For Immediate Release
Patrice McDonald Rowbal
TSD Comm. Specialist
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P: 248-823-4028
M: 248-425-3413
2021-2022
- New Panel
- 6/23/2022 - TSD School Board Trustee Elected to County Board of Education
- 6/10/2022 - BPMS Student’s Project Selected for National History Day Contest
- 5/23/2022 - Troy United Girls High School Hockey Players Win All-State Awards
- 5/10/2022 - IAE Celebrates Earth Day With Convention
- 5/6/2022 - Troy High Econ Club Among Top in USA, Traveling to National Finals in NYC
- 5/6/2022 - 2022 Troybery Winners Announced
- 5/5/2022 - Troy High Student Shoots for the Stars, Wins NASA Contest
- 5/4/2022 - Troy High DECA Team Returns from Atlanta with Awards
- 5/3/2022 - Troy Colt Bands Honored at State Solo/Ensemble
- 5/2/2022 - TCCHS Seniors Are “Women of Tomorrow”
- 5/2/2022 - Troy High Alum Appointed to Michigan’s Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force
- 4/29/2022 - Athens Charity Week Big Reveal
New Panel
6/23/2022 - TSD School Board Trustee Elected to County Board of Education
TSD School Board Trustee Steve Gottlieb has been elected to the Oakland County Board of Education by the boards of Oakland County’s 28 school districts. Gottlieb will serve for a six-year term beginning July 1, 2022.
A 47-year resident of Troy, Gottlieb taught in the Troy School District for 41 years, has served for five years on the Troy school board and holds a Master’s degree in education leadership from Central Michigan University.
During his years teaching at Troy Athens High School, Gottlieb taught vocational auto mechanics, video game design, computer networks and repair, photography, government, and economics. His goal for all of his students was to prepare them to thrive in the world by providing a classroom culture of excellence. “When classroom instruction is filled with purpose and meaning, when student voice is prioritized, when belonging is nurtured, when students are making a contribution to the world, students feel good about themselves and the person they are becoming,” said Gottlieb. “This is what all students deserve.”
As for his goals for working on County School Board, he feels that Oakland Schools can play a massive role in supporting students through the four technical campuses and also through shared services, professional learning and networking. He is committed to working with the rest of the board to ensure that we advocate for ALL our children and our teachers. “Our students come first, and in order to do that, our educational system needs to find ways to show teachers the respect and professionalism they have earned.” He hopes to accomplish this through a collaborative, transparent culture of excellence.
This is Gottlieb’s sixth year on the Troy School Board. He owns a real estate business in Troy, is the Chairman of the Board of a credit union, and serves on the executive board of the Clawson Chamber of Commerce. He lives in Troy with his wife, Jennifer.
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Photo courtesy of Troy School District
6/10/2022 - BPMS Student’s Project Selected for National History Day Contest
Boulan 8th grader Iniya Kumar recently learned that a historical documentary she created was selected as one of only 34 in the nation to be shown at the Smithsonian National Showcase during this year’s National History Day contest.
Kumar’s documentary is entitled “The Story of Acceptance Without Exception: The Stonewall Riots' Effect on the Gay Rights Movement.” She chose this topic because it was something that has not really been discussed and is often suppressed throughout history. “Everyone knows what Pride Month is but may not know that it is possible because of the Stonewall Riots,” said Kumar, which was the catalyst for decades of a movement and has really inspired her. "Especially because I am someone that is not part of the LGBTQ+ community, I wanted to create an unbiased documentary that showed the dedication these activists had."
Boulan has been participating in this contest for the past five years, during which time they have had eight projects qualify for the National Competition. Said History Teacher Eric Berger: “I was so proud of Iniya for being selected for the showcase. She has put in a tremendous amount of work on her NHD Project this year and so deserved this amazing honor!”
Kumar’s documentary will be available to view on Monday, June 13 at 10 am via the following link: https://learninglab.si.edu/collections/national-history-day-at-nmaahc-student-documentary-showcase-2022/kIAzLJawrEuTd2GF
National History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for sixth to twelfth-grade students. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights, and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. The experience culminates in a series of contests at the local and affiliate levels and an annual national competition in the nation's capital in June. For more information, visit https://www.nhd.org/.
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Photo courtesy of Troy School District
5/23/2022 - Troy United Girls High School Hockey Players Win All-State Awards
Megan Moceri and Heidi Blackwell won all-state accolades at the conclusion of the girl's high school hockey season. After each season, the Michigan Girls High School Hockey League coaches vote for first-team, second-team and honorable mention awards from all players in the league. Senior and Assistant Captain Heidi Blackwell was presented the Honorable Mention Award for her steady play throughout the season both at forward and defense. Junior and Assistant Captain Megan Moceri was voted Second Team All-State for Defense. This is Megan's second all-state award; she also earned Honorable Mention as a freshman.
The girls will be gearing up for another season with varsity and JV tryouts scheduled for June 14-16 at Troy Sports Center.
5/10/2022 - IAE Celebrates Earth Day With Convention
IAE’s Environmental Club held an Earth Day Convention on a Saturday in May. There were different booths with passionate environmentalists, keynote speakers, sustainable businesses, and other activities. Speakers included Vallen Krikor and Portia Channa of the Sunrise Movement at Michigan State University, House Representative Padma Kuppa, and our chief guest Dr. Rich Machesky.
According to event organizer and Environmental Club founder Akshitha Sahu “This year's convention was an immense success, and after transitioning from a virtual event last year to an in-person event this year, we've grown a lot.” There were environmental booths that were run by passionate environmentalists and businesses, and the chief guest was TSD Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky, who spoke about the Troy School District’s efforts to rebuild schools to become more sustainable, bonds and their environmental plans and how the TSD supports student initiatives.
Michigan House Representative and keynote speaker Padma Kuppa spoke about her journey as an environmentalist and engineer, how she uses legislation to work on environmental policies, the importance of educating ourselves politically, and how she has impacted the community. The Sunrise Movement’s Vallen Krikor and Portia Channa also attended as keynote speakers, who shared the Sunrise Movement’s key values and what the movement has done in the past to promote environmental advocacy.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by each of the board members, who remarked with certainty that the Club has many more plans for the future, including an EcoBricks project where we turn plastics into bricks (currently in the works), a sustainable garden that donates food to families with food insecurity, and a composting program at IA East.
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5/6/2022 - Troy High Econ Club Among Top in USA, Traveling to National Finals in NYC
Troy High School has been named one of the top schools in America for the study of economics. By coming out on top in preliminary rounds, the team from Michigan earned an all-expense-paid trip to New York City to compete with three other schools in the 2022 National Economics Challenge.
Organized by the Council for Economic Education (CEE), the National Economics Challenge (NEC) is the country’s only economics competition of its kind for high school students. Teams are tested for comprehension of micro and macroeconomic principles and an awareness of the national and world economy. Finals are conducted in two divisions, for first-time challengers and for teams like Troy High School with Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, honors students and previous participants.
“Troy High School is developing into a powerhouse in this competition under the leadership of Mr. Aldinger. His students have a great desire to improve their knowledge and understanding of economics and push each other to grow and develop as students through this academic pursuit,” said Derek D’Angelo, Michigan Council on Economic Education president.
Troy High School
Teacher: David Aldinger
Student: Deepti Aggarwal
Student: Naveen Natarajam
Student: Srivatsav Bendi
Student: Sonnet Xu
“Learning the principles of economics helps young people think logically, use data smartly and develop analytical and problem-solving skills, all while building more fruitful lives and stronger communities through understanding how people and nations allocate scarce resources,” said Nan J. Morrison, CEE president and chief executive officer. “The economics students from this school have a head start on the knowledge they will need to thrive. We congratulate them and thank their teachers, administrators and the Michigan Council on Economic Education for their commitment to this critically important subject.”
Only half the states require students to take a course in economics before graduating high school, according to CEE’s 2022 Survey of the States. Broader access across the United States would level the playing field for all students to make informed decisions and lead the lives they aspire to have, Morrison said.
At the June 6 finals in New York, the top four teams in each division will square off onstage in a “Quiz Bowl,” answering questions posed by CNBC’s senior economics reporter Steve Liesman.
Each member of the winning finals team in each division will receive $1,000, with cash prizes of $500, $250 or $125 for each student taking home national honors in second, third and fourth place.
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5/6/2022 - 2022 Troybery Winners Announced
You’ve heard of the Newbery Reading Award, but have you heard of the Troybery? A mock-Newbery medal program, Troybery has encouraged Troy middle schoolers since 2000 to read the best middle grade books published in a specific year and then vote on their favorites. The contest usually begins in the fall, with students reading nominated books and then voting for them in a March Madness-style tournament.
“Our ultimate goal is to get kids excited about and interested in reading,” said media specialist Christina Chatel. This year Troybery was again in seat and virtual—via a special app students could access e-book and audiobook Troybery nominees along with checking out print versions of the books in their middle school media centers.
This year included a brand new, exciting “Troybery Author Blitz” book talks via Zoom all day with eight different authors: Anne Blankman (Blackbird Girls), Supriya Kelkar (American as Paneer Pie), J.L. Esplin (96 Miles), Rena Barron (Maya and the Rising Dark), Laura Martin (Glitch), Lorien Lawrence (The Stitchers), Sarah Allen (What Stars Are Made of) and Dan Poblicki (Ghost Hunters Daughter).
The 22nd annual Troybery Award Program focused on books with a copyright from 2020 that are stand-alone books or the first book in a series. Troybery is modeled after the Newbery Award given each year by the American Library Association to the best children’s books. Mrs. Chatel and Ms. Loch challenged students to read a list of 32 titles from genres like adventure, fantasy, historical, horror, mystery, nonfiction, realistic fiction, science fiction and sports. Middle schoolers voted on their favorite to narrow the choice to the top ten. A final vote was tallied from the top ten titles and the winners were: 3rd Runner-up American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar; 2nd Runner-up 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin; 1st Runner-up Glitch by Laura Martin; and the overall winner is Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. To see the exciting reveal, visit this private YouTube link: https://youtu.be/aPcn-DMiObs
“This year, we really saw the impact of author visits,” said Mrs. Chatel. “After students visited with Troybery authors via Zoom during our Troybery Author Blitz, they rushed to check out those authors’ books. It’s no coincidence that three of our four top books are from authors in March.”
For more information about the Troybery program, visit http://troymiddleschoolmediacenter.weebly.com/troybery.html.
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5/5/2022 - Troy High Student Shoots for the Stars, Wins NASA Contest
Troy High Sophomore Fiona Samson recently received the news that she has been accepted to NASA’s GeneLab for High School Summer internship program this summer, from June 13th to July 8th. The NASA website states “GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a four-week intensive training program for rising high school juniors and seniors sponsored by NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley.” In this program interns will learn and train in NASA space biology research, bioinformatics and computational biology methods and techniques to analyze omics data, applications of the bioinformatics analyses to NASA Space Biology science, and develop a competitive team experimental proposal based on analysis of data from the GeneLab Data Repository.
Samson is excited to attend, having learned of the program from her brother Finsam (THS class of 2019) who did a college-level internship at NASA’s GeneLab back in 2019. “I am very much looking forward to participating in this program. I am excited about the new learning opportunities this program will provide. I eagerly await the interactions that I will have with the mentors, NASA scientists and my fellow interns with whom I will be working with throughout this program.” She feels she was properly prepared to go after this opportunity by her teachers and classes at Troy High. “My previous and current biology teachers and classes have really sparked my interest in this field. Especially my Genetics Biotechnology Bacteriology and Embryology class, which has been one of the most interesting classes I have had this year. This class contains laboratory research activities that have helped prepare me for this program.”
Approximately 15 high school students are selected nationwide for this program every year out of thousands of applicants. The four-week intensive training program for rising high school juniors and seniors is held at NASA's Ames Research Center (near Mountain View, California).
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools and NASA
5/4/2022 - Troy High DECA Team Returns from Atlanta with Awards
Twenty-seven members of Troy High’s DECA team returned from the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia last week with some DECA Glass + Medals in hand! (DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America).
Students competed in Role Play events where they received a combined score from being tested on their knowledge of the marketing industry + performing a role play, where they were given a case study and had to develop a solution and present it to a judge.
1st Place Internationally: Aleena Malik for Marketing Communication Series
4th Place Internationally: Ingrid Huang + Charlotte Worrel for Hospitality + Tourism Team Decision Making Event
6th Place Internationally: Sarayu Bethamcherla + Alexa Michalec for Marketing Communications Team Decision-Making Event
10th Place Internationally: Vandhana Purushothaman for Apparel + Accessories Marketing Series
Top 20 Internationally: Sameer Khed for Hotel + Lodging Management Series, Jennifer Bricker for Hotel + Lodging Management Series, and Sriyan Madugula for Entrepreneurship Series.
Amay Baweja, Sameer Khed, Jennifer Bricker, Vandhana Purushothaman, and Aleena Malik received Role Play awards on stage, and Sarayu Bethamcherla received a test medal.
In other exciting news, Amay Baweja was also awarded the Central Region Scholarship. Only two students are honored with this scholarship, and they’re chosen from thousands of applicants from the Central Region in DECA, which encompasses 13 states and 1 Canadian Province. Along with this honor, he had the opportunity to attend a special awardee dinner in the Mercedes Suite at Mercedes Benz Stadium and was honored on stage at the Grand Awards Session.
All in all Troy High DECA had a fantastic competitive season for 2021-2022! Combined between Districts, States and ICDC, Troy High students brought home 316 medals and 31 DECA Glass this year!
In addition to the students mentioned above, the following Troy High kids also competed at ICDC: Aditya Shankar, Angela Xu, Anshul Singh, Caitlin Dawson, Cynthia Wang, Erin Jeong, Fida Rahman, Harry Wang, Jesse Chang, Max Falk, Mlahat Mahmood, Neha Sil, Pranav Atyam, Riley Lennon, Sharanya Swaminathan, and Vienna Thieu.
It was a great five days in Atlanta!
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools,
Photos 1 & 5: Group
Photo 2: Sarayu Bethamcherla + Alexa Michalec (they took 6th place internationally)
Photo 3: Amay Baweja + Vandhana Purushothaman (Amay was the one who received the scholarship and Vandhana took 10th place internationally)
Photo 4: Aleena Malik – (she is the student who took first place nationally!
5/3/2022 - Troy Colt Bands Honored at State Solo/Ensemble
Categorized as "Outstanding Solo Performance." These students are awarded this honored distinction from their State-level adjudicator. They are also invited to compete in the 2022 MSBOA Concerto Competition.
Michael Carbajo, Clarinet
*Dana Garcia, Tenor Sax
Juhee Pack, Flute
*Dennis Yang, Alto Sax
*Dana and Dennis have elected to compete in the concerto competition and will be auditioning this Friday, April 8th on the campus of Central Michigan University.
Categorized as "Outstanding Small Ensemble."
Shane Karas, Trevor Swan, Dennis Yang, Tyler Yee, Woodwind Quartet
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5/2/2022 - TCCHS Seniors Are “Women of Tomorrow”
The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program mission is to inspire, motivate and empower at-risk young women to live up to their full potential through a unique mentoring program with highly accomplished professional women and scholarship opportunities. Our program is specifically designed to meet the needs of at-risk teenage girls in our nation’s public high schools and help them turn obstacles into opportunities by providing the exposure, motivation, confidence and opportunities required to create a better future for themselves, their families, and society.
5/2/2022 - Troy High Alum Appointed to Michigan’s Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force
Hemanth Tadepalli (THS Class of 2019 and current Kettering University student) joins 24 other students on the Michigan Department of State’s Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force, Sec. Secretarytate Jocelyn Benson announced April 22.
The task force is charged with determining and implementing recommendations to improve voter education and engagement among young people on college and university campuses statewide.
“This is a critical time in our nation’s democracy, and it is vital that student voices are at the table,” Benson said in a news release. “The task force will play an important role in empowering and engaging student voters across Michigan to ensure their voices are heard on Election Day and beyond. I look forward to their recommendations and supporting their work to improve voter education, engagement, and participation among young people.”
The students were selected from a pool of nearly 200 applicants. Tadepalli is the only Kettering student on the task force, which represents 18 community colleges, colleges and universities.
He said he pursued the task force appointment after serving in various positions at different levels of government. His experience includes serving as a representative appointed by the mayor on the Troy City Planning Commission, working as deputy campaign manager for Troy Mayor Ethan Baker, and interning with the Sierra Club, where he was the liaison to U.S. Sen. Gary Peters’ office.
“These experiences involved lots of research and constituent services, which ranged from environmental policy analysis to many social issues people were facing,” Tadepalli said. “I learned what issues citizens were facing and understood what steps need to be taken to protect the future of democracy. I wanted to be a part of the task force so I can act as a bridge between faculty, staff and students at the University and the state department of Michigan.”
Tadepalli also credits his time at Troy High School, especially his history classes such as AP Government with Mr. Ryan Werenka as well as computer science classes with Mr. Joe Moceri. He also says that being a part of THS’ many clubs helped guide him along on this journey.
He said he also wants to increase voter education on campus so students can get an understanding of how bills and policies affect them and why they matter for the future.
To be selected for the task force is an honor, Tadepalli said, and he already has ideas to take to the group: “I feel it is important to focus on increasing voter education in various proposed policies to solve issues that are nonpartisan and will help students understand how important it is to vote.” After graduating from Kettering Tadepalli wants to pursue a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity or Management, and also hopes to serve in a political office, which he believes can work hand-in-hand.
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Photo courtesy of Troy Schools and Hemanth Tadepalli
4/29/2022 - Athens Charity Week Big Reveal
Troy Athens Announces Charity Week Big Reveal!!
Today, Troy Athens High School concluded one of this country’s largest school student-led charity campaigns, Charity Week 2022, February 14-18! Their goal was to raise over $100,000 for their chosen charity, and as the crowd of students, teachers, administrators, and friends looked on, the giant banner was peeled back to reveal the 2022 number, an incredible $706.46!!!
These funds will be donated to Athens’ chosen charity for 2022: Alex’s Saints Foundation, a local organization that combats the opioid epidemic with Athens ties. Named in memory of 2013 Athens graduate Alex St. Pierre who passed away from an overdose in 2019, this group raises awareness of this critical issue while providing support and narcotic rehabilitation financial assistance, helping families who have a loved one suffering from drug addiction. Alex’s Saints Foundation was established by his best friend and fellow Athens grad, Tyler Bettelon, who misses Alex every day and doesn’t want any other family to endure what Alex’s has: “Alex and I became best friends starting in 7th grade and we did everything together; he was my brother,” said Bettelon. “It was impossible to be in a bad mood when you were with Alex; he was known to light up any room with his contagious smile, energy, and laughter.” At the age of 24, Alex St. Pierre lost his battle to drugs and left the world too soon from an overdose.
Bettelon, who is also the organization’s Founder and Chairman, feels help is needed even more urgently today than ever before. In 2021, there were 100,000 deaths due to a drug overdose--the highest rate in the history of the United States. Studies show that this number continues to grow higher and higher every year. With the donation received from Charity Week, Alex’s Saints plans to ramp up their outreach efforts and create relationships with more Rehabilitation Facilities to expand and help more individuals. A month of rehab can cost up to $15,000 per month without insurance, so so th recovery plans can be expensive yet literally life-saving.
Athens students were eager to celebrate this year’s Charity Week, as last year’s event was canceled due to COVID. Said DeFresne, Co-Adviser of Athens’ Student Council: “Charity Week is the most memorable week of the year for our school, and I am proud our student council was able to provide numerous events to our students and community to raise money for a great cause. It was brand new for half of our school after being unable to hold it last year. It’s a major event that is embedded in our school culture; it’s absolutely a team effort on part of student council, staff, administration, and parents.”
According to Athens StuCo president Lilly Chrisopoulos, "After a year hiatus, we’re back, and I’m so incredibly excited! Whether it was reintroduced to some or new to others, we’ve all had a blast during Charity Week 2022. Having some normalcy during COVID really did mean having Charity Week back.” Jordan Doyle, StuCo's Vice President, enthusiastically agreed: “Alex’s Saints’ motto is: ‘Together, we are stronger and tougher than addiction.’ Charity Week proves over and over again that we as a school and a community are really stronger together! I am so proud to be part of this week - Charity Week brings out the best in Athens!”
Charity Week has been a tradition at Athens High school since the mid-80s, and it is 100% student-led, from choosing the charity, to coming up with all of the fundraising activities, to executing the plan. The amount raised has increased yearly, challenging students to beat the previous year. By 1998 (when the current advisors began keeping track), they raised $8,400 for Gilda’s Club. In 2008, they raised $23,600 for ALS of Michigan. In 2020 they raised $180,000 for Elli’s House. “I am proud of the school for adapting and staying positive with the few changes we had to make this year. The participation and energy in the building have been incredible!” continued Chrisopoulos. Athens’ Principal Dr. Lara Dixon shares her pride in her staff, students and community: “Charity Week is all about generosity, activism, collaboration, and service leadership. Kids have fun and make meaningful memories while giving of themselves for the benefit of others. I am so very proud of and grateful for our students, staff, parents, and community. Charity Week is back, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Concluded Hannah DiGiovanni, StuCo's 2nd Vice President: “I am in complete awe of how much money our community was able to raise in just one week, especially knowing how huge of an impact that money will have on so many people in our area.” Bettelon is hopeful about the good Alex’s Saints will be able to do with the money raised from Charity Week and feels that the story has come full circle. “When I was a student at Athens, Charity Week was the one week of the year I always looked forward to. I never imagined I would be connected to the Charity of choice, but here we are almost 10 years after graduating. It’s pretty amazing to see how this has all come back to where I started, and I will be forever grateful,” he said.
Mission: Alex's Saints Foundation focuses on helping families who have a loved one suffering from drug addiction. Whether it's for rehab or a funeral, lean on ASF for emotional and financial support. For more information, visit www.alexssaints.org .
Photos courtesy of the Troy School District; check our Facebook page for more.
- 4/28/2022 - Boulan Park FTC Team “Midnight Creators” Compete at World Championship
- 4/19/2022 - Troy Again Named Best Community for Music Education
- 4/15/2022 - TSD Student Wins Amazon Scholarship
- 4/13/2022 - Athens Winterguard Dazzles at State Competition
- 4/5/2022 -- TSD Dominates Regional Science Olympiad, Looks to States
- 03/25/2022 - Troy High Model UN Earns Best Delegation Award
- 3/23/2022 - Athens Senior Matthew Stein Selected as 2022 Boys & Girls Club of Troy Youth of the Year
- 3/16/2022 - Troy High Biology Students Learn, Share at Learning Fair
- 2/25/2022 - Athens Charity Week Supports Alex's Saints
- 2/16/2022 - Box Office opens, Cast List Announced for Troy Theatre Ensemble’s Spring Musical “Mamma Mia”
- 2/8/2022 - TSD Announces 2022 Teachers of the Year (And nominees)
- 1/18/2022 - TSD Musicians Shine at MMC-MSBOA
- 1/18/2022 - Troy School District is Preparing for 2022-23 Kindergarten Enrollment
- 1/6/2022 - ATC & TTE Students Win Accolades / Scholarships
- 1/4/2022 - Costello & Bemis FLL Robotics Team Wins State Competition
- 12/21/2021 - Athens Student Bakes Macarons, Buys Food for the TSD Pantry
- 12/20/2021 - Hill Elementary Students Share Blankets of Hope
- 12/1/2021 - Troy Athens Symphonic Band Debuts Brand-New Piece, Plays With Professionals
- 11/24/2021 - BPMS Students Honor Healthcare Heroes with "Turkey Troy"
- 11/24/2021 - TSD Seniors Named 2022 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalists
- 11/5/2021 - Troy High Jazz Ensemble's Stellar Debut Performance at Aretha's Cafe
- 10/14/2021 - TTE and ATC Announce Fall Shows, "ONETroy" Performance Dates
- 10/14/2021 - Troy Colt Marching Band Impresses at MSBOA Band Festival
- 10/8/2021 - Troy Boasts 74 National Merit Semifinalists
- 9/29/2021 - Barnard and Leonard Elementary Schools Named 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools
- 9/15/2021 - Smith Students Have Lunch Outside Thanks to Principal / PTO Partnership
- 8/19/2021 - Troy School District Celebrates Its AP Capstone Diploma Recipients
- 8/2/2021 - Troy High and IAE Students Named Distinguished Young Women of 2022
- 7/20/2021 - Ryan Werenka Named 2021 Michigan History Teacher of the Year
- Story Ideas Welcome
4/28/2022 - Boulan Park FTC Team “Midnight Creators” Compete at World Championship
Boulan Park Middle School sent an all-girls team to the First Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics World competition in Houston, TX. The team #16607 known as “Midnight Creators” advanced to Worlds from the Michigan State Championship, as a Second Place Inspire Award Winner at State Championship and placed impressively up against many older student groups at the international competition. First Tech in Michigan limits FTC participants to be only from 6th to 8th Grade, but most of the US States and other countries allow High schoolers also to compete at FTC level.
