secretary for one year and as president for one year; HOSA-Future Health Professionals, National Tech Honor Society, Asian Student Association, serving as president for two years; Future Business Leaders of America, serving as secretary one year; Red Cross, serving as secretary and treasurer for two years; Model UN; and Avondale Council of Mental Health. Liam competed on the high school cross country team for one year and varsity tennis team for three years, serving as captain in 2024 and received the Purple and Gold award and All-League in 2024. Liam is the founder of Beautifli, a nonprofit that creates and sends cards and care packages to hospitalized children. Liam served as director of community service and executive director of marketing for Serving Educational Equality and Reducing Acute Climate Change, and served as Head of Operations for Beans to Bags. Liam is a volunteer for St. Clair Orthopedic and has helped with minor operations. He also served as marketing intern for Academate, a college consulting startup. Liam plans to attend New York University.

RUDRA PATEL

Parent/Guardian: Jayshri Patel

Troy

A 4.41 GPA student, Rudra was a National Merit Commended Scholar (11th grade) and an AP Scholar. Honors received include: FBLA State Awards – second place in Political Science, third place in Business Management, and third place in Business Law (10th grade). Rudra was a member of NHS for three years, serving as vice president; Class Board for one year; FBLA for three years, serving as State Vice President and Chapter President; Model UN for three years, president, co-founder; Avondale Red Cross, serving three years as Committee Lead. Rudra also competed on the varsity tennis team for three years, earning All-League in 2024, and the varsity bowling team for four years, winning the regional championship, Highest Average OAA Blue, and Yellow Jacket of the Year in 2024. Rudra has volunteered for SEERACC for three years, serving as executive director of Legal Affairs, and Beautifili for two years, serving as operations manager. Outside of school, he is a member of the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation/Nar Narayan Dev Yuvak Mandal, serving as vice president. Rudra plans to attend the University of Michigan.

RAVI PATEL

Parent/Guardian: Jayshri Patel

Troy

A 4.39 GPA student, Ravi served on Class Board for one year, Model UN for three years serving as vice president and co-founder), FBLA for three years, serving as Chapter Vice President, Avondale Red Cross for three years, serving as vice president, NHS, HOSA, Buzz Prep, and the Asian Student Association. Ravi also competed on the Boys’ Tennis Team, earning All-League in 2024, and the Bowling Team, winning the Regional Championship in 2024. Ravi volunteered for SEERACC, serving as executive director of sales, and is a member of the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation/Nar Narayan Dev Yuvak Mandal, serving as president for four years. Ravi plans to attend the University of Michigan.

NOAH FIELDS

Parent/Guardian: Christine and Thomas J. Fields

Troy

With a 4.38 GPA, Noah was awarded the Wayne State University Warrior Award and the Dean’s Scholarship Award, and received scholarship offers from Albion College, Detroit Mercy, and Gannon University. Noah plans to attend the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

SOPHIA LE

Parent/Guardian: Hong and Truc Le

Rochester Hills

A 4.37 GPA student, Sophia was on Class Board for four  years, serving Cabinet for four years, Student Leadership, Avondale Red Cross, serving three years, co-founder and vice president and participated in Avondale’s RoboJackets Robotics Team for seven years, District Champions and competed at Worlds all four years of high school. She competed in Sideline Cheer her freshman and sophomore years, Varsity Competitive Cheer her sophomore year, and was the Swim Team Manager her senior year. Sophia was also a crew member for school plays. Outside of school, Sophia volunteered with the Red Cross, the Vietnamese Church, and as a FTC Mentor with the RoboJackets. Sophia plans to attend the University of Michigan.

RAMI HANNOUDI

Parent/Guardian: Rand and Firas Hannoudi

Troy

A 4.3348 GPA student, Rami was awarded 1st Place at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America Conference. Rami was a member of Avondale Committee of Mental Health, FBLA secretary, Model UN, and SEERACC, serving as Director of Logistics. He also competed on Avondale’s Boys Soccer Team, serving as JV Captain his sophomore year and varsity level his junior and senior year, winning the Scholar Athlete Award and Individual All Academic Award. Rami was a member of the Yellow Jacket Marching Band and Wind Ensemble and was awarded MSBOA 1st Division ranking for marching band-clarinet. Outside of school, Rami served as a shadowing physician for two years, a member of Religious Service St. George Chaldean Church, and served as director of Community Service for the American Red Cross. He volunteered for his church, participated in Red Cross Bottle Drives, and made and sold food through SEERACC. He plans to attend the University of Michigan.

ALLIE PARTIN

Parent/Guardian: Marcia and Andrew Partin

Auburn Hills

A  4.3315 student, Allie was a member of HOSA, Model UN, and Literary Scholars of Avondale. She participated in shows with the Avondale Theatre Company. Allie was also a member of the Yellow Jacket Marching Band and Symphonic Band, playing the trumpet. In addition to volunteering at school, Allie volunteered in her community and church, serving as a member of Life Church Auburn Hills for more than six years. She also volunteered at Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation, Grace Centers of Hope, Students Leadership Services, MyCOVIDResponse, and other activities. She plans to attend Wayne State University.

NAFEA AQRAWI

Parent/Guardian: Saad and Raya Aqrawi

Troy

A 4.29 GPA student, Nafea was awarded Scholar Athlete, Certification of Ordination – Syriac Orthodox Church, Oakland Athletic Association Award, Certification of Achievement for Academic Excellence and Varsity Letter Award for Boys Bowling. Nafea was a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society; Class Board; HOSA; FBLA three years, serving as a Parliamentarian; Model UN for four years, serving as Vice President of Operations; SEERACC for three years, serving as Director of Sales; Red Cross; Buzz Prep; Computer Science Club; and has written articles for the school newspaper. He also competed on the Varsity Bowling Team two years, regional champions. Outside of school, Nafea is a Syriac Orthodox Deacon for St. Peter and Paul Church. He has been a Quroyo Deacon for four years. He volunteers his time cleaning and doing outreach for the church, recycling and fundraising for SEERACC, and working Red Cross fundraisers. Nafea plans to attend the University of Michigan.

CHELSEA HOWE

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Michael Howe

Auburn Hills

A 4.2872 GPA student, Chelsea was a member of NHS and Class Board throughout high school, Student Leadership for three years, and served as the Student Representative on the Avondale Board of Education. Chelsea played volleyball all four years, winning most improved her freshman and sophomore year, and MVP her senior year. She participated in Color Guard, Marching Band, and Symphonic Band her freshman year, winning first division rankings in marching band. She also played club volleyball outside of school. Outside of school, Chelsea traveled to Tennessee her freshman year to work on service projects. She also volunteered for an organization that makes blankets for the homeless. Chelsea plans to attend Michigan State University.

 

BERKLEY HIGH SCHOOL

LUKE ANTHONY ROMO DEMERRE

Parent/Guardian: Edward and Melody Demerre

Berkley

A 4.49 student, Luke was honored for efforts in Chess (#1 Team on the Eastern Timezone), World of 8 Billion Video Finalist and BHS News and Broadcasting. Luke participated in NHS and BHS News and Broadcasting (Senior Bear Awards). Volunteer work included Yad Ezra Giving Gardens, timing for Berkley girls high school swim meets and serving as Berkley Girls middle school swim coach and Berkley boys middle school swim coach. Luke plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

JACK SALTSMAN

Parent/Guardian: Karen and Glenn Saltsman

Huntington Woods

A 4.45 student, Jack was honored with AP Scholar with distinction and United Nations Honor Award (NHS). As a member of the varsity swim team (four years) and varsity cross country team (two years), athletic awards included: Swim MVP, Swim Rookie of the Year, OAA Scholar Athlete for swim and cross country, and Cross Country Rookie of the Year. Jack also participated in NHS and superintendent student advisory board. Volunteer work included Yad Ezra Giving Gardens, timing for Berkley girls high school swim meets and serving as Berkley Girls middle school swim coach and Berkley boys middle school swim coach. Jack plans to attend either the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Georgia Technological University.

ANN REDMAN

Parent/Guardian: Dale and Kristin Redman

Berkley

A 4.49 GPA student, Ann was awarded the Maxfield Science Symposium Bronze Award. Ann is a two-time performer in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) district IV Jazz Ensemble and has received multiple MSBOA Superior Ratings for trumpet playing. Ann participates in Varsity Rugby, Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble. Ann has been a  NHS committee leader for two years and a Science National Honor Society member for two years and secretary for one year. Ann plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

AVA COHEN

Parent/Guardian: Elyse and Robert Cohen

Huntington Woods

A 4.48 GPA student, Ava was a National Merit Program Commended Student; AP Scholar With Distinction; National Association for Urban Debate Leagues JV Quarter Finalist and was awarded multiple forensic debate first place speaker awards. Ava was vice president of the Science National Honor Society, NHS member and captain of the Berkley High School Debate Team. Ava is a fencer at Renaissance Fencing Club and achieved a USA Fencing E rating. Ava is a science lab assistant, math and biology tutor and a volunteer at Yad Ezra. Ava plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

ELLA FRANCIS

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Scott Francis

Huntington Woods

A 4.41 student, Ella was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, served as student body treasurer and participated in varsity swim, (captain), NHS and Science National Honor Society. Ella was also a member of the Michigan Department of Education Student Advisory Council. Ella plans to attend either the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, or Hope College.

EMILE JENKINS

Parent/Guardian: Melissa Jenkins

Berkley

A 4.51 student, Emile was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Emile ran a class on solving the Rubik’s Cube for Mensa International chapter and taught an Honors Calculus class. Emile volunteered for Camp Invention, a summer camp dedicated to foster STEM learning for kids K-6, and volunteered at the Berkley Cares Food Pantry every other week. Emile plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

JACOB CARTER

Parent/Guardian: Amy and John Carter

Madison Heights

A 4.43 student, Jacob was winner of the Maxfield Science Symposium, and awarded the M1 Griffins Varsity Hockey Top Academic Award (Bear Award). Jacob was vice president and cofounder of BHS Finance Club. Jacob volunteered through Ducks Unlimited and the duckDNA Research Project. Jacob plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

LUCY PUGH

Parent/Guardian: Brad and Megan Pugh

Huntington Woods

A 4.42 student, Lucy was honored as a National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, NISCA All-American Academic and MISCA All-State. Lucy was Captain for the Girls’ Swim and Dive team, committee leader for NHS, and helped organize charity swim meets for the Special Olympics and Paralympics and volunteered for Kids Coalition Against Hunger. Lucy plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

SAMUEL GEORGE

Parent/Guardian: Angela Povilaitis and Anthony George

Huntington Woods

A 4.37 student, Samuel was honored as NSLI-Y Chinese Alumni, Taiwan. Samuel participated in cross country, captain and served as NHS treasurer. Volunteer work included Environmental Club and tutoring. Samuel plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

THOMAS BOUCHOU

Parent/Guardian: Nicolas Bouchou

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.52 weighted GPA, Thomas was honored as Michigan DECA state champion (2x), 2nd best delegate at Oakland University Model United Nations (OUMUN) (2x), 1st best school and 3rd best school at OUMUN, and was awarded the Outstanding Student Achievement Award. Thomas participated in DECA, Model United Nations, Chinese National Honors Society, NHS, Neurology Youth Advocacy Association and was on the varsity soccer team and club soccer team at Liverpool Michigan Academy. Volunteer work included volunteering at Forgotten Harvest to prepare meals, various short-term volunteering for school (for theatre and music department) as well as local institutions (Bowers Farm).

MARK ASMAR

Parent/Guardian: Dima Kassis

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.0 student, Mark was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, Scholastics Silver Key, and National Merit Finalist. Mark participated in NHS (11,12), tennis (throughout high school, and Track and Field (9,10,11). Mark volunteered at Racquet Up Detroit.

JOHN COBB

Parent/Guardian: Mihaela and Brian Cobb

Bloomfield Hills

A 3.9 student, John was honored as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and Oakland Activities Association Scholar Athlete. John participated in cross country, track and field, robotics, NHS, Interact Club and Environmental Club. Volunteer service included volunteering with Gleaners food bank. John plans to attend Michigan State University.

GISELLE HADDAD

Parent/Guardian: Fatin Haddad

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.43 weighted GPA, Giselle was honored as an AP Scholar, IB Diploma Candidate, National Merit Scholarship Commended, Forensics Speech and Debate MSCI state champion and was awarded the Bronze Presidential Service Award (140 volunteer hours). Giselle participated in varsity basketball, Forensics Speech and Debate team captain, Science Olympiad team captain, Neurology Youth Advocacy Association chapter president and Genes in Diseases and Symptoms (GIDAS) Club president. Giselle also published Alzheimer’s disease research. Volunteer work included: miRcore Volunteer Program, conducting neurodegenerative research; fundraising for ALS and dementia research at the University of Michigan; volunteer at church’s vacation bible school and English choir; volunteer at Dementia Center, and Corewell Health Hospital discharge volunteer.

PARUS DHILLON

Parent/Guardian: Gagan Mann and Gursharan Dhillon

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.5 student, Parus was awarded Michigan DECA State Champion, AP Scholar with Distinction, and vice president of Leadership and 1st Place State Champion, DECA. Parus was honored at the North American International Auto Show: Plug and Play Startup Showcase, top 150 startups of Detroit; and was 1 of 18 Startup Founders selected for Detroit’s top Startup Accelerator-Tech Town. Parus was founder and CEO of Catalyst, a platform for activists, founder and account manager for Girls Just Wanna Have Equality; president and founder of Bloomfield Hills Entrepreneurship Club; co-president and founder of Bloomfield Hills HS History Revealed Club; and Category Captain, Forensics State Champion, Bloomfield Hills Forensics. Parus participated in Bloomfield Hills Varsity Basketball and Bloomfield Hills Cross Country.

BENJAMIN GUETTLER

Parent/Guardian: Deborah Guettler and Joseph Guettler

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted, and a 4.45 weighted GPA, Benjamin was an AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Commended Student. Awards received in high school included the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Medallion, the Harvard Prize Book Award (Harvard Alumni Association- Detroit Club), and DECA 2x District and 2023 State Champion (Entrepreneurship Event) and 2025 Business Growth Plan State Champion. Benjamin served on the Student Advisory Council for the Bloomfield Hills School Board, was director of Career Development and president of the school’s chapter of DECA, founder and president of ClubLink and vice president of the school’s NHS chapter. In sports, Benjamin was a member of the varsity football, lacrosse and wrestling (captain 3x) teams. Benjamin achieved the Eagle Scout Award with Bronze Palm and was Senior Patrol Leader, Troop 1022, Scouting America. He founded an automotive detailing firm and co-founded a medical startup replacing traditional triage with Al. Benjamin interned at Seid Enterprises, Inc. He is also a concert pianist. Benjamin plans to attend Duke University.

 

BRANDON HIGH SCHOOL

EDEN TAYLOR

Parent/Guardian: Andrew and Cheryl Taylor

Ortonville

Eden was honored as co-valedictorian and was the school’s number one Flint Metro League Scholar. She ended her fall semester with a GPA of 4.33 and was a dedicated STEM and AP student. She is the founder and president of the Brandon Math and Academics Club, dedicated to student peer-to-peer tutoring. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, knitting, and doing mind puzzles. She plans to attend Oakland University to study to become a high school math and English teacher.

HANNA PARDON

Parent/Guardian: Erika and Thomas Pardon

Clarkston

Hanna was honored as co-valedictorian, with a 4.33 GPA. Hanna participated in varsity volleyball, basketball, track and field, and was also a member of NHS and marching band/wind ensemble. In her spare time, she likes to bake and work out. Hanna will be attending Albion College to play volleyball, as well as study sports medicine or kinesiology to become an orthopedist or an athletic trainer.

 

BROTHER RICE HIGH SCHOOL

AIDEN BLAKE

Parent/Guardian: Kaylin and Jeff Blake

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.352 GPA student, Aiden was awarded the DAR Good Citizen Award and was 2x DECA State Qualifier. Aiden was president of the school’s NHS chapter and a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the Medical Club and Business Club. Aiden participated in varsity golf. Volunteer work included a Peru Immersion Mission Trip and serving as Christ Child House Event Leader. Aiden plans to attend the University of Notre Dame with a major in Neuroscience.

CHRISTOPHER CARDELLIO

Parent/Guardian: Kathleen & Matthew Cardellio

Beverly Hills

A 4.354 GPA student, Christopher was awarded AP Scholar with Honor, AP Scholar-Athlete, Cross Country and Scholastic All-Catholic Team, Cross Country. Christopher participated in NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Quiz Bowl and Cross Country. Christopher created and distributed 200 care packages for the homeless and volunteered at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School. Christopher plans to attend the University of Michigan.

DANIEL HOLT

Parent/Guardian: Karen and Brian Holt

Rochester

A 4.396 student, Daniel was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, Brother Rice Excellence Scholarship and Freshman Distinction Scholarship, IKE Guardian Angel Scholarship, 2024 Rochester Area Youth Assistance Leadership. 2023 Gene Reilly Unsung Hero Award from the MHSLCA, 3x Scholastic All-Catholic Team and Catholic League All-Academic Award. Daniel participated in varsity lacrosse throughout high school, Brother Rice E-Sports Team co-founder, captain, Kairos Retreat Leader, Marian Rice Players, Band of Brothers Small Group & Core Leader, Warrior Worship Choir, NHS, and Spanish Honor Society. Outside of school, Daniel served on Charlotte’s Wings Youth Council. Daniel plans to attend Vassar College for Computer Science and play on the lacrosse team.

HENRY CLEMENT

Parent/Guardian: Kelly and Michael Clement

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.375 student, Henry was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Commended. He was Debate Team Captain, Debate State Champion and 3x Debate National Qualifier, Quiz Bowl Captain, Robotics Safety Captain, Robotics Impact Award winner, and Catholic High School League All-Academic, (4 years). He was Brother Rice Video Game Club co-founder and Brother Rice E-Sports co-founder. He participated in golf, track, Marian Rice Players Theater, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Warrior Worship and Kairos Retreat Leader. Henry volunteered with Ike Fundraiser Run, Free Bikes for Kids Drive, Forgotten Harvest and SADD Detroit Charity Cookout. Henry plans to attend the University of Notre Dame School of Engineering.

LUKE BORGULA

Parent/Guardian: Theresa and Thomas Borgula

Oakland Twp.

A 4.351 student, Luke was awarded Band of Brothers Scholarship, The Spencer Cole and M. Scott Mitchell Memorial Scholarship, and Scholar Athlete Award, Skiing. Luke was Band of Brothers Core Leader and Kairos Retreat Leader, and participated in NHS (secretary), Spanish Honor Society, Warrior Worship (guitar player), and varsity skiing (captain). Luke plans to attend Michigan Technological University for Mechanical Engineering.

MATTHEW KRZESZEWSKI

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Daniel Krzeszewski

Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.351 student, Matthew participated in Latin Honor Society, NHS and Ski Team, serving as captain. Matthew plans to attend the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

MAX MCCARTHY

Parent/Guardian: Kathleen and Patrick McCarthy

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.39 student, Max was awarded All-Academic, Tennis and 3x Michigan Catholic All-Scholastic Team as part of the varsity tennis team. Max participated in NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Language Immersion Program in Spain, Quiz Bowl and served as a Kairos Retreat Leader. Max performed piano concerts at local senior centers and volunteered at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School. Max plans to attend the University of Michigan for Economics.

PATRICK CRETU

Parent/Guardian: Ecaterina and Adrian Cretu

Troy

A 4.357 student, Patrick was a National Merit Finalist, Medical Club president, Band of Brothers core leader, AP Scholar with Distinction, 4x Scholastic All-Catholic Team, (tennis), 3x Division 1 All-State tennis honoree, Division 1 Tennis Finalist and 4x Division 1 Tennis Regional Champion. Patrick played varsity tennis throughout high school, serving as captain for two years. He won multiple piano competitions, including national level American Guild of Music, and is also part of the choir at St. Sabbas Orthodox Monastery. Patrick participated in medical shadowing at Troy Beaumont Hospital, and plans to attend Hillsdale College for Biology or Biochemistry and play on the tennis team.

QUINN CALLAGHAN

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Sean Callaghan

Troy

A 4.396 student, Quinn was Debate State Champion, Band of Brothers vice president and National Honor Society vice president. Quinn participated in Latin Honor Society, Medical Club, Debate Club, Quizbowl, baseball and boxing. Quinn volunteered with the Humane Society blanket drive and as a volunteer for Downtown Boxing Gym. Quinn plans to attend University of Michigan for Political Science (pre-law).

 

DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

JAROD DUFIELD

Parent/Guardian: Darryl and Alena McDonald

Pinckney

A 4.971 GPA student, Jarod participated in DECA, HOSA, Spanish Honors Society (Officer), National Honor Society, golf, and cross country. Jarod is planning to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where he will major in Biomedical Engineering and Biology.

EDWARD BADEL

Parent/Guardian: Carlos and Andrea Badel

Dexter

A 4.861 student, Edward participated in the NHS, and was an officer for the Spanish Honor Society. Edward participated in Track and Field, and Cross Country, serving as captain of the Cross Country team. Edward will be attending the University of Michigan where he will major in Computer Science.

YECHIEL GUTIERREZ-DIAZ

Parent/Guardian: Ricardo Gutierrez and Danny Diaz

Northville

A 4.812 GPA student, Yechiel participated in HOSA, serving as an officer, Spanish Honor Society, serving as an officer, NHS, Swim and Dive, News Team, Drama Club, and Model UN. Yechiel will be attending the University of Michigan majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics.

CHRISTIAN BAKKAL

Parent/Guardian: Sermad and Kristie Bakkal

Commerce Township

A 4.771 GPA student, Christian was founder and president of the Middle Eastern Student Association, editor of Spectrum Newspaper, Finance Club board member, HOSA Future Health Professionals board member and Spanish Honor Society board member). Christian participated in DECA, NHS, Poetry Out Loud Competitor, Academic Team and JV Tennis Team. Christian will be attending the University of Michigan majoring in Pre-Med and Business.

AIDAN JANOSIK

Parent/Guardian: John and Colleen Janosik

Northville

A 4.715 GPA student, Aidan was senior class president, DECA State Champion & National Qualifier and Kairos Rector Leader. Aidan participated in tennis (captain), baseball, NHS and Finance Club. Aiden will be attending the University of Michigan Ross School of Business where he will major in finance.

IAN LEE

Parent/Guardian: Joon and Tricia Lee

Novi

A 4.741 GPA student, Ian participated in North Korean Human Rights Forums, American Institute of Architecture Students Chapter (founder/president, 2024 National Juror), Architecture Media Politics Society, published author (Journal of Student Research; Curieux Academic Journal; AMPS Conference), Varsity Esports – Overwatch, Valorant and Fortnite (captain; All-State), string orchestra (1st chair cellist; National School Orchestra Award), Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society (Associate Member), Spanish Honor Society (officer), Shamrock Prep Hockey Club, and Scholastic Art & Writing (Honorable Mention). Ian will be attending Johns Hopkins University to study Public Health on the pre-med track.

BRENDAN MATO

Parent/Guardian: Gerry and Nicole Mato

Farmington Hills

A 4.725 GPA student Brendan participated in Shamrock Media Team (head of announcing), Varsity Golf, National Honor Society, Rock Vitae and Spanish Honor Society. Brendan will attend the University of Notre Dame where he will major in business.

BENJAMIN TOWNE

Parent/Guardian: Margaret and Andrew Towne

Plymouth

A 4.704 GPA student, Benjamin was Spectrum Newspaper editor-in-chief, and was a member of the Quiz Bowl/Academic Team, NHS, Boys’ Bowl Mural (leader). Benjamin plans to attend either the College of William & Mary or the University of Michigan where he will major in geology and English.

TOMMY WATSON

Parent/Guardian: Peter and Alice Watson

Novi

A 4.694 GPA student, Tommy participated in Spanish Honors Society (officer), NHS, Cross Country (captain), Track and Field (captain).Tommy plans to attend the University of Michigan Ross School of Business where he will major in business finance.