“The girls proudly represented Boulan Park Middle School, Troy School District and State of Michigan at the worlds and participated with a lot of energy amongst many high school teams,” said parent coach Laksh Parthasarathy. “They learned a lot, interacted with teams from all over the world, made presentations to judges and most of all had a great experience.”
According to their website: The FIRST Robotics Competition is a ten-week program in which students build 125-pound (54 kg) robots designed to compete in a game that changes each year. Students are given sets of parts to use, but they can also use off-the-shelf or custom-made parts. The FIRST Tech Challenge is a mid-level competition program for middle school and high school aged students with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit.
Students felt really proud of their achievement, as well: “I felt really proud of advancing to the World Championships because I felt like all the work that we've done this whole season has resulted in this, and also because I've been on this team since the beginning,” said Nidhi Narayanan. “I felt like everything that I had learned over the years contributed to us achieving this fabulous outcome.” Representing Boulan Park Middle School and the Troy School District as one of very few all-girls teams was very inspiring as well, because “it was really cool to show everyone how we do things here,” continued Narayanan, who plans to continue her work with FIRST tech next year on the Troy/Athens/IAE FRC (high school level)Team 226 Hammerheads.
There were 160 teams from all over US and world ( incl. Canada, Mexico, Romania, Germany, Israel, India, Korea etc.) at the Championships. The following BPMS students represented Troy:
1. Nidhi Narayanan (8th Grade)
2. Anusha Gupta (8th Grade)
3. Arya Iyer (8th Grade)
4. Riya Athalye (8th Grade)
5. Pranya Vadaddi (8th Grade)
6. Sree Dhruti Maringanti (6th Grade)
The following students (also from Boulan Park and part of the team), weren’t able to be there due to other conflicts:
1. Avani Singh (7th grade)
2. Meera Ravi (7th grade)
3. Ananya Siranjeevi (6th grade)
4. Bhavisha Santoshkumar (7th grade)
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools, Photo #4 L to R: Arya Iyer, Pranya Vadaddi, Nidhi Narayanan, Anusha Gupta, Riya Athalye and Sree Dhruti Maringanti
4/19/2022 - Troy Again Named Best Community for Music Education
Troy has been named a 2022 Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. The award recognizes the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made exemplary music education part of the curriculum.
According to the Association (NAMM) in a press release: “Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.
This is the 15th consecutive year Troy has received this elite designation, and TSD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Christine DiPilato shares the pride administration feels for this achievement: “This designation highlights our community’s commitment to music education. We know that music enriches our students’ lives, provides a balance to other academic endeavors and serves as inspiration and a creative outlet. We are a more complete learning community because of our incredible performing arts programs. We are grateful for our community’s continued support and investment in our music programs and look forward to celebrating with you.”
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4/15/2022 - TSD Student Wins Amazon Scholarship
Troy High School senior Hyun Kim has been awarded an Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, including $40,000 to study computer science at a university of her choosing. Hyun is only one of three students from Michigan, and one out of 250 students nationally to receive this scholarship out of thousands of applicants.
All Scholarship Recipients were chosen based on a variety of criteria, including their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, future goals, and financial need. Hyun, who is president of Troy High’s Physics Club, aspires to become a role model for women in STEM with her anticipated degree in Computer Science and Engineering at MIT. “As a Girls Who Code alumni and a female engineer, I will help close the gender gap by actively inspiring young girls to pursue computer science.”
Amazon Future Engineer, Amazon’s global philanthropic computer science education program, aims to bridge the divide between interested students and computer science courses and opportunities. The childhood-to-career education program helps students explore computer science through school curriculum and project-based learning, using code to make music, program robots, and solve problems, and offers teachers professional development opportunities.
As part of the scholarship, Hyun will also receive a paid internship at Amazon after her freshman year of college to gain hands-on, practical work experience with mentorship from Amazon leaders. Congratulations, Hyun!
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Photo courtesy of Troy Schools and Hyun Kim
4/13/2022 - Athens Winterguard Dazzles at State Competition
Congratulations to the Athens JV and Varsity Winter Guard teams on an incredible season!! On Saturday, April 2 at Saginaw Valley State University, the JV team, performing their show "From the Gates of Heaven," earned a record-breaking score of 82.555 and were named Scholastic Regional A State Champions. The Varsity team finished the day by performing their show titled "13," scoring an Athens State Finals score of 85.225, also winning the title of Scholastic A State Champions! Senior Megan Van Kampen was also the recipient of an MCGC performing arts scholarship. The entire Athens community is very proud of these amazing student performers, who represented the TSD in incredible fashion all season long. Well done to all Winter Guard performers and coaches!
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4/5/2022 -- TSD Dominates Regional Science Olympiad, Looks to States
Our 4 Middle Schools along with AHS and THS are sending teams to the State Science Olympiad at MSU on April 30, having swept the competition at the Regional (County) level. With 15 kids per team, they compete in a total of 23 events with topics that include anatomy, forensics, and ornithology, to lab events such as experimental design and chemistry lab, and build events where students have to build various cars, planes, launchers, clocks, and even wifi antenna. The Science Olympiad program is devoted to improving the quality of science education through activities and encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state and national tournaments. “Students have the opportunity to explore topics that often they would not experience in their normal school day,” said parent coach Sachin Prabhu. “For some activities, the experience is very “hands-on”, as students create designs, solve problems and learn the importance of teamwork.” Smith 8th grader Kashifah Hossain agreed: “We faced many challenges to create a solid team for competitions, and we became like one happy family. Events like Crime Busters, Green Generation and Write It, Do It taught me so much, I’m excited to experience the competition in person this year!”
03/25/2022 - Troy High Model UN Earns Best Delegation Award
Recently the Troy High Model United Nations Delegation competed at Michigan State University's MUN conference, a conference they have not been able to attend since 2019 due to the pandemic. Troy High’s delegation took home several individual awards along with the coveted and prestigious Best Large Delegation Award!
Model UN is an extracurricular activity that allows students to strengthen their knowledge and broaden their perspective over global issues through role-playing as delegates within the actual United Nations, says the organization’s website. Students are given the opportunity to develop not only their research and public speaking skills, but also their critical thinking abilities when challenged with difficult topics concerning multiple countries, people, groups and issues. Examples of committee discussions for 2022 include complex topics like transforming food systems for sustainable healthy diets, the emerging challenges of synthetic drug trafficking, the role of regional integration in establishing peace and the future of atoms: artificial intelligence for nuclear applications.
Troy’s coach and advisor, Jacqueline Ciolek, was beyond proud of her students: “Their hard work, enthusiasm, and overall passion for this club and world affairs “is amazing to witness firsthand at each conference. 30 delegates from Troy High School competed against 380+ students, and 12 received awards:
· Asmita Bhandari - Best Delegate (1st Place)
· Areez Ahmed - Outstanding Delegate (2nd Place)
· Mahima Mahajan - Outstanding Delegate (2nd Place)
· Michael Kostinsky - Outstanding Delegate (2nd Place)
· Grace Cueny - Outstanding Delegate (2nd Place)
· George Perakis - Outstanding Delegate (2nd Place)
· Katherina Mandia - Outstanding Delegate (2nd Place)
· Hajra Ahmad - Book Award (3rd Place)*
· Rena Foo - Book Award (3rd Place)
· Erin Xia - Book Award (3rd Place)
· Arunima Vasudev - Honorable Mention (4th Place)
· Vinaya Gunasekar - Verbal Commendation (5th Place)
Ciolek especially praised sophomore Hajra Ahmad for her 3rd place book award, for going into her committee room not being able to research or know what she would be debating and discussing. Hajra’s committee room ended up being focused around nuclear disarmament but set in the world of Dr. Seuss with each delegate playing a Seuss character – ‘Oh the Nukes You Can Nuke: Mutually Assured Destruction with Seuss.’ “It was one of the most creative committees I have ever seen and she did amazing and took home 3rd place!” said Ciolek.
The whole delegation was outstanding, “Their hard work, enthusiasm, and overall passion for this club and world affairs is amazing to witness first-hand at each conference.”
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Photos courtesy of Troy School District
3/23/2022 - Athens Senior Matthew Stein Selected as 2022 Boys & Girls Club of Troy Youth of the Year
Troy Athens High School senior Matthew Stein was selected as the 2022 Boys & Girls Club of Troy (BGCT) Youth of the Year. This is his first time winning this award. Matthew will now compete against members of other Boys & Girls Clubs in the state for the Michigan Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship courtesy of program sponsors which include Toyota and Mondelez International.
As the 2022 Youth of the Year honoree for the Boys & Girls Club of Troy, Stein is among hundreds of teens across the country being recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
BGCA's premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The program encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. "Over Matthew’s time at the Boys & Girls Club of Troy, he has been a shining example of hard work, discipline, and dedication to BGCT for all of our members. From being a leader among our Leaders In Training and as a Junior Staff, Matthew has become an outstanding young leader. We have witnessed him grow over his 8 years at the Club and has become a positive role model for all of our youth here. I'm amazed by not only by how far Matthew has come both academically and personally, but that he continues to give back to the club that has given him so much," said Boys & Girls Club of Troy CEO Jeff Evans. "His talent, personality and work ethic make him a well-deserved representative of the Boys & Girls Club of Troy and the local community."
Athens Principal Dr. Lara Dixon agreed, saying “Mathew is an exceptional student, scholar, musician, and Red Hawk. We are so very proud of him and all that he has accomplished and are grateful for his commitment to others and the community. His work at the Troy Boys and Girls Club is truly impressive and appreciated. We are thrilled that he is their Youth of the Year.”
“It is an honor to represent the Boys & Girls Club of Troy as the 2022 Youth of the Year," said Matthew. "I thank the Boys & Girls Club of Troy for helping to grow me into the person that I am today. Thank you for providing me with a platform to share my story, to grow my voice, and to show pride and respect for my Club." Matthew has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for eight years. He has volunteered in a number of roles throughout the Club, most notably in leadership roles through the Leaders In Training and Junior Staff programs. Additionally, Matthew recently earned his Eagle Scout rank by completing a service project at BGCT where he led a team to construct a climbing wall and sand box for younger members at BGCT.
Matthew says that his favorite memory at the Club was getting to play in a baseball game with members and staff against players from the USPBL and Detroit Tigers. He plans to follow his interests in either Architecture or Computer Engineering at only of the colleges on his short list.
Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. Six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, advance to Washington, D.C., for the National Youth of the Year Gala & Celebration Dinner, where one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America's national teen spokesperson. The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for the nearly four million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America's young people.
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Photo courtesy of Troy School District and Matthew Stein
3/16/2022 - Troy High Biology Students Learn, Share at Learning Fair
Last week, 24 Troy High biology classes participated in a biology learning fair that focused on how humans are impacting the earth and our environment. Students were asked to generate creative and actionable solutions including, but not limited to, Troy High School students, Troy community members, Michigan residents and in some cases, those that live in the United States. Some of these solutions included an actionable or educational event, new programs and even grant proposals.
The problems addressed by students were various climate change, invasive species, economic impact, natural disasters, water and air pollution, etc., basically, negative effects caused by humans. The objectives of the fair were to have an audience for students to present to and show off their hard work, allowing them to learn from their peers and pick up some additional information on things they can do to lessen the negative impact humans are causing.
This project was important to the students because as they continue throughout their lives, they have the ability to make small (or big) changes that can have a large impact on our environment. They could influence others to also make changes. This project provided them with a purpose, the need to help our Earth and also provided them with the experience of collaboration, using their critical thinking skills, their creativity, their communication and helped develop a sense of community. In addition, they were able to improve upon their presenting skills and learned how to write a professional email. The projects were displayed in a variety of ways, but mostly PowerPoint presentations and posters.
Approximately 550+ students (24 biology classes) participated in the fair, with over 100 attendees including parents, Central Office members, administrators, teachers and other students.
Teachers involved in fair: Rachel Cervi, Amanda Chin, Meghan Sermo, Emily Zedan, Autumn Spiteri, Sydney Barosko, Alyssa Armstrong, and Noelle Wald, and Rebecca Brewer
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Photos courtesy of TSD Creative Guild Student Producer Jeffery Wu
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s9hkW9b5TyYlo_tPAQiky4-rB9QSkHtk
2/25/2022 - Athens Charity Week Supports Alex's Saints
Today, Troy Athens High School concluded one of this country’s largest high school student-led charity campaigns, Charity Week 2022, February 14-18! Their goal was to raise over $100,000 for their chosen charity, and as the crowd of students, teachers, administrators and friends looked on, the giant banner was peeled back, to reveal the 2022 number, an amazing $117,706.46!!!
These funds will be donated to Athens’ chosen charity for 2022: Alex’s Saints Foundation, a local organization that combats the opioid epidemic with Athens ties. Named in memory of 2013 Athens graduate Alex St. Pierre who passed away from an overdose in 2019, this group raises awareness of this important issue while providing support and narcotic rehabilitation financial assistance, helping families who have a loved one suffering from drug addiction. Alex’s Saints Foundation was established by his best friend and fellow Athens grad, Tyler Bettelon, who misses Alex every day and doesn’t want any other family to endure what Alex’s has: “Alex and I became best friends starting in 7th grade and we did everything together; he was my brother,” said Bettelon. “It was impossible to be in a bad mood when you were with Alex; he was known to light up any room with his contagious smile, energy, and laughter.” At the age of 24, Alex St. Pierre lost his battle to drugs and left the world too soon from an overdose.
Bettelon, who is also the organization’s Founder and Chairman, feels help is needed even more urgently today than ever before. In 2021, there was over 100,000 deaths due to a drug overdose--the highest rate in the history of the United States. Studies show that this number continues to grow higher and higher every year. With the donation received from Charity Week, Alex’s Saints plans to ramp up their outreach efforts and create relationships with more Rehabilitation Facilities to expand and help more individuals. A month of rehab can cost up to $15,000 per month without insurance, so these vital recovery plans can be expensive yet literally life-saving.
Athens students were eager to celebrate this year’s Charity Week, as last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID. Said Shawn DeFresne, Co-Adviser of Athens’ Student Council: “Charity Week is the most memorable week of the year for our school, and I am proud our student council was able to provide numerous events to our students and community to raise money for a great cause. For half of our school, it was brand new for them after not being able to hold it last year. It’s a major event that is embedded in our school culture; it’s absolutely a team effort on part of student council, staff, administration, and parents.”
According to Athens StuCo president Lilly Chrisopoulos, "After a year hiatus, we’re back and I’m so incredibly excited! Whether it was reintroduced to some or new to others, we’ve all had a blast during Charity Week 2022. Having some normalcy during COVID really did mean having Charity Week back.” Jordan Doyle, StuCo First Vice President, enthusiastically agreed: “Alex’s Saints’ motto is: ‘Together, we are stronger and tougher than addiction.’ Charity Week proves over and over again that we as a school and a community really are stronger together! I am so proud to be part of this week - Charity Week brings out the best in Athens!”
Charity Week has been a tradition at Athens High school since the mid-80s, and it is 100% student-led, from choosing the charity, to coming up with all of the fundraising activities, to executing the plan. The amount raised has increased yearly, challenging students to beat the previous year. By 1998 (when the current advisors began keeping track), they raised $8,400 for Gilda’s Club. In 2008, they raised $23,600 for ALS of Michigan. In 2020 they raised $180,000 for Elli’s House. “I am proud of the school for adapting and staying positive with the few changes we had to make this year. The participation and energy in the building has been incredible!” continued Chrisopoulos. Athens’ Principal Dr. Lara Dixon shares her pride in her staff, students and community: “Charity Week is all about generosity, activism, collaboration, and service leadership. Kids have fun and make meaningful memories while giving of themselves for the benefit of others. I am so very proud of and grateful for our students, staff, parents, and community. Charity Week is back, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Concluded Hannah DiGiovanni, StuCo Second Vice President: “I am in complete awe of how much money our community was able to raise in just one week, especially knowing how huge of an impact that money will have on so many people in our area.” Bettelon is hopeful about the good Alex’s Saints will be able to do with the money raised from Charity Week and feels that the story has come full circle. “When I was a student at Athens, Charity Week was the one week of the year I always looked forward to. I never in my life imagined I would be connected to the Charity of choice, but here we are almost 10 years after graduating. It’s pretty amazing to see how this has all come back to where I started, and I will be forever grateful,” he said.
Mission: Alex's Saints Foundation focuses on helping families who have a loved one suffering from drug addiction. Whether it's for rehab or a funeral, lean on ASF for emotional and financial support. For more information, visit www.alexssaints.org .
Photo courtesy of the Troy School District, check out our Facebook page for more.
2/16/2022 - Box Office opens, Cast List Announced for Troy Theatre Ensemble’s Spring Musical “Mamma Mia”
The Troy Theatre Ensemble, Troy High School’s award-winning theatre troupe, will open the box office for its spring production of Mamma Mia on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. TTE’s Mamma Mia is featuring a cast, crew & orchestra of more than 70 students featuring songs from ABBA!
Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7pm, March 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, and Sunday matinees at 2pm, March 6th & 13th. All seats are reserved and sold online at: http://troytheatreensemble.seatyourself.biz/ Adults are $17.50; Students K-12 are $12.50 & Senior Citizens 60 and over $15. (General admission is sold at our box office 30 minutes prior to showtime).
Sophie Sheridan |
Mia Simone |
Mia |
Simone |
12 |
Ali |
Sophie White |
Sophie |
White |
12 |
Lisa |
Naomi Player |
Naomi |
Player |
9 |
Donna Sheridan |
Alexis Gearty |
Alexis |
Gearty |
12 |
Tanya |
Caroline Samuelsen |
Caroline |
Samuelsen |
12 |
Rosie |
Kiara Gilmore |
Kiara |
Gilmore |
11 |
Sky |
Brian Park |
Brian |
Park |
11 |
Pepper |
Patrick Mahoney |
Patrick |
Mahoney |
10 |
Eddie |
Abhinav Anand |
Abhinav |
Anand |
12 |
Harry Bright |
Varun Ganapathy |
Varun |
Ganapathy |
12 |
Bill Austin |
Ravi Joseph |
Ravi |
Joseph |
12 |
Sam Carmichael |
Anurag Komaragiri |
Anurag |
Komaragiri |
11 |
Father Alexandrios |
Leland Huber |
Leland |
Huber |
11 |
Stag |
Zach Balcoff |
Zach |
Balcoff |
11 |
Stag |
Bennett Korotko |
Bennett |
Korotko |
12 |
Stag |
Karam Mawazini |
Karam |
Mawazini |
12 |
Stag |
Rishi Rao |
Rishi |
Rao |
9 |
Hen |
Lindsay Burke |
Lindsay |
Burke |
10 |
Hen |
Olivia Essebaggers |
Olivia |
Essebaggers |
10 |
Hen |
Anissa Faison |
Anissa |
Faison |
11 |
Hen |
Mary Germilhac |
Mary |
Germilhac |
11 |
Hen |
Allison Giroux |
Allison |
Giroux |
10 |
Hen |
Jane Korotko |
Jane |
Korotko |
10 |
Hen |
Rachel Kozlowski |
Rachel |
Kozlowski |
12 |
Hen |
Delaney Murduff |
Delaney |
Murduff |
9 |
Hen |
Zoe Niemkiewicz |
Zoe |
Niemkiewicz |
9 |
Hen |
Rebecca Varghese |
Rebecca |
Varghese |
12 |
Hen |
Abby Werenka |
Abby |
Werenka |
11 |
Hen |
Rachel Zhai |
Rachel |
Zhai |
10 |
Islander |
Sydney Amaya |
Sydney |
Amaya |
11 |
Islander |
Lauren Bestul |
Lauren |
Bestul |
10 |
Islander |
Abby Bolas |
Abby |
Bolas |
10 |
Islander |
Reagan Feld |
Reagan |
Feld |
9 |
Islander |
Natalie Haras |
Natalie |
Haras |
11 |
Islander |
Grace Haugk |
Grace |
Haugk |
10 |
Islander |
Leland Huber |
Leland |
Huber |
11 |
Islander |
Claire Kase |
Claire |
Kase |
11 |
Islander |
George Lawless |
George |
Lawless |
12 |
Islander |
Max Murphy |
Max |
Murphy |
12 |
Islander |
Sonia Puri |
Sonia |
Puri |
11 |
Islander |
Sarvikaa Rakesh Ram |
Sarvikaa |
Rakesh Ram |
12 |
Islander |
Grace Tennant |
Grace |
Tennant |
9 |
Islander |
Jess Ursulean |
Jess |
Ursulean |
12 |
Islander |
Aliya Walters |
Aliya |
Walters |
12 |
Islander |
Breah Willy |
Breah |
Willy |
12 |
Photos courtesy of the Troy Theatre Ensemble and Troy School District
- 3 Girls: Sophie White (2022) playing Ali
- Mia Simone (2022) playing Sophie
- Naomi Player (2025) playing Lisa
- 3 Dynamos: Caroline Samuelsen (2022) playing Tanya
- Alexis Gearty (2022) playing Donna
- Kiara Gilmore (2023) playing Rosie
- 3 Guys: Abhinav Anand (2022) playing Eddie
- Brian Park (2023) playing Sky
- Patrick Mahoney (2024) playing Pepper
2/8/2022 - TSD Announces 2022 Teachers of the Year (And nominees)
Congratulations to Troy’s Teachers of the Year!
Surprise Announcements for Preschool, Elementary, Middle and High School
Troy, Mich.— Four outstanding Troy School District teachers were surprised in their classrooms today with the news that they had been selected as Teachers of the Year, out of 57 complete nominations received. The winners in each category are names below, and Jordan Holsbeke was also named as Overall TSD Teacher of the Year. Nomination packets are attached to this release, which include quotes from colleagues, students and parents.
MINA MORI – Japanese Teacher, Athens & Troy High, High School Teacher of the Year
A group of students were the force behind the nomination of Mina Mori, praising her for the multiple opportunities she gives them to strengthen their love of and fluency in Japanese. Mrs. Mori’s enthusiasm and passion is well known throughout the district and it does not go unnoticed by those she teaches. As one commented in her nomination packet, “Her work ethic is unmatched. From teaching more than six classes to traveling between Athens and Troy High, she gives many students the option to learn about Japanese language and culture. At the heart of the AP Japanese class who have learned, grown, and bonded through high school together is our incredible teacher: Mori Sensei.”
JACLYNN PARKER -- Science Teacher, Larson MS, Middle School Teacher of the Year
Jaclynn Parker has an exceptional skill to connect with students, according to her nomination packet. Her principal, Joe Duda, continues, “She focuses on each kid's strengths rather than limitations and builds from there! Jackie frequently works one-on-one with her students and helps them utilize strategies to make improvements in their academic work. If you enter her classroom at almost any time, you will hear students talking science, laughing, and engaging with one another. She fosters a curiosity about the natural world among her students that makes them want to take more science.”
PAIGE CAMILLO – Troy Preschool Teacher, Preschool Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Camillo was nominated by a parent, who described her as “the embodiment of above-and-beyond during the difficult 2020-21 school year.” The Burns family explains that their daughter’s experience in her classroom was “transformative” adding that Mrs. Camillo, “changed the trajectory of our daughter’s experience in school. In discussing with her colleagues, it's clear that our experience is not unique for students in her classroom, and she deserves recognition her approach to teaching.”
JORDAN HOLSBEKE – Special Education Teacher at Martell Elementary, Elementary AND Overall Teacher of the Year
Mr. Holsbeke was also nominated by a parent, praising him for his ability to connect, build trust and help students navigate the world around them. “Jordan Holsbeke treats special needs children respect and understanding, lifting them up using compassion and care,” says Theresa Kling. “He is easy to talk to, easy to cry to, easy to vent to; Not just by the students, but by me, a parent, as well. He loves his students and it is obvious he does. He goes the extra mile to make sure his kids are taken care of and that parents have all they need to support their children at home. He is not just a hero at school, but for many families as well. Mr. Holsbeke is changing lives of students and their families for the better.”
Because he was also awarded the Overall Teacher of the Year, Mr. Holsbeke will also received a two-year vehicle lease, courtesy of the Suburban Collection. Representatives from the Suburban Collection were on hand to present him with a car of his choice.
“We have so many phenomenal teachers in the Troy School District and out of all of our nominations from students, parents and colleagues, these three rose to the top,” said Superintendent Richard Machesky, Ed. D. “They each do a tremendous job of building a world class learning environment in their classrooms and it’s clear that they have a tremendous impact on those around them. Jordan, Jackie and Mina bring with them a passion for learning that they pass on to their students. We are extremely proud to have them represent the Troy School District as our Outstanding Teachers of the Year.”
Fifty-three other outstanding TSD teachers were nominated by parents, students and colleagues. Each of them was singled out for the dedication and commitment they show every day for their profession. All nominees, all of whom will be honored at a Board of Education meeting in April include:
Jordan Holsbeke, Martell Elementary
Jaclynn Parker, Larson Middle School
Mina Mori, Athens & Troy High Schools
Paige Camillo, TSD Preschool
Full List Including Winners along with Additional nominees:
Emily Bard (Boulan Park Middle School) Marianne Belleville (Wass Elementary) Brandis Bellhorn (Troy Union Elementary) Sadie Besl (Athens High) Meredith Bolden (Schroeder Elementary) Kerry Brennan (Smith Middle School) Colleen Calandra (Hamilton Elementary) Paige Camillo (TSD Preschool) PRESCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR Colette Carlin (Hill Elementary) Lisa Carruthers (Leonard Elementary) Dina Chrisopoulos (Athens High) Nicole Coffer (Barnard Elementary) Jessica Craft (Troy High) Pat Dawood (Athens High) Raymond Dawood (Athens High) Renae Dipzinski (Wass Elementary) Deanna Dutts (Barnard Elementary) Lauryn Eve (Baker Middle School) Kevin Flaherty (Troy High School) Nicole Flores (Wattles Elementary) Megan Foster (Troy High) Sarah Gerding (Wattles Elementary) Shelley Hakala (Troy High) Tyler Hancsak (Athens High) Jordan Holsbeke (Martell Elementary) ELEMENTARY & OVERALL TEACHER OF THE YEAR Taryn Huang (Smith Middle) Kelsey Kavulich (Costello Elementary) Shannon Kocher (Schroeder Elementary) Meghan Kosters (Troy High) Jennifer Locke (Martell Elementary) Aaron Maliepaard (Martell Elementary) Lindsey Maliepaard (Costello Elementary) Jodi Martin (Martell Elementary) Giovanna Maruli (Hamilton Elementary) Mike McEvoy (Hill Elementary) Melven Moffett (Leonard Elementary) Jeff Moore (Troy High School) Mina Mori (Athens & Troy High) HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR John Morrison (Troy High) Pamela Mulligan (Hill Elementary) Michelle Mundle (Wass Elementary) Brian Nutting (Troy High) Jaclynn Parker (Larson MS) MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR Karlye Pickelhaupt (Wass Elementary) Stepanie Pilarski (Bemis Elementary) Tammy Polena (Schroeder Elementary) Sara Ritter (Boulan Park Middle School) Zach Rondot (Costello Elementary) Tonia Romancheck (Hamilton Elementary) Kathryn Ruterbusch (Troy Union Elementary) Victoria Schaap (Hamilton Elementary) Gwen Simon (Barnard Elementary) Jackie Skinner (Wass Elementary) Jennifer Smith (Boulan Park Middle School) Song Song (Boulan Park Middle School) Deborah Stacey (Schroeder Elementary) Kathryn (Katie) Starn (Leonard Elementary) Michelle Stevens (Troy Union Elementary) Erin Valente (Boulan Park Middle School) Marc Vickers (Troy High) Erin Voss (Barnard Elementary) Dustin Warner (Troy High School) Rachel Weiner (Hamilton Elementary) Kathleen Weitzel (Bemis Elementary) Hadeel Yousif (Larson Middle School)
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The winning Elementary, Middle and High School teachers have been sent to Oakland County for inclusion in the county-wide Teacher of the Year competition. Oakland County does not have a preschool competition at this time.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
1/18/2022 - TSD Musicians Shine at MMC-MSBOA
After last year’s conference was cancelled due to COVID, a record number of middle and high school musicians from Troy are headed to Grand Rapids for the 17th annual Michigan Music Conference (MMC) to play with the best the state has to offer:
High School Band: |
||
Brian Liu |
Troy HS |
Trombone |
Thejas Mirle |
Troy HS |
Trumpet |
Britta Pingree |
Troy HS |
French Horn |
Seongjin (Jay) Shyn |
Troy HS |
Clarinet |
Honorable Mention: |
||
Sahana Mukund |
Troy HS |
Bass Clarinet |
High School Jazz Band: |
||
Shane Karas |
Troy HS |
Tenor Sax |
Honorable Mention: |
||
Matthew Yemmans |
Athens HS |
Jazz Guitar |
High School Orchestra: |
||
Seo Hyun (Lisa) Baek |
Troy HS |
Cello |
Sarang Bhide |
Troy HS |
Violin |
Jeongwoo (Justin) Choi |
Troy HS |
Violin |
Danny Samuel |
Troy HS |
Cello |
Sofia Urbina |
Troy HS |
Viola |
Claire Wu |
Troy HS |
Violin |
Gary Xu |
Troy HS |
Violin |
Honorable Mention: |
||
Elise Hsiao |
Troy HS |
Violin |
Donghwan Kim |
Troy HS |
Violin |
Hyun Kim |
Troy HS |
Violin |
Middle School Band: |
||
Eva Chandrakapure |
Baker MS |
Alto Sax |
Brian Feng |
Smith MS |
Alto Sax |
Lewen Feng |
Boulan Park MS |
Clarinet |
Harsh Gatta |
Boulan Park MS |
Flute |
Shreyan Maini |
Boulan Park MS |
Alto Sax |
Yeji (Angela) Park |
Boulan Park MS |
Clarinet |
Joshua Petrisor |
Larson MS |
Trumpet |
Jonathan Xu |
Boulan Park MS |
Bass Clarinet |
Daniel Zhang |
Larson MS |
Trumpet |
Honorable Mention: |
||
Olivia Dong |
Boulan Park MS |
Flute |
Praneel Reddy |
Larson MS |
Alto Sax |
Kristijan Tomic |
Boulan Park MS |
Trombone |
Middle School Orchestra: |
||
Dayoon Kim |
Smith MS |
Violin |
Kyung won (Elise) Kim |
Boulan Park MS |
Violin |
Ryeo-Won Kim |
Boulan Park MS |
Violin |
Seojin Lee |
Boulan Park MS |
Cello |
Jung-yi Ma |
Boulan Park MS |
Viola |
Honorable Mention: |
||
William Dong |
Boulan Park MS |
Cello |
The Michigan Music Conference features school ensemble concerts, performances from Honors Choirs, All-State Bands, and Orchestras; sessions for in-service and pre-service teachers; professional development clinics; hands-on technology workshops; and association membership and business meetings. The 2020 attendance included approximately 9,000 teachers, administrators, students, speakers, and guests.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
1/18/2022 - Troy School District is Preparing for 2022-23 Kindergarten Enrollment
To begin the enrollment process it is important that a parent or legal guardian of a prospective Kindergarten student call the attendance area school the child will be attending and request that the student be placed on the 22-23 kindergarten list. The end of January, instructions for kindergarten enrollment will be sent through the provided email to each student’s parent or legal guardian. This email will include vital information that will guide you step by step through enrollment which will be completed through an online process.
If you reside within an apartment building or are unsure of your attendance area building, please call Central Enrollment at 248-823-4002 or 248-823-4004 and they will be happy to assist you with the child’s building placement.
The Troy School district is strongly committed to each student’s achievement and providing the best resources available to prepare them for their future. We look forward to becoming an integral part of your child’s educational journey!
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Kindergarten Photos courtesy of Troy Schools:
1/6/2022 - ATC & TTE Students Win Accolades / Scholarships
The Michigan Thespian Festival took place just before the holidays in Lansing. Two Troy seniors from Athens Troupe 3729 auditioned for college scholarship money and were offered a total of $807,500.00. Cole VanAmberg was offered $511,000 in college scholarship money. Alexis Gearty, who attends Troy High, was offered $296,500.
Said ATC Director Krista Manfredi: “I am so proud of the talent, discipline, and initiative that Cole and Alexis presented. They were excellent representatives of International Thespian Troupe #3726 and the Troy School District.”
Both actors recently performed in their respective schools’ fall productions, Cole as Buddy the Elf in ATC’s “Elf the Musical,” and Alexis as Elizabeth Bennett in TTE’s “Pride and Prejudice.” They are each working hard on their spring productions: TTE’s “Mama Mia the Musical” will be performed March 4-6 and 11-13, 2022 (tickets will be available at http://ttensemble.weebly.com/tickets.html) and ATC will be presenting Neil Simon’s RUMORS, April 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11. (tickets will be available via the ATC box office, more information to come.)
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Photo courtesy of the Troy School District: Alexis Gearty and Cole VanAmberg
1/4/2022 - Costello & Bemis FLL Robotics Team Wins State Competition
Sharp students from Costello & Bemis joined forces, and as First Lego League (FLL) Robotics team #51126, the Mindstormers advanced to state competition, and took FIRST PLACE at last month’s statewide meet. They are the only team in Michigan advancing to nationals in Houston, Texas to compete this April. They were also one of two teams to be nominated for the global innovation award.
The 2020-21 season’s FLL topic was CARGO CONNECT where kids explored ways of improving how we access and deliver needed and desired goods, making all communities more connected. The Mindstormers won the championship award which was given for the teams who excelled in three categories: Robot Design, Innovation Project and Core Values (which included Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork and Fun).
This team was mentored by Athens student Prabhath Inturi and following are the 5th grade students/team members:
- Pratyush Inturi - Costello
- Matthew - Bemis
- Nathan - Bemis
- Vivaan - Bemis
- Yuvaraj - Bemis
Also, the team's Innovation project has been nominated for the Global Innovation Award. The MINDSTOMER’S innovation project centered around improving the efficiency in CARGO delivery within a city. They presented their project to Troy Mayor Ethan Baker in November and you can find his social media posting at https://twitter.com/ethanbakermi/status/1461884722527801354?s=21
We congratulate the Mindstormers and look forward to cheering them on at Nationals in April.
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Photo courtesy of the Troy School District – L to R: Matthew Gorman (Bemis), Pratyush Inturi (Costello), Vivaan Shah (Bemis), Nathan Jung (Bemis), Prabhath I
12/21/2021 - Athens Student Bakes Macarons, Buys Food for the TSD Pantry
A special holiday donation came to the TSD Food Pantry at Morse Elementary, courtesy of a student at Athens who saw a need and filled it. "I have friends and family members with severe food allergies so I’ve seen the importance of getting the type of food you need when you have food allergies."
As someone with friends and families affected by food allergies, Ava Bunao felt passionately about providing the right kinds of food to people who need it. To raise the money to fund her project, Ava baked and sold macaron cookie and used the proceeds to purchase the food for the pantry. "My mom shared my idea (and my macarons) with her friends, and the idea just took off." Ava made several deliveries of Gluten/Allergy Free friendly food in the month of December alone and plans to keep her Macaron project going into 2022 and beyond.
Ava was super busy during the holidays, and her French Macaron waitlist is growing each day. “Now I can focus on specialty foods, like the cases of gluten free Progresso soups I’ve purchased in addition to potato casseroles, cereals, beans, baking mixes, and snacks.” Ava has also allocated some of her proceeds to purchasing hand sanitizer and wipes, as flu season is upon us.
Ava is happy she is able to give back her talent and time to the community because of her French Macarons supporters. “It was fun to see the kids, who loved seeing a highschooler at their school today---they especially loved my Antlers,” said Ava.🎄🤗 And Ava hopes that families love the variety of foods they can now get at the TSD Food Pantry. For more information or to order macarons from Ava, email her at ebunao@gmail.com.
12/20/2021 - Hill Elementary Students Share Blankets of Hope
On Friday, December 10th , Hill Elementary 3rd grade students joined in a nationwide movement to help the homeless called Blankets of Hope.
Students participated in a kindness workshop, and wrote handwritten letters of hope, encouragement and love to attach to 72 blankets, which will be delivered to homeless individuals in the metro Detroit area. Hill Elementary was one of over 200 schools in 39 states across the country participating in this movement of kindness.
Blankets of Hope is an educational nonprofit that helps students practice empathy & kindness in an impactful service-learning experience.
Here is the website to learn more: https://www.blanketsofhope.com/
Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
12/1/2021 - Troy Athens Symphonic Band Debuts Brand-New Piece, Plays With Professionals
On December 7th at 7 pm the Athens High School symphonic band has the unique opportunity to perform a world premiere of a new piece of music written by a Michigan composer and featuring a professional bass trombonist.
The piece is written by Ann Arbor composer Chris Hass and was originally written as a Bass Trombone concerto for Wind Ensemble—so the next challenge was to decide who would play it. Hass has worked with Athens’ Director of Bands Adam Cable for the past 3 years, providing custom marching band arrangements, so he knew the excellence he was seeking in high school musicians was there. “I've thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Adam and his ensembles. Adam has always expressed interest in playing one of my compositions with a concert band at the school, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity!”
Hass also connected with colleague Evan Clifton, a bass trombone soloist with Michigan ties currently residing in Nashville and asked him to headline the piece entitled “Violent Shadows.” “‘I chose that name because it showcases the different characters of the bass trombone, from the loud and aggressive side commonly associated with the instrument to the more pure and lyrical side,” said Hass. “It is very rhythmic and technically demanding, so I knew we'd need a great ensemble to pull it off,” said Hass. “I truly appreciate Adam's patience and persistence with premiering this work after it had to be postponed from its original May 2020 concert date.”
“World premieres frankly don’t happen often for a high school group,” said Cable. While it is common to be one of the first few to perform a piece, “it is extremely rare to be the first to perform and have others use our recording to practice,” said Cable. After the concert on Tuesday, the piece will be available to other programs who have commissioned it, including the Monterey Symphony, Wayne State University, Florida State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Elmhurst College and the University of Lethbridge.
Tuesday’s concert will be a culmination of much hard work and practice and will be a joy for Hass especially after the delays due to COVID. “The best moments of being a composer are getting to sit in the audience and just enjoy a piece that you spent weeks, months, or even years working on in solitude, and after 19 months of solitude it's going to be all the more exciting to be in the concert hall hearing one of my favorite bass trombonists perform with one of my favorite concert bands.”
Athens Band Director Adam Cable was thrilled to have his ensemble chosen: “I knew that the students would be excited and that they would rise to the challenge of being the first to perform it,” concluded Cable. “We were disappointed that we couldn't perform it the last 24 months because of COVID, but to be able to perform this on our first concert in two years is truly an honor.”
The concert is free and open to the public. Masks are required for entrance, social distancing will be observed. Athens High School is located at 4333 John R. Road, Troy. For more information, call Athens at 248-823-2900.
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11/24/2021 - BPMS Students Honor Healthcare Heroes with "Turkey Troy"
Thanksgiving this year took on a new meaning, as life is slowly returning back to normal, but understanding there is still lots of work to do on behalf of healthcare workers who remain on the front lines fighting COVID.
The “Connector Club” over at Boulan came up with an idea to show appreciation for healthcare workers and created a paper turkey (named Troy) mounted to the cafeteria wall, where each feather represented something a student could buy and contribute to be part of care packages that would be delivered the week before Thanksgiving to Troy Beaumont Hospital. “The students decided they wanted to do something Thanksgiving related that would bring our community together and express gratefulness,” said BPMS Connector Club co-advisor Megan Luther. So “Turkey Troy” was born with only two weeks before the holiday.
As feathers disappeared and donations poured in, students took an active role collecting and categorizing the items and filling decorated bags with goodies that included gift cards, hand lotion, tea, hot cocoa, travel mugs/thermoses, fuzzy socks, bath bombs, sleep masks, retractable pens, lip balms, scratch off lotto cards, and hard candies. 6th grade Connector Club member Meera Iyr was glad to be a part of this project, saying: “It felt good to show appreciation for people who are still working so hard to keep others healthy and our communities safe,” said Iyr.
Connector Club co-advisor Melissa Dodge was proud of the way students and staff stepped up to look outside themselves and care for others. This was a student-driven initiative that she and Luther were delighted to be a part of: “Megan and I were merely the ‘guides on the side’ helping to bring to life the ideas and dreams of our ‘Connectors,’” she said. “We saw them gather and grow this spark of an idea into a reality. Seeing them come together, compromise, organize, and value giving back to the community is a lifelong practice we feel proud to have been able to encourage in each and every single one of them.”
All together, Boulan’s Turkey Troy project impacted 26 heroes at Troy Beaumont, who were so pleased to be remembered in this way. Boulan’s Connector Club hopes this will become an annual tradition, perhaps with a new set of individuals receiving these packages each year.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
11/24/2021 - TSD Seniors Named 2022 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalists
Seven TSD high school seniors out of 1,617 students were selected as Semifinalists for the prestigious 2022 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, from a pool of over 68,000 who submitted applications from across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities. These Semifinalists are now in the running for 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 each.
International Academy East seniors Sanjana Sharma, Suganeshwara Anand, SoEun Park and Layan Ghali and Troy High seniors Sharanya Swaminathan, Dilan Swami, Angela Xu will move to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship. A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. With the addition of the 2022 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 6,600 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $78 million in scholarships over the course of 34 years.
“We believe that identifying these young leaders throughout the country and encouraging their passion for serving others not only empowers the students, but also lifts up those around them.” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Foundation. “The Coca-Cola system is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is proud to be a part of that commitment.”
In addition to receiving college scholarships, those students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will be welcomed into a vibrant and growing family of alumni that have become a powerful force for positive change in the world. Through networking, collaborations, and friendships, the group strives to make a greater impact together. Recent initiatives include a podcast called The SIP, Coke Scholars Care (Coke Scholars doing good in the midst of the pandemic), and the fifth year of a coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first-year Scholars as they transition to college. Every 5 years, all alumni are invited to a Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit.
Semifinalists are now asked to complete Phase 2 applications, which include essays, a recommendation, and transcripts. An independent selection committee will review the applications and select 250 Regional Finalists by the end of January to participate in online interviews. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars will be named in March to receive a $20,000 college scholarship and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
International Academy East seniors Sanjana Sharma, Suganeshwara Anand, SoEun Park and Layan Ghali
Troy High seniors Sharanya Swaminathan, Dilan Swami, Angela Xu
11/5/2021 - Troy High Jazz Ensemble's Stellar Debut Performance at Aretha's Cafe
The 2021-2022 Troy High Jazz Ensemble wowed a packed house at their debut performance held at Aretha’s Jazz Café in Detroit on Tuesday, November 2nd. The group played an hour-long set as the opening act for the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra in the intimate café, part of the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
“It was hard to believe that this was [their] first performance of the year,” said Scott Gwinnell, pianist and composer, who has invited the ensemble to open for his group for six consecutive years. “The students were disciplined on and off the band-stand, creative in their performance and solos, and the repertoire was inspirational.”
Jazz Ensemble is offered as a class at Troy High School for students who are accepted by audition. Professional jazz artists mentor the students several times a week. This was the Ensemble’s first formal performance since February 2020, and based on their enthusiastic response, the audience was thrilled to see the students back on stage.
Troy High School Director of Bands Brian Nutting said, “The student’s worked diligently for the past two months to prepare an hour-long concert set. Their debut performance was a tremendous success met with a well-deserved, extended standing ovation. I couldn’t be more proud of them. The opportunity to perform in one of Detroit’s most historical jazz venues was an honor we will not forget.”
Next up for the Jazz Ensemble is the Winter Concert held in the Troy High School auditorium on December 2, 2021 at 7pm. The group will be featured along with the school’s Symphonic, Concert, Cadet and Campus bands.
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Photo credit: Gretchen Ohman
10/14/2021 - TTE and ATC Announce Fall Shows, "ONETroy" Performance Dates
Troy Theatre Ensemble Announces Fall Play “Pride & Prejudice”
The Troy Theatre Ensemble, Troy High School’s award-winning theatre troupe, has just announced the cast for their fall production of Pride & Prejudice. Rehearsals have begun, under the direction of TTE’s Marc Vickers, for the effervescent stage adaptation of Pride & Prejudice which explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life. Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical, or so full of life!
Performance dates are set for November 5th & 6th at 7pm and 7th at 2pm. All seats are reserved and are sold online at http://troytheatreensemble.seatyourself.biz Adults are $15; students under 18 & senior citizens 60 and over are $10. (General admission available seating is sold at our box office 45 minutes before show time each evening if they are still available.)
For further information, visit our website, www.ttensemble.weebly.com
CAST (in order of appearance)
- Jane – Natalie Haras (’23)
- Lizzy – Alexis Gearty (’22)
- Lydia – Reagan Feld (’25)
- Mary – Grace Tennant (’25)
- Mrs. Bennett – Anna McManus (’23)
- Mr. Bennet – Varun Ganapathy (‘22)
- Mr. Darcy – Brian Park (’23)
- Charlotte Lucas – Kiara Gilmore (’23)
- Mr. Bingley – Patrick Mahoney (’24)
- Miss. Bingley – Abby Werenka (’23)
- Mr. Collins – Max Murphy (’22)
- Wickham – Karam Mawazini (’22)
- Lady Catherine – Sydney Amaya (’23)
- Miss de Bourgh – Lindsay Burke (’24)
- Servant – Abhinav Anand (‘22)
- Servant – Zoe Niemkiewicz (’25)
Athens Theatre Company Presents Holiday Favorite “Elf the Musical”
ELF-The Musical is based on the beloved holiday film and follows the antics of Buddy the Elf in this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy about his quest to find his true identity.
Show dates are as follows:
- December 3 @ 8:01pm
- December 4 @ 2:01pm and 8:01pm
- December 5 @ 2:01pm and 6:01pm
- Student matinee on December 6 at 8:15
Presale tickets will be sold through the ATC Theatre Box office at 248-823-2923, or can be purchased at the door ½ hour before curtain if they are still available. For more information visit https://athenstheatrecompany.weebly.com/current-show.html
CAST (main roles):
- Buddy – Cole VanAmbert
- Jovie – Sophia Keil
- Walter Hobbs – Julian Kirchler
- Emily Hobbs – Elise Kilbride
- Michael Hobbs – Quin VanAmberg
- Deb – Sawyer Richman
- Manager – Calvin Parsell
- Charlotte – Katie Redmond
- Chadwick – Matteo Candlieri
- Matthews – Rishabh Raman
- Sam – Sam Morrie
- Charlie – Derek Dunneback
- Tiara – Cassandra Wilson
PLUS a full chorus!