DREW ABBOTT

Parent/Guardian: Kristin and Andrew Abbott

Northville

A 4.664 GPA student, Drew was involved in Track and Field (captain), Cross Country (captain), Swim and Dive, and NHS. Drew plans to attend either Kalamazoo College or the University of Michigan where he will major in biology.

 

EVEREST COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL

MADELYN KRAPPMANN

Parent/Guardian: George Krappmann and Lynda Burbary-Krappmann

Clarkston

A 4.3158 student, Madelyn was honored as summa cum laude and was awarded the Senior Distinguished Service Award, Scholar-Athlete Award, AP Scholar and National Merit Finalist. Madelyn participated in varsity volleyball and track and field throughout high school, and was a regional medalist and state qualifier in track and field, and also volleyball state champion and 1st team All-State (2023 and 2024). Madelyn participated in band, student government, a high school musical, NHS, ECYD, and Outreach Club. Volunteer work included volunteering with Outreach Club, Grace Centers of Hope, and PB and J Missions. Madelyn plans to attend Hillsdale College.

 

FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

SYED TANZEEL AHSAN

Parent/Guardian: Syed Tabish Ahsan and Maheen Hyder

Farmington Hills

With a 3.9583 unweighted and a 4.4792 weighted GPA, Syed was honored as a National Merit Finalist and awarded the Soaring Falcon Award (for promoting inclusivity and belonging). In HOSA, Syed was a four-time regional finalist and a state finalist in the Pathophysiology event. Syed was a member of the IB Student Leadership Executive Board; vice president of the Muslim Student Association; Varsity Quiz Bowl captain; and co-founder of the FHS esports team, which earned 2nd place in the state competition. Syed volunteered at Henry Ford Health and was a member of the youth committee at a local religious center. Syed plans to attend the University of Michigan to study pre-med.

AMRITA RENDUCHINTALA

Parent/Guardian: Nagesh and Naga Renduchintala

Farmington

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.83 weighted GPA, Amrita was awarded the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish) – 2024; Scholastic Art and Writing Awards-Gold Key, Drawing & Illustration (2025); Farmington Public Schools Award of Excellence; Michigan PTA Acorn Awards; Farmington Youth Assistance Youth Recognition Award; National Merit Finalist and Scholar; HOSA ILC Top 10 Finalist; and HOSA 3rd Place-Medical Law & Ethics (2024). Amrita participated in NHS, National Art Honor Society, PTSA Student Leaders Group, HOSA, Amnesty International, HAVEN of Oakland Youth Advisory Board, Sculpture Club, 2025 TEDx FHS Youth Event, (speaker). Amrita volunteered at Fleece and Thank You, Farmington/Farmington Hills Library, FPS CLASS ELL Summer School Program and FPS Camp READ and Wonder. Amrita plans to pursue a career in the healthcare field, and begin college on the pre-medicine track.

AKSHAY KUMAR

Parent/Guardian: Senthil Kumar and Gayathiri Sekar

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.39 weighted GPA, Akshay was awarded the Gold PVSA, NMSQT and the AP Scholar with Distinction. Akshay was involved in Robotics, Varsity Tennis, BPA, DECA, the Quiz Bowl and Band. He volunteers at the Islamic Cultural Association of Michigan and Seva. Akshay plans to attend the University of Michigan, College of Engineering.

ZAINAB AHMED

Parent/Guardian: Mohammad Ahmed and Azra Tazhin

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and 4.4524 weighted GPA, Zainab was a National Merit Scholarship finalist and recipient; AP scholar with honor, and a medalist in Farmington Hills Junior Optimist’s essay and oratorical contests. Other awards included 3x regional medalist, 2x state medalist and 1x international qualifier for HOSA Future Health Professionals; and 3x regional medalist for Business Professionals of America. Zainab was NHS president, Muslim Student Association president throughout high school, Parent-Teacher Student Association vice president, Farmington HOSA board and Michigan HOSA state officer in 12th grade, Detroit Muslim Interscholastic Tournament team captain, 8x medalist at MIST Detroit and University of Michigan Health Sciences Pre-College participant. Zainab volunteered at the Fairmont Senior Living home. Zainab plans to attend either the University of Michigan or Wayne State (on the pre-med path, presidential scholarship).

BRANDON DAIL

Parent/Guardian: Brandon and Raeshell Dail

Farmington Hills

With a 3.98 unweighted and a 4.5 weighted GPA, Brandon was awarded All-Oakland Athletic Conference Scholar Athletic Award (basketball); Farmington Public Schools Award of Excellence; National Merit Commended Scholar; highest score of 1 in the MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival – regional level; score of 2 in MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival – state level; College Board National African American Recognition Award; and Business Professional of America Regional Winner & State Qualifier (1st place) in team event. Brandon was a participant of Ross School of Business Pre-College Program, member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and IB Student Leadership Executive Board member. Brandon was a member of FHS Symphonic Band (trumpet and euphonium) and the varsity basketball team. Brandon mentored and tutored underclassmen, was founder of a sports media business and YouTube content creator. Brandon participated in a service trip to the Dominican Republic, and volunteered at community events through the IB program. Brandon plans to study business at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

 

FERNDALE HIGH SCHOOL

DIONNE MURRY

Parent/Guardian: Tomika Murry

Oak Park

With a 4.2619 GPA, Dionne received the National African American Recognition Program Award and the Ferndale High School Concert Orchestra Rising Eagle Award. Dionne is a member of the NHS, Ferndale’s United Student Assembly, Ferndale’s Marching Band, Ferndale’s Winter Guard, Ferndale’s Symphony Orchestra, Girl Scouts, and EMU’s Honors Orchestra. Dionne plans to attend Michigan State University.

EVELYN MEYERSIECK

Parent/Guardian: Amy Degens-Meyersieck

Ferndale

With a weighted GPA of 4.4524, Evelyn received the following awards: Academic Award in Varsity Track, Award for Academic Excellence in AP Calculus at CASA (the Center of Advanced Studies and the Arts), and Solo and Ensemble Districts 1 Ranking. Evelyn participated in varsity cross country, varsity track, marching band as section leader, pit orchestra for Ferndale High School musicals, violinist, NHS, and she works at Regina’s Food Truck. Evelyn plans to attend Michigan State University.

 

HAZEL PARK HIGH SCHOOL

KATHRYN CHAPPELL

Parent/Guardian: Rick and Mary-Kathryn Chappell

Hazel Park

A 4.0341 student, Kathryn participated in varsity bowling, varsity basketball, varsity softball and varsity volleyball. Awards included a Division 3 MHSIBCA Scholarship Award, Girls M.A.C. All Conference Team for bowling (all four years), MVP for bowling team (three years) and First Team Best and Brightest for volleyball. Kathryn participated in NHS serving as secretary. Outside of school, volunteer work included serving at SOS Oakland Shelter, vacation bible school and serving on mission trips. Kathryn plans to attend Central Methodist University to major in elementary education and to bowl and play softball.

RAELYN HEMPLE

Parent/Guardian: Charles and Susan Hemple

Hazel Park

A 4.0356 student, Raelyn was honored with Student of the Month and MVP for Swim Team. Raelyn was Senior Class Vice President, NHS Vice President and participated in Varsity Swim, Varsity Tennis, Drama Club. Raelyn volunteered at Swim Camp and at local elementary schools. Raellyn plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University majoring in psychology.

 

HOLLY HIGH SCHOOL

ANGELA WALKER

Parent/Guardian: Carl and Cynthia Walker

With a composite GPA/SAT score of 6,580, Angela was honored as salutatorian and awarded the Roy and Elena Lahring Salutatorian Scholarship and the Flint Metro Conference Academic All-League award. Angela was a member of Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society and NHS, and participated in varsity swim/dive and the school lead in the spring musical “Six.” Angela plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a University of Michigan Regents Scholarship.

ALEXANDER CHEN

Parent/Guardian: Steven and Jie Chen

Holly

With a composite GPA/SAT score of 6,678, Alexander was honored as valedictorian and awarded the Roy and Elena Lahring Valedictorian Scholarship, the Flint Metro Conference Academic All-League award, the VanGilder Math/Science Award, and the HHS Alumni Bravender Award in Math. Alexander was a member of the NHS, serving as secretary and Spanish National Honor Society. Alexander plans to attend the University of Michigan to study computer science.

 

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OKMA

MORGAN MCKIMMY

Parent/Guardian: Matthew and Emily McKimmy

Royal Oak

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Morgan was named valedictorian and received the Chemistry Department award, German Department award, honorable mention at Michigan State Model United Nations XXIII, Best Delegate at Michigan State Model United Nations XXIV and First Place at University of Michigan German Day. Morgan participated with the Economics Club as co-president, Model UN head delegate, German Honor Society, NHS, and captain of DCFC South Oakland Open Girls Rouge soccer. Volunteer work included Food Rescue US volunteer and founder of the MiTown Economics Challenge. Morgan plans to attend the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a major in economics.

STEFANIE SCHNEIDER

Parent/Guardian: Marlene De Andrade and Gert Schneider

Oakland Twp.

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Stefanie was honored as valedictorian, National Merit Finalist, and US Presidential Scholars Program Candidate. Other awards included President’s Volunteer Service Award, WXYZ Brightest and Best, FIRST Robotics Dean’s List semi-finalist, Physics Department Award and Chemistry Department Award. Stefanie participated in Robotics-mechanical system lead, The Robot Garage-event lead, German Honor Society officer, physics research assistant, NHS, Latine Hispanic Culture Club co-president, was a math and physics tutor, and volunteered with She’s the First Girls Advisory Council. Stefanie plans to attend the University of Michigan for mechanical engineering.

MINJUN KIM

Parent/Guardian: Jaemin Kim and Eugene Kim

Rochester Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Minjun was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and Scholarship recipient, Genes in Space Finalist, 2x State Champion in Science Olympiad Codebusters, received the miRcore computational biology “Best Research” Award and was selected to MSBOA All-State Orchestra, three years. Minjun served as co-concertmaster of Oakland Youth Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Community Schools Board of Education Representative, IAC Science Olympiad co-captain, IAC GIDAS chapter president, Biology Club co-president, and participated in Stoney Creek HS Track Team, three-year varsity hurdler. Volunteer work included music therapy volunteer at Trinity Health and Neighborhood House Youth Ambassadors captain. Minjun plans to attend Brown University to pursue a double major in computational biology and music.

ZANE DAHABRA

Parent/Guardian: Taha Dahabra and Sonia Harb

Huntington Woods

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Zane was honored as valedictorian, summa cum laude, and awarded 2024 Young Adult President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2023 Teen President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2023 and 2024 Michigan Community Impact Awards, United Nations National Community Service Awards and 2023 Certificate of Excellence Award. Zane participated in BuildOn Club (board member), Biology Club (tutor), Chemistry Club, board member and tutor, Spanish Honor Society tutor, Genes in Diseases and Symptoms (GIDAS) Club, and varsity tennis. Volunteer work included patient registration and medical assistant trainee at Berkley Urgent Care, Teen Grantmaking Initiative board member at Center for Arab American Philanthropy, IGNITE Youth Driven Spaces conference planner, and Zoo Corps program participant. Zane plans to attend the University of Michigan.

JACKSON OTLEWSKI

Parent/Guardian: Cynthia Pike and Doug Otlewski

Rochester Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Jackson was honored as valedictorian, summa cum laude, National Merit Finalist, Amy Aplin Memorial Scholarship recipient, Oakland County Bar, Association Diversity in the Law Scholarship recipient and received the Rochester Area Youth Assistance Service Award, History Department Award, Jazz Band Department Award and President’s Volunteer Service Award (3 years). Jackson participated in Rochester Hills Government Youth Council (4 years), BuildOn! board member, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Tri M Music Honor Society and Peer Corp. Jackson was a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensemble, (4 years), IA Jazz Band and Full Orchestra, (principal trumpet), and played piano (11 years). Jackson volunteered at Meals on Wheels delivery, American House, Rochester Hills Cultural Diversity fair volunteer coordinator, and City of Rochester Hills Clerk’s Office election. Jackson plans to attend Carnegie Mellon University.

FERNANDA SALMON

Parent/Guardian: Humberto Salmon

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, was honored as valedictorian, 2025 Presidential Scholars candidate and won the regional competition for mock trial state semi-finalist in forensics. Fernanda was captain of the varsity mock trial team, board member of GHS Phoenix Theatre Company, co-founder of the She’s the First Girls Advisory Council and math tutor. Fernanda plans to attend Georgetown University SFS to study culture and politics.

CRISTINA TET

Parent/Guardian: Anamaria and Florian Tet

Rochester Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Cristina was honored as valedictorian. Cristina was swim team captain, and participated in Robotics for Team 3538, Biology Club, STUCO, NHS and French Honor Society. Cristina was a volunteer at MARL animal shelter, First Robotics, FTC and a tutor for sciences and French. Cristina plans to attend the University of Maastricht, Netherlands.

SANJITH SAMBATH

Parent/Guardian: Sowmiya Duraisamy and Sambath Varadharajan

Rochester Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Sanjith was honored as valedictorian, 4-Star Leadership Scholar, Congressional Leadership Scholar, National Merit Finalist, Euro Challenge Finalist, Carson Scholar, Point of Light Honoree and Acorn2Oak Grant Recipient. Awards included VFW Voice of Democracy, Key2Finesse Outstanding Volunteer, Optimist Speech Contest and CareerWrite Essay Contest Winner, Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Michigan Community Impact Award and RCS Heart for Service Scholarship. Sanjith participated in FRC Robotics Team 469-Pit Crew & Drive Team, Model United Nations-Head Delegate, Economics Club-board member and Euro Challenge mentor, Oakland University Human-Centered Engineering Lab-Researcher, Student Senate-class representative and officer, NASA Ames-Research Fellow and served as a MarkSetBot engineering intern. Volunteer work included Writing for a Cause founder and director, Key2Finesse executive board member and social media lead, and FIRST Robotics in Michigan Youth Advisory Council Outreach Lead. Sanjith plans to attend the University of Michigan Electrical Engineering.

ALEXANDER ZHANG

Parent/Guardian: Jun Zhang and Yan Zhang

Oakland Twp.

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Alexander was honored as valedictorian and received the 2024 GIDAS University of Michigan Research Conference Best Poster Award for research on Parkinson’s Disease. Awards included Science Olympiad – 6th Astronomy Ohio State Invitational, 2nd Place Astronomy and Forensics Regional and 3rd Place Forestry Regionals. Alexander was a member of the Science Olympiad team, secretary of Genes in Diseases and Symptoms (GIDAS), and participated in research at Johns Hopkins University focusing on implementation of high density electrodes for enhanced prostheses functionality and intuitiveness. Alexander volunteered at the Detroit Zoo. Alexander plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in engineering.

 

INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY

NANCY GONZALEZ

Parent/Guardian: Olivia Gonzalez

Pontiac

A 4.6279 student, Nancy was honored with All A award, Dean’s Award, HTML and CSS certification, National Honor Technical Society, Generative AI certification, Top 15% Nationally – Poetry in America and the Seal of Biliteracy. Nancy participated in Robotics-Team 51, OSTC computer programming, Wings of Fire, NHS, Jazz Band, Marching Band and Concert Band. Nancy volunteered for Road Clean Up – Adopt a Highway and volunteered at Robotic Events programming and as a mentor for an FLL teams (Robotics). Nancy will attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

 

LAKE ORION HIGH SCHOOL

AIDEN CALLAHAN

Parent/Guardian: Deborah and Edward Callahan

Lake Orion

With a 4.46 GPA, Aiden was awarded the Presidential Scholar Award from Oakland University, Michigan State Honors College, Professorial Assistant at Michigan State, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award from the University of Michigan, Performance and Test awards for District 7 DECA, Test award at DECA States, AP Scholar with Distinction award, VFW Voice of America Regional Award, Business Ethics Contest Award, World Conservation Award, and National Outdoors Camping Award. Aiden was awarded the Eagle Scout award and served as a Senior Patrol Leader of Scouting Troop 1610. Aiden participated in varsity cross country and track, member of NHS, treasurer of the Science National Honors Society, Youth Advisory Council member, Distributive Educational Clubs of America, Health Occupational Students of America, American Red Cross, and Sources of Strength. Aiden volunteered through NHS and Science National Honors Society, and at Trinity Health Oakland. Aiden plans to study neuroscience in the Honors College and as a professorial assistant at Michigan State University on a pre-medical track.

ANTHONY DAMIANO

Parent/Guardian: Mark and Kristen Damiano

Clarkston

With a 4.48 GPA, Anthony was awarded an AP Scholar with Distinction award and honored as a DECA Food Marketing Series State Champion. Anthony participated in soccer, volleyball, weightlifting, DECA, HOSA, NHS, Science National Honors Society and Math National Honors Society. Anthony plans to attend the University of Michigan, to study anesthesiology pathway and nutrition.

ONYX SEPPALA

Parent/Guardian: E. Andrew Seppala and Christine Seppala

Lake Orion

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.51 weighted GPA with 10 AP classes, Onyx was awarded an AP Scholar with Distinction Award, Oakland Activities Scholar Athlete Award, Detroit News Outstanding High School Senior. Onyx was captain of the ski team and member of NHS, Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honors Society), Science National Honors Society, and student member of the Detroit Economics Club. Onyx plans to attend the University of Michigan to study nuclear engineering, to work on fusion energy research.

JIMENA OCHOA-RUIZ

Parent/Guardian: Laura Ruiz and Ivan Ochoa

Lake Orion

A 4.48 student, Jimena was awarded Lamp of Learning Award (4 years), Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit, and second-time winner of varsity tennis Sportsmanship Award. Jimena participated in varsity tennis, (captain, senior year), Bloomfield Tennis Club, Math National Honors Society – vice president, NHS – parliamentarian, and Science National Honors Society. Jimena plans to study biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan, and then pursue a master’s degree.

SIDDHARTH MUMMANENI

Parent/Guardian: Sreelatha Chalasani and Yeshwant Mummaneni

Oakland Twp.

A 4.63 student, Siddharth was honored as Johns Hopkins Global Health Leadership Conference speaker, and awarded Special Congressional Recognition for Cultural Outreach, Congressional Record and Letter of Recommendation, two-time MWPA All-State Scholar Athlete, Water Polo Most Inspirational Award, National Merit Commendation, and AP Scholar with Distinction award. Siddharth participated in HOSA, (founder and president of school chapter), Sources of Strength executive officer, Student Leadership treasurer, NHS vice president, Congressional Youth Council member, varsity water polo captain and also served as a research intern for Henry Ford Hospital Multiple Sclerosis. Siddharth plans to attend Johns Hopkins University to study neuroscience on the pre-med track.

 

LAMPHERE HIGH SCHOOL

LINDSAY ZOU

Parent/Guardian: Chaun Yong Zou and Feng Shen Lin

Madison Heights

A 4.20 student, Lindsay was selected for the University of Michigan Aspirant Summer Research Internship Program. Lindsay participated in the Medicine Club, NHS and marching band.

 

MADISON HIGH SCHOOL

CHRISTOPHER STOKES

Parent/Guardian: Marlon Stokes Sr.

Highland Park

A  4.1 student, Christopher was honored as Student of the Month; 4x year All-A Honor Roll and District Student of the Month. Christopher participated in junior varsity/varsity basketball, marching band (drum major), Student Council, NHS, Benevolence Club, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. Christopher volunteered at Detroit Symphony Orchestra concerts. Christopher plans to attend the University of Michigan Ann Arbor – to major in creative writing and minor in urban development.

ASHUR SHIKHA

Parent/Guardian: Linda Sulaiman and Johnny Shikha

Madison Heights

A 4.0169 student, Ashur was honored in Top 10 class of 2025, salutatorian, summa cum laude and a member of NHS. Ashur plans to attend Detroit Mercy, Oakland University-to become a dental hygienist or dentist.

DEQUANJE JERMAINE MILTON JR.

Parent/Guardian: Amanda Marie Anderson

Pontiac

A 3.8854 student, Dequanje was honored as Top 10, magna cum laude, and Student of the Month. Dequanje was a member of National Technical Honor Society and NHS, and participated in basketball, track and field. Dequanje plans to attend Michigan State University to study marketing.

JACK SHILIN LIU

Parent/Guardian: Qing Liu

Madison Heights

A 3.7188 student, Jack was honored as Top 10, magna cum laude and participated in NHS, Dollars for Scholars and volunteered at Madison High School’s World Fair, tutoring and Wilkinson Middle School’s Science Night. Jack plans to attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn to major in business.

SERENITY WILLIAMS

Parent/Guardian: Catrina Lee

Auburn Hills

A 3.7188 student, Serenity was awarded Student of the Month (2x) and MVP (3x). Serenity participated in NHS, Student Council, volleyball, softball, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Math Corp. and volunteered spending time with the elderly, tutoring and camp counselor. Serenity plans to attend Grand Valley State University to study business administration and psychology.

NATHAN GARNER

Parent/Guardian:  Holly Garner

Madison Heights

A 3.5798 student, Nathan was honored as a Top 10 student, cum laude, received ASE certifications and participated in NHS. Nathan plans to attend Oakland Community College to pursue a career in the trades.

JASLENE DANA AMIR LILLY

Parent/Guardian: Dana Lilly Givens

Pontiac

A 3.4071 student, Jaslene was honored as a Top 10 student. Jaslene participated in varsity volleyball, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars, NHS, Drama Club, Student Council and volunteered at Madison Elementary. Jaslene plans to attend Oakland University to study political science with a  specialization in courts, justice and politics.

MARIAH VAUGHAN

Parent/Guardian: Teoana Tucker

Pontiac

A 3.3 student, Mariah was honored as a Top 10 of class, and participated in Cheer. Mariah plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University.

ERICA PATRICK

Parent/Guardian: Michelle Mitchell

Detroit

A 3.3 student, Erica was honored as a Top 10 of class, participated in drama club, yearbook, and senior committee. Erica plans to attend Wayne State University for biochemistry and biology.

JAIDAN DORSEY

Parent/Guardian: Mary Hall-Pavlak

Madison Heights

A 3.29 student, Jaidan was honored as Student of the Month, NTHS and GM Student Corps MVP. Jaidan participated in Oakland School Technical Campus (OSTC) student leadership, Student Council, comic book and anime club, E-Sports, Madison First robotics, former team captain and OSTC Robotics team member, and MAT Squared apprenticeship program.

 

MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

ADA KOWALEWSKI

Parent/Guardian: Kathy and Don Kowalewski

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.378 student, Ada was awarded Mathematics Award (2x), Courtney Johns Memorial Scholarship, CHSL All League, CHSL All Academic, Leadership Award, High Honors Achievement Award and Student of the Month. Ada was Class Board secretary, and participated in varsity field hockey (captain), Marian Medical Club, varsity pompon, varsity lacrosse, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, MRP, and served as raffle skit and field day coordinator, blood drive coordinator for Disaster Relief Club, Ambassador Club (officer) and Pastoral team. Ada volunteered as a supply sorter (World Medical Relief) and American Red Cross blood drive volunteer. Ada plans to attend the University of Alabama.

ELLA KENNEDY

Parent/Guardian: Jodie and Tom Kennedy

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.368 student, Ella was honored with Track High Character Award, All Catholic All Region, DECA state finalist, Global Seal of Biliteracy, 4 year Scholastic All Catholic Award, High Honors Achievement Award, and Modern Languages award. Ella was a member of Spanish Honor Society-president, DECA, study abroad-Chile, Model UN president and varsity track and cross country. Volunteer work included tutoring at La Casa Amiga and Vorbeer/translator, and volunteering at St. Anne’s Food bank. Ella plans to attend Brown University.

MYRNA GILBERT

Parent/Guardian: Eva Gilbert

Farmington Hills

A 4.367 student, Myrna was honored with the Saint Timothy Award, Dad’s Club Service Award, Science Medal of Honor, Theology Medal of Honor, All-Catholic Academic team, Sr. Dorothy Peltier IHM Science and Math Scholarship, Academic Merit Scholarship, and Richard T. Healy Jr. Scholarship. Myrna participated in Medical Club (president), NHS (secretary), All School Board representative, STEM Honors Society, Art Honors Society, and Spanish Honors Society. Myrna participated in a mission trip to Honduras (2024) and a mission trip to Lima, Peru (2025). Other volunteer work included serving as a patient transporter at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, St. Thomas Chaldean Church Youth Altar server leader, St. Thomas Chaldean Church tutor, and Our Lady of Sorrows parish cantor. Myrna plans to attend the University of Michigan.

SUSANNAH NANCY KLEIN

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and David Klein

Troy

A  4.367 student, Susannah was awarded the High Honors Achievement Award (4x), Scholastic All-Catholic award (3x), Raymond J. Nagu scholarship, AP Scholar with Honor award, and Harvard Prize Book award. Susannah participated in Ambassador Club, varsity ski club (captain), varsity lacrosse and varsity field hockey, NHS, Disaster Relief Club, Spanish Honor Society and Medical Club. Susannah volunteered as an assistant catechist and served on a mission trip to Honduras. Susannah plans to attend the University of Michigan.

CHARLOTTE MARIE BINGHAM

Parent/Guardian: John Bingham

Rochester

A 4.362 student, Charlotte was honored with Scholastic All Catholic Academic Team award (2022), Math Department award (2022 and 2025), AP Scholar with Honor Award (2024), George Eastman Award (2024), Red Glasses Award, National Art Honors Society, Marian Class Citizenship Award (2025) and DECA State Qualifier (2x). Charlotte served as All School Board president and participated in varsity basketball, varsity soccer, and JV volleyball, football, track, NHS, Marian Mindset Project and Oxford Study Abroad Program. Charlotte served as a Speak by Design internship. Charlotte volunteered at Kensington Church-Lake Orion, Springhill Summer Camp, Project Care and International Samaritan mission trip to Honduras. Charlotte plans to attend Vanderbilt University.

MARIANNA BECHARAS

Parent/Guardian: Carrie and DJ Becharas

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.341 student, Marianna was awarded All State, All League, All Catholic, All County, and All Academic swimmer, archdiocese All Academic team, Spanish and language department certificate of achievement, Elizabeth O’Donnell Baer Memorial Scholarship, and Sister Lenore IHM Endowed Scholarship. Marianna participated in varsity swimming, varsity lacrosse, Disaster Relief Club president, Marian Medical Club, Marian Mindset project, Ambassador Club, All School Board representative, swim captain, MRP, NHS and Spanish Honor Society. Volunteer work included World Medical Relief volunteer, Christ Child volunteer, and summer camp counselor. Marianna plans to attend the University of Michigan.

RUBY SUZANNE JANSEN

Parent/Guardian: Jon Jansen

Canton

A 4.336 student, Ruby was honored with Distinguished Alumni of Tomorrow award, Medal of Honor-social studies, Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, Spanish, Catholic All Scholastic team (4 year), Kerry A. Kerby Memorial scholarship and Sister Lenore M. Pochelski scholarship. Ruby participated in varsity basketball (captain), Marian Girls Flag Football, (founder and captain), Mind and Heart magazine editor, Marian Mindset project – writing and research team, NHS, Spanish Honors Society and National Art Honor Society. Volunteer work included serving on a missionary trip with International Samaritan to Honduras, nursing unit volunteer at Corewell Health, Sunday School teacher at North Ridge Church, and volunteer for Wish Upon a Teen. Ruby plans to attend the University of Michigan.

HEIDI JANE CARROLL

Parent/Guardian: Amy and Mark Carroll

Birmingham

A 4.318 student, Heidi was awarded Arch-Diocese of Detroit All-Academic, McNally Service Scholarship, All-League Lacrosse, All-Academic-Volleyball, Volleyball-Mustang Athlete Award and Dave Feldman Award, History Award of Academic Excellence and DECA state qualifier. Heidi served as Class of 2025 vice chair, and participated in varsity volleyball (captain), varsity lacrosse (captain), NHS president, National Spanish Honors Society, National Art Honor Society, and National STEM Honor Society. Volunteer work included camp leader at Our Lady of Guadalupe through Saint Regis Church and International Samaritan Mission trip to Honduras. Heidi plans to attend the University of Notre Dame.

EMERSON WALTON

Parent/Guardian: Michele and Edward Walton

Birmingham

A 4.316 student, Emerson was awarded Archdiocese of Detroit All Catholic Academic Team, 3x, High Honors Achievement Award 4x, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony award, and Mathematics Achievement Award. Emerson participated in varsity soccer, as team manager for Manan XC and T+F, Project Care, Ambassador’s Club, NHS, and National Art Honor Society. Emerson volunteered at the Friendship Circle. Emerson plans to attend the University of Michigan.

MADELINE BULEY

Parent/Guardian: Thomas Buley

Beverly Hills

A 4.311 student, Madeline was a FIRST Robotics Competition Dean’s List Finalist, and awarded Samyn Akao Science Scholarship, English Medal of Honor, Sr. Christa de Primo Science scholarship, Science/English/Social Studies Achievement Awards and Society of Women Engineers Madame Curie Award. Madeline participated in Systems Lead of robotics team, co-president of NSTEM, lacrosse team (manager senior year), crew for high school musical, and NHS. Volunteer work included FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Lego League mentor (grade school Robotics) teen service team member at Spring Hill Camps, fundraiser for Relay For Life, and class leader at First Presbyterian Church. Madeline plans to attend the University of Michigan.

 

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL

MAEVE CASEY

Parent/Guardian: Kristen and Patrick Casey

Northville

A 3.99 student, Maeve was honored as valedictorian. Maeve participated in Spanish Honors Society, officer, Youth Mercy Associates, leader, Kairos Retreat, leader/student director, Mercy Varsity Golf team captain, varsity golf, varsity lacrosse, Mercy Mission and Ministry, NHS, Mercy Science Club, and Mercy Girls and Money Club. Maeve served as a NHS tutor and Open House Tour Guide. Outside of school, Maeve volunteered at PB&J Outreach, teaching girls hockey, Rise Conference student leader, Sisters of Mercy Prayer Service, and Jubilee events.

TESSA O’DONNELL

Parent/Guardian: Kelly and Neil O’Donnell

Plymouth

A 4.0 student, Tessa was honored as salutatorian. Tessa participated in NHS (officer), Newsprint editor-in-chief, Link Crew leader and commissioner, varsity cross country (captain), varsity track and field, JV basketball team (captain), freshman basketball (captain), Focus Hope representative, One-Love workshop leader, Spanish Honors Society, Youth Mercy Associates, Mercy Pre-Med Club, Animal Rights Club, Debate Club and also served as student co-coordinator of the AP Fair. Volunteer work outside of school included peer mentor at PARCLife ABA Therapy Center and volunteer assistant leader at Vacation Bible School.

 

NORTH FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

ADVAITH VIJAYAN

Parent/Guardian: Abirami Vijayan, Vijayan Sankaran

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and 4.414 weighted GPA, Advaith was honored with an AP Scholar with Honor award-2024, Business Professionals of America Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications Awards (2021-2024), and BPA Small Business Management award. Advaith was vice president of BPA, vice president of Culture Shock, NHS member, and participated in varsity tennis team, MHSAA Regional Champion, state qualifier. Music awards for piano included Farmington Musicale Second Place-2022, Michigan Music Festival awards, and Virtual Association of International Musicians awards. Advaith served as Material Science and AI research assistantship under Professor Srikanth Pilla of University of Delaware; MTS Tamil School Teaching Assistant; and served an Eaton Labs Research Internship in 3D printing and AI mechanics. Volunteer work included fundraising lead for Asha for Education-Toledo, to help reconstruct a rural school in India. Advaith served on the Mayor’s Youth Council as a co-chair/co-president for the city of Farmington Hills. Advaith plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor-College of Engineering.

ALEXANDRE PEREIRA

Parent/Guardian: Vanessa Almeida and Marcos Pereira

Farmington Hills

With a 3.7 unweighted GPA, Alexandre’s awards included AP Scholar award, National Hispanic Recognition Program, Individual All Academic Award (MIHSSCA), Scholar Athlete (OAA) and All State Academic Award (FPS). Alexandre was a cellist in the North Farmington Symphony Orchestra, first chair and section leader (senior year), Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association State Solo and Ensemble top score. Alexandre participated in Hackbots Robotics Team 3414, NHS, soccer and lacrosse. Alexandre completed independent research projects, created an educational website for mathematics and physics concepts and job shadowed lead test engineer at Orbion Space Technology. Alexandre participated in citizen science projects and initiatives, nearly 250 hours, and created a citizen science project through Zooniverse called “AI Illustrated Text.” Alexandre plans to attend Michigan State University.

CLOUD JAMES

Parent/Guardian: Collin James/Yasuko James

Farmington Hills

A 3.8 student, Cloud was awarded an academic letter award, Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, Individual All Academic Award, Scholar Athlete award, AP scholar award, and Level N1 Japanese Language proficiency test certificate. Cloud participated in varsity soccer, NHS, Recycling Club and Japanese Club. Outside of school, Cloud was president of nonprofit Ensemble Hanabi. Cloud plans to attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

HAMDAAN FYSUDEEN

Parent/Guardian: Fysudeen Mohamed Mathar

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.44 weighted GPA, Hamdaan was awarded the Farmington Public School Superintendent’s Award of Excellence, (freshman year) Junior Optimist International Personal Growth & Involvement Gold Award (1 of 2 in Michigan), Business Professionals of America Financial Analyst State 6th, Extemporaneous Speech Regional 1st, State 8th, the Business Professionals of America Ambassador Torch Award (National), and DECA Principles of Business Management State Finalist. Hamdaan was president of the Farmington Public Schools Student Round Table, state co-president of Junior Optimist International, class co-president of NFHS Junior Optimist Club, student liaison, City Council Voter Registration Committee, class co-president of NFHS Freshman Board, co-vice president of student senate and secretary of DECA. Hamdaan volunteered as a research assistant/volunteer, Boys & Girls Club of SE Michigan. Hamdaan plans to attend Columbia University.

KEVAL SHAH

Parent/Guardian: Kavita Shah

Farmington Hills

A 3.875 student, Keval was honored as an AP Scholar with Distinction (National, 11), National Merit Commended (National, 12), Scholar Athlete (School, 11, 12) and DECA Regional Finalist (State/Regional, 10, 11). Keval was co-founder and president of Financial Literacy Club, NFHS chapter, and Political Debate Club, NFHS, co-founder and vice president. Keval participated in Boys Varsity Tennis (11,12), varsity tennis and was stage manager of Culture Shock, District-wide Dance Club (12), Outside of school, Keval served as executive board and team lead for Key2Finesse, a student-run nonprofit, (11,12), volunteer for Abhi Shah Foundation, served on education committee for Young Jains of America (11) and was vice president of Jain Organization of Youth at the Jain Society of Greater Detroit (12). Keval plans to attend the University of Michigan.

MARY JO TAKEUCHI

Parent/Guardian: Qing Takeuchi

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.3 weighted GPA, Mary Jo was honored with the AP Scholars with Distinction award (2024); HOSA Barbara James Service Award – Bronze level (2024), HOSA State Conference – Top Seven in Behavioral Health (2024, 2025); PTA Reflections Visual Arts – Gold Medalist (2022, 2023); National Geographic Learning Recognition awards; and Business Professionals of America State Conference – Second Place in Health Administration (2025). She was Class Board president (2023-2024) and secretary (2022-2023); and a member of the student senate and student senate executive board; North Farmington American Red Cross – treasurer (2024-2025), North Farmington Junior Optimist – Treasurer (2024-2025), North Farmington Recycling Club/Green Team – co-president (2023-2025); and a member of Link Crew and NHS. Volunteer work included volunteering at Camp Skywild, Farmington Community Library, Country Oaks Elementary, Days for Girls, and Crossroads Soup Kitchen. She plans to attend the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

SRIVATSAN BALAJI

Parent/Guardian: Balaji Ramaswamy

Farmington Hills

A 4.49 student, Srivatsan was awarded National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Business Professionals of America National Ambassador Torch Award, MISCA State Academic All-State, and November 2021 District Spotlight Recipient. Srivatsan was varsity swim team captain, varsity cross country team captain, HOSA Future Health Professionals chapter president, Model United Nations Club vice-president, Business Professionals of America Club vice-president, and NHS class representative. Srivatsan plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue Computer Engineering.

VICTOR YEN

Parent/Guardian: Stephen Yen

Farmington Hills

With an unweighted GPA of 3.9762 and a weighted GPA of 4.4048, Victor was honored with an AP Scholar with Distinction award (11th); AP Scholar award (10th); Outstanding Ensemble Nomination (Solo and Ensemble) (12th); Best Section (Marching Band Clarinets) (11th); Solo and Ensemble, scored 1 at states (12th) and 2 at states (11th); and HOSA 5th at regionals (12th) and was awarded the Bronze Barbara James Service Award. Victor participated in marching band throughout high school; clarinet section leader (10th-12th); orchestra pit for musical (11th) bassoon and clarinet; co-founded HEAL Club (Helping Environment and Aiding Lives); varsity track (10th-11th); track and field throughout high school; NHS; Link Leader; Red Cross Club and Junior Optimists Club. Volunteer work included volunteering at a hospital (11th-12th), outpatient pharmacy and emergency room. Victor plans to attend Wayne State University as an Honors Neuroscience Major, Psych Minor, pre-med track.

EUGENIO CAMINO-CANTU

Parent/Guardian: Claudia Cantu

Farmington Hills

A 4.13 student, Eugenio was awarded with an AP Scholar with Distinction award, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association State-Level 1 Awards and National Hispanic Recognition Program. Eugenio participated in Marching Band, Jazz Band, Theater Stage Managing, Church Youth Group (student leader), Model UN, North Farmington’s HEAL Club, University of Michigan EcoGIS STEM Environmental Justice Program, French Club, DECA and Link Crew (leader). Eugenio volunteered for free SAT tutoring, local library work, FPS Elementary School STEM Nights, and FPS Middle School Music Camps. Eugenio plans to attend the University of Michigan.

MEERA DESAI

Parent/Guardian: Trupti and Viral Desai

Farmington Hills

A 4.268 student, Meera was honored as AP Scholar, DECA state champion x4 and DECA district champion x4. Meera served as DECA president, Bollywood fusion dance team captain, Investment club co-founder and president, Mayor’s Youth Council vice president, Student Senate treasurer, E-board member, NHS member, BPA member, and Green Team member. Volunteer work included tutoring/teaching students at Forest elementary Spanish and assisted with patients at a hospital. Meera plans to attend Indiana University- Bloomington at the Kelley School of Business to study finance.

 

NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY SCHOOL

SEHAJ GILL

Parent/Guardian: Navneet Athwal and Preet Gill

Oakland Twp.

A 4.512 student, Sehaj was awarded highest honors, AP Scholar with Honor, Catholic High School League Academic Excellence award, and National Speech and Debate: National Degree of Distinction. Sehaj was Band Section Leader (flute), Board Member NDP NHS, Debate National Qualifier, founding member of the NDP Insight Initiative Club: coordinated fundraisers at NDP for the Rogel Cancer Center at U of M, and a member of SADD, student ambassador, VEX Robotics, peer leader. Volunteer work included Dance Date Project Research intern, and Wayne State University Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, invited to present.Sehaj is a published author of five research papers. Sehaj plans to attend The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering.

CHRISTINA YERAS

Parent/Guardian: Dave and Alla Yeras

Davisburg

A 4.467 student, Christina was honored with Catholic High School League Academic Excellence award, Fran Bregger Servant Leadership Award, highest honors. Christina was student council treasurer, HOSA secretary, Model Judiciary and participated in varsity ski, varsity tennis and varsity golf. Volunteer work included transcribing for Library of Congress, Grace Centers of Hope soup kitchen and day care volunteer. Christina plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience.

ISABELLE GUMMA

Parent/Guardian: Peter and Abby Gumma

Troy

A 4.463 student, Isabelle was awarded highest honors, NSDA Degree of Excellence, and Catholic High School League Academic Excellence. Isabelle was student council vice president, president of Spanish Honor Society and participated in debate and varsity lacrosse. Through volunteer work, Isabelle achieved the Honors National Community Service Award (100+ hours), volunteered as a summer and winter camp counselor (K-8), volunteered for Kids on the Go (program that teaches kids how to ride bikes), and served as CSL soccer coach. Isabelle plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in Neuroscience.

MATTHEW KAFARSKI

Parent/Guardian: Erik Kafarski and Irena Zalewska

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.459 student, Matthew was awarded the Polish Seal of Biliteracy (State of Michigan), highest honors, National Speech and Debate: All American Award, National Debate Qualifier (bill for affordable health care), and Catholic High School League Academic Excellence award. Matthew participated in band as section leader percussion, National Chinese Honor Society, Youth Chief Justice Michigan Youth in Government, varsity tennis, and served as president NDP Model UN. Outside of school, Matthew served as a medical shadow/intern at local hospitals, coordinated middle school Model UN conferences, and owns a business: teaches CPR classes in Oakland and Macomb counties. Matthew plans to attend Michigan State University, Lyman Briggs majoring in Biology.

CECELIA BELEJ

Parent/Guardian: Marko and Monica Belej

Rochester

A 4.437 student, Cecelia was an International Baccalaureate Program Diploma Program Candidate, awarded highest honors and Catholic High School League Academic Excellence. Cecelia was president of book club, president of creative writing club, president of Champions for Life, band co-section leader (trumpet), and a member of jazz band, NHS and Winter Guard. Volunteer work included Life Remodeled 2024, coordinator Diaper and Wipe Drive for Crossroads Care Center, and coordinator “Wash for Life.” Cecelia plans to attend the University of Notre Dame majoring in Math and Astronomy.

 

NOVI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

GIOVANNA LOCICERO

Parent/Guardian: Doug and Toni LoCicero

Northville

A 4.078 student, Giovanna achieved high honor roll throughout high school while selecting rigorous academic classes, including  three AP classes and three dual enrollment classes. Giovanna served as junior class president and senior class president and was a member of NHS, varsity volleyball team throughout high school; serving as team captain senior year. Giovanna made first team all conference in 9-11 grade and was named 2023 volleyball MIAC Conference MVP, and played travel volleyball for five years. Volunteer work included volunteering at Brightmoor Christian Church. Giovanna plans to attend Spring Arbor University where she will continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level.

SOPHIA PUZSAR

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Brian Puzsar

Milford

A 4.104 student, Sophia achieved Academic Distinguished honors in 9th and 10th grade and AP distinguished honors in 11th grade. Sophia served as NHS vice president and senior class vice president. Sophia carried a rigorous schedule which included two AP classes and three dual enrollment classes through the local community college. Sophia volunteered as a customer service associate at Maybury Farm. Sophia plans to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

TYLER BROWN

Parent/Guardian: Jason and Stacie Brown

Novi

A 4.027 student, Tyler was awarded Academic All- State and Academic All-American for Baseball. He achieved high grades with honors classes and two AP classes and was a member of NHS. Tyler participated in Legacy travel baseball in addition to the school’s varsity baseball team, serving as baseball team captain every year since sophomore year, and awards include Team MVP, All- conference, All District, All Region, and Honorable Mention All State. Volunteer service includes a Capstone senior research and speech project, “The Evolution and Impact of Sneaker Culture,” and then he organized a shoe drive at the school, collecting over 250 pairs of shoes which were donated to The Community Clothes Closet’s service center, and he helped set up shelving and cleaned the shoes.

 

NOVI HIGH SCHOOL

ARVIND SALEM

Parent/Guardian: Ravichandran Salem and Lalitha Ravichandran

Novi

A 4.0 GPA student, Arvind was awarded National Economics Challenge Adam Smith Division 4th Place, 2x DECA Top 10 at the International Career Development Conference, Future Business Leaders of America 4th Place at the National Leadership Conference for Public Policy & Advocacy. Arvind served as debate team officer and mock trial vice president. Arvind was co-founder and COO of Policy Matters Inc. and Michigan Future Business Leaders of America state treasurer. Arvind plans to attend Stanford University and major in public policy.

DIVYA NELLURI

Parent/Guardian: Seethapathi and Lakshmi Nelluri

Novi

With a weighted 4.83 and unweighted 4.0 GPA, Divya was awarded DECA ICDC 3x State Champion and 2x ICDC Finalist, HOSA, 7th Place ILC, Forensics MIFA State Finalist and Science Olympiad University of Michigan Top 5. Divya was Forensics Club president, Science Olympiad treasurer and DECA executive board member. Divya volunteers in the Surgical Services department at Corewell Health, and tutored more than 115 students in SAT Prep through Schoolhouse Tutoring.

 

OAKLAND EARLY COLLEGE

SANA REHMAN

Parent/Guardian: Farhat Manzoor and Muhammad Rehman

Farmington Hills

A 4.06 student, Sana was awarded Oakland Early College Highest Honors, Oakland Community College Highest Honors, and the Science Departmental Award. She has served on the boards of HOSA and NHS. Sana volunteers at her local mosque and has a volunteer internship at a clinic. She plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in biochemistry where she hopes to become a physician’s assistant specializing in maternal and fetal health.

KEIRA TERHALL

Parent/Guardian: Lisa Perry and Keith Terhall

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.06 student, Keira was awarded Oakland Early College Highest Honors, Oakland Community College Highest Honors, OCC Dean’s List 2023 and 2024, OEC English Department Award 2023, and OEC Science Department Award 2022. Keira was Yearbook Club co-president, Pride Club president, treasurer, NHS member, Oakland Early College Science Olympiad (2023-2025), Geological Mapping – Placed 6th in regional competition in 2024 and 5th in 2025, Precalculus Student Supplemental Instructor (2023-2024), and Student Government trustee and marketing committee. Volunteer work included West Bloomfield Library volunteer, West Bloomfield Clerk’s office intern, and Ascension Hospital Novi Christmas shop volunteer. Keira plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in Political Science.

SELMA LAYLA ALLAM

Parent/Guardian: Mae Elbohy and Mohamed Allam

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.06 student, Selma was awarded Oakland Early College Highest Honors, Oakland Community College Highest Honors, OCC Dean’s List, OEC Cornerstone Award in Service and Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Selma served as Student Government Student Liaison, Muslim Student Association president, NHS vice president of membership, Debate Club president, Superintendent Student Advisory Committee member, HOSA member, and Precalculus Student Supplemental Instructor. Outside of school, Selma volunteered at DermyDoc Clinic, Family Urgent Care, and Muslim Unity Center Kids Club Counselor. Selma plans to attend Wayne State University majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track.

 

ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S PREP-BOYS DIVISION

WALTER KNYSZ IV

Parent/Guardian: Walter Knysz III and Lisa Knysz

Lake Angelus

A 4.32 student, Walter, a member of the NHS, was a 3-time Scholastic All-Catholic and 4-year summa cum laude student. He is one of the founding student leaders in the St. John Paull II Pillars Club at OLSM. Walter advanced to the national competition level in forensics and debate and volunteered in Europe during the summer, where he taught English to students in both Poland and the Ukraine to 120 students. Walter plans to attend the University of Notre Dame.

JAKE MALLOY

Parent/Guardian: Christina and James Malloy

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.25 student, Jake is a state champion golfer, 3-time recipient of the Catholic Knights of Columbus award, and 4-year summa cum laude student. He served as NHS vice president and completed over 115 hours of community service through Easter Seals and Meals on Wheels. Jake has advanced to the national competition level in forensics and debate and is the recipient of the AP Scholars with Honor award. He is also a member of multiple clubs including the Earth Club and Model UN. Jake plans to attend the University of Michigan College of Engineering.