AND......
TTE and ATC perform on the same stage for MTI's All Together Now! –
“All Together Now” is a global event celebrating local theatre. It is an opportunity for schools and theatres around the world to locally produce and perform an exclusive musical revue featuring songs from MTI's beloved shows, and
This is a fund raiser to benefit theatres that were unable to perform live last year. Please come and support and celebrate theatre in Troy. This is a combined show for Athens ATC and Troy TTE to be held at Athens :
Saturday November 13 at 8:01pm and Sunday November 14 at 2pm
At Athens High School
4333 John R
Troy, MI 48085
Tickets $10 sold at the door and presale trough the theatre companies TTE and ATC
Or at the Athens Theatre Box Office 248-823-2923
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10/14/2021 - Troy Colt Marching Band Impresses at MSBOA Band Festival
The 184 members of the Troy Colt Marching Band (TCMB) impressed judges at the MSBOA (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association) District 16 Marching Band Festival on Wednesday, October 13. The TCMB performed with several local, southeast Michigan high school marching bands, including Hazel Park, Avondale, Sterling Heights, Warren Mott, Rochester Adams, Utica, Stevenson, Rochester, and Troy Athens. The TCMB set a “season best” earning a Division I (Superior) rating with “A” and “A+” grades in all categories and subcaptions (marching, music, general effect/showmanship). This year’s halftime show, “Let’s Dance’, continues to wow audiences with riveting dance music taking the audience on a journey through the decades. Troy Director of Bands Brian Nutting and Associate Director Jacob Greenwood proudly stated, “The students have exceeded our expectations. This is one of the most difficult musical, visual productions this band has attempted, and they boldly stepped up to conquer all challenges. The judge’s ratings reflect their monumental achievement.”
The TCMB season will march on with a joined performance with Troy Athens Marching Band at the annual One “Band-Ed” Troy Exhibition on Saturday, October 16. Join us and enjoy the two exceptional Troy School District high school marching bands, the Troy Colts and Athens Redhawks. Both bands will perform their halftime shows followed by a keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat drumline competition and concluding with a combined bands grand finale. The exhibition will take place at Troy High’s School Don Hill Stadium at 7:00pm. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our current TSD 8th graders to spend time with the high school bands, witness the programs in action, and preview the high school band experience.
Concluding TCMB’s marching season is the annual indoor “Colt Spectacular” performance by that includes parade, pregame and halftime presentations as well as a senior salute. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00pm in the Troy High School gymnasium (4777 Northfield Parkway, Troy). “After all the work these kids have put into this show and coming out of a slightly scaled back marching season experience last year, it’s a real thrill to perform for enthusiastic and supportive crowds in full stadiums again,” said the directors.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools, John Svoboda and Simona Lucut
10/8/2021 - Troy Boasts 74 National Merit Semifinalists
A record-breaking seventy-four Troy School District students were named National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (up from 52 last year). This honor is bestowed to less than one percent of students nationwide, based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT. Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools take the PSAT every year, and 16,000 students across the country have been designated Semifinalists for 2022.
"Having a record 74 National Merit Semifinalists is an incredible achievement for our District and our schools," said Troy School District Superintendent Rich Machesky. "We are extremely proud of these outstanding students, whose hard work has paid off. Their futures are bright, and we are happy to see them being recognized nationally. We have no doubt that they will continue to do great things and have a positive impact on the world around them."
Photos by school, listed in alphabetical order:
Troy High
Prisha Agnihotri, Frederick Aldinger, Akshat Arya, Seo Hyun Baek, Sarayu Bethamcherla, Kevin Chang, Sanya Chawla, Emily Chen, Reagan Choi, Shiham Chowdhury, Abhishek Dahad, Mariska Goswami, Navya Gullapuram, Albert Hua, Nicolas Hung, Jemi Isaac, Udayvir Jalf, Victoria Jan, Hyun Kim, Rishi Konduru, Aileen Liu, Allison Liu, Aditi Locula, Iris Ma , Miahat Mahmood, Meera Manek, Brandon Nguyen, Tanisha Panchal, Esha Patel, Avani Prasad, Vandhana Purushothaman, Eric Qiao, Katie Qu , Danny Samuel, Mohammad Shaik, Rishi Shetty, Heejin Shyn, Kishan Soni , Saakshi Sovani, Sachin Sridhar, Vidhya Harini Srinivas, Smriti Suresh, Dilan Swami, Sharanya Swaminathan, Areej Tahir, Jordan Tansingco, Rebecca Varghese, Andrew Wang, Roger Wang, Claire Wu, Angela Xu, Gary Xu, Rachel Yang, Nancy Yao
Athens High
Cole Balintfy, Raaga Dandavolu, Atharva Dharphale, Nikita Ganesh, Neha Jaisankar, Sachin Karatha, Havesh Kolli, Yahya Qamar, Navya Shankar, Cole VanAmberg* (Cole VanAmberg is not pictured)
International Academy East
Sreenand Anumolu, Shreya Bhargava, Malina Dumitrascu, Rittik Ghosh, Agastya Jayanthi, Anay Modi, Abel Noble, Ayush Pujara, Sanjana Sharma, Akshay Vasudevan (10)
From the approximately 16,000 semifinalists, about 15,000 (nearly all) are expected to advance to the Finalist level where these academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title which will be announced in the Spring.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
9/29/2021 - Barnard and Leonard Elementary Schools Named 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools
Two TSD Elementary Schools have been named 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools: Barnard Elementary and Leonard Elementary were honored today as top schools in the country, achieving National Blue Ribbon status for student achievement.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021, Barnard and Leonard among them. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish.” said Secretary Cardona.
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.
“Our Leonard community is proud to be honored as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School,” said Principal Erin Detmer. “We have worked hard as parents, students, and staff to create a learning environment in which every student succeeds. This award is a celebration of our community’s collaboration in prioritizing our core values alongside high academic expectations for every Leonard Leopard. We are so excited!”
Barnard Principal Melanie Morey and her team also celebrated the achievement, “The Barnard staff and students cheered in excitement when we learned of our recognition as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School! We are so fortunate in Troy to have a collaborative system that focuses on all learners. At Barnard, we dedicate all efforts to the development of the future generation. Fostering our learners to be their personal best in all academic areas while valuing strong character traits is our mission. We are so proud of our Barnard Bluejays!”
Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools. Barnard and Leonard join eleven other Troy District Schools to win this honor.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
9/15/2021 - Smith Students Have Lunch Outside Thanks to Principal / PTO Partnership
It started as an idea to give kids a little more freedom during lunchtime, allowing them to take their lunches outside and eat in small groups out in the fresh air. "We thought if we had portable chairs the students could bring out and set up, it could be a great and healthy change of scene especially during these beautiful fall days,” said Smith Principal Christian Mueller, who ran the chair idea past their PTO. They enthusiastically agreed and created a "Signup Genius" where parents could donate a chair, and within 3 hours, all 75 chairs were purchased.
“Kids like having choices,” continued Meuller, “Our 6th graders were especially excited, since they weren’t expecting to have recess once coming from elementary to middle school.”
The chairs are available to everyone during all 3 lunch periods, and students are thrilled with the opportunity to safely be outside without masks for a break during the day. “We can spread out and still be with our friends,” said 8th grader Claire Johnson,” We don’t have to yell to be heard above the cafeteria noise.” 8th grader Abigail Losey agrees: “It actually feels safer to be outside, I don’t worry as much.”
In addition to utilizing the chairs at lunch, teachers are now signing out groups of chairs during the school day in order to take classroom lessons outside. The chairs are kept in a set of refurbished metal cabinets, where one side has been removed. “We try to be creative and use all of the tools at our disposal to enhance our students’ learning and social opportunities,” concluded Mueller.
8th grader Abigail Hayden concludes, “When it is nice and warm out, we are so grateful to be able to take a break, get out and enjoy the fresh air and be together.”
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
8/19/2021 - Troy School District Celebrates Its AP Capstone Diploma Recipients
Over 2,000 schools participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities across the U.S. and around the world.
The Troy School District is proud to announce that 26 high school students at Troy High and Athens have earned the AP Capstone Diploma™ and 16 have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2020-21 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students to develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are critical to academic success.
To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Students are increasingly participating in the AP Capstone program with over 2,000 schools participating worldwide during the 2020-21 school year.
Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single end-of-year assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: students are empowered to create research projects based on topics of personal interest and they are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.
Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program in the Troy School District:
26 were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. [Optional: They are:
1. Leya H. Ahmad – AHS 2. Gillian F. Clark – AHS 3. Arnav Deol – AHS 4. Selene M. Kizy – AHS 5. Kevin Mathews - AHS 6. Esha Nair - AHS 7. Elaine Qu - AHS 8. Marcus C. Rampin – AHS 9. Veronica B. Wolny – AHS 10. Megan E. Zumbaugh - AHS |
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16 were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. They are:
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“Congratulations to the AP Capstone and Seminar and Research Certificate award winners, who conduct, present, and defend academic research on topics they are passionate about,” said Trevor Packer, College Board senior vice president of AP and Instruction. “Their ability to manage long-term projects, collaborate with teams, and deliver effective presentations will accelerate both their academic and professional careers.”
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8/2/2021 - Troy High and IAE Students Named Distinguished Young Women of 2022
The 64th Annual Distinguished Young Women of Michigan State Scholarship Program was digitally held on Saturday, July 24th. Troy High Senior Sharanya Swaminathan, the Distinguished Young Woman of Oakland Country, was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan 2022, and IAE senior Jayanti Gupta was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Troy. Participants were evaluated in areas of scholastics, physical fitness, performing arts talent, private interview, and self-expression question.
Sharanya will represent Michigan at the Distinguished Young Women National Scholarship Program in Mobile, Alabama next June where she will compete for additional college scholarships. She is also eligible for many college granted scholarships at various colleges around the country through the national scholarship program. “This year was another challenging year with Covid restrictions, it made it impossible to hold the scholarship program in person. Instead, participants submitted videos of their talent, fitness and self-expression segments and had private interviews through Zoom. Through it all, all participants showed incredible dedication in their pursuit of college scholarship opportunities” said State Co-Director Pat Hermatz, “We are excited to have Sharanya represent this incredible scholarship program at statewide functions throughout the year and at the nationals in Mobile, Alabama.”
Sharanya is entering her senior year at Troy High School and is the daughter of Padma Krishnamurthy and Swami Balasubramanian. She is active in the Model United Nations, Forensics Speech and Debate and International Youth Politics Forum. For her performing arts talent, Sharanya performed a classical Indian dance. Upon graduation she plans to attend the University of Michigan and study Business Administration and Public Policy.
Thirteen contestants from around the state of Michigan participated and were awarded a total of $3,500.00 in college scholarships. Sharanya Swaminathan was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan 2022 and was also selected as the Overall Scholastics, Interview, Talent and Self-Expression Scholarship Winner. Sharanya received $1,850.00 in college scholarships. Jayanti Gupta, the Distinguished Young Woman of Troy, was selected as the Brooklyn Kiwanis Be Your Best Self Community Service Essay Award Winner and received $250.00.
The Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to young women who have distinguished themselves at school and in their communities. Participants are high school juniors from around the state of Michigan who are evaluated in areas of scholastics, physical fitness, performing arts talent, private interview, and self-expression question. It is part of the Distinguished Young Women National Scholarship Program, which is the largest and oldest scholarship program for high school seniors in the country. Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Their mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, developing their self-confidence and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Encore Rehabilitation, Shoe Station, Gant Travel Management, Wellington and Bonnie Coffeen, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.
The Distinguished Young Women of Michigan scholarship program is open to high school junior young women who live in Michigan. If you are interested in finding out more information on this transformative scholarship program, go to www.Distinguishedyw.org or email michigan@distinguishedyw.org for more information.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
7/20/2021 - Ryan Werenka Named 2021 Michigan History Teacher of the Year
Ryan Werenka, a teacher at Troy High School, has been named the 2021 Michigan History Teacher of the Year, an award presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education.
In 2021, parents, students, teachers, and administrators nationwide nominated a record 8,510 teachers for the History Teacher of the Year Award. Amidst a very competitive field, Ryan Werenka rose to the top in Michigan.
Inaugurated in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and US Territories. In fall 2021, the National History Teacher of the Year will be selected from the pool of state winners.
From Werenka’s Nomination Packet: In 2000, Ryan Werenka received his bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University and in 2004 he completed a master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. Werenka’s passion for history and political science have been combined in his classroom, and his students have reaped the benefits. He creates a classroom atmosphere in which history is directly correlated to students’ lives through analyzing community-based issues, and understanding government documents. When students leave his classroom they have not only learned valuable information, they have become engaged and informed citizens.
In addition to a $1,000 honorarium, Troy High will receive a core archive of American history books and Gilder Lehrman educational materials in Ryan Werenka’s name and recognition at a ceremony in Michigan.
The 10 finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award will be announced on Thursday, September 9, with the national winner announced later that month. An in-person ceremony for the winner will be held in late fall 2021, health and safety protocols permitting. Support for the National History Teacher of the Year Award ceremony is provided by HISTORY®
Nominations for the 2022 History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers for the award by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy. The deadline for 2022 nominations is March 31, 2022.
About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, and the Council of Independent Colleges.
Troy School District Point of Pride: Last year, Baker Middle School 8th grade teacher Zach MacIntosh received this honor, as the 2020 Michigan History Teacher of the Year.
Photo courtesy of the Troy School District
For additional information regarding the Gilder Lehrman Institute, contact:
Josh Landon, Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: (646) 366-9666 x137
Email: landon@gilderlehrman.org
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
Story Ideas Welcome
2020-2021
- 7/15/2021 - Troy High Senior and Local Eagle Scout to Host Chili Cook-off to Support Hockey Mentors with a Day of Hockey, Skating & CPR Lessons for Special Needs
- 6/28/2021: 48 TSD Retiring Teachers Receive Respectful Send-off
- 6/21/2021 - TROY HIGH ALUM (2005) RECEIVES NATIONAL SPORTS EMMY FOR PRODUCTION OF HBO SPORTS ‘THE SHOP'
- 5/28/2021 - 11 Athens Senior Athletes Commit on Signing Day
- 5/24/2021 - 15 Troy High Seniors Commit to Athletic Programs on Signing Day
- 5/19/2021 - athens track and field wins milk grant, gives back to others
- 5/18/2021 - Oakland Schools Awards Scholarships to CTE Students
- 5/14/2021 - 2021 Troybery Winners Announced
- 5/13/2021 - Troy High Students Recognized with Global Impact Awards
- 5/13/2021 - TCCHS Student Receives Scholarship from Women of Tomorrow
- 5/13/2021 - Next Wave of National Merit Scholarship Winners Announced
- 5/10/2021 - TSD Middle Schools Take Awards at National Science Olympiad
- 5/4/2021 - Schroeder Girls Scouts, the “Robo-Dragons,” Design, Fundraise and Create Playground Communication Board
- 4/27/2021 - Athens Staff Earns ESGR “Above and Beyond” Award
- 4/27/2021 - Athens and IAE Students Win US Agency for International Development Science Champion Award
- 4/27/2021 - ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL PARTNERS WITH FRIENDS OF FOSTER KIDS TO PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED ITEMS
- 4/20/2021 - Athens Student Council Holds Successful Community Week Amid Pandemic
- 4/20/2021 - Michigan AG Nessel Chooses THS Alum as New Press Secretary
- 4/12/2021 - ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT LEAD STILL SERVES DURING PANDEMIC
- 4/9/2021 - Athens Future Problem Solvers Place 2nd in State Competition
- 4/7/2021 - Troy Again Named Best Community for Music Education
- 4/7/2021 - International Academy East Student Selected as Semifinalist in NASA’s “Artemis Moon Pod Essay Contest”
- 3/19/2021 - 4 Recent Competition Wins for Biology Competitions Club
- 3/19/2021 - Troy High DECA Chapter Sweeps Virtual State Competition Qualify for Internationals
- 03/19/2021 - athens senior ian clark named B&gct youth of the year
- 2/26/2021 - TSD 2020 GRADUATE ACHIEVES EAGLE SCOUT, FIRST CLASS OF FEMALE SCOUTS
- 2/24/2021 - TROY HIGH STUDENT SELECTED FOR UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM
- 2/19/2021 - “Log Off & Lace Up!” to Encourage Health and Fitness
- 2/19/2021 - TROY HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCES TO “SWEET 16” ROUND OF IPPF GLOBAL DEBATE COMPETITION
- 2/12/2021 - TROY HIGH SCIENCE TEACHER NAMED 2021 SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
- 2/9/2021 - BARNARD STUDENTS WIN TOP HONORS FOR OAKLAND COUNTY CLEAN WATER COMPETITION
- 2/2/2021 - 52 TROY STUDENTS ARE NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
- 1/25/2021 - Three Troy School District Schools Named State Schools of Character
- 12/22/2020 - Troy United Girls Hockey Players Trade Helmets for Santa Hats
- 12/19/2020 - School Board Swears In New Trustees
- 12/18/2020 - Troy School District Announces Supervisor of Educational Equity, Inclusion and Community Relationships
- 12/17/2020 - Three Troy School District Students Named Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalists
- 12/10/2020 - HAMILTON 5TH GRADER LEARNS LIFE LESSONS FROM RBG
- 11/23/2020 - TROY STUDENTS UNLOCK KEY2FINESSE, SUPPORT GIFT OF LIFE
- 11/20/2020 - TROY HIGH ORCHESTRAS MAKE DO AND MAKE MUSIC UNDER THE TENTS
- 11/18/2020: TROY HIGH GRADUATES REACH FOR THE STARS, SEE GENETICS PROJECT SENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
- 11/13/2020 - TROY FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE PROVIDES TECHNOLOGY TOOLS FOR TEACHERS
- 11/06/2020 - ATHENS CROSS COUNTRY "GETS MILK" GRANT, GIVES BACK TO OTHERS
- 10/20/2020 - Longtime Troy School Board Member Earns Prestigious MASB Award
- 10/07/2020 - Bemis Elementary Receives 2nd Blue Ribbon Award
- 9/1/2020 - Athens Principal Dr. Lara Dixon Receives Patriot Award
- 08/12/2020 - Troy Historic Museum Celebrates Class of 2020’s “Resilience”
- 8/4/2020 - Troy Robotics Teams Compete Virtually, Bring Home Awards and Accolades
7/15/2021 - Troy High Senior and Local Eagle Scout to Host Chili Cook-off to Support Hockey Mentors with a Day of Hockey, Skating & CPR Lessons for Special Needs
Wyatt Lucas’ Eagle Scout project was supposed to be a day of hockey, ice skating and CPR lessons (an odd combination but it is all the things he is passionate about) for the Special Olympics of Michigan. He had gotten approval from BSA, ice and skate rental would be donated by Troy Sports Center, he designed a website (Hockeymentors.net) a logo and t-shirt design. Wyatt also secured donations from Trion Solutions, Troy Rotary and Troy Community Foundation. Hockey vendors were donating equipment which would be given to SOMI after the event.
The event would be free to special athletes and their caregivers. Participates would learn how to ice skate, learn how to play hockey and watch scrimmages of other disabled teams. Then with the help of Wyatt’s hockey team and Motor City Veterans Hockey Association, the athletes would take to the ice and play a scrimmage. Hands only CPR lessons would be taught on site for anyone interested. Participants would receive a T-shirt featuring his logo (and sponsors) and if they played a scrimmage, they would get a hockey jersey with the logo on the front and sponsors on the back. Players would have also gotten a swag gift bag and lunch. Then COVID hit.
Wyatt came up with Plan B and created a hockey video, part instructional and part parody. It showcased how hockey is truly an adaptive sport. It is a great video, and he earned his Eagle Scout, but he felt he let SOMI and their athletes down. Wyatt is still planning to host the hockey day but now needs to raise additional funds for his project.
What: Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-off - This fundraiser will support hockey mentors with a day of hockey, ice skating and CPR lessons for individuals with special needs and their family/caregivers.
When: Sunday, July 25 from 12 – 3 pm
Where: Troy Nature Center | 6685 Coolidge Hwy | Troy
Tickets: $10/adult | $5/kids 6-12 | 5 & Under Free. Tickets sold at the door or online via Venmo or Paypal: hockeymentors@gmail.com
Come sample chili prepared by talented local cooks and cast a vote for your favorite.
Two award categories: People’s Choice and Overall Winner. Special Judges include Troy Mayor Ethan Baker, Troy Police Chief Frank Nastasi, and Assistant Fire Chief Paul Firth. Winners will be announced at 2:45pm. Also enjoy the Nature Center Trails and visit the owls in the new Raptor House.
For more information, call Eagle Scout Wyatt Lucas call 248.686.6740 or email at hockeymentors@gmail.com.
Visit www.hockeymentors.net or https://www.facebook.com/hockeymentors
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Additional background on Wyatt Lucas:
Wyatt is a senior at Troy High School and a dual enrolled college student. He will graduate HS with over 40 college credits. He has played on the Troy United Varsity Hockey Team for the past two years and played travel hockey before that. Wyatt has been in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts since the first grade and very active in the community volunteering at the Troy Historical Village, Troy Rotary, Troy Police Dept, Oakland County Parks and Rec, HOPE Against Trafficking, Troy Nature Center, and teaching CPR to the public. Wyatt help raise a substantial amount of money for the new Raptor House at the Nature Center. He has been a member of Young Eagles aviation program since he was 12 and was just awarded a $10,000 scholarship from EAA, Experimental Aviation Association, to get his private pilot license. His goal is to attend Lawrence Tech University for a Masters in Biomedical Engineering with plans to make prosthetics for kids that are techy and cool, so they won't be embarrassed, and for adults that are mobility friendly. Wyatt would love to play hockey for the Blue Devils (LTU's team).
Photos of Wyatt Lucas playing with Troy United Varsity Hockey Team this past season & Wyatt Lucas with Troy Mayor Ethan Baker at the Grand Opening of the Nature Center Raptor House.
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6/28/2021: 48 TSD Retiring Teachers Receive Respectful Send-off
This year's retirees were honored during our June 2021 Board of Education Meeting. Congratulations and thank you to all of these dedicated employees!