CHASE TONNIES

Parent/Guardian: Sharon and Brian Tonnies

Farmington Hills

A 4.3 student, Chase is a Michigan All-Catholic Scholastic award recipient, member of the National Honor Society, and the team manager/statistician for the 2024 state championship varsity football team. He was a member of the Wharton School of Business Global Youth Program and is the founder of Au-Some Siblings Outreach, which provides resources and counseling for families affected by autism. Chase serves as the digital content creator for many athletic teams and organizations and was a member of the track and basketball programs at OLSM. Chase plans to attend the University of Michigan.

PATTERSON DOYLE

Parent/Guardian: Brian and Kerri Doyle

White Lake Twp.

A 4.34 student, Patterson was honored as the valedictorian, a NHS executive board member, and a leader of Mary’s Minds, an organization that raised over $13,000.00 for mental health awareness. He is 3-time Scholastic All-Catholic and 4-year summa cum laude student. Patterson has spent significant time volunteering in elementary school classrooms and serves as a peer tutor at OLSM, where he has devoted hundreds of hours of time tutoring his classmates. He is also an AP Scholar with Honor and 4-year member of the OLSM soccer program. Patterson plans to attend Michigan State University.

PHIL ASSAD

Parent/Guardian: Rana Altaweel and Amir Assad

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.33 student, Phil was honored as the salutatorian. He is 3-time Scholastic All-Catholic and a 4-year summa cum laude student. He is the recipient of the AP Scholar Award and a member of NHS. Phil is a founding member and president of both Model UN and the Medical Club at OLSM. He plans to attend the University of Michigan.

 

ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S PREP-GIRLS DIVISION

AMANDA ATTY

Parent/Guardian: Ed and Sharon Atty

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.32 student, Amanda was honored as co-valedictorian of this year’s graduating class of the girls’ division. As a member of the NHS, Amanda is in charge of the NHS tutoring program in the girls’ division. She is a varsity member of the soccer team and has been awarded Catholic League All Academic for the past three years. Her community involvement includes being a member of Sisters in Christ and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Amanda plans to attend Oakland University.

KYLIE HINDERLITER

Parent/Guardian: Curt and Kristin Hinderliter

Rochester

A 4.32 student, Kylie was honored as co-valedictorian of the girls’ division. She is a member of the NHS and Catholic Athletes for Christ. As an underclassman, Kylie earned All Catholic and All Region as a member of the varsity softball team. Kylie was a varsity member of the 2024 State Championship rowing team her junior and senior year. She plans to attend Michigan State University.

ELLIE AZZATO

Parent/Guardian: Joseph and Angela Azzato

White Lake Twp.

A 4.31 student, Ellie’s honors include the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Academic Honor Roll and Scholastic All Catholic. As a member of the rowing team, Ellie has volunteered as a counselor of the school’s Learn to Row Summer Camp. She has served as a Friendship Circle volunteer, supervising students with special needs at summer camp. She served as secretary of the NHS and as a member of Catholic Athletes for Christ. Ellie has also worked in the ER as a part of the Henry Ford Health Summer Volunteer Program. She plans to attend the University of Michigan.

SARAH CLOUSE

Parent/Guardian: Sean and Megan Clouse

Royal Oak

A 4.31 student, Sarah served as president of both the NHS and the Catholic Athletes for Christ. As a member of the varsity soccer team, she has been awarded Scholastic All Catholic, All Academic, All District, and All League among other honors. Outside of school, she volunteered to assist seniors at the Magnolia by the Lakes Senior Living facility. Sarah plans to attend Xavier University.

LILIANA CORONA

Parent/Guardian: Sabatino and Pamela Corona

Commerce Twp.

A 4.31 student, Liliana was an All-Catholic Scholastic Award recipient. As a dancer on a competitive team for over nine years, Liliana also teaches younger dancers at her studio. She was a member of NHS, Women in Business Club, the Earth and Science Club, and co-founder of the Photography Club. Liliana plans to attend the University of Michigan.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

AIDEN VINCENZO PAPKE

Parent/Guardian: Brian and Lisa Papke

Waterford Twp.

A 4.145 GPA student, Aiden was named Salutatorian and awarded high honors, AP Scholar Award, Scholastic All-Catholic Recipient and All-Academic Award. Aiden was a member of student council, varsity bowling team, varsity bowling team captain, NHS and the varsity golf team. Aiden’s volunteer work included actively helping older neighbors during summer and winter months with maintenance of their properties. Aiden plans to attend Kettering University majoring in Mechatronics Engineering.

ASHLEY ROSE LEDDY

Parent/Guardian: Kelly Harris

Davisburg

A 4.24 GPA student, Ashley was awarded academic high honors throughout high school, CHSL Scholastic All Catholic Award for 2025, Society of Women Engineers Merit Award, AP Scholar Award, and Daughters of the American Revolutionary War DAR Good Citizen Award. Ashley participated in varsity hockey, varsity softball, NHS, student council throughout high school, Recycling Club and school youth group. Ashley volunteered for American Red Cross Blood Drives as a leader/volunteer, created personalized cards for senior citizens at Lourdes Senior Community Center, Archdiocese of Detroit community clean-ups, food drives and clothing drives. Ashley plans to attend the University of Detroit-Doctor of Dental surgery (accelerated 7-year program).

 

OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL

JENNIFER DUONG

Parent/Guardian: Deborah and David Duong

Oxford

A 4.298 student, Jennifer was honored as a National Merit Finalist. Jennifer was active in high school, serving as Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics honors society) president; NHS Freda Quayle Chapter vice president and blood drive coordinator; Tri-M Music Honor Society secretary and Cooking Club founder. Jennifer was section leader of the marching band, violin pit member, played violin for school musicals, was a member of the chamber orchestra and Orchestra Leadership Team section leader. Jennifer was also a community service coordinator and was on the JV Girls Golf team. Outside of school, she participated in Girl Scouts and received the Girl Scout Silver Award. Jennifer volunteered 20 plus hours of community service per semester during junior and senior year through the NHS. Jennifer plans to attend Princeton University to study chemistry with a minor in materials science engineering and math.

OWEN PAVLOCK

Parent/Guardian: Craig Pavlock

Oxford

A 4.31 student, Owen was honored as salutatorian, AP Scholar with distinction, 3rd place at States for BPA, Lacrosse MVP, All OAA in Lacrosse and Football, and MHSFCA Scholar Athlete Award winner. Owen was president of Science NHS, varsity football team and varsity lacrosse throughout high school and varsity wrestling, 1 year. Owen co-taught a religious education class at St. Joseph Catholic Church and School for a year, helped out in Oxford Gives Back, NHS activities, and tutoring. Owen plans to attend the University of Michigan to study engineering, specifically aerospace engineering.

SARAH GIBBONS

Parent/Guardian: Melissa and Jim Gibbons

Oxford

A 4.258 student, Sarah was awarded HOSA state finalist and Academic Excellence award. Sarah participated in varsity dance, marching band, Pit Orchestra, HOSA, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Link Leader, blood drive coordinator, and competitive dancer. Volunteer work includes teaching dance to children, giving instrument lessons to middle school students, and tutoring middle school math students. Sarah will be attending the University of Michigan to study Neuroscience in the School of Literature, Science, and Arts.

SIERRA MUSIAL

Parent/Guardian: Marc and Pam Musial

Leonard

A  4.309 student, Sierra was honored as a 2025 Female Scholar Athlete, Seal of Biliteracy, OAA Scholar Athlete and International Baccalaureate candidate. Sierra participated in the NHS (historian), Science National Honor Society, HOSA (future healthcare professionals), track, cross country and alpine racing. Sierra volunteered at the South Haven Public Library. Sierra plans to attend the University of Michigan to obtain a degree in biology to become a physician’s assistant.

 

ROYAL OAK HIGH SCHOOL

LILLIAN MARIE NAVIN

Parent/Guardian: Debra and Mark Navin

Royal Oak

A 4.48 student, Lillian was awarded an Alumni Distinguished Scholarship MSU (2025) -(full tuition, room and board, AP Scholar with Distinction (2023, 2024), PTSA Academic Distinction, Best Delegation Award at Great Lakes International Model United Nations (2024), Piano Superior Rating from the National Federation of Music Clubs (2016-2025) and -State Level Solo and Ensemble Rating of 1 for cello and violin duet (2024). Lillian was president and paint crew head of Drama Club, cast member for 10 shows, Under Secretary General of Internal Conferences for Model UN, Leadership Team of UMatter Week, cello section leader in symphony orchestra, and NHS member. Volunteer work included Royal Oak Library volunteer, canvas for Melanie Macey for state representative and taking inventory of the parks for the City of Royal Oak. Lillian plans to attend Michigan State University Honors College.

RANEEN SAMANTHA AWADA

Parent/Guardian: Rena and Sam Awada

Royal Oak

A 4.47 student, Raneen was awarded Academic Distinction Honor 3x. Raneen was certified Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (through Medical Skills class) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification (outside of school). Raneen was president of The Roost (school coffee shop), secretary of the Science National Honor Society, member of the National Honor Society, member of Interact club, and a pianist for 12 years, performing at a yearly recital. Volunteer work included volunteer and ambassador for Gilda’s Club, Club Red (Teen Youth Council), volunteering at an Urgent Care and Family Medicine Clinic, and medical writer for the MedReport Foundation. Raneen plans to attend the University of Michigan.

KATHRYN SHEILA MACEY

Parent/Guardian: Melanie and Edward Macey

Royal Oak

A 4.51 student, Kathryn was awarded Academic Distinction (2021-2024), AP Scholar Award – 2023, Coaches’ Award – 2024 and Scholar Athlete throughout high school. Kathryn participated in varsity cross country-captain, varsity track and field-captain, NHS, and was president of Assembly for Royal Oak Model United Nations. Volunteer work included Little Renegades Soccer Mentor – 2021-Present, intern at Cranbrook Institute of Science – Winter 2024, and intern for Haley Stevens’ Campaign – 2024. Kathyrn plans to attend Wellesley College.

CHARLES KHAIRI FRANCIS

Parent/Guardian: Steve and Amie Francis

Pleasant Ridge

A 4.52 student, Charles was honored as summa cum laude, awarded the Youth Recognition Award through Royal Oak Youth Assistance, Scholar Athlete award, and selected for the 40th annual Detroit News Outstanding High School Graduate program. Charles was president and founder of the Middle Eastern Student Association,and was a member of Model United Nations and NHS. Volunteer work included Salvation Army volunteer, internship at the 44th District Court, student representative for the Royal Oak School board, and Wreaths Across America volunteer. Charles plans to attend Michigan State University Broad College of Business.

 

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA ACADEMY

HANNAH MARGARET PLEET

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Edward Pleet

Novi

A 4.0 student, Hannah was honored as a valedictorian, awarded The Harvard Prize Book Award, AP Scholar with Distinction, All-Scholastic Award (3x), All-Catholic Award for Softball, All-League Award for Softball, All-Academic Award (3x) for Softball and Field Hockey, All-District Team (3x) for Softball, All-Region Team (3x) for Softball and the Barbara McClintock Award. Hannah participated in varsity softball (4 years, captain), varsity field hockey (4 years, captain), HOSA Club (3 years, treasurer), Executive Council (2 years, historian), NHS and Visual Arts Appreciation Club (president). Hannah volunteered at a local hospital during the summer, and volunteered to help neighborhood athletic teams. Hannah plans to attend Ohio State University.

VALENCIA ARIA IMPERI

Parent/Guardian: Theresa Imperi

Novi

A 4.0 student, Valencia was honored as a valedictorian, awarded AP Scholar, 2025 HOSA ATC Academic Testing state finalist, HOSA: EMT Regional 1st Place (2x), Regional 3rd Place (1x) | EMT Michigan State Finalist (2x), Llyod & Laurie Carr Scholarship – U-M Club of Greater Detroit, 3x Scholastic All-Catholic CHSL Prep Bowl – Knights of Columbus, 2024 CHSL 1st Place, Regional 2nd Place, and MHSAA State Semi-Finalist, St. Catherine of Siena Young Woman of Courage and Faith Award, and Student Council Award. Valencia participated in HOSA-FHP serving as recording secretary (11th grade) and president (12th), American Red Cross Club Treasurer (11th), NHS, varsity tennis throughout high school, co-captain (12th), Inter-Club Tennis Team, Finance Club, and played piano. Volunteer work included volunteering at Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital Hospital, and American Red Cross, Oakland County Donor Ambassador (12th). Valencia worked summers at Olde Orchard Pediatric Dentistry. Valencia plans to attend the University of Michigan.

ELIZABETH ANNE CREEN

Parent/Guardian: David Creen

Ann Arbor

A 4.0 student, Elizabeth was honored as AP Scholar with Distinction, CHSL Scholar Athlete Leader Nominee, awarded Bloomfield Hills FIRST Robotics Scholarship, and was Short on Words Writing Contest winner, Zekelman Holocaust Center Writing Contest winner, and the winner of Saint Michael’s Book Award. Elizabeth participated in varsity swimming and choir, and was president/founder of the school’s Finance Club chapter, captain of the Robotics Team, and class officer for Student Council for three years. Volunteer work included Leadership Initiatives International Internship- Healthcare, Drug Take-Back event through Michigan OPEN, and FIRST Volunteer. Elizabeth plans to attend the University of Michigan or Purdue University.

ALEXA CHRISTINE CAMAJ

Parent/Guardian: Kristina Camaj

Northville

A 4.0 student, Alexa was honored as an AP scholar and awarded the John Hopkins Book Award. Alexa participated in HOSA, Pro-Life Gianna Mills Club, and volleyball. Alexa volunteered at Henry Ford Hospital and Our Lady of Victory Northville Parish, helping with parish gatherings. Alexa plans to attend the University of Detroit-Mercy.

SABRINA ALSTOT

Parent/Guardian: Gary Alstott and Stephanie Petro

Milford

A 4.0 student, Sabrina was honored as a valedictorian, AP Scholar and awarded the Scholastic All Catholic Award. Sabrina participated in Varsity Pom, varsity tennis and NHS. Sabrina volunteered at church and as SCA Ambassador. Sabrina plans to attend the University of Michigan.

TARA KELLOW

Parent/Guardian: John and Sahar Kellow

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 3.986 student, Tara was honored as salutatorian, summa cum laude, AP Scholar with Honor, and awarded Scholastic All Catholic Award, Excellence in 3D Art, and Young Women in Courage and Faith. Tara served NHS chapter vice president, and participated in CASA, HOSA, varsity tennis, and was Pickleball Club founder/member. Tara volunteered at DMC Sinai Grace Hospital, church and Global Health Charities. Tara plans to attend the University of Michigan.

 

SEAHOLM HIGH SCHOOL

GRACE JOHNSON-SEARS

Parent/Guardian: Lauren Sears and Charles Johnson

Birmingham

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.709 weighted GPA, Grace was one of 13 in the state to receive the Scholar-Athlete Scholarship for academically-gifted Class A varsity athletes, and one of 22 selected to represent the USA at an international seminar this summer in the Netherlands. Other awards include: finalist for the National PEO Star Scholarship Award, AP Scholar with Honor Award and Harvard Book Award. Grace participated in varsity track and cross country, serving as captain (two years), D1 County Qualifier in two events, State 4 x 400 Relay team (2 years). Grace played flute in the school symphony, jazz and marching band (four years), served as vice president of Band Council, principal flute and piccolo, section leader, and was awarded MSBOA State-Level Solo and Ensemble Superior Ratings (three years). Grace was also a member of the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony (4 years), Principal Flute and Piccolo. Grace participated in Science National Honor Society as an executive board member, president of Chemistry Club, and member of NHS, STUCO (student government) and other clubs. Volunteer activities include Writing Center Peer Mentor, New and Transfer Student mentor, middle school running club mentor and volunteer coordinator, tutored middle-school and elementary flute players, and worked as a part-time gymnastics coach at Troy Gymnastics. Grace plans to attend the University of Michigan.

JACK LASSEN

Parent/Guardian: Kent and Susan Lassen

Birmingham

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.679 weighted GPA, Jack was dual enrolled with Lawrence Tech for Calculus 3 and Differential Equations. Jack was awarded National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction (12 AP classes, including AP Physics C E/M), selected as 1 of 16 students globally for a Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Program and earned Pythagoras Scholar, Mathematics Achievement, and World Language Awards from Seaholm. Jack was captain of a Detroit Curling Club Team and competed in the Youth Olympic Trials-Team. Jack was manager for the Seaholm Varsity Tennis Team, actor in this year’s Seaholm musical, clarinet section leader for Seaholm Marching Band and a member of Seaholm Symphony Band and NHS. Volunteer work included tutoring for Birmingham Public Schools, volunteer proctor/grader for Science Olympiad Events and student representative for the Birmingham City Board of Multi-Modal Transportation. In college, Jack plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.

LAUREN KING

Parent/Guardian: Latacha and Andre King

Birmingham

With a 3.982 unweighted and a 4.682 weighted GPA, Lauren was awarded an AP Scholar Award, 11th grade, African American Recognition Award, 11th grade, Birmingham Youth Assistance Award, 11th grade, Seaholm High School Honors Pythagorean Mathematician Award, 9th and Black Student Union Awards, 11th grade. Lauren served as Black Student Union co-president, 11th-12th grade, Spanish Honors Society secretary, and participated in Seaholm Volleyball Team, NHS and National English Honors Society. Volunteer work included tutoring at Bound Together, volunteer at Corewell Health, Pharmacy, and also served as a coach at Troy Gymnastics and Brooke’s Bunch.

TEJAS SABNIS

Parent/Guardian: Yogesh and Lata Sabnis

Birmingham

A 4.725 student, Tejas served as NHS vice president, and participated in STEM Leadership and was awarded Spanish Student of the Month 3x and Math Student of the Month 1x. Volunteer work included tree planting with a community service organization in Detroit and volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank.

 

SOUTHFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

LAYAH JADE VASSER

Parent/Guardian: Jerome and Chelsea Vasser

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.0 student, Layah was awarded AP scholar with distinction, Spirit of Detroit Award, Community Service Award, National Honor Society award and Science Department Award. Layah was HOSA Club founder for SCS chapter, and participated in varsity track and field, varsity cross country, and varsity basketball. Layah volunteered with Motor City Steam and Detroit 360. Layah plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Biomedical Sciences.

GABRIELLE MCKENZIE WOOD

Parent/Guardian: Chastity Ellis

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 3.99 student, Gabrielle was honored with an AP Scholar award, MIAC All Academic, high honors and Top Student in: World History, AP US History, AP Economics, Spanish and Social Studies Impact Award. Gabrielle served as Student Government president and participated in Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, NHS, and varsity volleyball and varsity softball. Volunteer work included dance ministry Leader, Christmas giveaway leader, Gabreille McKenzie Foundation for the advancement of students (provides books and Bibles for Westside Christian Academy). Gabrielle plans to attend the University of Michigan to study political science on the pre-law track.

 

SOUTH LYON HIGH SCHOOL

BROOKE ARCHER

Parent/Guardian: James and Gerri Archer

South Lyon

A 4.12 student, Brooke achieved academic honors in biology, English 10 honors, government, and was awarded the Jennifer Morbito Award for Swim and Dive, four years of varsity on the girls swim and dive team. Brooke was a member of Cancer Awareness Club, serving as treasurer, Baking Club, Student Council, NHS and Key Club. Brooke volunteered as a camp counselor for the YMCA Camp Nissokone. Brooke plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, majoring in biology on a pre-med track.

LEELA ARKOUSSIAN

Parent/Guardian: Joe and Arpi Arkoussian

South Lyon

A  4.18 student, Leela was awarded academic honors, Academic Letter awards, Principal’s List award and Key Club Service Award. Leela was honored with an Oakland County Outstanding Youth Citizen award 2x, Oakland County Executive David Coulter Special Award of Recognition, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition – Haley Stevens 2x, Annual Youth Recognition South Lyon Area Youth Assistance – Mark Hiller, 3x, Certificate of Congressional Recognition -US Senator Debbie Stabenow 3x and Certificate of Special Senatorial Recognition – Senator Gary C. Peters. Leela served as Student Council class representative, vice president of Key Club and a member of NHS, Environmental Club, Cancer Awareness Club, SIP Committee, and SLC3. Volunteer work included helping to start and manage a Suit and Dress Swap, aided in providing Christmas gifts for adopt a family/Angel Tree, ushered at graduation for the previous graduating class, Salvation Army volunteer, helped gift wrap at several elementary schools during Christmas, volunteer trip to Puerto Rico to clean dangered areas and pack food meals, and volunteer at Oakpointe Church Novi Sunday School. Leela plans to attend the University of Michigan ROSS – Business Administration (Pre-law).

ALEXA BORG

Parent/Guardian: Elena and Kevin Borg

New Hudson

A 4.15 student, Alexa was honored with Initiative Honor – 2025, Principles List throughout high school, Academic Varsity Letter – Fall 2022 and Athletic Varsity Letter – Spring 2022. Alexa participated in Girls Varsity Soccer and Key Club. Alexa volunteered at Kent Lake Elementary, Brummer Elementary, and Kilwanis Hall for activities. Alexa plans to attend the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor to study biology.

SYDNEY CAMPBELL

Parent/Guardian: David and Kassia Campbell

South Lyon

A 4.18 student, Sydney was honored on the Principal’s List & Honor Roll (throughout high school), Dean’s List at Oakland Community College for dual enrollment, and highest GPA on the Varsity Pom Team (three years). Sydney participated in Link Crew, Student Council, Pom Pon and NHS. Sydney volunteered at the district court in Novi, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a local dance studio, helped a teacher prepare for the school year, and volunteered at the humane society. Sydney plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor to study biology and related fields on a pre-med track.

ALYSSA CRISPIN

Parent/Guardian: Sharon and Dave Crispin

South Lyon

A 4.16 student, Alyssa received numerous academic excellence awards, and contributed the most service hours in the NHS chapter for 2023-2024. Alyssa participated in varsity volleyball and NHS. Alyssa plans to attend the University of Michigan for biomedical engineering.

CHLOE EVANS

Parent/Guardian: Shanna Evans

South Lyon

A 4.17 student, Chloe was honored with Academic Award, Principal’s List, Academic Varsity Letter and Thespian Varsity Letter. Chloe participated in theater and Key Club. Chloe plans to attend Michigan Technological University to study civil engineering.

BENJAMIN GRIDLEY

Parent/Guardian: Scott and Jen Gridley

New Hudson

A 4.1 student, Benjamin was honored on the Principal’s List throughout high school. Benjamin participated in tennis, (senior year) and varsity lacrosse throughout high school and even with an injury, served as captain of the team, senior year. Volunteer work included VFW for brunch every year, making stocking stuffers for children in need every year, and participating in Military Day for the lacrosse team every year. Benjamin plans to attend Ohio Northern University, majoring in mechanical engineering with a focus in aerospace, and playing lacrosse there.

NATALIE KRAUSE

Parent/Guardian: Maureen and Kevin Krause

South Lyon

A 4.17 student, Natalie was awarded the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish, named to the Principal’s List, runner-up for The New York Times Open Letter Contest, and SLHS Theatre’s Most Dedicated. Natalie was co-president of Thespian Board, co-host of South Lyon High School Theatre’s podcast, co-manager of Choir Council, student conductor of A Cappella Choir, founder of Crochet and Knitting Club, and was also a member of Shared Involvement Process Committee, NHS, Link Crew, Key Club, Baking Club, and a Girl Scout. Natalie plans to attend Alma College and double major in English and Secondary Education.