- Mary Abbruzzese, Early Childhood Educator, TSD Preschool - Dedicated Employee since 2007
- Sue Baran, Teacher, Smith Middle School - Dedicated Employee since 1986
- Nadeen Brown, Teacher, Leonard Elementary - Dedicated Employee since 1991
- Pam Brubaker, Secretary, Troy High - Dedicated Employee since 1994
- Adela Bustamante, Care Assistant, Bemis Elementary - Dedicated Employee since 1998
- Mary Jane Butler, Para-Professional, Leonard Elementary - Dedicated Employee since 2004
- Maureen Caldwell, Occupational Therapist, Services Building - Dedicated Employee since 2005
- Genia Connell, Teacher, Leonard Elementary - Dedicated Employee since 1988
- Judy Coster, Teacher, Barnard/Athens - Dedicated Employee since 2008
- Sue Domin, Teacher, Boulan Park Middle - Dedicated Employee since 1984
- Anne Drogosch, Teacher, Smith Middle - Dedicated Employee since 1980
- Cheryl Fisher, GSRP Associate Teacher, Preschool - Dedicated Employee since 2016
- Susan Flewelling, Teacher, TCCHS - Dedicated Employee since 2007
- Lisa Gaglio, Teacher, Baker Middle - Dedicated Employee since 2011
- Bettina Gamero, Teacher, International Academy East - Dedicated Employee since 1996
- Bonnie Gibson, Teacher, Smith Middle - Dedicated Employee since 1990
- Debbie Goldin, Para-Professional, Wass Elementary - Dedicated Employee since 2011
- Rhona Gorosh, Teacher, Bemis Elementary - Dedicated Employee since 1976
- Gary Harlan, Teacher, Troy High – Dedicated Employee since 1984
- Laurie Harnisch, Teacher, Schroeder Elementary – Dedicated Employee since 1986
- Janet Herberholz, Teacher, Baker Middle – Dedicated Employee since 1997
- Barb Johnson, Secretary, Troy Learning Center – Dedicated Employee since 2000
- Elizabeth Jones, Teacher, Boulan Park Middle – Dedicated Employee since 1999
- Kristen Karbon, Teacher, Boulan Park Middle– Dedicated Employee since 1987
- Laura Kemp, Teacher, Baker Middle – Dedicated Employee since 1993
- Betsy Kennedy, Teacher, Baker Middle – Dedicated Employee since 2000
- Lynda Keough, Training Specialist, Troy Career Center – Dedicated Employee since 2002
- Mary Kirby, Teacher, Larson Middle – Dedicated Employee since 2000
- Helen Kochanski, Secretary, TSD Preschool – Dedicated Employee since 2000
- Christine Kye, Para-Professional, Baker Middle – Dedicated Employee since 1999
- Pam Lewsley, Para-Professional, Wattles Elementary – Dedicated Employee since 1995
- Sue Lin, Teacher, Troy High – Dedicated Employee since 1997
- Pat Orczykowski, Executive Assistant, Central Office – Dedicated Employee since 1996
- Lorraine Palmer, Speech Pathologist, Troy Union Elementary – Dedicated Employee since 1985
- Cynthia Peterson, Para-Professional, TSD Preschool – Dedicated Employee since 1998
- Sue Pienta, Secretary, Services Building – Dedicated Employee since 2003
- Suzanne Rewold, Teacher, Barnard Elementary – Dedicated Employee since 2003
- Cynthia Shankin, Teacher, Boulan Park Middle – Dedicated Employee since 1988
- Jerry Shankin, Teacher, Hill Elementary – Dedicated Employee since 1989
- Deb Sheldon, Counselor, TCCHS – Dedicated Employee since 2005
- Rebecca Stradtner, Para-Professional, Wass Elementary – Dedicated Employee since 2000
- Carolyn Szymanski, Teacher, Bemis/Martell Elementary – Dedicated Employee since 2013
- Lillian Trudell, Teacher, Troy High – Dedicated Employee since 1996
- Suzanne Welch,Teacher, Hamilton Elementary – Dedicated Employee since 1986
- Kevin Wilson, Teacher, Boulan Park Middle – Dedicated Employee since 1995
- Gail Yax, Teacher, Troy High – Dedicated Employee since 1982
- Anne Young, Counselor, Troy High – Dedicated Employee since 1984
- Nancy Zambardi, Career Specialist, Athens/Troy High - Dedicated Employee since 1996
- Susan Zemmer, Teacher, Troy Union – Dedicated Employee since 1988
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See link to School Board Meeting here: https://fb.watch/6lWiy1Fgda/
6/21/2021 - TROY HIGH ALUM (2005) RECEIVES NATIONAL SPORTS EMMY FOR PRODUCTION OF HBO SPORTS ‘THE SHOP'
Kevin McGrail (THS ’05) always knew he’d make films. During the dog days of summer, young Kevin enlisted kids in his Troy, Michigan neighborhood to create movies – a friend to write the screenplay, another to recruit kids and parents as actors, others to assemble wardrobes, scout locations, find props, build sets. Kevin organized and collaborated with his ‘crew’ to direct, film and produce. His mom, Nancy Philippart remembers, “Kevin always had a camcorder in hand and was planning or shooting footage for his films. When he and his friends graduated from high school, we had a neighborhood block party to watch the movies our kids had made together! It was amazing to see how far they’d come!”
Kevin’s passion for production led him to earn one of the highest awards in the film making industry. On June 8, 2021, he and his co-producers were awarded a Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Edited Sports Series category for The Shop: Uninterrupted.
The Shop was conceived in collaboration with basketball superstar, LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s Uninterrupted to give viewers a one-of –a –kind barbershop experience in which celebrities in sports, entertainment and politics engage in honest, spirited discussion on important topics in the ‘sanctuary’ of a barbershop. Kevin and business partner, Brandon Riley, formed the production company, Frēhand to produce the show as an experimental web series for the Uninterrupted website in 2017. When HBO Sports got wind of the idea, they wanted to get involved. Kevin and Brandon produced an episode that aired in 2018. Ratings were strong as people enjoyed hearing celebrities speak openly and completely unscripted about sports, music, business, world events and other cutting-edge topics. The partnership with HBO and Uninterrupted grew to two more episodes, then into a second, third and currently a fourth season, which films in barbershops across the county. With political and racial tensions heighted due to the COVID pandemic and George Floyd killing, LeBron invited former President Obama to the barbershop for a candid discussion about the state of the country. This was the episode that resulted in the Emmy nomination and win.
Kevin says producing The Shop “provides a platform for idolized people to speak candidly on their sacrifices, failures and successes. Their real-life experiences and perspective give us a look into their unique world.”
About Kevin McGrail
Kevin is currently the production manager for a new TV Series Paper Girls for Amazon/Legendary/Plan B. He started his first company, Dynamite Films Productions, while an undergraduate at Michigan State University in 2008. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 2009, Kevin recognized that the same problem-solving skills he learned in engineering could be leveraged for a more innovative approach to production management of film and television content, especially in the areas of logistics and finance. He moved to Chicago to study production at DePaul University’s groundbreaking Digital Cinema Program. Since then, Kevin has supported the management of over 100 productions. A member of both the Directors and Producer’s Guilds of America, some of Kevin’s notable credits include Noah Hawley’s Fargo Season 4 for MGM/FX, Joe Chappelle’s An Acceptable Loss for IFC, Austin Vesely’s Slice for A24, Joe Swanberg’s Easy for Netflix, in addition to The Shop for HBO Sports
About The Shop
The Shop is a collaboration with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s Uninterupted that presents unfiltered conversation and debate from some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and politics. Airing on HBO Sports since 2018 and currently in Season 4, the show has featured musicians, actors, sports stars and politicians like rappers, Drake and Snoop Dogg, Grey’s Anatomy’s Jesse Williams, comedian Jimmy Kimmel, sports celebrities Draymond Green & Kevin Durant and politicians, Gavin Newsome and President Barak Obama. The show was nominated for a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Edited Sports Series in 2020 and again nominated in this category for 2021 as well as for Outstanding Production Design/Art Direction. The Shop was selected as the 2021 winner for Outstanding Edited Sports Series.
About the Sports Emmys
The Sports Emmy Awards are presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) in recognition of excellence in American sports television programming, including sports-related series, live coverage of sporting events and best sports announcers.
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5/28/2021 - 11 Athens Senior Athletes Commit on Signing Day
Congratulations to our RedHawk athletes who celebrated their acceptance to elite sports programs with a virtual signing day!
- · Clara Shoales – Women’s basketball – Olivet College
- · Hunter Pidek – Baseball – Oakland University
- · Andrew Pokley – Baseball – Heidelberg College
- · Riley Weber – Baseball – Kalamazoo College
- · Miranda McKee – Women’s golf – Albion College
- · Gabe Brown – Men’s tennis – Boston University
- · Jake Thompson – Bowling – Rochester University
- · Waides Ashmon III – Football – Adrian College
- · TJ Renaud – Men’s Soccer – Rochester University
- · Adrian Lekocaj – Men’s Soccer – Northwood University
- · Mike Youssef – Basketball - Madonna University
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
5/24/2021 - 15 Troy High Seniors Commit to Athletic Programs on Signing Day
Congratulations to our 15 student-athletes who signed today to continue their academic and athletic careers at their respective school!
The day was filled with friends, family, coaches, and administration who watched these student-athletes succeed on and off the field. A special THANK YOU to the parents of these student-athletes for sharing your son/daughter’s talents with our coaches, programs, and teachers.
Again, to our student-athletes:
“I want to recognize your balance between academics, with the pursuit of excellence in your sport. You have endured one of the most robust public educations in the state, coupled with your athletic success is a major accomplishment. Congratulations!” -Mr. Hynes
- Chris Baxter | Adrian | Lacrosse
- Jessica Green | Lawrence Tech | Soccer
- Alexandra Armin | Kalamazoo College | Soccer
- Maria Croci | Univ. of St. Francis at Fort Wayne | Track & XC
- Paige Anderson | Kalamazoo College | XC
- Lauren Gumma | St. Mary’s College | Basketball
- Angela Anderanin | Lawrence Tech | Tennis
- Manny Al-Nsour | UofM Dearborn | Hockey
- CJ Noon | Hope College | Baseball
- Brody Parker | Oakland University | Basketball
- Ethan Emerzian | Madona | Basketball
- Jake Emerzian | Madona | Basketball
- D’Anthony Hamilton | Concordia | Basketball
- Chris Worrell | Northern Michigan | Soccer
- Ryan Peluso | Central Michigan | Football
Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
5/19/2021 - athens track and field wins milk grant, gives back to others
The Troy Athens High School track and field team was recently awarded a chocolate milk grant from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. The team is using chocolate milk as their recovery beverage during this season because it contains the right three-to-one mix of carbohydrates and protein scientifically shown to help refuel muscles. In fact, it helps restore muscles quickly to their peak potential and helps replenish what the body has lost during exercise.
The Athens track and field coaching staff were grateful for the grant.
“Our workouts are hard, so as a staff we make recovery a high priority,” coach Tom Cook said. “Chocolate milk helps our athletes start the recovery process after a workout and can help reduce the risk of injury. The grant helps us keep our athletes safe and healthy.”
“We are always emphasizing proper nutrition with our student athletes,” coach Shawn DuFresne added. “Our athletes are now even more conscious of their food choices, and how their decisions relate to a healthy lifestyle.”
The track and field teams are led by senior captains Aronor Chisholm, Andrew Dionisio, Anthony Kapala, Dean Kapala, Sydney Kott, James Lee, Nathania Nartey, Ryan Meitzner, Tristyn Phillips, and Le-Thi Stephens, as well as junior captains Hannah DiGiovanni and Malina Dumitrascu.
- “Chocolate milk is the perfect recovery drink after my workouts,” Chisholm said.
- “Chocolate milk after practice every day has been amazing,” Lee said.
- “Having milk after each workout is a godsend, and it certainly brightens my day,” Dean Kapala said.
Grant recipients were encouraged to raise funds for a food bank to purchase milk, one of the most requested items, and the team recently donated $350 to the Troy People Concerned Food Pantry located at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy. The pantry, which relies on donations of the parish and the local community, assists all city residents. “This will help our Troy families who are in need of help to supply nutrient milk for their families,” Kim Houseman, Christian Service Director at St. Anastasia, said. “Usually we are unable to offer milk due to lack of funds. This donation is very generous and unexpected, and it will be greatly appreciated.”
The runners were happy to contribute. "I could not be prouder of our team for raising money for such a great cause,” Stephens said. “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of a program that values teamwork not just within track and field, but the teamwork it takes to help our community and support them as much as we can.”
“I was super excited to find out we raised so much for the community,” Kott said. “I always love it when we are able to support those around us.” “I'm so honored we're able to give back to our community through this fundraiser,” Nartey said. “Athens and the community have given us so much, and I'm glad we're able to pay it forward.”
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Photo courtesy of the Troy School District: Troy Athens High School track and field captains recently presented a monetary donation raised by the team to Fr. Steve Wertanen, pastor, and parish receptionist Florence Parent of St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy, where the Troy People Concerned Food Pantry is housed. From left to right: senior Nathania Nartey, senior Le-Thi Stephens, junior Hannah DiGiovanni, senior Sydney Kott, (Florence Parent and Fr. Steve Wertanen), senior James Lee, senior Andrew Dionisio, senior Anthony Kapala, senior Ryan Meitzner, and senior Dean Kapala (not pictured: senior Aronor Chisholm, junior Malina Dumitrascu, and senior Tristyn Phillips).
5/18/2021 - Oakland Schools Awards Scholarships to CTE Students
Nineteen Career Technical Education (CTE) students from across Oakland County have been awarded funds from Oakland Schools’ prestigious Scholarships for Success program.
Scholarships for Success is organized by the Oakland Schools Education Foundation (OSEF) with the goal of helping to provide CTE students who have attended one of Oakland Schools’ four Technical Campuses (OSTC) with financial assistance to attend college, trade school or an apprenticeship program.
“We had 96 students apply for these scholarships and these are the best of the best,” said Oakland Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson. “These students have worked their hardest and, as a result, are a step closer to achieving their dreams. Our OSTC campuses provide tremendous opportunities for those who choose to take advantage of what we have offer.”
Three students from Troy were recognized as follows:
$1,000 awarded each to:
Preston Duller, Troy, OSTC-SE, Cybersecurity
Abigail Rizk, Troy, OSTC-SE, Health Sciences
$500 awarded to:
Matthew Koontz, Troy, OSTC-SE, Cybersecurity
“All of the Scholarships for Success applicants this year were extremely thoughtful in their descriptions of accomplishments and areas of interest and involvement,” said Dr. Gary Gabel, member of the Oakland Schools Education Foundation. “I wish all of them great success as they pursue their CTE goals.”
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5/14/2021 - 2021 Troybery Winners Announced
You’ve heard of the Newbery Reading Award, but have you heard of the Troybery? A mock-Newbery medal program, Troybery has encouraged Troy middle schoolers since 2000 to read the best middle grade books published that year and then vote on their favorites. The contest usually begins in the fall, with students reading nominated books and then voting for them in a March Madness-style tournament. But this year was different.
“Our ultimate goal is to get kids excited about and interested in reading,” said media specialist Christine Chatel. But it couldn’t happen in person this year due to COVID. This was the first year that Troybery was all virtual—students could access e-book and audio book copies of Troybery and Newbery books online via a special app, track their reading on a digital form, watch video book talks made by the media specialists, vote online, and view the ceremony online.
For the 21st Annual Troybery Award Program, TSD middle school media specialists Christina Chatel and Kathy Loch decided to choose a reading theme that would make it easy for all students, whether in-person or virtual, to access books to participate. In a normal year, the Troybery program would focus on the best current books of the calendar year, but the pandemic led our media specialists to take Troybery in a different direction.
“Team Troybery versus Team Newbery” became the theme for the 21st annual Troybery Award Program, focusing on what originally inspired Troybery: the Newbery Award, given each year by the American Library Association to the best children’s books. Mrs. Chatel and Ms. Loch challenged students to read (or re-read) the Newbery AND the Troybery winners from 2001-2020, and in April, middle schoolers voted on whether they liked the Troybery or the Newbery winner best for each year. The winners were: for the Troybery—The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; for the Newbery – New Kid by Jerry Craft. To see the exciting reveal, visit: https://youtu.be/gwmWe-vu9Ag.
And as is tradition, a special guest author was invited to SKYPE with the students in realtime. This year, Alicia D. Williams, author of Newberry winner Genesis Begins Again spent an hour virtually with students, sharing her story of how she became a story-teller, and encouraged students to have the courage to be “Bold, daring, courageous and DREAM big.” And to not let others’ opinions sway or distract them from writing. She took questions from the students and ended her presentation with a quote from the Wizard of Oz: “You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn and find it yourself.”
While different for sure like many things this year, Loch and Chatel felt this year’s Troybery program was a success: “The 2021 Troybery reading program involved timeless award winners and classics, books that have been cherished over the years by generations of readers; many of the titles were already on students’ bookshelves at home or available with a click of a button on the iPad, making for easy access and affording students a chance to snuggle up with some of their favorite books, discover new titles, and find comfort in getting lost in well-written story.”
For more information about the Troybery program, visit http://troymiddleschoolmediacenter.weebly.com/troybery.html.
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Photos courtesy of AliciaDWilliams.com
5/13/2021 - Troy High Students Recognized with Global Impact Awards
Seventy-two students from Troy High School are being recognized for community service as National Award earners and as inspirations for other students to get involved in their community.
The 4th Annual National Community Service Awards connect student service activity to the UN Global Goals. This year we have additional recognition for students working toward a world of Zero Hunger and Zero Waste. This award program has been designed to elevate and expand the awareness of youth leaders contributing time and talent to drive positive progress toward global issues. THS students have made the choice to include community service as part of the educational experience at Troy High School and have donated over 6,000 hours of their time toward this program.
Congratulations to Student Awardees at Troy High School
Ambassador Awardees: Rupal Athalye, Emily Baek, Charlie Chu, Shraddha Doddaguni Harish, Aksheet Dutta, Elizabeth George, Haarshini Gunalan, Ayushi Gupta, Deeksha Hadagali, Elise Hsiao, Nidhi Ikkurthy, Rebecca Johnson, Shreyana Keeta, Om Khuperkar, Noyonima Masud, Vishnu Nair, Tanisha Panchal, Esha Patel, Aanya Shah, Ivy Shi, Smriti Suresh, Sharanya Swaminathan, Sabrina Tallu, Sarayu Uppara, Cynthia Wang, Lily Wei, Helen Xiao, Dorothy Yin, Jiaying Zhou, Tianhui Zhu
Honor Awardees: Lisa (Seo Hyun) Baek, Arpita Bhandari, Arkesh Das, Yutong Du, Rithvik Girish, Mariska Goswami, Akul Gunukula, Allison Liu, Sriyan Madugula, Kyra McIntyre, Yumena Nagai, Naina Nagar, Anagha Nair, Nishit Palepu, Kush Parikh, Ashley Sawicke, Vidhya Harini Srinivas, Shreya Srugaram, Ruthesh Thavamani, Rachel Yang
Merit Awardees: Prisha Agnihotri, Grace Booza, Shannon Cai, Emily Chen, Hayley Chenfang, Dhruv Dighrasker, Vinati Donthireddy, Tyler Evans, Ananya Gummadi, Aranav Gupta, Nandita Jagan, Lekhana Katuri, Minwoo Kim, Isabelle Lamug, Lauren McIntyre, Minji Nam, Esha Sura, Vienna Thieu, Claire Wu, Erin Xia, Blenda Yan
Zero Hero Awardees: Rupal Athalye, Charlie Chu, Arkesh Das, Miguel Gambalan, Rithvik Girish, Akul Gunukula, Kyra McIntyre, Lauren McIntyre, Sarayu Uppara, Helen Xiao
The announcement of their awards can be viewed here: https://innerview.org/award/members?schoolyear=2020&school_id=1836
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5/13/2021 - TCCHS Student Receives Scholarship from Women of Tomorrow
Kayla Sage, Troy College & Career High School senior, is the recipient of a partial scholarship from The Women of Tomorrow, a group dedicated to mentoring young women.
A dual enrollment student, Sage has successfully completed two college classes at Macomb Community College as a high school student. She has been involved in Student Leadership and participated in a summer study program through Hillsdale College in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Gettysburg as a sophomore. She has also been competitively participating in the sport of fencing since she was 11 years old.
The St. Clair Shores resident is planning to attend Oakland University in the fall to prepare for a career in a science-related field.
The Women of Tomorrow program inspires, empowers, and motivates young women by pairing them with highly-accomplished professional mentors from the metro-Detroit area.
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Photo courtesy of the Troy School District
5/13/2021 - Next Wave of National Merit Scholarship Winners Announced
Eleven students from the Troy area are winners of the second round of the National Merit Scholarship, which awards $2500 to each recipient.
The first round of corporate-sponsored scholarships were announced on April 21 and included 14 students from Michigan.
For each state, the number of winners is proportional to the state's percentage of the nation's graduating high school seniors. The program says the winners are the finalists "judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies."
More than 1.5 million students applied for the highly competitive scholarship and the program says that around 7,500 students will go on to win scholarships in 2021 that total $30 million. Winners of the college-sponsored scholarship will be announced in June and July.
Here are the Troy winners of the $2,500 scholarships:
- Madhavan V. Iyengar - Troy HS
- Annie Y. He - Troy HS
- Diksha Iyer - International Academy
- Saaim Khan - Cranbrook Kingswood School
- Heeweon Kim - International Academy
- Esha R. Munagala - Athens HS
- Swarith Reddy - Troy HS
- Sabrina H. Song - Troy HS
- Jasmine Q. Wu - Troy HS
- Alexander J. Xu - Troy HS
- Katherine A. Zhao - Troy HS
A total of 16,000 students were selected as finalists for the scholarships and the final winners are candidates "judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies."
5/10/2021 - TSD Middle Schools Take Awards at National Science Olympiad
Troy School District Middle Schools performed impressively at the recent MS Science Olympiad state contest which was held virtually this year, competing against 51 state middle school teams for the top two spots that qualified for the National tournament which will be virtually held by Arizona State University from May 17 to May 22, 2021.
Science Olympiad is a STEM based competition that includes 22 challenging events faced by 15 team members. This is the first time in Smith's 10-year participation history that they placed 2nd AND also the first time Smith has qualified for Nationals! TSD middle schools rounding out the top 10 are Larson Middle which came in 6th place, and Boulan Park Middle at 10th place.
The 15 team members (and one alternate) are:
- Aanya Deol (8)
- Advait Pravin Pingle (7)
- Amav Sinha (8)
- Ayaan Deol (7)
- Hansini Ramini (7)
- Jons Jaison (8)
- Kashifah Hossain (7)
- Matt Zhang (8)
- Mukundan Iyengar (8)
- Nikhil Nair (7)
- Omkar Prabhu (7)
- Rishabh Rao (8)
- Rushir Teli (8)
- Shivam Shah (8)
- Sri Sowmya Sanka (8)
- Armaan Soni (8)
Smith Middle will proudly represent Michigan, Oakland County and the Troy School District that includes representation of the top 60 teams from various states of the nation! “We are so proud of our 2021 team of 30 students (both primary and secondary teams) that together realized a 10-year dream chased by several students and parent coaches,” said Smith teacher Jenn Vente. “We count on support from fellow Smith MS Knights and will do our best to utilize this great opportunity that our students earned.”
“As we compete in the nationals, we proudly represent Michigan, Oakland County and Troy School District and we hope that we make our own mark in a competition that includes top 60 teams representing various states of the nation,” said parent coach Sachin Prabhu.
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5/4/2021 - Schroeder Girls Scouts, the “Robo-Dragons,” Design, Fundraise and Create Playground Communication Board
Can you imagine not being able to talk with your friends at recess and tell them what you want to do? This is the problem that the Schroeder Elementary Robo-Dragons Girl Scouts team wanted to fix. The Robo-Dragons, Megan Hatto, Samantha Downs, Isha Chawla, Shalini Srinivas, Tatum Sheckell, Lily Bastien, Lila Sieber, and Edy Mayotte, have been a robotics team together since Kindergarten. They settled on helping kids with disabilities for their innovation project in their First Lego League Robotic competition. The Girl Scouts goal was to help kids with severe communication delays, such as students with Autism or Down Syndrome, have fun at recess. The Girls did research and they found that the best way to make this happen was a Playground Communication Core board.
One member of the team, Megan Hatto explained that, “It’s a board that has pictures representing words. If kids can’t talk or have limited language, they point to a picture with a friend and then they will be able to play if the word says ‘play’”. Speech Pathologist Jenny Michalek said, “This is a good way for kids with a communication delay whether severe or moderate to be able to let people know what they want. This can help prevent tantrums or an isolated feeling.” Using the communication boards, kids can combine pictures to create many messages, such as “I want swing,” “I like you,” “I go on playscape,” “I want help,” and “I get ball.”
In order to raise money for the communication board, the Robo-Dragons Girl Scouts team started with a presentation to their Schroeder Principal, Mr. Brian Canfield. Mr. Canfield allowed the team to host a Pajama Day at Schroeder Elementary. Students were able to wear pajamas at school for a $2.00 for a donation to the communication board. The Schroeder students and staff were so supportive and raised over $200 from this event. One student, Peyton Glynn said, “It should be near the swings on the 1st and 2nd grade playground because that is where a lot of kids play.” Glynn also decided, “This can help kids learn better and have a good environment to learn in.”
The Robot Dragons worked with Mr. Pryde, a special education teacher at Schroeder, to write a grant for the Troy Women’s Association for $312. Two Girl Scouts members created a small neighborhood business for making and selling handcrafted soap. Between the grant, the Pajama day fundraiser, and the soap sales, the team raised all of the money to purchase the communication board. Canfield was proud of his students: “It is impressive to not only see our students excel at Schroeder, but for students to really embrace helping others and serving the school. The Girl Scouts saw a need in their community and worked to help others.”
The Robo-Dragons Girl Scouts team is so thankful for the support from Girl Scouts Southeastern Michigan, Mr. Canfield, Troy Women’s Association, and the Schroeder community. Said scout Samantha Downs: "Its so exciting, because we worked hard on it and it was finally on the playground so Schroeder students can use it at recess and be social together." Scout Megan Hatto agreed: "I am so proud of our team’s accomplishment!! I hope this will help the Schroeder community for years to come.”
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PHOTO CREDIT - TROY SCHOOL DISTRICT: The Robo-Dragons: Megan Hatto, Samantha Downs, Isha Chawla, Shalini Srinivas, Tatum Sheckell, Lily Bastien, Lila Sieber, and Edy Mayotte
4/27/2021 - Athens Staff Earns ESGR “Above and Beyond” Award
This past week, the staff at Athens High School was presented with an “Above and Beyond” award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization, nominated by Athens physical education teacher and coach Nick Lusk, who is also a Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist, Petty Officer 2nd class with the US Coast Guard. This Award is presented by ESGR State Committees to recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and other similar benefits.
According to Lusk, the Athens High School Administration Team has from day one supported his reserve duties and pride for our country. The Administration team is comprised of Principal- Dr. Lara Dixon, District Athletic Director-Tim Fulcher, Assistant Principal & Athletic Director- Bob Dowd, Assistant Principal- Michael Munaco and Assistant Principal- Kristin Meldrum. “The support started with hiring me as a full-time teacher, even knowing that at any time I can be called into Active Duty, then hiring me as the school's strength & conditioning coach and weight room supervisor, along with allowing me to volunteer as the assistant powerlifting coach.”
The “Above and Beyond” award is given in limited numbers by State Committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors/managers recognized with a Patriot Award (Dr. Dixon received the ESGR Patriot Award this past August), and who have signed an ESGR Statement of Support. State Committees are authorized maximum discretion in considering an Above and Beyond Award for Patriot Award nominations of smaller firms, those with no individual supervisors specified, and other similar situations.
Lusk feels proud to be encouraged by his employer and peers, who have supported him during recent deployments, most recently last spring when he was activated by Coast Guard Station Belle Isle in Detroit to support the Belle Isle crew during the COVID-19 pandemic. The station was running on limited crew members due to the restrictions of reduced workers allowed at the station at one time and personnel being quarantined. “When I informed my administration of my activation, they all supported me and showed their patriotic values. They all offered their support and thanked me for my service. This fall they again showed their patriotic values and love for our country and military members by allowing me to hang up an American flag and flags from each branch of the military in our weight room at the school.”
The respect is mutual, according to Dixon, who said “The Athens administration team is proud of Mr. Lusk and grateful for who is he is and his service both to our country and our students. Mr. Lusk is a great teacher, coach and person. We are honored and humbled by this recognition.”
Lusk concluded: “They never hold the fact that I can be deployed at any moment against me. They have even offered for me to join the School's Character Team, which has earned its State School of Character recognition within the 1st year of being established. I am truly honored to work in a building that is led by a team of individuals that are true patriots and have deep held American values, that they not only believe in but execute.”
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Photo courtesy of Troy Schools: L to R: Mike Munaco, Kristin Meldrum, Nick Lusk, Bob Dowd, Lara Dixon
4/27/2021 - Athens and IAE Students Win US Agency for International Development Science Champion Award
Two Troy School District students (Raghav Subramaniam from Athens and Krish Desai from IAE) won a US Agency for International Development Science Champion Award for their project titled “Utilizing Augmented Reality and Idiosyncratic ‘Chorded Keyboard’ Input Methods to Develop a Ubiquitous and Cost-Efficient Live Time Transcription and Speech Synthesis Aid for Individuals with Auditory and Speech Disabilities,” which was presented to the International Development Science competition at this year’s Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit.
The aim of the joint project was to utilize low-cost speech synthesis and AI transcription efficiently, so the deaf can interact with society with more ease and in a more cost effective way.
The project uses an ESP32 module affixed to the side of spectacles, that can project text in real time onto the inside of a lens (a low-cost AR replacement). A BLE 5-button chorded keyboard was created, then connected via BLE to a mobile device containing the mobile app, which synthesizes speech from the input sent from the chorded keyboard. Vice versa, the mobile application can also pick up conversations, transcribe them into text, then send it to the ESP32 so that it can be projected onto the inside lens of the spectacles.
The team believed that their low cost invention (less than $27) will make it more viable for use in developing countries, as compared to alternative high-end devices with lower functionality, and garnered the following praise from the Science & Engineering Fair and the USAID: “This recognition celebrates your project's potential to make an impact on addressing international development challenges. USAID is proud to support innovators, scientists, and researchers, both in the United States and across the globe. Together, we're working to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges.
We wish you all the best, and hope you will continue to leverage your skills in science and engineering to benefit those around the world.”
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools
4/27/2021 - ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL PARTNERS WITH FRIENDS OF FOSTER KIDS TO PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED ITEMS
Athens Student Council recently held a donation drive for Friends of Foster Kids that exceeded their expectations. After collecting donations ranging from hygiene items to clothes to sports equipment from council members, they opened the drive to the Athens community with a drop off box. In total, over 800 items were collected.
Junior and executive treasurer Lilly Chrisopoulos, who has volunteered with the group in the past, was pleasantly surprised at the result. “I was clueless the entire time we were taking donations,” Chrisopoulos said. “I wasn’t sure if anyone was donating or what they were donating if they got the chance.”
“As you could probably guess, I was amazed and so excited when I heard the total,” Chrisopoulos added. “I’ve talked with members of Friends of Foster kids before and I could never imagine the struggle and trauma some of the kids go through. It’s important for everyone to think about those who are struggling and are in a time of need. It’s important for people in positions of privilege to remember to give back to the community.”
Friends of Foster Kids, based in Sterling Heights, is a non-profit organization that provides a “Christmas” and other activities through the year for foster children in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect and placed in temporary housing or shelters. According the group’s website, there are approximately 900 children from Macomb County in foster care each year. In addition, the organization has expanded its service to lend a hand to those who have aged out of foster care at age 20 but are still in need of assistance.
“I am proud that our kids have pursued ways to help others during this challenging year,” student council co-adviser Dina Chrisopoulos said. “The result of this project, which put a smile on so many children’s faces, was heartwarming.”
Other student council members were equally surprised and grateful. “I didn’t have any expectations since only part of our student body was in-seat, so it was amazing to hear how many items we collected,” junior and executive secretary Jordan Doyle said. “I am so glad that we got to help Friends of Foster Care because the items will go to such a great cause.”
“In past years when we would collect things over multiple days, we would have a daily total so we would know how well we were doing,” senior and executive second vice president Sydney Kott said. “But with this, we didn't know until the very end, which made it more exciting when we found out the number.”
Executive President Michael Awwad, senior, was proud of the group’s achievement: “It felt so amazing not only to have collected so many items for foster kids because of the amazing impact it will have for them but also to see our community come together again to do something great.”
For more information on Friends of Foster Kids, visit their website: https://friendsoffosterkids.org/
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Photo Credit: Athens and Troy Schools
PHOTO A: Athens High School Student Council sophomores Cooper Batzold, left, and Emma Leonard share items collected for Friends of Foster Families.
PHOTO B: Athens High School Student Council seniors Justin Esdale, left, and James Lee share items collected for Friends of Foster Families.
PHOTO C: Athens High School Student Council seniors James Lee, left, and Justin Esdale share items collected for Friends of Foster Families.
PHOTO D: Athens High School Student Council sophomores Cooper Batzold, left, and Emma Leonard share items collected for Friends of Foster Families.
4/20/2021 - Athens Student Council Holds Successful Community Week Amid Pandemic
To pivot in the pandemic, Athens High School Student Council recently created “Athens Community Week,” sponsoring a spirit week along with a few events to raise money for a charity suggested by the student body and picked by student council leaders. As a result, Alex’s Saints Foundation, a fledgling Troy charity named in memory of a former Athens student, was the beneficiary of $2,500 raised online.
Junior and executive secretary Jordan Doyle pointed out the challenges of offering activities this year. “While it was impossible to put on Charity Week this year, we did not want to lose an important piece of Athens’ culture—how we come together as a school and a community each year to make the world outside the walls of Athens High School a little bit better,” Doyle said. “We brainstormed how to honor this piece of our culture in a responsible and safe way, this year has reminded us of the importance of our community, and we wanted to celebrate and support our local community.”
Junior and executive treasurer Lilly Chrisopoulos stated the council kept safety protocols in mind during the planning phase. “We spent a lot of time trying to make activities fun and easy to participate in while abiding to Covid-19 restrictions,” Chrisopoulos said. “At the end of the week I was really thrilled to find out we raised so much.”
A main event offered by student council was “Flock your Friends,” where students and families donated to a have a flock of flamingos displayed on their yard for a day. Another event was Teacher Cameos, where students paid to have a teacher share or send a video message. In addition, first hour classes competed to raise money to earn an asynchronous class period.
Moreover, council members conducted an online raffle with gift card packages purchased from local businesses. Finally, classmates were encouraged to share pictures according to each spirit day, which varied from recommending a movie to posting a picture of a pet. “The final total made me absolutely ecstatic,” senior and executive first vice president Justin Esdale said. “However, the result is about more than the numbers, it’s about the fact that we were able to design this entire week without any precedent.”
According to the organization’s website, the mission of Alex’s Saints Foundation is “to provide life-changing emotional and financial assistance to young adults and their families, who struggle with addiction, while empowering long term recovery.”
Chairman and Founder Tyler Bettelon, a 2013 Athens graduate and classmate of Alex St. Pierre, established Alex’s Saints Foundation in May 2020 in memory of his friend. “We started this organization in honor of our best friend and former Athens student, Alex St. Pierre, who was taken away from us the day before his 25th birthday due to an accidental drug overdose,” Bettelon said. Bettelon stressed that it is important to bring awareness to the current opioid epidemic, especially during the pandemic. According to Bettelon, overdose deaths are up over 20% since the pandemic started, and thus it is vital to always check up with loved ones and to support them.
Senior and Executive President Michael Awwad was pleased that the week was organized to help others in need, and as a way for the senior class to be involved in a final charitable event.
“Raising money for Alex’s Saints Foundation was very important because in a time where mental health is more important now than ever before, unfortunately addiction is a path that people turn to,” Awwad said. “To be able to raise awareness and provide support to such a cause is vital during these times, as well as supporting our local businesses and bringing the community together.”
Senior and executive second vice president Sydney Kott agreed. “This has been such a crazy year, and I knew that it was a blessing we were able to do anything,” Kott said. “I know Alex's Saints Foundation will be able to do great things with the money raised. The week also helped raise awareness for locally owned businesses in our area, which makes me very happy that we got people interested in these businesses.”
"Knowing that Charity Week would not happen, our kids still found a way to help our community,” student council co-adviser Dina Chrisopoulos said. “As always, I am so proud to be a part of such a great group of students who decided to support a local charity which is in honor of one of our former students." “I am honored to work with this year’s council to help them forge ahead to find a way to lead and serve,” student council co-adviser Shawn DuFresne added. “The kids have been so resilient and positive throughout the year. They kept all options open and focused on what they could control.”
Bettelon emphasized his organization is humbled by the support of the Athens community. “We are incredibly grateful to be chosen as the charity for Community Week,” Bettelon said. “As an alumni, it is truly humbling to be part of this tremendous week at Athens.”
For more information on Alex’s Saints Foundation, visit their website: https://alexssaints.org/
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools:
--Athens High School student council representatives Erin Swartz, junior (left), and Jessica Jansen, freshman, share a flock of flamingos planted in a student’s yard as a fundraiser for the school’s Community Week held recently.
--The sign accompanying the flock of flamingos as a fundraiser for Athens High School Community Week.
4/20/2021 - Michigan AG Nessel Chooses THS Alum as New Press Secretary
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced Troy High alum Lynsey Mukomel (2011) as her new press secretary in the Office of Public Information & Education.
"I am excited to have Lynsey join our team and am confident she will be an asset to this office," Nessel said. "Her career experience in news provides insight and perspective I believe will further strengthen my department and our commitment to serving the people of this great state." One of her former teachers at Troy High, Michelle Tedder, agreed, saying: “Lynsey was a student that stood out among the crowd, and it was easy to see that she would make a name for herself. She is a positive role model for young girls, and I am so proud of all the work she has accomplished."
Prior to joining the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Mukomel was an anchor and reporter for WOOD TV in Grand Rapids. Her work on important stories often led to contact with the department - including coverage of the Larry Nassar investigation, Flint water crisis and lawsuits related to the 2020 presidential election.
Mukomel is a Columbia College Chicago graduate, and a Troy High graduate from the class of 2011.
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Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of the Attorney General
4/12/2021 - ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT LEAD STILL SERVES DURING PANDEMIC
Athens Project Lead service club recently collected 175 items for The Bottomless Toy Chest in Birmingham. The club’s annual donation drive of small toys, coloring books, and crafts is usually a classroom competition, but this year there was a drop box at the school for students and the community to get involved.
“I’m glad to give back to the community which has done so much for me and for others, especially in this time of economic uncertainty,” junior and Project Lead Public Relations Officer Shaun Dantas said. “I’m happy that we helped Bottomless Toy Chest to give toys to hospitalized children,” sophomore and Project Lead Points Secretary Warda Zehra said. “Hopefully we can continue events like this to help others in the future.”
According to the organization’s website, the mission of The Bottomless Toy Chest is to deliver toys and craft projects “to hospitalized pediatric oncology patients … to lift the spirits and promote a positive state of mind in young cancer patients.”
Ashley Leslie, Program Director at The Bottomless Toy Chest, was grateful for the school’s donation.
“I would like thank the wonderful students at Athens High School and their Project Lead service club for hosting a drive for us,” Leslie said. “Never before has our mission of empowering children though the magic of toys been more meaningful.” Leslie explained that the group has been delivering toys to local hospitals, sending special care packages to patients’ homes, and supplying other pediatric cancer organizations with toys. In addition, the group has provided toys to organizations and shelters who help families impacted by COVID-19.
“Our students always impress me with their willingness to help others,” Project Lead co-adviser Brenda Rice said. “Even in a pandemic they are eager to help those less fortunate.” “I’m proud of our members who continuously look for opportunities to make a difference,” Project Lead co-adviser Shawn DuFresne added. “We obviously had to adjust some of our service to others this year, but the officers found a way to pivot with some of our projects, including this one.”
According to Leslie, Bottomless Toy Chest will deliver over 30,000 toys and activities to children facing extremely difficult health challenges. For more information, visit the group’s website: https://bottomlesstoychest.org
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Photo Courtesy of the Troy School District: Athens High School Project Lead members Divya Thirukumaran, junior (left), and sophomore Shreya Bala, share some of the donations collected by the service club to benefit The Bottomless Toy Chest in Birmingham.
4/9/2021 - Athens Future Problem Solvers Place 2nd in State Competition
Athens’ Future Problem Solving Team recently placed 2nd in the competitive Michigan Future Problem Solving Program and will be headed to Internationals in June. Team members are Justin Esdale, Julia Voyt, Arnav Shah, Sydney Buser, Alisa Voyevidko,Krishna Kottai, Shrishti Bagalkoti.
MFPSP provides creative problem solving activities for students grades K- 12. Spanning a variety of disciplines and content areas, MFPSP consistently demonstrates its validity in education as an integral part of a school's curriculum or as an academic extracurricular activity.
MFPSP meets standards for curriculum and instruction, language arts, social studies, science, the arts, math, geography, civics, technology, life skills, and behavioral studies.
The skills obtained by MFPSP students will last a lifetime and will help them in their academic and professional careers. Leadership, creativity, team work, time management, ingenuity, research skills, friendly competition, academic success, futuristic thinking and more.
There are several components to choose from. We have non-competitive options as well as competitive for all grade levels.
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4/7/2021 - Troy Again Named Best Community for Music Education
It’s been quite a year. And even though many fine arts ensembles were unable to meet, practice and perform as they were used to doing, Troy was still named a 2021 Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. The award recognizes the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made exemplary music education part of the curriculum.
This is the 14th consecutive year Troy has received this elite designation, and it is especially impressive given this year’s pandemic challenges changed so much of how our music programs functioned. “Our music programs at the middle- and high-school levels—choir, band and orchestra—by nature are ensemble programs,” said TSD Instrumental Music Coordinator Joe Havrilla. “This has been a year of adaptation and growth for performing arts teachers in the Troy School District as they need to continually “pivot” between 100% virtual -vs- hybrid classroom situations. Throughout this time, they have been able to maintain a varied and valuable curriculum for students. Some activities from previous years have been adapted to the new learning settings, but most of the music learning students are engaged in today are being created by teachers for their unique situations.”
One of the most difficult tasks has been simultaneous teaching to both in-seat and virtual students, while keeping each group engaged and active in the learning process. Teachers have risen to the challenge and created lessons and methods that can engage students, regardless of their physical location. In addition, new technology advancements have enabled students to develop their skills and knowledge using programs such as Acapella, iMovie, SmartMusic, Garageband, and Noteflight. These expanded options have also helped the struggling student musicians, allowing them more opportunities to work with teachers and get the support they need to be successful.
Throughout the pandemic, the Troy School District has made it a priority to maintain and support the Performing Arts. Music classes at all levels were adapted for online learning so that students continued to receive a well-rounded education and all music teachers retained their positions. “As we returned to a hybrid learning situation teachers rose to the challenge of providing rewarding lessons for simultaneous in-seat and virtual students,” concluded Havrilla. “Our staff has continually reimagined ways to provide enjoyable and educational opportunities for students to make music.”
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Photo courtesy of the Troy School District: Troy High’s Orchestras began the school year by getting creative and making music under a big tent, in order to accommodate COVID protections and social distancing.
4/7/2021 - International Academy East Student Selected as Semifinalist in NASA’s “Artemis Moon Pod Essay Contest”
International Academy East Junior Siddharth Gupta has been named one of 155 semifinalists in Future Engineers and NASA’s Artemis Moon Pod Essay Contest. This prestigious national competition challenged K-12 students to think about leading a one-week expedition at the Moon’s South Pole, including writing about their expedition’s crew and technology and imagining leaving their technology behind to help future astronauts explore the Moon. (Gupta’s essay about potential space solar power can be read here: https://www.futureengineers.org/artemismoonpodessay/gallery/38093.)
Approximately 14,000 essay submissions were received from K-12 students across the country and over 1,000 eligible judge volunteers comprised of educators, professionals, and space enthusiasts helped review essays.
As a semifinalist, Gupta received an Artemis Prize Pack filled with space-themed prizes plus the opportunity to attend a series of virtual Artemis Explorer Sessions with NASA experts. Bfor for all the students who submitted an entry: NASA will fly a digital copy of all 14,000 essays around the Moon aboard Artemis I.
Gupta was thrilled to learn his essay was going up into space and felt he had learned what astronauts would need to land on the moon and what is crucial for their survival and for future expeditions. “The most exciting thing about going to the Moon is the possibility of living there substantially and also people landing on the moon after 50+ years is remarkable,” said Gupta. He has always had a natural curiosity for science, technology and space, and credits the International Academy community with “helping to embrace my creativity and knowledge about the natural world and encouraging me to take part in this competition.” Of living there
Later this month, the contest will be narrowed to nine national finalists, who will be interviewed about their essays. In May, the grand prize winners will be announced, each of which will win a family trip to attend NASA’s Artemis I launch at Kennedy Space Center.
For contest details, including a full listing of the 155 state/territory semifinalists, please visit:
https://www.futureengineers.org/artemismoonpodessay
The NASA web feature can be viewed here:
https://www.nasa.gov/stem/semifinal-round-of-artemis-moon-pod-essay-contest.html
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Photos courtesy of the Troy Schools and the Gupta family.
3/19/2021 - 4 Recent Competition Wins for Biology Competitions Club
Congratulations to Biology Competitions Club Members and/or AP Biology Students on the following recent accomplishments:
At the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Jasmine Wu (senior) won 2nd Place and $1,500 for her research presentation titled: Modeling Michigan West Nile Virus Cases Amid Climate Change. Aryan Singh (sophomore) won 4th Place for his project titled: Hyperglycemic conditions impair lung epithelial innate response to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.
Claire Wu (junior), Jasmine Wu (senior), Alex Xu (senior), and Ray Zhang (sophomore) are all Semifinalists for the USA BioOlympiad having scored in the top 10% of the nation against over 9,000 students on this very challenging multiple-choice exam and will compete in April to become finalists.
At the Science Fair of Metro Detroit, Angela Xu (junior), Ethan Chen (junior), and Jonathan Chen (sophomore) are the Grand Award Winners for their research on Non-contact Continuous Cardiovascular Monitoring System and they won a Yale Science and Engineering Association Award. This team will now compete at the ISEF Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May.
Also, at the Science Fair of Metro Detroit, Deepti Aggarwal (sophomore) and Sanya Chawla (junior) won 1st Place for their research on the Measurement of Reactive Nitrogen Species Using Automated Western Blot System along with an award from the Society for In Vitro Biology. Sonnet Xu (sophomore) won 2nd Place for her research on A Machine Learning Approach to Mortality Prediction in Maintenance Hemodialysis and an award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Sneha Dinda (senior) won 3rd Place for her research on Mechanochemical Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Hydrooxyapatite. Gary Xu (junior) won 4th Place for his research on Properties of Stella Binaries and an award from the American Statistical Association.
The Wyland National Mural and Art Challenge awarded Annie He (senior) the 12th Grade Individual Artist Winner which included a $50 gift card for her impressive entry shown below.
3/19/2021 - Troy High DECA Chapter Sweeps Virtual State Competition Qualify for Internationals
Earlier this week Troy High’s DECA Team attended the (virtual) State Conference Awards Ceremony and had a fantastic showing!!
Forty students qualified for International Competition (which will be held virtually in April) and the team received 184 medals overall for their test and role play performance. To break it down, Troy High students received 29 test medals, 35 role play performance medals, 80 finalist medals and 40 international-qualifying glass medallions.
The following students “swept” their category, meaning they won every award possible at state competition: Angela Li, Sophie Tomasello, Kenneth Gu, Zachary Yu, Ella Brandenberg, George Perakis, Jennifer Bricker, Allison Wei, Meera Manek, Sharanya Swaminathan, Sriyan Madagula, Pranav Bellad and Dilan Swami.
THS students who qualified for DECA International Competition in April:
- · Angela Li
- · Sophie Tomasello
- · Muhammad Qureshi
- · Kenneth Gu
- · Zachary Yu
- · Shreyas Athreya
- · Ella Brandenberg
- · Yuktha Pulavarthi
- · Grace Cueny
- · Jennifer Bricker
- · Navneet Ramadurai
- · Lily Renke
- · Dorothy Yin
- · Lauren Golden
- · Allison Wei
- · Sameer Khed
- · Vandhana Purushotham
- · Josie Billinger
- · Sissie Liang
- · Meera Manek
- · Ananya Ramanan
- · Sharanya Swaminathan
- · Angela Xu
- · Riley Lennon
- · Caitlin Dawson
- · Amay Baweja
- · Abby Liang
- · Kayla Moya
- · Elise Hsiao
- · Michael Young
- · Kyle Jung
- · George Perakis
- · Julia Mowrey
- · Matthew Zhao
- · Sriyan Madugula
- · Ayushi Gupta
- · Sarayu Bethamcherla
- · Alexa Michalec
- · Pranav Bellad
- · Dilan Swami
These students will join over 20,000 competitors from around the world in DECA’s Virtual International Career Development Conference to be held in April. Wish them luck!