JOSHUA LEBNICK

Parent/Guardian: Melinda Talbert and Matthew Lebnick

South Lyon

A 4.1 student, Joshua was honored with DECA awards: An Award of Excellence, District Champion honors, State Finalist honors, and a State Champion award, in the ICDC international conference. Joshua was honored with a 2024 Youth Recognition Award from the 52nd Judicial District Court, received the South Lyon Youth Assistance Outstanding Youth Citizenship award, State of Michigan Certificate of Recognition of Community Service, an Oakland County Executive David Coulter Special Award of Recognition, and a Certificate of Recognition from the 6th Judicial Circuit Court. Joshua participated in Key Club, Student Council, DECA, track and field, weightlifting club and founder of Movie Club. Volunteer work included camp counselor for Camp Invention kids summer camp. Joshua plans to attend Schoolcraft college, transferring into a four- year university for a pre-law business focused degree, with the intention of eventually going to law school.

HARSHITHA SUDHAKAR

Parent/Guardian: Sudhakar Chandramohan and Bhuvaneswari Sudhakar

South Lyon

A 4.21 student, Harshitha was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, DECA 2x State Champion and 4x State Finalist, HOSA- 2nd place at States and ILC qualifier, and New York Times Open Letter Contest: Honorable Mention (top 60). Harshitha participated in DECA-co-president, Model United Nations, president and founder, NHS committee chair, Multicultural Club  secretary and Science Olympiad member. Harshitha volunteered as a mentor at Center for Success. Harshitha plans to attend the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business to study business administration.

 

SOUTH LYON EAST HIGH SCHOOL

MICHAEL JANKOWSKI

Parent/Guardian: Bridget and Anthony Jankowski

South Lyon

A 4.35 student, Michael was honored on the Principal’s List. Michael was NHS president and a member of the varsity baseball team. Michael volunteered for Gleaners Food Bank. Michael plans to attend the University of Michigan to study chemical engineering.

SUDESHNA PHANINDRA KUMAR

Parent/Guardian: Phanindra Kumar Gururaja Rao, Sougandhika Nagaraj

South Lyon

A 4.33 student, Sudeshna was honored with AP Scholar with Distinction award; Academic Letter award; Principal’s List; National Merit Scholar; HOSA state competitor; nationally awarded the title of “Young karate-ka 13-17 years” by the Isshinryu Hall of Fame; placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in kata, weapons, and sparring events at tournaments. Sudeshna has an Isshinryu karate black belt and is an instructor at the Family Self Defense Center, competitor at tournaments; student/assistant teacher, grader and volunteer at Samskrita Bharati USA Detroit chapter; treasurer and member of Key Club; treasurer and member of HOSA; member of GIDAS; first and second violinist at the Novi Youth Symphony Orchestra; member of NHS; SAFL graduate of the Sanskrit as a Foreign Language course; cross-country runner; and member of Student Council. In addition to volunteering at school functions, tutoring, and assisting teachers at preschools and elementaries, Sudeshna volunteered at Kiwanis Christmas and Easter holiday events, taught at a weeklong online summer camp, volunteered at a local temple as an assistant teacher and instructed kata and self-defense to students aged 5-14 years. Sudeshna plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in computer science, and then continue her education at the graduate level.

BHANUNI LAASYA SUREDDI

Parent/Guardian: Anuradha Lekkala and Suresh Sureddi

South Lyon

A 4.302 student, Bhanuni was honored as AP Scholar with Honors, Principal’s List, Most Valuable Player Award for Varsity Tennis and the South Lyon Area Youth Volunteer Recognition Award. Bhanuni participated in Key Club, HOSA, Student Council and NHS. Volunteer work included serving as a Blood Donor Ambassador for the Red Cross. Bhanuni plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in engineering.

LILY GROVES

Parent/Guardian: Joseph and Christy Groves

Novi

A 4.279 student, Lily was awarded AP Scholar with Honor, named to the Principal’s List, and received a varsity letter for Cougarettes Pom, scholar athlete award, eight Scholar Athlete Gold Medals, Academic Varsity Letter, and Varsity Letter for Theater, National Thespian. Lily participated in Cougarettes Varsity Pom, Theater, CORE, NHS and Key Club. Volunteer work included Panthers Pom Coach, CORE, and volunteering with Key Club and NHS. Lily plans to attend the University of Michigan to study environmental engineering.

PHOENIX DOLBY-ARNOLDY

Parent/Guardian: Sherrie and Keith Arnoldy

New Hudson

A 4.262 student, Phoenix was named to the Principal’s List, and awarded the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish, Academic Letter Award (4x), AP Scholar with Honor Award, South Lyon East Scholar Athlete Gold Medal (2x), Varsity Soccer Award, Track and Field Award and BSA Trail to Eagle George Thomas Award. Phoenix is an Eagle Scout and served as senior patrol leader and assistant patrol leader for Scouting America. Phoenix served as Student Council executive treasurer (two years), Sustainability Club co-founder and president, South Lyon East Class of 2025 Treasurer (two years) and FIRST Robotics Competition Team member and member of NHS and Link Crew. Volunteer work included more than 100 hours at the Packard Proving Grounds preserving and cataloging historical cars and artifacts, tutoring classmates, and leading a district-wide Hurricane Helene Relief fundraiser. Phoenix plans to attend the University of Michigan College of Engineering- majoring in nuclear engineering.

IVANKA TASEVSKI

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Nikolce Tasevski

South Lyon

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.25 weighted GPA, Ivanka was awarded the Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish, 2024), South Lyon Area Youth Volunteer Award (2024), DECA State Champion (2025), DECA State Finalist (2023,2024), Scholar Athlete (2023, 2024) and Principal’s List. Ivanka participated in Finance Club, DECA, NHS chapter, serving as public relations officer senior year, Student Council, Link Crew/CORE, and varsity tennis. Volunteer work included coordinating blanket packing events with local organization Fleece & Thank You, Salem-South Lyon District Library Student Advisory Board, serving as a junior counselor at the University of Michigan’s Camp Explorations, summer camp for children and packing “Boo Bags” for children at Mott’s Children’s Hospital during Halloween. Ivanka plans to attend a four-year college. (Photo by Katie Wind Photography)

ADVAITH SURESH

Parent/Guardian: Suresh Krishnamurthy and Ramya Suresh

South Lyon

A 4.248 student, Advaith was named to the Principal’s List, awarded the Seal of Biliteracy in 2025 for Hindi, and awarded Academic Letters (2022, 2023 and 2024). Advaith performed at State and All State Honors Choir MSVMA, MSVMA Musical Theater Solo and Ensemble Festival – Rating I. Advaith participated in Choir Council, publicist and vice president, NHS, Theatre, Secretary of the Thespian Board and participated in choir performance at local senior living community. Volunteer Work included V-EXCEL INDIA (Summer 2022, 2023 and 2024) – In India, volunteered for vocational training to adults with mental disabilities. Advaith plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue a dual degree in Mathematics and Music.

ALTON STIENEKER

Parent/Guardian: Brian and Vanessa Stieneker

South Lyon

A 4.243 student, Alton was named to the Principal’s List, awarded MHSSA Scholar Athlete, Academic All-State, DECA State Finalist, Varsity Tennis- Regional Finalist and State Qualifier, and LVC All-Conference. Alton participated in varsity tennis,captain, DECA service officer, NHS treasurer, Student Council treasurer, Link Crew/Core mentor, Reaching Higher and Key Club. Volunteer work included Children’s Ministries volunteer. Alton plans to attend Notre Dame University and double major in physics and economics.

JULIET ZINK

Parent/Guardian: Jason and Janice Zink

Milford

A 4.231 student, Juliet was named to the Principal’s List, received the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, varsity letter for cross country and track and academics. Juliet participated in cross country two years, track and field throughout high school, ninja warrior training throughout high school and club pole vault, senior year. Juliet was a member of LINK Crew and NHS. Juliet achieved Girl Scout Bronze and Silver awards. Volunteer work included Families Building Faith making gifts for less fortunate children, Adaptive Ninja, a group to help disabled kids practice ninja warrior and do modified training. Juliet plans to attend the honors college at Michigan State University, majoring in dietetics and minoring in Spanish.

ZACHARY YOST

Parent/Guardian: Elise and Keith Yost

South Lyon

A 4.224 student, Zachary was named to the Principals List, and awarded AP Scholar with Honors, Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, honored by the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, and awarded Top Speaker of SLEHS Novice Debate freshman year and top Varsity Debate speaker sophomore, junior and senior year. Zachary participated in Debate Team as president, secretary of the NHS chapter, Student Council, CORE, and held a job at Premier Pet Supplies for three years.Zachary volunteered with NHS and as a mentor for younger students through CORE. Zachary plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) with future plans to either get a PHD or attend Law School.

 

TROY ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL

VISHNAV RAMESH

Parent/Guardian: Ramesh Ramiah and Gayathri Manickam

Troy

A 4.5306 student, Vishnav  was honored as National Merit Finalist, awarded Michigan Brain Bee 3rd place (9th grade), Biology Olympiad Semifinalist (10th grade), HOSA Internationals Qualifier (10th & 11th grade), Chemistry Olympiad National Finalist (10th and 11th grade) and Michigan Science Olympiad 2nd place Forensics (11th grade). Vishnav participated in Science Olympiad, Chemistry Club and HOSA throughout high school and Biology Club throughout high school, serving as president 10th and 11th grade. Volunteer work included Henry Ford Hospital prostate cancer research volunteer assistant (11th & 12th grade) and National Honor Society volunteer. Vishnav plans to attend the University of Michigan.

 

TROY HIGH SCHOOL

JOANN TU

Parent/Guardian: Liming Yang

Troy

With a 4.4681/4 weighted GPA, JoAnn was honored as Science Olympiad State Medalist, HOSA ILC 3rd place in Biotechnology, International Biology Bowl Semifinalist, National French Contest Gold and Silver Medalist and National Merit Scholarship Finalist. JoAnn participated in BioBuilderClub (President/Founder), track and field, theatre, Chemistry Club and NHS. Volunteer work included tutoring for Schoolhouse, Science Olympiad, moderator for International Biology Bowl and serving as a Joyce Ivy Foundation Outreach Fellow.

 

WALLED LAKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

ANDREW BORDEN

Parent/Guardian: William and Irene Borden

Commerce Twp.

A 4.362 student, Andrew was a National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Solo and Ensemble, 9 district and 6 state-level awards; Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District IV Honors Band (2024 and 2025); and Walled Lake Central Student of the Month (May 2023). Andrew participated in the Robotics Team #7178 Yeti (team technician); Scouting BSA Troop #170 (Life Scout, Order of the Arrow Brotherhood Rank); NHS (recording secretary); marching band (trombone section leader); jazz band (lead trombone) and Science National Honor Society. Andrew volunteers through Scouting BSA troop and is currently working on an Eagle Scout service project, building bat houses to support bat conservation efforts in the community. Andrew plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

LUKE FENBERG

Parent/Guardian: Aaron and Lisa Fenberg
West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.327 student, Luke was honored with AP Scholar with Distinction Award, November 2023 WLC Student of the Month, Academic All-State and LVC All-Conference for tennis. Luke participated in varsity tennis throughout high school, (captain for three years), Giving Tree Club board member, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, NHS, Jewish Cultural Club board member, and served as the girls tennis team manager. Luke volunteered for the annual Stroll for Rett Syndrome, at Temple Israel and at West Bloomfield Parks.

EMILY BIENIASZ

Parent/Guardian: Richard and JoAnne Bieniasz

Commerce Twp.

A 4.470 student, Emily was awarded AP Capstone Diploma, AP Scholar with Distinction and Scholar Athlete. Emily participated in varsity track and field, varsity cross country (captain), Breen Track Club, NHS (president), Red Cross Club (vice-president), Women in STEM Club (vice-president), Student Council executive PR, Unified Basketball Buddy/Helper, French Club Member, and member of the Science National Honor Society.

MARY HANNA

Parent/Guardian: Khaldoon and Anwar Hanna
White Lake Twp.

A 4.417 student, Mary was honored with AP Scholar with Distinction Award, National Honor Society Exemplary Service Award (75+ Hours), Seal of Biliteracy (Chaldean language), and Sean Patrick Collins Choral Scholar Award. Mary participated in Chaldean American Student Association, Choir Club, Girls Exploring Together, Information Technology, Student Safety Principal Advisory Board, Spanish Club, NHS, Science National Honor Society, and Vikings for Christ. Mary volunteers with St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church Choir and Vacation Bible School. Mary plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

YOUSIF ZABLOUK

Parent/Guardian: Ziyad Zablouk and Leena Abba

Farmington Hills

A 4.386 student, Yousif was in the Top-5 of the WLC Class of 2025 and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Yousif was NHS corresponding and recording secretary, HOSA president and founder, chess club vice president and Model United Nations public relations officer. Yousif participated in Student Council, Honor Guard, Science National Honor Society, and volunteered more than 150 hours with NHS, and was secretary for Music for Memory. Yousif studied the Catholic faith, and was ordained as a Catholic deacon and helped create the first official English Syriac Catholic divine liturgy, and serves as a council member for the church’s youth group. Yousif plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

 

WALLED LAKE NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL

AIDAN NUTTLE

Parent/Guardian: Kimberly and John Nuttle

Waterford Twp.

A 4.381 GPA student, Aidan received AP Scholar with Distinction award, Harvard Book Award, second place in Informative Speaking at the 2024 MIFA IE State Finals and received three Spirit of the Knight Awards. Aidan was captain of the WLN Forensics Team, co-president of German Club, foreign exchange with a German partner school; hosted a student and also went to Germany as an exchange student. Aidan was a member of the WLN Announcements Team, NHS, and co-president of German National Honors Society. Aidan volunteered weekly to help coach Clifford H. Smart Forensics Team and volunteered to judge middle school forensics tournaments. Aidan plans to attend the University of Michigan to study civil engineering.

AMAN QURESHI

Parent/Guardian: Chetna Mahajan

Commerce Twp.

A 4.381 GPA student, Aman was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction and three Spirit of the Knight Awards. Aman was president of the Science National Honor Society, founder of Weights Club, and member of NHS and La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH). Aman received a YouTube Gold Creator Award and YouTube Silver Creator Award. Aman was CEO of a videography company and CEO of Research Assistant. Aman was president of a Teen Advisory Board and participated in Muay Thai boxing. Aman plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to major in Chemical Engineering.

EMILY MASSAT

Parent/Guardian: Lisa and Fred Massat

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.327 student, Emily was awarded AP Scholar, AP Capstone Candidate, All-American Academic Athlete, Student Academic Athlete and 4x Varsity letter recipient. Emily participated in NHS Blood Drive and Green Thumb, Science National Honors Society, French Club, and AP Psychology Club. Emily also participated in competitive gymnastics at American Allstars Gymnastics Academy. Emily volunteered at Turtle Creek Farm- weekly animal care and summer camp counselor. Emily plans to attend the University of Michigan or University of Florida, studying business.

GABRIELLA GRACE KOBYLAS

Parent/Guardian: Robert and Krista Kobylas

Milford

A 4.357 student, Gabriella was awarded AP Capstone Diploma Candidate, AP Scholar with Honor Recipient, and High Academic Honors all four years. Gabriella participated in the Walled Lake Northern Dance Team (JV Captain Junior Year and Varsity Captain Senior Year), NHS board member and treasurer, SNAPS mentor. Gabriella volunteered at the Friendship Circle and volunteered as a tutor. Gabriella plans to attend the University of Michigan to study mathematics.

LARA TERPSTRA

Parent/Guardian: Holly and Michael Terpstra

Commerce Twp.

A 4.310 student, Lara received the AP Scholar with Distinction award. Lara served as Walled Lake Northern Newspaper founder and editor, NHS Project Detroit committee chair and a member of the Spanish Honor Society. Lara was a clinical intern at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises in Long Island, NY and an executive intern at the Detroit Free Press. Lara plans to attend the University of Michigan studying political science and international studies. (Photo by Lillie Mae Photography)

LYLA ACRICH

Parent/Guardian: Darci Acrich

Commerce Twp.

A 4.310 student, Lyla received the AP Scholar with Honors award, the Scholar Athlete award, 4 years, and a Walled Lake Legacy scholarship, and was honored as an AP Capstone candidate. Lyla participated in swim and tennis throughout high school, serving as co-captain of the swim team senior year. Lyla served on the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) executive board and was a member of the JCC Teen Impact Fellowship and a member of NHS. Lyla volunteered as a summer camp counselor and also as an assistant coach on the Smart Creek Middle School Swim Team. Lyla plans to attend the University of Michigan on a pre-med track.

MATTHEW AARON DEVANEY

Parent/Guardian: Caryn and Dennis Devaney

Commerce Twp.

A 4.310 student, Matthew was honored with the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, U.S. Department of Education Presidential Scholar Candidate, AP Capstone Diploma Candidate, BBYO Bronze and Silver Shield of David Awards (2x), BBYO Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award (2x) and a Rising Leader Award. Matthew served as Class Council president, four years, NHS blood drive chair, Spanish Honor Society treasurer, regional president of BBYO, JCRC Leadership Academy teen leader and Jewish Fund Teen Board member. Matthew performed as a violist in pit and symphony orchestras, receiving top ratings at state music festivals and was a member of the school’s forensics team. Volunteer work included serving as teaching assistant at Temple Israel. Matthew plans to attend Ohio State University, studying public management, leadership and policy.

NOAH NICHOLSON

Parent/Guardian: Cathy Chorbeff

White Lake Twp.

A 4.357 student, Noah was awarded an academic varsity letter, a robotics varsity letter, Spirit of the Knight award, and 2nd place at the Walled Lake Hackathon. Noah served as programming captain of the Walled Lake Monsters robotics team, vice president of the Computer Science Honor society and was a member of NHS, the Spanish Honor Society, Weights Club, and the JV tennis team, senior year. Volunteer work included volunteering with Robotics to help run a STEM night at Keith Elementary, with Computer Science Honor Society, helped box up the computers at WLC and WLW for the end of the year, tutoring through NHS, and volunteering at events including Bowling with Santa at Wonderland Lanes and the Trick-or-Treat trail at West Bloomfield parks. Noah plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in computer science.

TESSA KEAN

Parent/Guardian: Victoria Kean

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.429 student, Tessa was honored as Brightest and Best of Walled Lake Northern, All-American Academic Athlete, AP Capstone Candidate, AP Scholar, Student Academic Athlete and Legacy Scholarship Award Winner. Tessa served as Class Council secretary and participated in dive team, track and field, AP Psych Club, NHS, NHS Tutoring (co-chair), Science National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society and Students Leading Students. Volunteer work included Huron Valley Hospital volunteer, SpringHill Summer Camps (teen service team member) and Turtle Creek Farm camp counselor. Tessa plans to attend the University of Florida, studying pre-med.

TIMOTHY AWAD

Parent/Guardian: Dee and Fadi Awad

Commerce Twp.

A 4.405 student, Timothy was awarded the AP Scholar with Distinction award, All Conference Tennis (4 years), Student Academic Athlete award (4 years) and DECA- State qualifier (2 years). Timothy participated in varsity tennis throughout high school, captain, varsity golf (3 years), captain, varsity basketball and varsity volleyball. Timothy served as Class Council representative (2 years), Student Leadership representative, chair of the school’s American Cancer Society chapter, member of NHS, NHS mentor, and Spanish Honor Society member. Volunteer work included St. Mary Orthodox Basilica altar server- 10 years and Friendship Circle volunteer for children with special needs- 2 years. Timothy plans to attend the University of Michigan to study industrial engineering.

 

WALLED LAKE WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL

FARAH FEHIDAT

Parent/Guardian: Hadil Al-Momani

Novi

A  4.430 student, Farah was awarded National Qatar Debate Champion for ESL along with earning the National Semifinalist title and Top Speaker award for Qatar Debate. Farah attended Qatar University College as part of a university enrichment program and represented Qatar at SHELL’s Explorers Program, researching sustainable approaches to transform the Qatari desert habitat using sand as solar panels. Farah received an Eastern Michigan University Summer Science Research Scholarship in 2024, for conducting research on an Alzheimer’s-related protein to combat cancer. Farah was a paraeducator at Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District, student writer for Prompt Nexus, completed two years of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) activities, including organizing a toy drive for cancer patients. Farah was co-founder and president of the Chemistry Club.

 

WATERFORD KETTERING HIGH SCHOOL

GABRIEL ESTRADA

Parent/Guardian: Kristen Field

Waterford Twp.

A 4.26 GPA student, Gabriel was awarded AP Scholar with Honors, Outstanding AP Government Student, Outstanding Anatomy Student and Outstanding Algebra II Student. Gabriel was a member of NHS, LINK Crew (peer mentoring), student council, Tri-M Music Honor Society and marching band. Gabriel volunteered as a Special Olympics volunteer and Early Start 6th Grade Band Camp Trumpet Mentor. Gabriel plans to attend the University of Michigan, studying pre-med.

MEGAN KROMPATIC

Parent/Guardian: Sarah Krompatic

Waterford Twp.

A 4.21 GPA student, Megan was awarded Waterford Foundation Select 50, Outstanding AP Environmental Science Student, Outstanding AP Pre-Calculus Student and Scholar Athlete. Megan was Class of 2025 Vice President, participated in Student Council and Student Leadership and Board of Delegate Center 12 Representative. Megan was a member of NHS, DECA (chamber chair), Varsity Dance team, (captain) and varsity lacrosse. Megan volunteered with Middle School Leadership Training, Special Olympics and Fleece and Thank You. Megan plans to attend Michigan State University, Broad College of Business for Marketing.

JAMES SHARLOW JR.

Parent/Guardian: Christal Sharlow

Waterford Twp.

A 4.13 student, James was awarded AP Scholar, Waterford Foundation Select 50, soccer varsity letter, Outstanding Orchestra Student and Orchestra varsity letter, Academic All State, District Solo and Ensemble Performance, scored 1’s. James participated in Honor Guard, NHS, (board member), Tri-M Music Honor Society, Student Leadership, Student Council, Kettering Diversity Union, (president), Student Six, LINK Crew, Teen Court, theatre and orchestra. James volunteered at a senior citizens home and plays music with an ensemble for residents, volunteers for Fleece and Thank You and teaches cello lessons to middle school students. James plans to attend the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, majoring in psychology.

OWEN ELLIS

Parent/Guardian: Holly Gauthier

Waterford Twp.

A 4.09 student, Owen was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction and Academic All State Athlete, and participated in varsity soccer, choir, National Art Society and Kettering Diversity Union. Owen volunteered at Lighthouse of Oakland County, and Fleece and Thank You. Owen plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and major in aerospace engineering.

MARISA BLACK

Parent/Guardian: Derrick and Sandra Black

Waterford Twp.

A 4.09 student, Marisa was awarded Academic Achievement Awards (all 4 years), Waterford Foundation Select 50, Outstanding Sophomore Orchestra Student and Outstanding Freshman Choral Student and 2025 MSVMA State Honors, Choir. Marisa participated in orchestra, choir, drama club, Honor Guard, Tri-M Music Honor Society, NHS and Kettering Diversity Union. Outside of school, Marisa volunteered at Canterbury-on-the-Lake, Colombiere, Elli’s House Outreach and Middle School Theatre, directing. Marisa also participated in U-M Youth Chamber Singers and International Thespian Society. Marisa plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, majoring in voice performance and music education.

RYAN NOVACK

Parent/Guardian: Lorrie Malyszek

Waterford Twp.

A 4.09 GPA student, Ryan participated in soccer (team captain) and Honor Guard, and was awarded National Society of High School Scholars Academic All State, All State Honorable Mention, All District and 2X All Conference. Ryan volunteered with Fleece and Thank You. Ryan plans to attend University of Detroit Mercy.

JORDYN PUDDY

Parent/Guardian: Frank and Shellie Puddy

Pontiac

A 4.09 student, Jordyn was awarded Outstanding Artist (9th, 10th, 11th), Chamber Choir, Varsity Letter Silver Key Scholastics, Waterford Foundation Select 50, Honorable Mention Scholastics, Athletic Leadership Honor Guard and Cross Country, Varsity Letter. Jordyn had dual enrollment at Kendall College of Art and Design. In addition to cross-country and chamber choir, Jordyn participated in Track, team manager, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Kettering Diversity Union, NHS, International Thespian Society and Winter Running Club.  Jordyn volunteered at Renaissance Festival, Oakland Hope, and Middle and Elementary School Cross Country. Jordyn plans to attend Oakland Community College to study Art with a Photography Focus.

CHEYENNE DIEHL

Parent/Guardian: Amber Diehl

Waterford Twp.

A 4.07 GPA student, Cheyenne was awarded Outstanding Honors Biology Student. Cheyenne participated in Dungeons and Dragons Club, Drama Club, Teen Court, choir and NHS. Cheyenne volunteered for Adopt a Family, Bottle Drive, and provided tutoring. Cheyenne plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University, to study psychology and biochemistry.

 

WATERFORD MOTT HIGH SCHOOL

KARLI KOSKINEN

Parent/Guardian: Mark and Trudi Koskinen

Waterford Twp.

A 4.1731 GPA student, Karli was awarded the Marine Distinguished Athlete Award, Outstanding Student in numerous courses throughout high school Including Outstanding AP Calculus Student and Outstanding Language Art III Student. Karli participated in NHS, Mu Alpha Theta Honors Society, Link Crew, varsity soccer, varsity basketball, varsity golf and varsity cross country and was awarded MHSAA Soccer All Conference-HM and Scholar Athlete Award. Karli volunteered with Christ Lutheran Church providing In-home visits for the homebound, Voice of Truth – week long local service trip, Disaster Relief at Work, community garden work at Baldwin Center: Restore Detroit: painted picnic tables and weeded parks; Special Olympics Golf Outing, Leaping Lizards Daycare. Karli plans to attend Michigan Tech University, majoring in Exercise Science, and be a member of the Women’s Soccer Team there.

EVAN LUND

Parent/Guardian: Rebecca and Jeffrey Lund

Waterford Twp.

A 4.0759 GPA student, Evan was awarded Academic Incentive Program Award, Outstanding U.S. History Student and Outstanding Statistics Student, Graduation Honor Guard and Waterford Foundation Select 50. Evan participated in Competitive Dance at Mt. Zion Performing Arts, Competitive Dance at The Art of Dance, NHS, Student Council, Anti-Defamation League, Yearbook and ASD Peer to Peer. Volunteer activities included assistant and rehearsal director for dance classes for young students and camp counselor at Camp TAG. Evan plans to attend Western Michigan University, with a double major in Film and Dance.

MARISSA KALLSEN

Parent/Guardian: Andrea and Sean Kallsen

Waterford Twp.

A 3.9942 GPA student, Marissa was awarded three gold key Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Michigan FFA Academic Excellence Award, and Freshman and Sophomore 3D Artist of the Year. Marissa was named to the Dean’s list and Most Valuable Pupil at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest. Marissa received Career Preparedness Certification and CASE Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Certification. Marissa was a member of FFA, National Art Honor Society, National Technological Honor Society, Girls Who Code (11th grade), student council (9th grade) and Honor Guard. Marissa participated in varsity volleyball (10/11th grade) Varsity United Golf (12th grade), Varsity United Tennis (12th grade) and junior varsity softball (10th grade). Marissa volunteered at the Great Lakes Floral Expo and made floral arrangements for a senior living community for the Christmas holiday.

MIA SUZZANE STACH

Parent/Guardian: Marcie and Andrew Stach

Waterford Twp.

A 3.9820 GPA student, Mia was awarded Student of the Year for Leadership, Waterford Foundation Select 50, Outstanding AP Psychology Student, Outstanding Language Arts 3 Student and Outstanding Yearbook Editor/Student. Mia participated in NHS as treasurer, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, National Technological Honor Society, social media club, yearbook editor and editor in chief for one year, Girls Who Code and Honor Guard. Mia participated in a competitive dance team for a studio and demonstrated dance for younger dancers and volunteered as a cat comforter at the Oakland County Animal Shelter. Mia plans to attend Oakland Community College for dental hygiene.

OSCAR CHRISTIAN HUBBELL

Parent/Guardian: Christian and Katie Hubbell

Waterford Twp.

A 3.9689 GPA student, Oscar was awarded Outstanding Honors physics student, Outstanding Algebra 2 student, Outstanding Statistics Student and All-state Academics for all sports. Oscar participated in varsity bowling, varsity tennis, varsity baseball, NHS, and volunteered as a Social Emotional Support dog handler. Oscar plans to attend Western Michigan University majoring in Aviation Flight Science.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

FINN MICHAEL MCISAAC

Parent/Guardian: Brian and Corey McIsaac

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.3 student, Finn was honored as an AP Scholar with Distinction. Finn participated in the school’s fencing team and was awarded USA All Academic Fencing and USA All American First Team Fencing. Outside of school, Finn coached at Renaissance Fencing Team.

CARLY LYONS

Parent/Guardian: Laura and Charles Lyons

Waterford Twp.

A 4.3 GPA student, Carly was awarded 2024 AP Scholar with Distinction, Oakland Association Scholar Athlete and 2025 MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award Finalist. Carly was Student Government Class President 2022-2025; Student Leadership Vice President 2023-2025, Law Club president 2022-2025, and participated in varsity soccer and Chem Club. Outside of school, Carly volunteers at Oakland County Circuit Court as a teen defense attorney and St. Patrick Catholic Parish.

HARSHITHA SANKARANARAYANAN

Parent/Guardian: Renganathan Sankaranarayanan and Sujana Subramanian

West Bloomfield Twp.

With a 4.4151 GPA, Harshitha was a National Merit Scholarship recipient. Harshitha participated in student government, serving as a Parliamentarian, student liaison to the school board, and varsity Debate Team captain throughout high school. Awards received include 1st Place Team – Dexter Debate Delight (2021 and 2023), 3rd Place Team MIFA Debate States (2022), State Champion – Extemp OPEN States (2024), 1st Place – Region 3A Extemp (2023) and 1st Place – MSCI Festival – Extemp (2023).  Harshitha served as Model UN President (since 2021), and was honored as Consummate Diplomat – Metro Detroit Model UN (2022 & 2023). Harshitha participated in Law Club/Teen Court Exec (since 2023), Tri-M Music Honors Society, serving as president (senior year) and vice president (2023-2024), WBHS Jazz Band, WBHS Marching + Pep Band, and Drumline Section Leader (senior year) and helped to reinstate the color guard program. Harshitha plays piano, violin, and trumpet and was awarded Division I – MSBOA Piano Solo Regionals (2024). Volunteer work included ONECampaign for Michigan Fellow, Our Water Activist, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, CFSN Literacy Tutor, virtual literacy mentor and Haley Stevens for Congress Campaign Intern (2022). Harshitha plans to attend the University of Michigan.

ALEXANDER WSZOLEK

Parent/Guardian: Joanna Wszolek

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.4259 GPA student, Alexander was awarded National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and achieved the Seal of Biliteracy in Polish. Alexander was president of DECA, International Finalist, Executive Board of the school’s Model UN Club, president of Chemistry Club, president of Pickleball Club, captain of state championship sailing team, captain of ski team and NHS treasurer. Alexander served as assistant teacher at Father Dabrowski Polish School and Polish Scouts Troop Leader. Alexander plans to attend Princeton University in the Fall.

ALISSA SMITH

Parent/Guardian: Kathleen Smith

Waterford Twp.

A 4.3462 GPA student, Alissa was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction. Alissa participated in HOSA, NHS, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) club, executive board for Law Club. Outside of school Alissa participated in Teen Court at 48th District Court, Lakers for Love, and volunteered at church and for Math Pentathlon at Gretchko Elementary School.

 

WIXOM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

RACHEL ELISABETH INDREI

Parent/Guardian: Lucian and Nadya Indrei

Commerce Twp.

A 3.93 GPA student, Rachel was named valedictorian, and performed in high school musicals, “Mary Poppins” and “The Music Man.” Rachel plans to attend Oakland Community College.

ETHAN ASLAN SEPULVEDA

Parent/Guardian: Yerko and Nancy Sepulveda

Novi

A 3.81 GPA student, Ethan was named salutatorian, played varsity soccer, and performed in the musicals, “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mary Poppins” and “The Music Man.” Ethan plans to attend Oakland Community College.

Royal Oak resident Jennifer Suzanne Cataldo is charged with one count of first-degree murder after allegedly attacking her mother, causing injuries that led to her death a day later.

According to a release put out by Royal Oak police Friday afternoon, officers responded to a call for assistance at a residence in the 3600 block of Crooks Road. The caller, a 66-year-old Fenton resident, said her 45-year-old daughter was experiencing a mental health crisis and needed to be taken to the hospital.

When officers arrived, they spoke to the daughter, Jennifer Cataldo, and detected signs of a struggle. Officers entered Cataldo’s apartment and found her mother, Leslie Ann Cataldo, unresponsive on the floor.

The victim had suffered a life-threatening neck wound and was transported to Corewell Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak where she underwent emergency surgery. On Thursday afternoon, Leslie Cataldo died from her injuries.

Jennifer Cataldo was taken into custody at her apartment without incident.

Cataldo was arraigned in 44th District Court before Magistrate Jill Bankey Friday and charged with one count of first-degree murder, which carries a penalty of life in prison. Bankey denied bond and Cataldo, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, was remanded to the Oakland County Jail.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for June 13, 10:15 a.m. in front of Judge Andrew Kowalkowski. Cataldo’s criminal history includes a 2018 drunk driving conviction.

By Craig Mauger, The Detroit News

Money from some of Michigan’s largest companies and wealthiest business executives secretly flowed to a fundraising account for state Senate Republicans during the early days of the pandemic, according to a trove of court records.

Dick DeVos, husband of then-U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, gave $50,000 to the organization Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, while the Las Vegas-based data center company Switch, which won tax breaks from the Legislature four months earlier, provided $50,000, a prosecutor and an investigator for Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office said in open court.

Likewise, J.C. Huizenga, the founder of a charter school management company, gave $25,000, and Edward Levy, the leader of a Dearborn-based road construction company that wanted lawmakers to ease regulations on gravel mining in 2020, chipped in $30,000 for the nonprofit that falls under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, according to the Attorney General’s office.

“The account is a non-disclosed and unlimited (c)(4) account so no one will know that you contributed to the account,” wrote Heather Lombardini, a Republican political consultant who worked with Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, in a fundraising pitch to one donor, according to an email read in court on Aug. 8, 2024.

For years, Michigan lawmakers have allowed themselves to collect millions of dollars in contributions through nonprofit organizations that aren’t required to release their donors’ names or the details of how they spend the cash. Residents of the state have rarely gotten information about who’s behind the money and how key officeholders are involved in soliciting it.

But an ongoing criminal case against Lombardini has unlocked bank records and internal emails involving Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility. The group, which worked on behalf of Senate Republicans, raised $8.6 million over a seven-year period from 2014 through 2020, as Republicans set the agenda in the Senate.

The new documents — detailed in court hearings, including one on Wednesday — showed that consultants, along with then-Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, privately promoted the nonprofit to potential donors as a vehicle to move political money without the public’s knowledge. Those who gave secretly were often individuals with direct connections to bills before the state Legislature, according to the records.

In one email exchange with Lombardini in June 2020 — three months into the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan — Rory Lafferty, director of government affairs for the Health Alliance Plan, said the insurer wanted to give $20,000 in corporate money to Senate Republicans. Health Alliance Plan or HAP is a Troy-based health insurance company owned by the Detroit-based Henry Ford Health hospital system.

Lafferty specifically identified the nonprofit Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility as the entity to receive the money after Lombardini floated the idea of tying the cash to a Sept. 8, 2020, fundraising dinner for the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, which is required to disclose its donors.

“We are trying to be sensitive of the optics of our corporate support because both HAP and Henry Ford Health Systems (sic) furloughed some employees due to the COVID crisis,” wrote Lafferty, according to an email previously read in court. “The plan is to bring these folks back when demand for health care picks back up but that’s happening slower than we expected.

“Maybe, we can hold off until we get closer to the dinner before we decide if we can publicly support the event? Maybe, we’ll be bringing back some of the furloughed employees at that time.”

Lafferty then asked Lombardini to forward an invoice for Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility. Lombardini sent Lafferty a $20,000 invoice to record the transaction, according to court records.

Two months earlier, in April 2020, Henry Ford Health had announced that it would furlough 2,800 employees or 9% of its 31,600 workers across its five hospitals. In 2023, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Lafferty to the state’s Public Health Advisory Council, a position he still holds.

In a statement provided Thursday by a public relations firm on behalf of HAP, the health insurer said there was “absolutely nothing improper about this corporate contribution.”

“Further, any contribution to Sen. Shirkey in 2020 was made with strict adherence to campaign finance and nonprofit corporation laws, as were all our other contributions,” the HAP statement said. “Contributions to the senator had no relation to any statements he made or positions he held relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Henry Ford Health had no involvement in the $20,000 contribution, said Lauren Zakalik, a spokeswoman for the hospital system.

‘Other account options’

Shirkey, who left the Senate because of term limits at the end of 2022, didn’t respond to a Thursday request for comment from The News.

Lombardini and Shirkey privately promoted Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility as a way for donors to support a 2020 petition campaign to limit Whitmer’s emergency powers without their names being made public, according to emails read in open court and recorded in a court transcript.

The Unlock Michigan campaign, which launched on June 1, 2020, aimed to repeal a 1945 law that allowed Whitmer to declare an emergency and issue executive orders without the Legislature’s approval. Whitmer’s orders were used to close schools, curtail dining at restaurants and restrict social gatherings, among other measures aimed at limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In one message to potential donors on June 5, Shirkey touted the need to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act and said the effort would require “significant financial resources.”

The Senate leader also shared with the group of donors a W-9 tax document to help businesses make their contributions to the Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility.

“Attached is the W-9 for the preferred non-disclosed (c)(4) account that we will be using,” wrote Shirkey, adding that checks should be made payable to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility.

In an Aug. 3, 2020, email, Lombardini sought a contribution from Bobby Schostak, former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party and whose family has a Livonia-based real estate development company. She attached information about Unlock Michigan.

“Attached but please know this is all disclosed since it is a ballot committee,” Lombardini wrote to Schostak, according to court records. “Let me know if that will be an issue. If yes, I have other account options that are non-disclosed.”

In a similar June 26, 2020, email, Lombardini wrote about the Unlock Michigan campaign, but asked Dan Hibma, owner of Land & Co., which manages rental properties in west Michigan, to give $25,000 to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility.

Lombardini promised Hibma that “no one will know” about his contribution.

“Dan, we appreciate the conversation and consideration,” added Lombardini, referencing that Hibma had also spoken directly with Shirkey on June 26, 2020.

Hibma’s Land & Co. ended up donating $25,000 to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, according to court records. It wasn’t clear in the records whether Schostak contributed.

Hibma is the husband of former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, a Republican whose job included overseeing Michigan’s campaign finance system. He didn’t respond Thursday to a request for comment.

In a July 15, 2020, email to Hibma, Lombardini described his $25,000 contribution to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility as a $25,000 check “for Unlock Michigan,” according to court records.

Mark Brewer, a lawyer and a former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, argued funneling money through a nonprofit to a petition campaign to hide donors’ identities would be illegal.

The records made available in court likely represented the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to lawmakers raising money from donors interested in matters before the state Legislature, he added.

“This practice has got to end,” Brewer said.

‘Mystery money’

Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility shifted about $1.8 million it raised from previously undisclosed donors to Unlock Michigan in 2020. The court records disclose the identities of contributors of $1.2 million that went to the nonprofit in 2020.

At the time, Shirkey was the top Senate Republican and the caucus’s primary fundraiser. He was also one of the most vocal critics of Whitmer’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and her use of unilateral orders to limit public gatherings and shutter businesses.

Lafferty reached out about contributing on behalf of HAP on June 26, 2020, according to court records. Less than two weeks earlier, Shirkey publicly acknowledged on June 15, 2020, that he had defied Whitmer’s stay-at-home emergency orders by getting professional haircuts. On May 6, 2020, Shirkey and then Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, announced the Legislature was suing Whitmer over her emergency orders.

Currently, Chatfield is facing separate criminal charges over allegations he misused money raised by his nonprofit, the Peninsula Fund. He pleaded not guilty.

On Oct. 2, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Whitmer’s use of the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act to respond to the pandemic was unconstitutional.

Throughout 2020, Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility was moving money from undisclosed donors to the Unlock Michigan campaign, providing a pathway for people to secretly support the effort to limit Whitmer’s powers and help Shirkey while ensuring the public and the governor wouldn’t know about their involvement.

The Detroit News reported on July 27, 2020, that the campaign to limit Whitmer’s emergency powers was being funded by “mystery money.” Spurred by the reporting, Bob LaBrant, a longtime campaign finance lawyer who previously worked for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and Brewer filed a complaint alleging contributions were being improperly moved through Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility to conceal the identity of donors to Unlock Michigan.

That complaint eventually led to Nessel announcing charges against Lombardini and fellow consultant Sandy Baxter on Feb. 21, 2024. Nessel, a Democrat, said they had been involved in an effort to “evade” the disclosure requirements of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act and then lied about it as state officials investigated.

Transparency in court

Lombardini, a longtime fundraiser for Republican candidates and causes, is now facing felony charges of forgery and uttering and publishing after she signed an affidavit on Sept. 9, 2020, denying that funds had been solicited through Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility to give the dollars to Unlock Michigan, the regulated ballot campaign committee.

She has pleaded not guilty, and the charges remain pending in Ingham County Circuit Court, where Judge Wanda Stokes is considering whether the accusations should proceed to trial. Forgery as well as uttering and publishing are punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Lombardini was originally charged with additional campaign finance violations, but those allegations were knocked down in district court because Judge Kristen Simmons ruled they were not filed quickly enough by prosecutors.

During a Wednesday court hearing in Lansing, Lombardini’s lawyer, Thomas Cranmer, argued that “the truth or falsity” of a single sentence in an affidavit shouldn’t render the entire document false.

“An affidavit with a single false statement is still an affidavit,” Cranmer said. “It’s simply an affidavit with a factual inaccuracy.

“Now, it may not be an ideal state of affairs, but it doesn’t constitute the crime of either uttering and publishing or forgery.”

During that same hearing, Stine Grand, an assistant attorney general, listed the names of donors behind $700,000 in giving to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, including the DeVos family and the Cotton family.

Grand said the donors’ names and contributions had been included on a spreadsheet that Lombardini sent to Shirkey in a 2020 email. The subject line of the message was “Unlock—$$$,” even though the money went to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, according to testimony recorded in court transcripts.

“She directed individuals to contribute to MCFR to fund Unlock,” Grand said Wednesday of Lombardini in court. “She planned and organized with Mike Shirkey and others to fundraise and solicit for Unlock by using MCFR.”

‘Friends asked me’

Five members of west Michigan’s DeVos family combined to give $200,000, and two members of Metro Detroit’s Cotton family donated $300,000 to the Shirkey-led fund. The Cotton family previously ran Meridian Health Plan before selling the Medicaid provider in 2018. Jon Cotton gave $150,000 to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility in 2020, and his brother Sean Cotton gave $150,000, according to the Attorney General’s presentation.

It wasn’t clear in the court records whether all of the donors knew their money would end up going to Unlock Michigan.

In 2020, members of the Cotton family were “vehemently” opposing a bill in the Senate that would have limited the ability of local governments to block gravel mining operations, said former Sen. Adam Hollier, D-Detroit, who sponsored the measure meant to ensure there’s aggregate material available to improve the state’s roads.

Hollier introduced his measure in August 2019. It advanced out of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in September 2020, but it never received a vote on the Senate floor, where Shirkey controlled the agenda.

“The Cottons are big Republicans. They’re billionaires. I am not surprised,” Hollier said of the $300,000 in previously undisclosed contributions to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility.

Attempts to reach the Cottons by The News on Thursday were unsuccessful.

Matthew Resch, a public relations consultant who worked on behalf of the Metamora Land Preservation Alliance in opposition to the gravel mining bill, said Thursday that he had no interaction with the Cottons and couldn’t speak to the contributions.

Another donor was Michigan Energy First, a nonprofit group connected to Detroit-based DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest electric utility. Michigan Energy First, which features multiple DTE officials on its board, spent $17.5 million from 2020 through 2023, according to its tax filings.

Michigan Energy First previously reported giving $100,000 to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility in 2020. But the new court records showed how closely tied the group was to DTE.

On July 9, 2020, Pamela Headley, DTE’s chief of staff for corporate and government affairs, sent Shirkey an email notifying Shirkey of the $100,000 contribution from the seemingly separate nonprofit.

“Friends asked me to let you know that the Michigan Energy First board approved a $100,000 contribution to Michigan Citizen’s (sic) for Fiscal Responsibility,” Headley wrote to the Senate majority leader.

By Anne Snabes, The Detroit News

Oakland County is working on methods to try to prevent overflows of raw sewage into the Red Run Drain including creating more storage in its drainage system and increasing “permitted discharges” from a Madison Heights retention basin, according to a corrective action plan sent to state regulators.

The plan, submitted by the Oakland County Water Resources commissioner to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy on May 29, comes after the agency issued a violation to Oakland County for discharging nearly 1.2 million gallons of raw sewage from the Dequindre Sanitary Sewer Interceptor to the Red Run Drain during a heavy rainfall on April 3.

EGLE told the county “to take immediate action to achieve and maintain compliance.” The notice required Oakland County to submit a corrective action plan to EGLE by May 30.

But Candice Miller, Macomb County’s Public Works commissioner, said last week she believes Oakland County’s letter to the state shows “a total lack of concern” about what it is discharging into the Red Run Drain and how the releases affect the environment.

Miller has been voicing concerns for months about discharges of combined wastewater and stormwater from the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin and about sanitary sewer overflows from Oakland County’s pipes. In April, three Macomb County state legislators introduced a bill package that targets what they believe are damaging releases of raw and treated sewage by Oakland County into the Red Run Drain, which leads to the Clinton River and then Lake St. Clair.

Oakland officials have maintained that they are following state guidelines and have only discharged treated sewage from the Kuhn basin, which is located in Madison Heights.

According to Oakland County’s six-page plan, it is working on methods to reduce its “flow rate” to the Great Lakes Water Authority, which treats wastewater for many southeast Michigan communities. Oakland County sends wastewater from its sewer pipes to GLWA’s pipes so the water can be treated at GLWA’s wastewater plant.

But in the letter to EGLE, Oakland County Water Resources Commisioner Jim Nash’s office attributed the sanitary sewer overflows to the fact that wastewater isn’t able to flow from one of its drainage districts to GLWA’s system during certain rain events because the water level is too high in the GLWA system.

To reduce its flow rate, Oakland officials said they are working on methods that include operating the drainage district “in a manner to create storage” in the system and increasing permitted discharges from the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin. The Kuhn basin is used to store a mix stormwater and wastewater during heavy rains, later releasing it into the Red Run Drain after it has been treated.

Nash’s office referred questions about the corrective action plan to EGLE.

Miller objected to the proposal to discharge more water from the Kuhn basin saying that the quantity of water discharged from the basin “really exceeds the capacity of the Red Run Drain,” which flows through Macomb County. The discharged water, she said, contributes to flooding in Macomb.

Miller said that Nash’s office doesn’t have “any particular plan.” She and others were outraged when they discovered sanitary wipes, condoms and tampons in the area where the Dequindre Interceptor discharges into the Red Run Drain after the April 3 overflow.

“I think EGLE should hold (Oakland’s) feet to the fire to get a definitive plan, not: ‘OK, we’re looking at it,’” she said. “What is your plan, specifically? What is your specific plan? What do you think the costs are?”

What the letter says

In its letter to EGLE, Nash’s office has determined that there is a “direct relationship” between the Dequindre Interceptor sanitary sewer overflow level and the corresponding level in the GLWA system. The Dequindre Interceptor is part of the George W. Kuhn Drainage District.