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03/19/2021 - athens senior ian clark named B&gct youth of the year
The Boys & Girls Club of Troy (BGCT) and Troy Athens High School are proud to announce that Athens senior Ian Clark was selected as the 2021 Boys & Girls Club of Troy (BGCT) Youth of the Year. This is his first time winning this award after being selected as the Jr. Youth of the Year recipient in 2020. Ian will now compete against members of other Boys & Girls Clubs in the state for the Michigan Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship courtesy of program sponsors which include Toyota and Mondelez International.
As the 2021 Youth of the Year honoree for the Boys & Girls Club of Troy, the 17-year old is among hundreds of teens across the country being recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
BGCA's premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The program encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities.
"Ian has been one of the most active members at the Boys & Girls Club of Troy. From being a leader in our Keystone Club or helping kids grow as one of our Leaders In Training and as a Junior Staff, Ian has become an outstanding young leader. We have witnessed him grow over his 10 years at the Club and has become a positive role model for all of our youth here. I'm amazed by not only by how far Ian has come both academically and personally, but that he continues to give back to the club that has given him so much," said Boys & Girls Club of Troy CEO Jeff Evans. "His talent, personality and work ethic make him a well-deserved representative of the Boys & Girls Club of Troy and the local community."
"It is an honor to represent the Boys & Girls Club of Troy as the 2021 Youth of the Year," said Ian. "I thank the Boys & Girls Club of Troy for helping to grow me into the person that I am today. Thank you for providing me with a platform to share my story, to grow my voice, and to show pride and respect for my Club. I will also make sure that everyone knows how amazing it is to be a part of a great environment, the Boys & Girls Club of Troy."
Ian has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for ten years. He has volunteered in a number of roles throughout the Club, most notably in leadership roles in the Keystone & Torch Clubs. Additionally, Ian has volunteered throughout the Club’s program areas and the Club’s Adopt-A-Road cleanup effort. Ian has also worked at the Club as a Junior Staff for the past two years and will be a part of this year's Summer Staff. He credits the Club with helping him to find his passion for math and science through the Club’s STEM programs. He plans to follow his passion to get a degree in Civil Engineering at Lawrence Technological University.
Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. Six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, advance to Washington, D.C., for the National Youth of the Year Gala & Celebration Dinner, where one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America's national teen spokesperson. The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for the nearly four million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America's young people.
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Photo of Ian Clark courtesy of the Clark Family and Troy School District
2/26/2021 - TSD 2020 GRADUATE ACHIEVES EAGLE SCOUT, FIRST CLASS OF FEMALE SCOUTS
Troy High ‘20 graduate Isabella Hom recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout, becoming the first female Eagle Scout in Troop 1707G and the city of Troy. She joins the national inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts, since Scouting BSA opened its program to female youth in 2019 and is one of only 1,000 female Eagles across the country and of 35 in the state of Michigan.
“I have been a scout since elementary school, moving up the ranks and completing projects,” said Hom, whose family has quite a history with the Scouting program. “My twin brother, Alex, is an Eagle (received in 2018) and my father was a ‘life rank,’ (the step just before Eagle). My mom’s father and brother were also Eagles, and my mother was an Eagle Coach, who advised and helped scouts along their Eagle journey.” Scouting was something her family took pride in, and Bella appreciated the leadership opportunities and opportunities to help people by doing service projects. “When Scouting opened their Eagle ranks to girls, I knew it was something I wanted very much to pursue,” said Bella. And so she chose a project idea and pushed her way forward.
Her Eagle project benefited a homeless shelter in Pontiac by providing hygiene kits, touchless thermometers, pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and Naloxone medical supply cabinets. To fund these purchases, she organized Scouts to collect over 21,000 bottles and cans ($2,100), more than doubling her original goal of $800. The main purpose was always to help others, but Hom developed some personal skills along the way. “I learned the importance of communication, and of being organized,” she said, skills that will carry her into a successful future. “The Scouting Motto is ‘Be Prepared.’ Throughout my Eagle process I really learned organization, preparedness and time management,” continued Hom, who is a freshman Health Sciences major at U of M Dearborn.
And as a former member of the Troy Colt Marching Band, Hom had the privilege of being asked to be the Bugler for the inauguration of the first class of female Eagle Scouts, held online this past weekend, and visible at: Be the Change .
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools and the Hom family
2/24/2021 - TROY HIGH STUDENT SELECTED FOR UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM
Troy high senior Kenneth Gu has been selected from among the state's top student leaders for the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program. Gu is one of 104 scholars from across the country (2 per state) who will each receive a $10,000 scholarship for undergraduate study. He will join Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Gary Peters in representing Michigan during the 59th annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held virtually March 14 - 17, 2021.
Kenneth Gu serves as the Senior Class president at Troy High. He has been an appointed student representative on the Troy School District Superintendent Student Advisory Board since 2018 and serves as the co-president of the Troy High chapter of DECA, a student organization focused on business and entrepreneurship. He has volunteered on Congressional and Senate campaigns, has helped coordinate a gardening club with his school and a local nursing home, provides support at a local hospital, and tutors his peers as part of the National Honor Society. An avid runner, Kenny was elected cross country captain for the Fall 2020 season by his peers, has finished in the Top 50 of the U.S. Biolympiad, a nationwide competition among biology students, and was runner-up in the Michigan Brain Bee, a statewide neuroscience competition.
Troy High Principal Remo Roncone is proud of his student, saying “It is such an amazing achievement for Kenneth. This is truly a special moment for him, his family, and our school. He is such a deserving young man. I’m sure that this is one of many more special moments to come in his life and we will be here cheering for him each step along the way.”
Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings the most outstanding high school students - two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity - to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. However, this year, due to the pandemic, the 2021 program will break ground as the first-ever fully virtual Washington Week, and is designed to be a highly interactive and exciting education and leadership forum for the nation’s most outstanding student leaders.
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Photo courtesy of Kenneth Wu and the Troy School District
2/19/2021 - “Log Off & Lace Up!” to Encourage Health and Fitness
Over the last year, our community has spent many hours logged on to devices and in front of screens for work and school. It has also been difficult to stay physically active for adults as well as students. The teachers in the TSD Elementary physical education department recognized this, and brainstormed ways they could help their students stay engaged and connected, and provide some fun, community activity and exercise opportunity.
And so, the “Log Off & Lace Up!” virtual walk and run was created--a virtual 1-Mile, 2-Mile or 5K run/walk that ALL students, families and staff can participate in. “Exercise is incredibly important, not just for physical but for mental health,” said Bemis PE teacher Sarah Redden. “Things are closed down, people aren’t doing their regular sports or activities, and it is so important for everyone—not just kids—to get some exercise,” agreed Hamilton/Barnard PE teacher Christina Attard.
What is a virtual run? Because of the continued COVID situation, it was unwise to try to plan a “physical” 5K. (Think about lots of runners close together, on your marks, get set, go!) Instead, people have the opportunity to sign up for FREE, and choose from several suggested routes including the tracks at Troy Athens and Troy High tracks and at all 4 of our Middle School (Baker, Boulan, Larson & Smith). You can even choose routes at many Troy parks, including Jaycee, Firefighters, and Raintree among several others, and several trails including at the Troy Stage Nature Center and the Sylvan Glen golf course. You choose the route, and then walk/run it on your own time and at your own pace.
Feeling a little out of shape? You can even set up an online training plan, in order to get in shape for your very own virtual run/walk.
“Log Off & Lace Up” is free and open to all ages, so there’s no excuse not to run! Registration is online, from March 1 – 31, and training and racing at your own pace will be completed from April 1 – May 31. Free printable running bibs will be provided, and race apparel to show your spirit is available for purchase through the Varsity Shop in Birmingham, who are providing the items at cost (no markup or profit). “We made the run FREE because our main goal is to get people moving,” said Redden. With all the time spent in front of computers and activities being canceled, people are spending less time being active. “This event is definitely not limited to people in Troy School District, but is open to anyone, anywhere. “We would love to get people all over motivated to get moving.”
To register, choose a route, get prepared, or for more information, visit https://logoffandlaceup.weebly.com/.
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2/19/2021 - TROY HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCES TO “SWEET 16” ROUND OF IPPF GLOBAL DEBATE COMPETITION
Debate teams from around the world entered the 2020-21 International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) competition, but only 16 remain – including a team of students from Troy High School in Troy, Michigan. Sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and New York University, the IPPF is the first and only competition that gives high school students from around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. By advancing, the students remain eligible to compete virtually in the IPPF Finals, when the IPPF World Champion will be awarded a $10,000 grand prize. The Troy team is the only team from Michigan to advance this round.
“These students analyzed and debated the complex and timely issue of artificial intelligence,” says William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and a founder of the IPPF. “The remaining 16 teams have emerged to compete in one final written round – in hopes of competing virtually in oral debates on a global stage. Despite the challenges students around the globe are facing due to the pandemic, these students chose to participate in a highly competitive contest and have excelled.”
The IPPF’s 20th annual competition began in October, as more than 180 teams submitted qualifying round essays affirming or negating the IPPF topic, “Resolved: The benefits of artificial intelligence outweigh the harms.” Those essays were reviewed by a committee, which determined the top 64 teams based on the overall quality of each 2,800-word essay. The IPPF received more entries this year than it has since 2016 – making this year highly competitive.
In November, the top 64 teams began a single-elimination, written debate competition. Each team was assigned a position (affirmative or negative) and then volleyed papers back and forth with another team via email for the next six weeks. A panel of judges reviewed the essays in the order they were presented and selected the winning teams. In the “Round of 64,” Troy High School advanced over A&M Consolidated High School from College Station, Texas. In the “Top 32” round, Troy High School advanced over Kugnus Acts from Closter, New Jersey.
The “Sweet 16” round is now underway. Troy High School is competing against Millburn High School from Millburn, New Jersey. The top 16 teams represent schools from nine U.S. states and Austria, Bangladesh, Mongolia, and Slovakia:
- · Vienna International School from Vienna, Austria
- · Peak to Peak Charter School from Lafayette, Colorado
- · Slovak National Team from Bratislava, Slovakia
- · BASIS Scottsdale from Scottsdale, Arizona
- · Troy High School from Troy, Michigan
- · Millburn High School from Millburn, New Jersey
- · Viqarunnisa Noon School and College from Dhaka, Bangladesh
- · Potomac Oak from Rockville, Maryland
- · John Handley High School from Winchester, Virginia
- · Hobby School of Ulaanbaatar from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- · The Hockaday School from Dallas, Texas
- · Hamilton High School from Chandler, Arizona
- · Montgomery Blair High School from Silver Spring, Maryland
- · Lambert High School from Suwanee, Georgia
- · Ivy Bridge Academy from Carrollton, Georgia
- · Davidson Academy of Nevada from Reno, Nevada
A On March 22, the “Elite 8” teams will be announced. If Troy High School advances, the team will compete virtually in the IPPF Finals on May 1, 2021. The IPPF Finals give students the opportunity to supplement their written scholarships with oral advocacy – competing in debates in front of some of the world’s foremost experts in business, law and politics. Judges will include Brewer and New York University President Emeritus John Sexton, among others. The winning team will take home the “Brewer Cup” and the $10,000 grand prize.
The IPPF will be holding the IPPF Finals competition virtually in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the IPPF competitors.
More about the IPPF and the Brewer Foundation:
The IPPF was founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation and is now jointly administered with New York University. The program is available to all high schools around the world – public and private – for free. The IPPF is endorsed by leading forensic agencies, such as the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, the International Debate Education Association, the Impact Coalition, Associated Leaders of Urban Debate Leagues, and the National Debate Coaches Association.
The Brewer Foundation is a private, non-profit organization funded by companies, individuals and the national litigation firm of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. With offices in New York and Dallas, the Foundation has achieved widespread recognition for its efforts to create, fund and manage a variety of educational outreach programs.Visit the IPPF at www.ippfdebate.com, www.facebook.com/ippfdebate, on Twitter at @IPPF1, and on Instagram at @ippf1.
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Photo Courtesy of Troy Schools and Sohan Vittalam: L to R: Sohan Vittalam, Niheera Aedla and Om Shah
2/12/2021 - TROY HIGH SCIENCE TEACHER NAMED 2021 SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Troy High Science Teacher Rebecca Brewer Named Science & Engineering Fair Teacher of the Year
The Engineering Society of Detroit has announced their Science & Engineering Fair Teacher of the Year for 2021: Troy High AP Biology Teacher Rebecca Brewer. Brewer was nominated by Troy High student Jasmine Wu, “for supporting many students participating in the annual Science Fair for the past ~16 years, many of whom have earned top awards at both the state and national level and have gone on to successful careers in science.” This is the first year that students were able to nominate, not just peers. “Teachers typically come to our attention when they enter their students’ projects into the Science Fair,” said Science Fair Co-Director Tim Fino. And he’s seen some of the same names come up over and over, Rebecca’s being one of them.
Established in September of 1956, the Science & Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit’s mission is to create student excitement for STEM, inspire interest in scientific subjects and research, develop respect for the scientific method, encourage personal growth, provide recognition for student research, and broaden career opportunities across Metro Detroit and the Region.
This year was a bit of a challenge because of COVID, because all the events (usually held at the Cobo/TCF Center) had to be virtual. But the excitement that comes from being named Science Fair Teacher of the Year still stands: “I’m extremely proud of Mrs. Brewer and all that she has done for her students. On an annual basis I continue to be amazed by her efforts to help her students succeed,” said Troy High School Principal Remo Roncone. “She is always looking for ways to learn and grow as an educator. Her passion for her students and Science is genuine and very deserving of this wonderful recognition.”
Continuing in her nominating packet, “In addition to mentoring numerous students for the Science Fair over her 21-year teaching career, Mrs. Brewer has arranged for multiple research opportunities in science labs for her students,” continued Jasmine. “She is a champion for all her students, spending countless hours supporting their academic and research interests and preparing her students for various competitions. No one is more invested in providing students authentic opportunities to practice science and she herself is a living example of success both in-and-out of the classroom as a national science leader, author, and role model to all who know her.”
And her students are the motivating force behind Brewer’s efforts, who said “I feel thankful for this recognition, but the reality is it's only because of the amazing students we get to teach at Troy High that this is possible. I am in the background supporting them like so many other incredible staff members helping our students to become standouts in science.”
Jasmine summed up her nomination saying “As a student both in and out of her classroom, no one in my life has been as invested in biology, education, and making sure we're doing okay than Mrs. Brewer. Truly, I would not be where I am today without her rigorous sharing of opportunities, deep-rooted enthusiasm for exploration, and constant support. Her work ethic and kindness are truly unmatched.”
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2/9/2021 - BARNARD STUDENTS WIN TOP HONORS FOR OAKLAND COUNTY CLEAN WATER COMPETITION
There’s something in the water at Barnard Elementary in Troy. The popular 2021 Oakland County Kids’ Clean Water Calendar Contest has resulted in great work being submitted by local fourth and fifth grade student artists across the county, and yet another sweep by Barnard Elementary School (Troy) students. Out of nearly 200 4th and 5th grade art submissions from across the County, Barnard 4th grader Aditya Yogesh, won the grand prize with his artwork titled, “Save Water, Save Nature” and is featured on the cover of the 2021 Kids’ Clean Water Calendar.
“When we learned about how so many countries in the world do not have access to safe drinking water, I wanted to create awareness about saving our water resources,” said Yogesh. Barnard teacher Gwen Simon encourages her students to participate in the annual contest because “…they know how vital the Great Lakes are to everyone in Michigan and know how important it is to protect our waterways.” The poster contest gives students a chance to teach others some of the ways we can have a positive impact on our environment. And its something Simon and the staff at Barnard have been on top of (literally) for years.
Out of the last 12 years, 5 Barnard students have been Grand Prize Winners, 37 have been Monthly winners, 32 have been Honorable Mentions and 47 have been Special Acknowledgement winners. That’s a lot of Bluejays, and this contest has become part of the fabric of what they do over at Barnard. “We are grateful that the WRC continues to honor our students for not only their beautiful artwork, but also for the important messages they share about protecting our waterways,” continued Simon.
The winners are selected by a panel of special guests. “The Kids Clean Water Calendar Contest is one of my favorite annual projects,” said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “The fourth and fifth graders put great effort into their art and they learn a lot about how they can protect the environment and our water resources now and when they grow up.”
The 2021 calendar artwork gallery can be viewed at www.oakgov.com/water/resources/education/calendar-contest , and calendars can be ordered and picked up at the listed local libraries, including the Troy Public Library.
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Photo of Aditya Yogesh courtesy of the Troy School District and Oakland County Water Resources Commission.
2/2/2021 - 52 TROY STUDENTS ARE NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
Fifty-two Troy School District students were named 2021 National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This honor is bestowed to less than one percent of students nationwide, based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT. Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools take the PSAT every year. Our students now advance as Finalists and will be considered for the 7,500 National Merit Scholarships of at least $2,500 each to be offered in March of 2021. For more information, visit nationalmerit.org.
“I am amazed by the large numbers of students from the TSD who are recognized annually for this National honor,” said Troy Schools Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky. “This speaks to the dedication of our students, parents and teachers across our learning community who work together to provide the best educational opportunities for our students. “
Students are listed alphabetically by high school:
From Athens:
- Poulomi Dey
- Krishna S. Kottai
- Esha Munagala
- Nicholas P. Simon
- Matthew J. Villavicencio
From IAE:
- Harika Billa
- Diksha K. Iyer
- Mahith S. Kanuri
- Heeweon Kim
- Kishan R. Patel
From Troy High:
- Nina Anastasia Aitas
- Marcus V. Chung
- Sneha Dinda
- Prashanti Donthireddy
- Alaina R. Favret
- Archita Girmannagari
- Annie Y. He
- Madhavan V. Iyengar
- Shruti Jain
- Achyuth Kashyap
- Arjun N. Kashyap
- Raj A. Khuperkar
- Minseong Kim
- Amol V. Kirtane
- Nathan 0. Kovacs
- Sophia X. Liang
- Elliot Y. Liu
- Shifa Malik
- Sandhya Manivasagam
- Parvathi Nagappala
- Aarti Phatke
- Prajna Polamarasetti
- Lauryn A. Prokup
- Sohil Ramachandra
- Navneet K. Ramadurai
- Swarith Reddy
- Surya Sanjay
- Sabrina H. Song
- Sohan Vittalam
- Allison Wei
- Josiah Y. Wong
- Jasmine Q. Wu
- Alexander J. Xu
- Sarah J. Xu
- Lily X. Yang
- Ruicheng Yang
- Dorothy Yin
- Michael L. Young
- Darren Zheng Zeng
- Anna Zhao
- Katherine A. Zhao
- Erik Zhou
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1/25/2021 - Three Troy School District Schools Named State Schools of Character
Three Troy School District schools were named State Schools of Character for 2021 by Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character. Athens High School, Bemis Elementary and Troy Union Elementary were the only Michigan schools to receive the distinction, out of 76 schools nationally.
"We are pleased to announce today the 2021 State Schools and Districts of Character," said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, Character.org’s President. "We congratulate these schools on achieving State School of Character designation in a year filled with so many challenges. The educators and parents at these schools work together to ensure that every child understands, cares about, and consistently practice the core values that form the heart of each family and school. We are honored to recognize their efforts and share their inspiring work with schools and school districts throughout the United States and internationally.”
Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky praised the staffs at each school, especially for their strong leadership during the challenging environment of COVID-19. “Congratulations on being named State Schools of Character. I know you and your teams worked hard to make this a reality. Given the timing and manner in which you had to work is even more impressive. Well done!” Athens’ Principal Lara Dixon acknowledged key staff in her building who went above and beyond: “I am proud of all of us on this school-wide effort and am especially grateful for Jessica Blake, Eric Flessa and Dan Mills, as they have helped lead this work. It has been gratifying to watch our commitment to character grow throughout the years.”
Each year, Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development which has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate. According to Troy Union’s Principal Mike Cottone,
“We strive to empower students to learn about and take action in the world through our CULTURE traits while fostering positivity amongst our community. Our staff has spent the past several years documenting and reflecting on how we have implemented the standards articulated in Character.org's 11 Principles Framework for Schools. I am humbled by this community. None of our successes happen without a beyond-amazing staff, supportive parents and hardworking kids.”
Needless to say, the road to State School of Character is a challenging one, one that not many schools ever achieve. “The Character Education process has been such a meaningful experience,” said Bemis’ Principal Jeremey Whan. “We have included parents, students and staff to provide input. Overall we are excited because our students are benefiting and understanding how they can help to make our world a ‘little bit’ better each day by being purposeful people who care about others.”
To learn more about the schools chosen today and those in the midst of their 5-year certification as State Schools of Character, please visit Character.org. Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character which includes providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership, and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort. The 2021 National Schools of Character will be announced in May 2021 and honored next fall in Washington D.C. Learn more about the National Forum at Character.org: Founded in 1993, Character.org is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. We work with schools, families, workplaces, and communities to educate, inspire, and empower people of all ages to be ethical and compassionate citizens. Our 11 Principles for Schools is a comprehensive framework that helps schools and school districts improve academic achievement, student behavior, and overall positive school climate. Visit www.character.org to learn more about the National Forum and the Schools of Character program, as well as a list of 2021 State Schools and Districts of Character.
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12/22/2020 - Troy United Girls Hockey Players Trade Helmets for Santa Hats
17 members of the Troy United Girls Hockey Team (an independent sports team of Troy and Athens students) traded their hockey helmets and facemasks for Santa hats and COVID masks last week----and sorted and packed up enough food to feed 80 families during this difficult time, which will be distributed through Morse Elementary's "Bridge the Gap" program. It was the idea of Troy High sophomore Sofia Johansson, niece of Morse teacher Sarah Johansson, who is activAe in BTG. "I knew we were all sitting in our homes, with no hockey practice or games, missing each other. I remembered how Bridge the Gap is always in need of volunteers, so I told my teammates and coach Joe Moceri, and we connected in a way to meaningfully help others," said Sofia. Sarah was happy for the help and hands. "It would have taken our usual group of volunteers many hours to do what these enthusiastic students accomplished in one afternoon." Changing their focus and making a difference. That's ONE Troy.
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Photo courtesy of Troy Schools
Resource
12/19/2020 - School Board Swears In New Trustees
On Tuesday, the Troy School Board swore in two current trustees for their next 6 year terms:
Dr. Nancy Philippart, Trustee, has been a resident of Troy for 30 years and is serving her 12th year on the Board. She is married and has three Troy School District graduates. Dr. Philippart is a former engineer and executive in the automobile industry, currently owns and manages an early stage investment fund that supports local entrepreneurs and is an adjunct professor in the engineering and business schools at Wayne State University. She holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering, an MA in Economics from Wayne State University, an MS in biomedical/civil engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University, and a BS in Industrial Engineering also from Wayne State University.
And Vital Anne, Trustee, our newest Board Trustee, has been a resident of Troy for 16 years. She is married and has two daughters – a graduate from IA-East and a junior at Athens. Mrs. Anne is an IT professional with STEM background and has more than 25 years of experience in various roles from Project Engineer to Vice President. She has a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
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Pictured with Mrs. Anne are her husband Siva Balusu, and daughter Nitya Balusu
Pictured together are Mrs. Anne and Dr. Philippart
Pictured taking the oath is Dr. Philippart
12/18/2020 - Troy School District Announces Supervisor of Educational Equity, Inclusion and Community Relationships
The Troy School District is pleased to announce the hiring of Cornelius Godfrey as Supervisor of Educational Equity, Inclusion and Community Relationships. This position has been developed as part of a comprehensive plan to focus the District’s efforts around critical issues in schools and the community. Recent staff vacancies have enabled a natural transition point to elevate the District’s social emotional learning work to become more inclusive of equity.