The author of the letter, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Chief Engineer Evagelos Bantios, said the flow from the George W. Kuhn Drainage District is unable to discharge into the downstream GLWA system when the GLWA system has an elevated water level. The water won’t be discharged until the Kuhn drainage district’s water level increases to overcome the downstream water level.

Bantios noted that, in some situations, it appears that the GLWA system flows in reverse into the Kuhn drainage district system.

He said Nash’s office plans to store as much flow as possible in the Kuhn system during wet weather events and continue to discharge water from the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin.

“Historically, we maximize our discharge into the GLWA system,” Bantios said in the letter. “The new modification will allow us to have more storage in the Dequindre Interceptor to allow for backwater and reverse flow from GLWA to minimize and potentially eliminate SSOs.”

Bantios said implementation of this change is “in process.” He also said that his office continues to work with the Great Lakes Water Authority to determine how the GLWA system interacts with Kuhn drainage district system and see what improvements can be made to either or both systems.

“We hope to be completed with the initial investigation by late summer,” Bantios said. “Then, we plan on evaluating other improvements to both systems. We expect this process to take six months to one year.”

GLWA officials weren’t available for comment Thursday evening.

EGLE spokesman Jeff Johnston said his agency believes that untreated or improperly treated sewage discharges are “unhealthy and unacceptable.”

“This is why EGLE is taking action to address these discharges in accordance with Michigan law,” he said.

EGLE is currently reviewing Oakland County’s response letter. Johnston said compliance staff generally review and decide on the acceptability of a corrective plan within 30 days of receipt but are expediting this matter and expect to have a decision within two weeks.

Macomb Daily reporter Jameson Cook contributed to this story.

By Max Reinhart, The Detroit News

An Oak Park man was recently struck and killed while crossing a street in Ohio, police said.

Jamil Osman, 32, was walking in the 200 block of North Coy Road, near Ice Castle Drive in the city of Oregon, a suburb located just east of Toledo, at about 11:23 p.m. on May 31, Oregon police said in a press release.

He attempted to cross the street and was struck by a Toyota traveling south on Coy.

Osman was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died the next day, authorities said.

The driver of the vehicle, Caleb Sims, 31, of Toledo, was not impaired and was wearing his seatbelt when he struck Osman, police said. As of Tuesday, he had not been charged in the crash.

Police have not released any further information and said the incident remains under investigation.

By Craig Mauger, The Detroit News

A state lawmaker argued Tuesday against ongoing efforts to cap class sizes in Michigan elementary schools, saying classes of 30, 40 or even 50 students had worked successfully in the 1920s to produce the Greatest Generation.

The term Greatest Generation generally refers to Americans who were born from 1901 to 1927 and who lived through the Great Depression. Many of them also fought in World War II.

State Rep. Josh Schriver, R-Oxford, cited the generation — individuals who were in elementary school a century ago and 50 years before personal computers became broadly accessible — during an occasionally heated House Oversight Committee hearing about the future of education in Michigan and the state’s declining reading scores.

In a presentation at the meeting, Michael Rice, Michigan’s superintendent of public instruction, asked lawmakers to fund a plan to lower class sizes in high-poverty elementary schools.

An April investigation by The Detroit News found that, unlike most other states, Michigan has no policy aimed at capping class sizes or tying funding to smaller class sizes in elementary schools. The newspaper documented 206 elementary classes, ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade, across 49 schools over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 years that had at least 30 students in them.

Among them was a kindergarten class at Bennett Elementary, where the Detroit Public Schools Community District said 30 students were enrolled.

“(In) 1920, you know, the classroom sizes were 30, 40, 50 kids. That produced the Greatest Generation,” Schriver said.

As the Michigan Legislature continues to craft a funding plan for schools for next year, Schriver said his solution to large class sizes in traditional public schools was to establish a voucher program so parents could spend state tax dollars on homeschool programs.

“That will reduce the amount of individuals in public education,” Schriver said.

There’s no clear evidence that strategy would lead to smaller class sizes. It would likely lead to less funding flowing to Michigan school districts because the state ties funding to every student enrolled and that could impair districts’ ability to keep the staffing levels necessary to offer small classes.

Asked five times after the meeting if he supported having class sizes of 50 students in Michigan elementary schools or if he would be OK with class sizes of 50 students, Schriver didn’t answer with a yes or no but said he was opposed to a mandate capping class sizes.

“I’m drawing a correlation between 1920, when we had zero of these requests,” Schriver said. “We were spending money on zero of these things that they’re coming in here and they’re requesting. And that produced the Greatest Generation.”

‘Whatever is best for the kids’

As a reporter was interviewing Schriver on Tuesday in a hallway of the state Capitol, state Rep. Sharon MacDonell, D-Troy, walked up to him and said in 1930, only about 30% of people graduated from high school. Federal data showed that in 1920, about 16% of people over the age of 25 had completed high school.

“Forty to 50 kids in a classroom, it didn’t work,” MacDonell told Schriver. “It was a disaster.”

“Most people didn’t go to college,” Schriver replied of the 1920s.

“They didn’t go to high school either,” MacDonell fired back.

“Yeah, and it produced the Greatest Generation,” Schriver said.

Asked if he was attributing the Greatest Generation to the large class sizes, Schriver said he was connecting the generation to “many factors.” When asked whether he was OK with class sizes of 50 students in elementary schools in his Oakland County district, Schriver said there should be no mandate on the topic.

“It should be whatever is best for the kids,” Schriver said.

The lawmaker didn’t explain what that meant.

At least 31 of the 50 states have laws about class sizes, tie funding to small classes, or set goals for their schools to attempt to meet and against which to be accountable; Michigan currently doesn’t. As an example, Tennessee state law includes both average class size benchmarks for school buildings and maximum class size limits for individual classes.

In May, Michigan’s State Board of Education approved a resolution calling for limits on class sizes to be put in place by the 2030-31 school year, including a cap of 20 students per class for kindergarten through third grade.

Mitchell Robinson, a Democratic member of the State Board of Education, authored the resolution and said action on class sizes was overdue.

“Smaller class sizes are going to be a better learning situation for kids and a better teaching situation for teachers,” said Robinson of Okemos, a former music teacher.

‘Get back to the fundamentals’

After Tuesday’s hearing in the state House, Schriver told a reporter that state Rep. Brad Paquette, a Republican and former teacher from Niles, had led a class of 50 students and the reporter should ask Paquette “how awesome” it was.

Paquette said the 50-student class he was involved with was a high school class and included a team teaching strategy.

In the traditional model of teaching — one teacher in front of a single class of students — Paquette said having 50 students in an elementary school class would not be ideal.

Tuesday’s hearing was supposed to focus on the “current state of Michigan’s public education,” according to the agenda. However, it also showcased the partisan divisions that have dominated the debate around the topic.

Michigan ranked 44th among the 50 states in the average reading score of fourth graders, according to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress results. And during her State of the State address in February, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said just 24% of Michigan fourth graders were able to read proficiently.

House Oversight Chairman Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, said the state’s education system was “failing” students.

Pamela Pugh, a Democrat and the president of the State Board of Education, responded that policymakers were failing children and that funding increases for K-12 schools had not kept pace with inflation.

After the hearing, state Rep. Dylan Wegela, D-Garden City, and a former teacher, said the meeting amounted to “an attack on public education.” Having 50 students in an elementary school class would be unmanageable, he said.

“That sounds like chaos,” said Wegela.

State Rep. Jason Woolford, R-Howell, contended that Michigan schools needed to get back to teaching the “fundamentals” of English, math, history and what he described as “morality.”

“I’ve traveled and taught in 13 different countries, places like Africa, where there’s no educational budget, there’s no diversity program, no anti-(President Donald) Trump resolutions,” Woolford said. “Yet, they’re increasing in their reading.”

The State Board of Education approved a resolution in March against executive orders by Trump that the Democratic-controlled board said “pose direct threats to children, public education and fundamental civil rights.”

While literacy rates appear to be increasing in some countries in Africa, which is a continent, the countries’ rates appear to be lower than the current rate in the United States, according to data from international organizations.

Woolford also said, “I think we’ve got to just let our kids be kids and get back to the fundamentals that made this country great, invented the car and electricity and other things.”

Asked what Woolford was talking about when he referenced the discovery of electricity, Paquette said one of the problems is that everyone discusses education, but no one defines what the word means to them.

“I think there are a lot of people that are grasping at straws because what they want to do is they want to better a system,” Paquette said. “And that’s a noble cause.”

By Breana Noble and Owen McCarthy, The Detroit News

Consumers’ hunger for new vehicles persisted in May, but affordability concerns could cool sales in June as dealerships start running short on cars and SUVs delivered ahead of President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs.

In May, Ford’s U.S. sales increased 16% year-over-year while Hyundai’s grew 8% and Kia’s rose 5%. Subaru and Mazda Motor Corp., however, reported declines of 10% and 19%, respectively. General Motors and Stellantis will report second-quarter sales next month.

Spring typically marks a surge in vehicle sales, as tax returns hit bank accounts and the weather warms up. But consumer sentiment has plunged to some of its lowest levels in decades amid frequently changing rules on tariffs, and concerns that new vehicle prices could climb later this year. It has led some consumers to purchase vehicles sooner than they had planned.

S&P Global Mobility forecasted May sales up 2% compared to a year ago, but predicted sales were slowing to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 15.7 million vehicles, down from 17.6 million from March to April.

“Consumer confidence is down, but the sales are not,” said Stephanie Brinley, associate director of research and analysis at S&P’s AutoIntelligence. “It doesn’t usually work that way.”

With inventories down and non-tariffed models moving off lots, the “affordability bullet has not come through yet. There’s a little bit of wait-and-see for what automakers really do,” Brinley added, noting June could start revealing the direction companies choose to take.

Some have given consumers confidence that they can wait a bit. Ford, through the July 4 weekend, is offering its customers thousands of dollars per vehicle in discounts typically reserved for its employees. In early May, however, it did increase prices by up to $2,000 forf its Mexico-built vehicles because of tariffs.

Stellantis — the parent of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and other brands — is offering a similar employee discount program, which it has been extended through June. Volkswagen has said it will hold to its current manufacturer’s suggested retail prices through June. GM CEO Mary Barra has said the automaker doesn’t expect major price increases.

But vehicle imports are expected to slow, which will mean less availability and price increases, said Charlie Chesbrough, a senior economist at Cox Automotive Inc.

“As more tariffed products replace existing inventory over the summer,” he said, in a May forecast, “prices are expected to be pushed higher, leading to slower sales in the coming months.”

Some dealers are already noticing wariness. “I haven’t seen people this cautious since before, or during, the early stages of COVID,” said Jim Walen, the owner of Stellantis and Hyundai showrooms in Seattle.

The ports in Seattle look “empty,” he said. Layoffs by Microsoft in the state of Washington haven’t helped business either. Stellantis’ employee discount program, however, is a boon: “Anytime you can affect the transaction price, it’s a good thing.”

Meanwhile, some dealers are planning to pull back over revenue concerns, Walen said, but he’s taking a different approach: “We’re very aggressive. We stock a lot, we’re part of the community, we advertise a lot.”

While some May sales are occurring over tariff concerns, other shoppers are dropping out of the market altogether, said Ivan Drury, director of insights at auto information website Edmunds.com. It may still be too early to determine if the circumstances will affect vehicle segments as some customers hold off rather than get a vehicle without certain features.

There are also differing views on tariffs, how they work and the impact they will have, Drury added: “Not everybody’s on the same page.”

But there are trends. More consumers bought out their leases in May than in April, rather than leasing again. That could be a sign customers are seeking to limit increases to their monthly payments, but it also means they’re stepping out of the market, Drury said.

He added that while inventory is declining there’s still too much stock — more than 2.5 million vehicles are on dealer lots — to see substantial price increases.

“The last time when we had people really get hit with price increases, where it took them back, was when we were down to 1 million units,” Drury said. “And that’s where you start to see that crossover between consumers getting a deal versus consumers just dealing and saying, ‘OK, fine, I’ll pay MSRP. I’ll pay above.’”

The share of electric vehicles in the market was forecasted to continue slipping. EV’s accounted for about 7% of sales in March and April, and S&P Global Mobility predicts it would be 6.8% in May. Ford EV sales in May were down by a quarter, driven by decreases in the F-150 Lightning pickup and Transit commercial van.

Trump has pulled federal funding for EV charging infrastructure and directed his administration to reevaluate greenhouse gas tailpipe emission regulations and incentives that could be construed as an “EV mandate.” The U.S. Senate last month also removed a waiver that enabled California and a contingent of states to enforce stricter zero-emission requirements on passenger vehicle sales. The result is an uncertain policy environment around EVs.

“They’ve been trending a little bit down the whole year,” Brinley said. “It may be some people looking for an EV in January bought, expecting the incentives to go away, but they’re not afraid of that anymore.”

Rhett Ricart, who has eight new-vehicle stores for Ford and Chevrolet to Nissan and Mitsubishi in and near Columbus, Ohio, said tariffs and policy changes are on the minds of EV buyers, but he otherwise describes sales as normal.

“A possible tariff scare … doesn’t seem to exist,” Ricart said, adding about expectations that Trump or the judicial system will offer some clarity on import taxes. “For any jitteriness, we will hopefully find out if the tariffs stick soon.”

Shortly after the Hazel Park school board formally reinstated Superintendent Amy Kruppe, President Beverly Hinton explained why she was put on administrative leave in January for violation of board policies.

At a May 27 special meeting, Hinton read a statement on “how it all started” and Kruppe’s attorney, Heidi Sharp, immediately rebuked the allegations.

“We are shocked and disappointed that Ms. Hinton would make such a public statement insinuating that the district had financial troubles which were the fault of Dr. Kruppe following the four-month long investigation which cleared Dr. Kruppe of any wrongdoing regarding the district’s finances,” Sharp said in a statement. “Ms. Hinton knows that the investigation absolved Dr. Kruppe of any of these allegations or claimed ‘lack of financial oversight’ because as she admitted, as the Board President, she has been privy to the entire investigation report.”

UHY Professional Services, a national firm with offices in Detroit, was paid $55,000 by the district last summer to conduct an audit.  Hinton said the fee rose to $130,000 due to poor financial record keeping and explained the impact it would later have.

“UHY was scheduled to begin the audit in September, but the audit was delayed five times because the business office had not prepared the required work,” said Hinton. “This resulted in missing the required audit due date of November 1. The audit officially began Oct. 21, 2024 and completed in February 2025.”

Sharp said the district’s business manager at the time, Jason Zirnis, explained to the board in both June and August 2024 that the audit would be submitted late due to Plante Moran resigning as district auditor earlier in the year and Zirnis leaving his position.

Hinton said the delay led to the district having to take out a $12 million loan to cover payroll and operating expenses because state aid could not be distributed to the district until the audit was complete. She said $8 million has been repaid, with $4 million and the remaining interest due this August.

Sharp said those numbers were incorrect.

“$8.9 million (has been) repaid as of Feb. 19,” she said. “This included $97,900 in interest. Currently $3.1 million in principal remains to be repaid. This includes $120,000 interest expense.”

She added, “This loan is a common practice in the district, with loans obtained by the district from 2015-2023 while awaiting state funds.”

Hinton said the final audit revealed Hazel Park had overspent by $6 million, claiming it dropped their fund balance from 11% to 1%. Since the fund balance was below the state mandated 5%, the district was put on a Michigan Treasury watchlist and is now required to submit monthly financial reports to the state. Hinton did not say what the parameters were to be taken off of the watchlist.

“During the February (budget) amendment after the audit the fund balance was projected to be $1.39 million as of June 2025,” said Sharp. “Thereafter at the next amendment provided to the board in April the fund balance was projected at $1.43 million.”

She added, “Revenue that should have been received by September 2024 was not and would be actualized in the 2024-2025 budget. Meaning the funds are not missing but being reported in subsequent years.”

“The cumulative financial mismanagement led to over $755,000 in additional unplanned expenses ….. largely stemming from improperly maintained financial records,” said Hinton. “And that’s why it all began, because the books were not in order and it cost us $755,000 of money for students because everything was in disarray.”

At the opening of the meeting, a board vote to immediately reinstate Kruppe was approved 4-3. Secretary Darrin Fox and Trustees April Beato, Nathon Becker and Monica Ratte voted in favor. Hinton, Treasurer Heidi Fortress, Vice President Deborah LaFramboise voted against.

The Oakland Press has requested final report on Kruppe and the audit submitted in February.

Sharp said Kruppe is looking forward to putting this chapter behind her.

A 34-year-old West Bloomfield mother is facing a criminal charge for allegedly leaving a loaded gun in her child’s backpack which was brought into a Royal Oak daycare center.

Karen Reid is charged with reckless use of a firearm — a misdemeanor — for the alleged May 14 incident.

According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, Reid handed the daycare employee the backpack when she dropped off her 3-year-old at the childcare facility.

It was supposed to have the child’s snack in it, but when the employee opened the backpack the loaded handgun was found. It’s alleged Reid put the gun in the backpack to carry it to and from her car but failed to remove it before dropping off her child.

“I’m grateful this is a story about a misdemeanor charge instead of a tragedy,” Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated in a news release. “A loaded gun needs to be secured. Failing to do so around small children is absolutely reckless. The employee who found the gun should be commended for quickly securing it and contacting police.”

The charge is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. It can also result in suspension of hunting privileges for up to three years.

Police: Child in critical condition after shooting self in head at Troy home

How are HOV lanes working out in Oakland County? MDOT is taking a survey

Oakland County man fatally shot after fleeing from traffic stop in Shelby Twp.

Athens survives over 40 minutes after red card, wins regional shootout with Eisenhower

Details released of the fights that disrupted Birmingham Village Fair

Barry Manilow says goodbye to Detroit with special Final Concert

COMMERCE TWP. — Like the prep softball version of the Hatfields and McCoys, the rivals from the Battle of Bogie Lake Road, Lakeland and Walled Lake Northern, have ‘gotten’ each other so many times over the years, that’s hard to determine what exactly you might be getting ‘revenge’ for.

So neither coach really wanted to bring up what had happened last year, when Lakeland took out Northern, en route to a quarterfinal appearance.

And even though Lyla Turmell and the No. 6-ranked Knights remembered, they didn’t put a whole lot of stock into it.

The junior pitcher had a home run — her third on the day — and an RBI double, and struck out 10, as the Knights beat Lakeland, 6-3, to claim a Division 1 district title on their home field Saturday, their seventh since the 2015-16 season.

“We kind of put it in the past, and we just said ‘New game.’ We beat them in preseason and in the LVC, and we just tried to not let it affect us really, even though we beat them,” Turmell said. “But we just wanted to come out new game, 0-0.”

The Knights (30-6) — who will advance to regionals at Grand Blanc next weekend, facing Lake Orion — did beat Lakeland (25-11) twice back in mid-April, in a high-scoring doubleheader where the two teams accounted for 41 runs.

“It’s always hard to beat a team, a good team, especially a good team like Lakeland, three times,” Northern coach Kristen Woodard admitted. “But no, I didn’t really want to put that (last year’s loss) in their heads at all. I just knew we’d have to come and bring our best, because I know Lakeland would — they always do.”

In the last decade, the two programs have met in the postseason six of the nine times it was held (no season in 2020), with one team or the other winning a district title every single time. In 2017, they both won a district, and met for the regional title.

“They’re a good team. They force you to do things like that (make mistakes) sometimes. And you know, our team, we played really well. I mean, earlier in the year, they beat us up pretty good,” said Lakeland coach Mike Cleary, noting that his team never talked about those April losses again after they happened. “And to go into this game tied in the (sixth) we were in pretty good shape, I thought. But you know what? You know, we did this to them last year. They do it to us this year. It’s tough when both of us are in the same district, because we always have good teams, and it’s seems one of us has to get (knocked) out early, which is, unfortunately, this year it’s us.”

The Eagles were in good shape early, jumping out to a first-inning lead with a solo home run by Brynn Taliercio. But Turmell answered in the bottom of the inning with a solo shot of her own to tie it up at 1-1.

Turmell’s RBI double to the right-center gap in the fourth put the Knights ahead, and they’d add a second run on an error to lead 3-1.

Both teams would pitch around the other’s No. 3 hitter the rest of the way, and that benefitted the Eagles in the sixth, when an unintentional-intentional walk to Taliercio put the tying run on, and Emily Searle’s two-run double tied it at 3-3.

“We just talked about, you know, what we get behind, and we’ve come back with other teams. We were down big against Hartland in the tournament. We came back and beat them, then other teams, we were down, and we battled back,” Cleary said. “So I said, you know, if they get ahead of us, we’re not out of it. And, you know, we came back, we’re down and came back and tied it up again. So that was kind of the team. They didn’t give up.”

Woodard made a trip to the circle to calm Turmell down during the rally, calming her down, making her laugh.

“Sometimes, I do lighten the mood, but there I just wanted her to get dialed in and just, you know, give her a little extra confidence,” Woodard said. “I just wanted to make sure that she wasdoing all right, because she was getting a little wild there. …And just remind her that they have to hit her best pitch, and just to pitch with that in mind.”

“She told me that, basically, to just throw my game and they have to be scared to hit off of me. And same with hitting too. So they had to throw to me and I had to throw to them,” Turmell said.

Makenna Kresbaugh led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a solo home run to put the Knights back up, 4-3, then after they loaded the bases, tacked on two more runs on back-to-back RBI singles by Olivia Frelick and Kendall Morris to make it 6-3.

It wouldn’t be a Lakeland-Northern matchup without a little controversy, and that came at the end of that inning, when Northern’s ninth hitter to come to the plate was initially called safe, then was called out when the home plate umpire overruled the initial decision.

The was more in the top of the seventh, as the Eagles — down to their final strike — had their own runner called safe on a bang-bang play, but Turmell got the next batter to line out to close it out.

Photo gallery from the D1 softball district final between Lakeland and WL Northern

 

Walled Lake Northern 8, Walled Lake Central 2

The second semifinal of the morning was another close one initially for the Knights, tied at 2-2 until the bottom of the fifth, when the Knights put a pair of runs on the board, then added four more in the sixth.

Sam Gillick was 4-for-4 with two stolen bases and three runs scored, while Turmell — who struck out 14 in the circle — homered twice and drove in three runs. Makenna Kresbaugh said a pair of doubles and drove in four runs.

Lakeland 17, West Bloomfield 2 (3 innings)

The Eagles made short work of the Lakers in the first semifinal of the morning, as four batters — Piper Huff, Aubrey VanGoethem, Emilee Dostal and Zoie Gagnon — drove in multiple runs. Gagnon homered and drove in three total.

Melina Wing got the win in the circle scattering six hits and striking out four.

In a stunning announcement Wednesday, the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission issued a public complainant detailing 10 counts of infractions against Taylor Judge Joseph Slaven of the 23rd District Court.

Slaven has been on the bench since Jan. 1, 2015.

The counts are:

• False statement regarding recorded conversations

• Use of judicial position to help a candidate

• Inappropriate demeanor and disrespect

• Disrespectful emails

• Disregard of the law with respect to wearing a rob

• Concealing face of Zoom

• Disrespectful behavior regarding security camera

• Interference with Zoom staff

• Knowing driving with expired and obliterated license plate

• False statements to the commission

The following is a brief synopsis of some of the individual counts.

False statements

Slaven had numerous conversations in 2021 and early 2022 with the new chief Judge Victoria Shackelford after she was appointed to the bench. When they met, the complaint said Slaven did not tell her that he was recording their conversation.

When she directly asked if she was being recorded, he told her no — knowing the statement was false, the complaint said.

Helping a candidate

According to the complaint, in 2022 Slaven used his judicial position on numerous occasions to promote Michael Tinney, a candidate for 23rd District Court judge.

During a Law Day celebration at the courthouse, Slaven displayed a vertical sign that spelled Tinney in an acrostic-style display.

The following year when Tinney was considering another run at the seat, during a livestreamed Zoom court session Slaven took the opportunity to talk about his friend, calling him a “really good guy” and thanking him for his outlook on the law and saying he looks forward to doing more community service with him and community activism.

On a separate occasion, Slaven is accused of using courthouse resources to print 160 copies of a document called, “Mike Tinney is a Man of the People” to assist his campaign.

Disrespect

Slaven posted on his Facebook page about a Law Day event in 2022 in which supporters of Shackelford attended. He addressed the event in part by posting, “they are simple minded buffoons!! BC, MG, DW, MF, RH, GT…..smh and shame on them.”

He allegedly said the people with those initials “Iie and twist things.”

The initials were those of all Shackelford’s supporters in attendance at Law Day.

On another occasion during a livestream Zoom hearing, Slaven discovered some show cause hearings had been added to his docket without his permission.

He then stated that the court administrator “thinks she can make my docket better than I can. Good luck with that. She can’t even do her ***damn job.”

On Nov. 20, 2023, during a livestream Zoom hearing, Slaven, referring to Chief Judge Shackelford, reportedly said: “I’m sorry that you can’t handle your docket. I’m sorry you don’t know the law. I’m sorry the court rules seem to be somewhat of a foreign language. The public needs to know that people who are in certain positions are not competent.”

Disrespectful on camera

In April 2024 new security cameras were placed throughout the courthouse. Shortly thereafter, on nine occasions, Slaven allegedly raised his middle finger to make an obscene gesture toward the camera as he walked by it or sometimes used his middle finger to ostentatiously push up his glasses as he walked by the camera.

In a January 16, 2024 Zoom hearing, Slaven said the following in reference to Shackelford during a live Zoom feed between hearings: “We’re going to have a bonfire and taking everything with her name on it and she’s —-ing voted out, gone…I will bring burn barrels.”

Wearing a rob

It is required that a judge wear a black robe when acting in an official capacity in the courtroom.

Slaven was reminded numerous times of the requirement, but continuously did otherwise.

On dates in 2022 that included April 27 and Sept. 12 and 13, Slaven wore a polo shirt with no visible robe during court proceedings on Zoom, the commission alleges.

 

TROY – Troy Athens goalkeeper Ashley Miller both stopped a shot in the penalty shootout and scored the winning kick as the Red Hawks outlasted their crosstown rivals, the Troy Colts, to claim a D1 district title Thursday evening.

Miller made a save in Round 2, and then stepped up in the fifth round to take a penalty kick, faking out the opposing goalie and scoring into the right side to seal the win from a match that was tied 2-2 after regulation and remained the same after overtime.

“It literally did not feel real. I’m still in shock. It feels like a dream,” Miller said. “It feels so good. For many years, we’ve been trying to get them (Troy). But this year we all worked hard together, and it just feels amazing.”

The Colts had dominated the early part of the game, running at the Red Hawks’ defense time and again. It nearly paid off just three minutes in, but the Athens back line cleared a shot off the line. Instead, Troy got on the board with 14:01 to play in the half when Sabrina Gaul’s shot from 25 yards out eluded the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper and snuck inside the far post.

Troy’s goal seemed to energize Athens, however. The Red Hawks became much more attack-minded after that and needed only five minutes to tie the game on a shot from Charlotte Cotta, who picked the top-left corner from the right wing with 9:08 to play in the opening half.

The second half was more of the same. Troy dominated early and had the better of possession and the stat sheet.

“We played really well. We pinged the ball around. It was really good, really good soccer,” Troy head coach Dan Troccoli said.

But it didn’t do Troy any good in regards to the advantage on the board as the teams traded goals midway through the second half of regulation. Athens scored off a corner kick with 25:53 on the clock when Cotta got on the end of it and fired a ball back across the front of goal that hit a defender and went in the far side, giving the Red Hawks a 2-1 lead.

It would last all of 88 seconds before Gaul got her second goal. Olivia Jasniewicz slotted a through ball behind the defense and Gaul simply outran everyone to the ball and one-timed it in, retying the game.

Each team also came close once or twice in overtime, but neither side could find a goal in the extra sessions, and the game had to be settled by a shootout.

With the win, Troy Athens improves to 16-2-2 and claims the district title, avenging a 4-1 loss to the Colts in last year’s district finals.

Thursday marked the first time that the rivals had gone to a playoff shootout since the Colts beat Athens for a district championship in penalties back in 2013 en route to the Colts winning a D1 state title.

Photo gallery of Athens vs. Troy in a D1 girls soccer district championship

“Whenever it’s a rivalry game, we know that it’s one you’ve got to show up for. You’ve got to try your best, and it comes down to heart. And today we played with a lot of heart, so I think that’s what eventually got us the win,” Red Hawks senior captain Lauren DeJonckheere said. “I’m just really proud of our team. We backed each other up the whole game, no matter what. Whenever we got down, we were there to support one another and it paid off in the long run."

The Red Hawks advance to Tuesday’s regional semifinals where they will face the winner of Saturday’s match between Rochester Adams and Utica Eisenhower.

“We had to earn it there. But it was a fantastic game for both sides,” Red Hawks head coach Jason Clark said. “For the girls to come back after being down one in a district final, it takes a lot of mental toughness for that. And we’re so proud of them for not putting their heads down, not writing it off and just riding the wave and weathering the storm when we could and then coming back and taking our chances.”

Troy, meanwhile, finishes the year with a record of 10-6-2.

“I’d say we played really good soccer and PKs are PKs. Who knows with PKs?,” Troccoli said.

The Abigail’s Pride LGBTQ+ festival returns to Brandon Township park this year with more activities to bring people together.

This year’s festival will be Saturday, June 7, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Last year, the Ortonville village council voted 4-2 against approving an event permit for the annual festival.

Soon after Abigail Rowe, founder of Abigail’s Pride and co-organizer of the festival, met with Brandon Township Supervisor Jayson Rumball and received approval to move the event to the township’s 12-acre park where there was more room for activities.

“Knowing where we are going to be and how to put things together has made it much simpler,” said Rowe. “I think that we have found a good place to settle so that we can continue to have the festival and continue to do this event.”

In Rowe’s eyes, the shift to the park changed the tenor of the festival from past years.

“The inclusiveness and the openness felt more like other pride festivals that I have been to. It felt safer and more comfortable at the park,” she said. “But it still maintained that more family-friendly, family-oriented aspect that we strive for with Abigail’s Pride.”

During last year’s event, Oakland County Parks brought out three bounce houses, Michigan Entertainment and Talent Company had several interactive stations and children were flying kites all around the park.

As with last year, Rowe said they will have around 50 vendors, non-profit booths and sponsor displays, three food trucks and an ice cream truck set up throughout the four hour festival. This year they will also add a live DJ for the event.

She said the process of organizing the event has become more streamlined and knowing they have a permanent venue has made life easier for her and her team.

“The team has been great and I have been able to help with the festival, but still lead a normal life as a college student knowing what we have in place now,” said Rowe,who just completed her freshman at Saginaw Valley State University. “Things have come together very well again this year and I hope it will stay like this for years to come.”

For more information go to the Abigail’s Pride facebook page or https://abigailspride.godaddysites.com.

Sixteen years ago, Rochester Hills’ deer cull was over almost as soon as it began.

That’s according to opponents, who are now trying to stop three other Oakland County cities that are planning culls, and to Matt Einheuser, Rochester Hills’ natural resources manager. The cull occurred before Einheuser worked for the city, but he has researched its effects on the deer population.

A cull is an organized hunt on designated land by trained sharpshooters intended to reduce the number of deer in an area where experts say they are overpopulated.

The Rochester Hills hunt, held in winter 2009, drew hundreds of protesters to City Council meetings. Some protesters even showed up at sites where the hunt was being held. Opponents filed a lawsuit to try to stop it. Opposition grew after photos circulated on social media of blood trails in the snow, allegedly left by a deer that was shot but didn’t die immediately.

“It was horrible. I can’t even listen to it anymore – so disgusting,” said Monique Balaban of Rochester Hills, who opposed the cull in that city and is now active in the Advocates for Michigan Wildlife Coalition. The group is considering several avenues – including lawsuits – to try to stop Farmington Hills, Farmington and Southfield from holding culls next year.

The Rochester Hills cull, which employed sharpshooters from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, only killed 16 deer before the city halted it, Einheuser said. Culls in other areas of Michigan have thinned the deer population by as few as 50 animals or as many as several hundred.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources generally recommends that a cull should reduce the deer population by 35-40% per year for several years. The DNR recently estimated the deer population in the Farmington Hills area at about 1,500 animals.

Vehicle-deer crashes – one of the main reasons that cities plan culls – have dropped dramatically in Rochester Hills in recent years. But Einheuser said the cull is probably not responsible for the decrease.

The city recorded 153 vehicle-deer collisions in 2020. In 2021-2024, the frequency ranged between 102-123.

After the cull, the city formed a deer management committee, which recommended several nonlethal means of controlling the effects of deer co-existing with humans.

These included placing flashing signs that warn motorists of deer crossings in areas with the most vehicle-deer collisions.

The flashing signs are more effective than older “deer crossing” signs seen in many municipalities, he said.

“Those kind of get lost in the background. Drivers don’t really pay attention to them,” he said.

The city also works with local nurseries to educate residents about landscaping that is more deer-resistant, Einheuser said.

Einheuser said experts believe the deer population in Rochester Hills shrank because of an epidemic of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, which broke out shortly after the cull.

No population estimates are available for Rochester Hills, currently or at the time of the cull, but Einheuser said researchers believe the deer herd is just now beginning to recover from EHD.

The disease, which is often fatal, is transmitted by small flying insects called midges, known in the Midwest as “no-see-ums.”

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks have also conducted calls almost every year since 1999, according to a report in Hometown Life.

Annual aerial surveys determined the need for culls in order to keep herds healthy. Third-party wildlife biologists studied the deer populations in the parks and concluded that “data indicates herd stress due to lack of nutrition.”

None of the 13 metroparks in southeast Michigan hosted culls last year, only the fourth time since the program began more than 25 years ago.

“Population estimates currently do not reach the density threshold for management action in 2024, so no culls were, or will be, performed in any Metroparks,” Danielle Mauter, chief of marketing and communications for the Metroparks, said last year.

DNR officials believe that could be a sign that the culls worked, the story said.

Michelle Dimaria of West Bloomfield Township, also active in Advocates for Michigan Wildlife Coalition, disagrees.

“To me, anything that you have to repeat for 25 years doesn’t work,” she said.

Metroparks officials could not be reached for comment on whether the culls were held this year.

Two of the 13 parks – Kensington in Milford Township and Indian Springs in White Lake Township – are in Oakland County.

In 2021, the cull was canceled at Kensington after authorities say a Royal Oak man threatened by phone to shoot the officers taking part in it. Authorities deemed the threat credible. The man was charged with malicious use of a telecommunications device, a misdemeanor.

UPCOMING CULLS

The city councils in Farmington Hills and Southfield recently voted to contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct culls next year. Farmington Hills also expects to add a bow hunt in 2027 that will be conducted by public safety officers.

The Farmington City Council voted to contract with Farmington Hills to manage the cull.

Culls are expected to cost $20,000 each for Farmington Hills and Southfield. Farmington is a smaller city and the cost is expected to be lower, but no estimate was released.

Officials in all three cities said they have looked at nonlethal means of deer population control for years. Farmington Hills, for example, enacted a ban on feeding deer in 2017. While the city did not issue any citations, ordinance officers gave a number of residents a warning.

Residents in all three cities have asked officials to address deer overpopulation for years, complaining of seeing as many as 20 deer in their yards and having landscaping decimated.

Farmington Hills and Southfield officials say the number of car-deer crashes continues to rise. Along with vehicle repair costs for motorists and the risk of the loss of human life, car-deer crashes create costs for municipalities, which often pay for the disposal of the large animal carcasses. If the animal dies on private property, the homeowner sometimes has to pay the disposal cost.

DNR officials also say the deer population in southeast Michigan is reaching a point where it may become unhealthy for the animals.

Farmington Hills and Southfield officials say all venison from culls will be donated to food banks.

The culls will not be announced. Southfield Mayor Ken Siver said the city wants to keep protesters from showing up.

Local police will be on hand to keep protesters or bystanders from entering parks and other large pieces of property where culls are underway.

Culls will be conducted over two to five nights, with sharpshooters in trees using thermal imaging equipment to locate deer.

Opponents say that despite the precautions, they still fear for the safety of nearby residents and pets, or even those who are out for a nighttime walk.

They remain unconvinced that all nonlethal methods of limiting car-deer crashes and controlling deer population have been explored. They say the DNR promotes culls as the only solution.

“There is so much bad and missing data,” Dimaria said.

Farmington, Southfield approve deer culls; following Farmington Hills’ lead

Farmington Hills council OKs deer cull

By Melissa Nann Burke, The Detroit News

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard pressed lawmakers on Capitol Hill this month to grant state and local law enforcement the authority to disable drones when they pose a threat to the public or are operating illegally.

Bouchard and U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township, recently spoke with The Detroit News about the issue. Bouchard lamented that U.S. lawmakers haven’t taken action despite widespread reports of mysterious drones in New Jersey and other communities last year and the safety risks that unmanned aircraft may pose to airports and large public gatherings like concerts and football games.

Opponents have raised concerns about the change infringing on First Amendment and civil liberties protections, government surveillance and property rights.

McClain’s office said she’s having conversations about potential legislation to address the drone issue.

In the Senate, Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, has pushed bipartisan legislation for the last two sessions of Congress that would grant the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and local law enforcement more authority to combat potential threats posed by drones.

The Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act would allow DHS and DOJ to disable drones determined to pose a security risk. The legislation would also establish a pilot program that allows state and local law enforcement to help mitigate an urgent drone threat, according to a bill summary.

The bill, which hasn’t passed Congress, also would allow critical infrastructure owners and operators — like stadium operators — to detect, identify and track a drone threat so they can report it to state and local law enforcement for further investigation.

The following partial transcript has been edited for clarity.

Question: Sheriff, what are you talking about with the chairwoman this week and the other lawmakers that you’re visiting (in Washington, D.C.)?

Bouchard: First and foremost, it is because of Police Week. We’re very connected to that on lots of levels, but especially because we had Deputy Bradley Reckling ambushed and murdered less than a year ago.

This week is dedicated to not just police officers in general, but today is Police Memorial Day, so it’s especially heartbreaking. I was with his widow a number of times. I was with her last night ― four kids under the age of 7. We’re talking about the risk that our people face day in day out.

I’m reiterating that to the members (of Congress) that I meet with that we need their support to lift up families that are hurting, but also to support the ones that are going on every day to face the same threats.

The Michigan state trooper that was shot multiple times recently was trailing a car that my same auto-theft team was on when (Reckling) was murdered. They had been trailing it the night before. So that could have been the very same unit in a shootout less than a year later. Thankfully, the trooper wasn’t killed, but that could have been a dead trooper or could have been one of my deputies on the same team. …

I’m part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force: You saw that an individual wanted to commit a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS in Warren, and he wanted to use drones?

Q: That was front-page news. … He launched a drone to try to carry out an attack at the Army’s TACOM (Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command) facility.

McClain: But talk about the drone issue, because that’s really what we in Congress need to do a better job of. And this is where I appreciate the relationship and the partnership that I have with Sheriff Bouchard ― he is not afraid to call me and tell me what he needs, what he’s dealing with, and the resources that he needs. And it’s our job to legislate.

We need to have a paradigm shift up here in D.C. We need to fund the police, and we need to make sure that we respect them, but also give them the resources they need, whether it’s for mental health, whether it’s for drones, whether it’s for retirement. They put their lives on the line, day in and day out, to make sure that they have our backs. I think the least we can do is make sure we have theirs.

And I appreciate the relationship, because he will call and advocate ― very sternly, I might add.

Bouchard: That attack (in Warren) in particular was going to be kicked off with a drone, right? And we have been banging the drum very loudly about the threats of drones, and it’s not a case of if but when. It’s going to happen here.

We’ve seen it operationally already ― dropping weapons and contraband into prisons and jails. It’s almost a regular thing now, but we have no ability to intervene. We’ve seen it used as weapons all over the world ― Ukraine, Israel ― with great effect. But even closer, Mexican cartels attacked a Mexican general’s convoy and blew it up with drones.

You can buy these things off the shelf and weaponize them very cheaply.

Q: What are you asking Congress to do?

Bouchard: Give us the authority to intervene that they have held only to federal agencies.

So for example, you have certain events. They’re called SEAR events, or national security events: The Republican National Convention, Democratic National Convention, the Super Bowl, things like that. It gets a supreme level of security and safety, including air restrictions, and it also gets counter-drone capability.

So my drone unit managed, with the federal government, the air operations over the NFL Draft when it was in Detroit last year. But the feds are the only ones that have the ability to take intervention action against a hostile or even a bad hobbyist that doesn’t understand that they could cause a very big problem. We don’t have the authority to do that, and there’s only a very limited number ― typically about two teams that are operating anywhere in the country ― that can do those kinds of things.

So my worst nightmare is, you know, we have the Dream Cruise every year: 1.3 million people in a 13-mile stretch. We run drone and counter drone and crude aircraft and air assets during it. Last year, we had like 96 interventions in our airspace over the Dream Cruise that were illegal.

McClain: And they can’t do anything.

Bouchard: We can’t do anything about it. Other than we can see the drone on our drone-detection systems that we already have. We can see where the operator launched from, but we don’t have the systems to intervene ―

McClain: Or the authority really, to intervene, right?

Bouchard: And three of those went past my crude aircraft to 1,480 feet. Had that hit the cockpit of our helicopter, you’d have a catastrophic crash over the Dream Cruise into the crowd. And it was not by intervention that didn’t happen, it was by luck. We can’t survive on luck in my world.

If you look at the California wildfires, they had a plane that was distributing water and putting out fires that was pierced by a hobbyist drone and had to make an emergency landing. It took it out of commission. And we’ve got records of Life Flights that can’t land because drone operators are curious what’s going on.

All we’re asking for is pretty simple: Allow us, local and state law enforcement, to have the same authority that the federal government has to intervene when a drone is operating illegally and or is an immediate threat to the public. Those are the only circumstances we want to intervene. That’s all we’re asking for.

Q: Which federal agencies are opposed to this?

Bouchard: It has to come from Congress. The federal agencies support us. DHS and I did a press conference three years ago. They said they want us to have it. And the best we’ve gotten so far is a proposal to do a pilot in five sites in the country. Well, a pilot is going to be, what, three years, and then by the time you’re talking seven years out. The threat’s today.

McClain: Congress definitely needs to act on this. There is no question in my mind that we need to do that. We need to act on it.

My frustration is nothing moves quick, and my frustration is instead of being proactive or preemptive, what’s going to happen is we’re going to have a tragedy happen, and then all of a sudden, we’re going to end up over-regulating this, when, if we just did our job, we could do this now.

The problem gets into First Amendment rights. … I mean, I’m all for First Amendment rights. I’m all for the property rights. I’m all for that. But at the end of the day, if there’s a threat, I want my local police officers to be able to protect me and the 1.3 million people that are in a 13-mile radius to keep us safe. I think if the public knew how dangerous it was, they would be lobbying us a lot more to take care of this.

Q: Where is your bill on this? Is it in committee?

McClain: We’ve had a couple bills on it, but it gets stalled because they get hung up on one little thing.

And remember, you got to have 60 votes in the Senate, and we have a whole pocket of people that aren’t real pro-law enforcement. It’s not me, and it’s not a lot of my colleagues, but they’re out there. So we got to make sure that we raise awareness to this. … It’s a very important subject that the sheriff and I have been working on.

Bouchard: It’s one of the issues that Police Week kind of gives us a chance to talk about it. What are the threats we see and what are the ways that the federal government, in particular Congress, can help us face those? Some of it, it’s not money. It’s partnership or authorization or integration of effort, things like that.

Q: In the Senate, Gary Peters is on the Homeland Security Committee. He used to be the committee’s chair, and he has an interest in this drone issue and a bill on this.

Bouchard: Yeah, we supported his bill. And the senator who kind of tied things up was (Kentucky Republican Sen.) Rand Paul, which makes our leap a little harder. (Paul is now the committee chair.)

I think a lot of it is some of the members are so busy, they don’t take the moment to sit down and listen to somebody that’s actually on the ground doing the job. It’s very different to imagine than it is to operate. And the concerns about civil liberties or spying or First Amendment, they vanish when we tell them how it’s utilized.

It’s not utilized to spy or to do surveillance because battery life, No. 1, is very small. If you’re going to do surveillance, you’re going to do it from a high-altitude, crewed aircraft that has loiter capability. If you’re swapping batteries every 15 to 20 minutes, and the law requires us, like anybody else, to be 400 feet or below ― that’s visible, and it can even be heard most of the time. So it’s not a surveillance tool. We use it for emergencies or to keep an eye on a situation as it develops.

The second thing is intervention would only come when the drone is a danger or it’s breaking the law. People say, ‘What if it’s being used to monitor the police?’ We don’t care. We’re the most monitored profession on the planet. We have body cameras. We have dash cameras.

McClain: Everybody’s out there with their cellphone.

Bouchard: Everybody’s got a cellphone. There’s cameras on every corner. That’s not our concern. If we’re doing something wrong, we own it and have to fix it, and we should be held accountable. We get that.

But the drone would never be interfered with because you’re watching us. It would only be interfered with if it was breaking the law or was an immediate threat. That’s it. The other misnomer is that, well, what if you’re going to intercept the video feed? There’s no technology to do that. That’s not why we would intervene. And why do we need your feed if we have our own air assets?

Q: Wasn’t there a Green Day concert last year at Comerica Park where drones were an issue?

Bouchard: There were two events in Michigan where they rushed people off the stage, and people panicked, because of a drone. Thankfully, it was not an adversary but a hobbyist that did stupid things. So far, we’ve been lucky, because they’ve been people that are either uneducated about the law or don’t care. But they’re not adversarial.

Take, for example, President Trump’s assassination attempt last summer. We did a lot of the drone detection and drone work around the (presidential candidate) visits to Michigan, because we have one of the most advanced air capabilities in the country.

That individual flew a drone for pre-op surveillance of where the president was going to speak and probably determined the line-of-sight location that he chose to shoot from. What if instead, he did a pre-op surveillance with that drone and geo-marked that stage and then went back a half a mile or a mile, and waited for the president to take the stage, as he could see on live TV, and launched a drone that was explosive-bearing right to the stage?

These are all things I wake up in the night going, this is not if, it’s when, and we need to do something. And you can take it to everyday examples: UM and Michigan Stadium and Spartan Stadium, Comerica Park are having games every day.

And if you have these new pilot programs ― pick which one of the three you want to be at. You only get one.

Oakland County Road Commissioner Nancy Quarles has resigned her position with the board to take a position with the state.

The commission’s chairman, Eric McPherson, told The Oakland Press that she emailed her resignation after Thursday’s board meeting, but he did not see it until Friday.

“I believe she got an opportunity in another part of government,” he said.

On Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced she had appointed Quarles, a Novi Democrat, to the state’s three-person tax commission.

McPherson said he had no idea who would replace Quales on the three-person road commission.

“Road commissioners are appointed by the county commissioners and I have no idea who they will choose,” he said, adding that he is not making suggestions. “That’s not my place.”

The state tax commission oversees the administration of the property tax laws, assists and advises assessors and, since 2009, is responsible for the education and certification of assessing officers.

Quarles succeeds Mark Davidoff, whose term expired in December.

She is a former state representative, during which time she was vice chair of the tax policy committee, a former Oakland County commissioner and the immediate past chair of the Oakland County Democratic Party.

She did not respond to an Oakland Press request for comment on Friday.

The county road commission is in the midst of deciding whether to move forward with a $43 million administration building or renovate the county’s executive building, which will be empty in 2027 when employees there move to the Ottawa Towers buildings in downtown Pontiac.