Mr. Godfrey comes to ONE Troy from the Clarkston School District, where he served as a Special Education Teacher and in a leadership role in the district’s equity, inclusion, and social justice work. He was a leading partner of the CCS Equity Taskforce, working to increase the cultural competence of instructional staff and cultural responsiveness of curriculum as well as develop and implement practices that honor the specific needs of marginalized communities within the district. Mr. Godfrey received a BA from Eastern Michigan University in Special Education/Emotional Impairment and a Masters in School Principalship and Site-Based Leadership from Central Michigan University. He is a member of the Oakland Schools Social Justice Cohort and has significant training and experience in trauma-informed instruction and restorative justice. Mr. Godfrey has spent both his career and his personal life as an advocate for inclusion and we are very excited to have him join our team.
In the past two years, the Troy School District has renewed its commitment to address issues of equity and inclusion, joining the National Equity Project, forming a new administrative, staff and student task force, providing targeted professional development, and robust book studies.
“Our work around Educational Equity and Inclusion is core to TSD’s mission to provide learning for all. This work is not one person’s work; it requires all of us to lean in to difficult and challenging conversations, to question our beliefs, structures, and processes, and to be willing to act,” said Christine DiPilato, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Instruction. This new position establishes a new teammate and advocate who will collaboratively design opportunities for the district’s students, staff, and community to engage in equity work together. “Troy has always been dedicated to the development and well-being of the whole child; our red pillar identifies many of these commitments,” continued DiPilato. “Identifying and hiring our Supervisor for Educational Equity, Inclusion and Community Relationships was a natural next step in our work to recognize, support, and celebrate all that our students and families bring to our learning community. We are very excited to bring Mr. Godfrey’s experience and passion to further this work across ONE Troy.”
Cornelius Godfrey will work out of the Teaching and Learning Department in the Services Building but he is most interested in getting out of the office to meet our staff and community (recognizing that this may be in a virtual environment at first.) He will begin his duties on January 19, 2021.
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12/17/2020 - Three Troy School District Students Named Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalists
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. THS semifinalist Abby Liang is proud of this designation. “Being recognized as a Semifinalist is an honor, and testament to my leadership, academics, and dedication to the community. At Troy High, I lead several clubs such as Project LEAD, where I ran a holiday food drive in 2018 raising over 2,600 items. That was perhaps one of my favorite moments of all my service activities in high school, organizing it with administrators, teachers, students, Gleaners Food Bank, and my club advisor Mrs. Loucks. I love that the motto of the Coca-Cola program is Refreshing the World, and I am excited to see where my service projects take me next!”
“We are lucky to celebrate young people who push themselves beyond what they have been given to achieve great success,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Foundation. “The Coca-Cola system is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve, and the Foundation is proud to be a part of that commitment.” Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky is also proud of these future leaders: “I’m extremely impressed by and proud of these wonderful students who will be incredible ambassadors for not only our District, but for the whole city of Troy.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. With its 32nd class of Coca-Cola Scholars, the Foundation has provided more than $72 million in scholarships to over 6,300 program alumni who together have become a powerful force for positive change. Learn more at www.coca-colascholars.org.
Om Shah
Abigail Liang
12/10/2020 - HAMILTON 5TH GRADER LEARNS LIFE LESSONS FROM RBG
It started out as a way to pass the time and learn a little something during an are-we-there-yet summer car ride, when Hamilton 5th grader, Lucy Spangler first learned about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Lucy’s mom Courtney plugged into a podcast based on the book “Bedtime Stories for Rebel Girls,” which told the life stories of strong women including Cleopatra, Jane Austen, Amelia Earhart, Coco Chanel, Serena Williams and Ginsburg.
From the very first chapter, Lucy was hooked. “I loved that her nickname was ‘Tiny but Mighty,’” Lucy said, “My nickname is also Tiny, and it was her life story, how she overcame illnesses, pursued higher education when not many women did, and became only the 2nd woman in history to be a Supreme Court Justice that really interested me.” From there, Lucy read books and learned more about Ginsburg online, and collected RBG memorabilia. She even dressed up as the Justice for Halloween (the resemblance was uncanny!)
Lucy’s connection to RBG comforted her during the pandemic, and she started asking herself WWRBGD (What Would Ruth Bader Ginsburg Do?) when faced with problem situations. She even sent her a handwritten birthday card for her 87th birthday in March. Sadly, Ginsburg never responded, and passed away on September 18, 2020. “It was like I lost an admired friend or family member,” said Lucy, who feels more strongly than ever about celebrating and remembering RBG’s legacy. “She embodied ‘girl power,’ and showed through her perseverance and leadership that girls can do anything, and to never give up.” Lucy admired the fact that while Ginsburg was on the Supreme Court, she made tough decisions and always wanted to do the right thing regardless of who disagreed. Excellent lessons to learn that can carry us through dark times, and push us all forward.
And just recently, Lucy connected with a group called ‘Notorious RBG’ (a cheeky nickname for Ginsburg) who put on a virtual charity 5K run in RBG’s name. “My mom and I did the run, and were proud that the proceeds went to women’s charities.” Just like RBG would have wanted.
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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools and the Spangler family
11/23/2020 - TROY STUDENTS UNLOCK KEY2FINESSE, SUPPORT GIFT OF LIFE
It started out 5 years ago as the idea of two students, to form an organization that would help them with critical speaking and presentation skills, while doing good for the community by raising funds for non-profits. Key2Finesse is a student-run organization whose mission is creating leaders of tomorrow by encouraging those very skills, and has student members from Troy High, Troy Athens and several Troy middle schools.
The Troy Key2Finesse club sponsors a “Speak the Difference” competition each year, which consists of public speaking, essay, poetry, art and coding competitions in order to provide members with an opportunity to enhance their communications skills while benefiting a chosen non-profit each year. This year’s recipient is Gift of Life, which raises awareness and facilitates organ transplantation.
Previous years’ “Speak the Difference” events have been held in person, and have benefitted the following organizations:
2015 - $3,000 for THAW (the Heat and Warmth Fund)
2016 - $8,000 for PALAV
2017 - $37,500 for Blessings in a Backpack
2018 - $34,000 for Easterseals, and last year:
2019 - $48,440 for Gleaners Community Food Bank
Said Key2Finesse board member and Troy High class of 2021 student Varsha Penumalee : “With the arrival of COVID-19, alternate plans had to be made, and last March we had a meeting to discuss how to hold the event virtually. It will look a little different (from other years) but we are committed to raise even more money than we have before.” The “Speak the Difference” Competition is going to be virtual via Zoom on December 13th, and it will begin at 8 am. However, participants may join the Zoom when it is time for their competition, leave, and then come back for the awards ceremony towards the end.
Since one of Key2Finesse's goals is to expand and reach out to more communities each year, they have set a goal to raise $50,000 for Gift of Life, and hope to sign up over 100 people to the national organ donor registry. In order for potential donors to sign up, they would visit the link, click "School/College," "Key2Finesse," and then fill out the information. To donate directly to Gift of Life, please visit https://giftoflifefoundationmi.org/fundraising/ Gift of Life is a registered 501(c)(3), whose tax ID is 23-7260865.
Penumalee concluded: "I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful opportunity to work with a great organization like Key2Finesse. I have gained real world exposure, learning how to effectively communicate with potential donors and pitch to business owners for corporate sponsorships. In addition, as a board member, I have extended my leadership abilities, working with people from all across the state and even country. Most importantly though, being a part of Key2Finesse has been such an eye-opening experience for me, as I have been able to contribute and help put an end to widespread issues in our communities."
For more information on Key2Finesse, visit https://key2finesse.wixsite.com/key2finesse.
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Photo courtesy of Key2Finesse and Troy Schools
11/20/2020 - TROY HIGH ORCHESTRAS MAKE DO AND MAKE MUSIC UNDER THE TENTS
By Debbie Pecis, OATH Publicity Chair
This past September, students at Troy High proved that the quote “And the band played on” applies to stringed orchestra musicians as well. Traditionally, the nationally Recognized Orchestra program at Troy High, comprised of four separate orchestras—Freshman Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra—meets for a weekend long camp in Fenton, Michigan. Due to COVID, they knew they would have to do something different. The Orchestra Association of Troy High (OATH), a parent volunteer organization, held Zoom meetings alongside Director Alan MacNair to hash out a plan. The result? A re-imaged daytime workshop ensuring that even if students couldn’t make smores, they could still make music.
Over the weekend of September 11-13, the orchestras, including Mr. MacNair and guest instructors, met on school grounds under large outdoor tents. Utilizing recommended safety guidelines, including masks and 6 foot social distancing, students had the opportunity to rehearse and perform in person. As with previous years, they even held sectionals, in which smaller, instrument specific groups received specialized instruction from guest musicians. This year’s guest directors were Jim Vaneizenga, Orchestra Director at Novi HS, and Paul Shawver, Orchestra Director at Birmingham Groves; sectional instructors included DSO musicians Hai-Xin Wu and Adrienne Ronmark on violin, Caroline Coade on viola, Jeremy Crosmer on cello, and Paul Shawver, Director of Orchestras at Groves High School, on bass.
After months of practicing in quarantine and over Zoom, it was exciting for these student musicians to finally play live. Says MacNair, "It was such a joy to interact with the students again. They were thrilled to be playing together, and I was even more thrilled to finally stand in front of an orchestra! There is just something about making music together that makes all the effort of organizing, preparing, and set up worth it! Thanks to the students and the parents that made it all possible!"
Perhaps the most inspiring event to emerge from this year’s String Camp was a concert performance Sunday morning from each orchestra, which was livestreamed to YouTube.
In a similar fashion, the Orchestra’s 5K fundraiser was re-invented to be a virtual 5K, with students and other runners registering online, running on their own time, and submitting their results online. OATH parent volunteer William Wang was at the helm of making sure both these events went off smoothly, along with the help of many parents.
We invite you all to click on the links below and listen to our wonderful orchestras from their Strings Camp performances:
Please check us out at our website, www.troyhighorchestra.org, visit our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8sWO8UEFssx7j6ZUi7gh7Q, or follow us on Facebook.
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11/18/2020: TROY HIGH GRADUATES REACH FOR THE STARS, SEE GENETICS PROJECT SENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
In May of 2019, Troy High seniors Finsam Samson and Yujie Wang became one of 5 national team finalists in the NASA Genes in Space competition. As part of the program they received mentorship from MIT and Harvard PhD scientists, attended Biology Space Camp, presented their research at a science conference, and were selected to have their proposed DNA experiment transported to the International Space Station with the SpaceX crew who blasted off this past weekend.
It's called “Genes in Space 7,” and was referred to as “a mission that holds promising information for scientists.” "We perform a wide variety of science ranging everywhere from biological to physical sciences as well as earth and space sciences," said NASA ISS Deputy Chief Scientist Jennifer Buchli.
College students Samson and Wang began the experiment while attending Troy High (class of 2019.) “We established a method by which we can look at how long-term space flight can impact neural function," said Samson, now a sophomore at Stanford University. Wang, who currently attends UC Berkeley, agreed: "It really feels like being part of something monumental." The students and their mentors gave the astronauts extracted genetic material from fruit flies with the goal of learning more about how spaceflight affects brain function. "We're doing a basic test of the protocol. Will it work on the ISS? Is this something the astronauts can carry out quite easily?" said the students' mentor Matthew Smith, PhD of Harvard University.
Their accomplishment has made their high school proud. Said THS AP Biology teacher Rebecca Brewer: “As their AP Biology teacher, I am extremely proud to see Finsam and Yujie’s dedication and innovativeness translate into winning this competition. I am certain this accomplishment is only the beginning and will send them on a trajectory to future successes in the sciences. They serve as role models to all my current members of Troy High's Biology Competition Club that with creativity + intellect + tenacity, anything is possible.”
This historic mission teaming SpaceX and NASA was part of the first official crew-rotation mission from America in nearly a decade. The mission sending four astronauts to the International Space Station successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:27 pm on Saturday, November 14 and was broadcast live on several news outlets. We can’t wait to hear how it is going and celebrate our THS alumni on their “out of this world” achievement.
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Photos/quotes courtesy of NASA/SpaceX, Channel7 - WJLA (Washington, DC) and Troy Schools
11/13/2020 - TROY FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE PROVIDES TECHNOLOGY TOOLS FOR TEACHERS
The Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence (TFEE) is proud to announce an exciting new program for Troy School District teachers for the 2020-2021 school year. Starting this week, all classroom teachers will be provided the opportunity to choose one item from a “Technology Innovation Menu” aimed to impact, enhance and support the virtual learning experience for over 800 classrooms.
According to TFEE Grant Committee Chair Jennifer Gottleib, “Our teachers have had some time to determine instructional practices that work (and don’t work) in the ever-changing environment that defines 2020-21, and may be thinking…… “Wouldn’t it be cool if I had a fill-in-the-blank?” So the organization engaged people in TSD’s Teaching and Learning and Technology Services departments to brainstorm what might be useful. The result was a “menu” of 14 technology supports such as new web cams, Bluetooth compatible mouse/keyboards, and USB connectivity devices among others.
This was the project vision of the TFEE, and the focus of Ron Keoleian (Technology Coordinator), Beth Soggs (Technology Director), and the Troy Technology Chairs when compiling the menu: How can we enhance this new way of teaching for teachers and students so that learning can be positively impacted?"
Barnard 5th grade teacher, building technology chair and TFEE trustee and grant administrator Scott Germansky (who helped determine the wish list) chose the USB microphone to facilitate better sound quality for his virtual students. “When teaching in a hybrid learning environment, maintaining a sense of community amongst both in-seat and virtual students (or "roomies and zoomies") is essential. The USB microphone can improve sound from the classroom so that our virtual students at home can hear their in-seat peers with the same clarity that they can hear me.”
Flexiblity was key to being able to provide help to district teachers during this difficult time. Said TFEE President Julie McClure: “It is important now more than ever to provide the means for our teachers to be able to connect with their students and with each other,” while staying true to the TFEE’s mission: ‘to strengthen the educational excellence of Troy School District K-12 students by funding innovative learning opportunities, through private support.’ “While it may look different this year (instead of asking teachers to apply for grants),” continued McClure, “we are still able to touch each classroom/teacher/student in the district by providing these needed technology tools.”
In order to fund this program, the TFEE has also had to get creative. While fundraising happens all year long, their major fundraiser is the annual Tony Spagnola Golf outing which had to be cancelled this past June due to Covid-19. This year, they are holding a $1,000 gift card raffle where folks can purchase tickets (only 1,000 will be sold) for $5 each. And the winner will receive 10 $50 Visa Gift cards ($500 value), along with $50 in gift cards each from: Panera, Target, Starbucks, Bath and Body Works, Lowe’s, Apple/ITunes, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy and Shell Gas and Amazon ($500 value), totaling $1,000.
For tickets, contact TFEE Trustee Ann Toth @ 248.670.2849, and checks can be made out to Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence. The drawing will take place on December 9, 2020 @ 11 am at the Troy School District Central Office (4400 Livernois Rd. in Troy). Don’t need to be present to win. For more information, visit the Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence at website at https://www.troyfoundation.org
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11/06/2020 - ATHENS CROSS COUNTRY "GETS MILK" GRANT, GIVES BACK TO OTHERS
Got Milk? Troy Athens Cross Country does! The Troy Athens High School cross country team was recently awarded a chocolate milk grant from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. The team is using chocolate milk as their recovery beverage during this season because it contains the right three to one mix of carbohydrates and protein scientifically shown to help refuel muscles. In fact, it helps restore muscles quickly to their peak potential and helps replenish what the body has lost during exercise.
Athens cross country coaches Mike Stallsmith and Shawn DuFresne, in their 25th year leading the Red Hawks as a coaching duo, are grateful for the grant. “We are always emphasizing proper nutrition with our student athletes,” DuFresne said. “This grant allows us to see our training philosophy in action. Moreover, our runners are now even more conscious of their food choices, and how their decisions relate to becoming a successful athlete and ultimately a healthy person throughout their lives.”
The Athens boys and girls cross country teams train together, and are led by senior captains Dan Bart, Ryan Meitzner, and Riley Weber, as well as juniors Hannah DiGiovanni and Erin Swartz. “I enjoy having the grant because the milk is amazing after a run,” Weber said.
“The grant we received provides a great healthy recovery drink which not only helped our performance but also served as a reward after a practice or meet,” Bart added.
Grant recipients were encouraged to raise funds for a food bank to purchase milk, one of the most requested items, and the team recently donated $200 to the Troy People Concerned Food Pantry located at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy. The pantry, which relies strictly on donations of the parish and the local community, assists all city residents.
“This pandemic has hit our local neighbors very hard with job loss and discretionary income,” Kim Houseman, Christian Service Director at St. Anastasia, said. “This generous donation from the Athens cross country team will allow us to provide milk for families, which is something that we are not always typically able to offer.”
The runners were happy to oblige. “It feels great to give back to the community, especially during the pandemic with so many who are in need,” Bart said.
“I’m glad our team was able to help those who may need assistance for their proper nutrition,” Meitzner added.
PICTURES PROVIDED BY TROY SCHOOL DISTRICT
SAME CAPTION can be used for Athens XC picture 1 or Athens XC picture 2:
Troy Athens High School cross country captains recently presented a monetary donation raised by the team to parish receptionist Florence Parent of St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy, where the Troy People Concerned Food Pantry is housed. From left to right: senior Riley Weber, senior Ryan Meitzner, (Florence Parent), junior Erin Swartz, and junior Hannah DiGiovanni (not pictured: senior Dan Bart).
Troy Athens cross country group photo with milk:
The Troy Athens High School cross country team received a chocolate milk grant this season from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to purchase the drink as their daily recovery because of its proven benefits.
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10/20/2020 - Longtime Troy School Board Member Earns Prestigious MASB Award
Serving on the Troy Board of Education for 22 years, Trustee and current Secretary Gary Hauff was presented with the Michigan Association of School Board’s highest honor, the President’s award.
Said MASB President Don Wotruba, “This award is only given to the very best of the best, and Gary Hauff is most certainly the best.” During Gary’s tenure on the Board, he has completed 29 advanced classes and 1,383 education credits and is proud of the work he has done with his fellow trustees. “The Troy community is fortunate to have Board members who are so committed to the concept of life-long learning and positive policy making,” added TSD Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky.
“It’s really all about the students,” concluded Hauff. “You have to build upon relationships with other trustees both from Troy and other districts to maintain the current trends in education in order to provide the best possible learning environment for the kids.” Hauff’s achievement will be recognized at the TSD’s October School Board meeting.
10/07/2020 - Bemis Elementary Receives 2nd Blue Ribbon Award
Troy School District’s Bemis Elementary has been awarded the National Blue Ribbon for this year by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. One of only 367 schools across the country, the recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Bemis celebrates diversity with over 40 different languages spoken by students, staff and families. According to Bemis Principal Jeremy Whan, it is an honor to receive its second National Blue Ribbon award in the past decade with recognition of their culture of collective efficacy where all teachers are rooted in best practice through world class professional development. “Bemis staff have partnered with Columbia University Teacher's College, Harvard University Project Zero and New Pedagogical Practices for Deep Learning,” said Whan. “They have helped us create a cognitively vibrant community for all learners (staff, students and parents) who are immersed in inquiry that provides opportunities for them to be engaged in the world by exploring their questions, developing these ideas and then changing their world by taking action.”
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years.
“I am so proud of all of the outstanding staff at Bemis, and appreciate their dedication to our students, community, and our district,” praised Whan. “The relationships we have built together have truly transformed our learning community and our collective efficacy towards ensuring that if it is ‘good for one...it is good for all’ has truly paid off.”
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually Nov. 12 and 13, where they will celebrate the 317 public and 50 non-public school honorees in the ways that we are able. and they will each receive their plaques and flags via mail. The Bemis Elementary community will also be holding a formal ceremony here in Troy when the COVID situation allows.
9/1/2020 - Athens Principal Dr. Lara Dixon Receives Patriot Award
Dr. Dixon was nominated by Nick Lusk, an Athens PE teacher and member of the United States Coast Guard Reserve Force at Station Belle Isle in Detroit. May 20th Nick was activated to work active duty at the station to support the Belle Isle crew during the COVID-19 pandemic. The station was running on limited crew members due to the regulations of reduced people allowed in the station at one time and personnel being quarantined.
When Nick informed Dr. Dixon that he was being activated she showed her patriotic values and support. She never doubted Nick would still perform his online teaching obligations, and even offered her support and thanked him for his service. Dr. Dixon is an example of a supervisor that understands as a member of a reserve unit that you never know when you'll be called upon. The ESGR, Station Belle Isle and Nick Lusk are very grateful of Dr. Dixon's Patriotism.
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Photo courtesy of the Troy School District, L to R: Dr. Dixon, Nick Lusk
08/12/2020 - Troy Historic Museum Celebrates Class of 2020’s “Resilience”
Many aspects of everyday life have been affected by COVID-19. The Troy Historic Village has assembled exhibits across their campus on Livernois (at Wattles) to tell the story of Troy’s “Resilience on the Homefront” from times gone by, and from this current unprecedented time. Stop by the museum and visit the log cabin to see artifacts from our own Class of 2020 from all 4 high schools (Athens High, Troy High, Troy College & Career, and International Academy East) and see how they weathered the pandemic. Troy Historic Village Curator, Elizabeth Thornburg, said the display represented “loss.” Of jobs, of people, of special events, and of celebrations. “This is an important moment in time,” she said, “we want to acknowledge the struggles, sacrifices and disappointments people have had, while celebrating their perseverance and resilience. This exhibit will capture and tell the stories of Troy residents who can say ‘I remember when….’”
The ”Resilience on the Homefront” exhibit will be on display until September 30. For more information including location, hours, exhibit and ticketing, visit https://www.troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/resilience-on-the-homefront-exhibit/
Photos courtesy of the Troy School District: Banners from all 4 high schools (Athens High, Troy High, Troy College & Career, International Academy East), gowns from all 4 high schools, along with a letter sweater from Big Beaver High School (which pre-dated Troy High as the only high school in the City of Troy), and a fireplace collection of memorabilia including yard signs, photos, diploma covers and honors convocations programs.
8/4/2020 - Troy Robotics Teams Compete Virtually, Bring Home Awards and Accolades
Members of the Troy FIRST Robotics Teams (FRC 226, the Hammerheads) are bringing home 3 Blue Banners & 1 Engineering Inspiration Award to Troy High School & Athens High School, including their second consecutive State Championship Chairman's Blue Banner, ending the season ranked in the Top 3 of Michigan's 560 competitive high school teams.
Although competitions couldn’t take place in person, FIRST made it possible for team members to continue competing for the Chairman's Award at District and State levels. Here is a breakdown of the awards from our 2020 season:
St Joseph District Competition
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District Engineering Inspiration Award
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District Event Winner (Blue Banner)
Troy District Competition
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District Chairman's Award (Blue Banner)
Michigan State Championship
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Regional Chairman's Award (Blue Banner)
The Hammerheads were ranked 2 out of 40, after a day and a half of qualification matches, before playoff rounds. At the St Joseph District Event, students Harshini Padala and Nidhi Jaison were both interviewed by ESPN between playoff matches. Harshini has just been elected as our 2020-2021 FRC 226 Team President, and Nidhi will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall studying Computer Science! Furthermore, Harshini individually qualified for the World Championship as a FIRST in Michigan Dean's List Finalist - an award only received by 15 students in the state of Michigan.
COVID won’t keep the Hammerheads from competing, and if any parents are interested in getting their kids involved in FIRST, it is available for all grades from Preschool to 12th. Information can be found on our team's website: www.hammerhead226.org.
Photo taken pre-COVID, courtesy of John Tu and the Troy School District