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Local News

Port Huron Schools Honors Exceptional Staff With Advocator, Innovator, And Educator Of The Year Awards For Ninth Consecutive Year

Port Huron Schools proudly recognized the dedication and innovation of three outstanding staff members during its annual Advocator, Innovator, and Educator of the Year Awards ceremony. 

Georgia Stathakis, a Teacher Consultant in Secondary Special Education, was honored as Advocator of the Year, while Logan Raney, the Choir/Guitar Performing Arts Teacher, received the Innovator of the Year award. Tami Cronce, a Kindergarten Teacher, was celebrated as Educator of the Year.

This esteemed recognition, derived from the district’s core mission actions—Advocate, Innovate, and Educate—spotlights individuals who exemplify excellence in their respective roles. Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas surprised each recipient in their classrooms on May 7th, presenting them with prizes generously donated by local businesses.

Mr. Kerhoulas expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is one of my favorite days of the entire school year! It is such an exciting way for our district to celebrate our exceptional staff and show our commitment to their success.” 

Reporting from WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches REFS Program To Support Adult Learners’ College Access

Michigan takes a proactive stance in bolstering adult learners’ access to higher education with the introduction of the Michigan Retired Educator FAFSA Specialists (REFS) Program. 

Spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) in partnership with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), this initiative aims to enhance FAFSA completion and enrollment among adults aged 21-24 in community and tribal colleges.

Michelle Richard, acting director of MiLEAP, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing REFS’ role in guiding students through the FAFSA process and college enrollment. Funded by MiLEAP’s Office of Sixty by 30, MCAN will receive $500,000 to execute the program, focusing on marginalized populations not currently engaged in initiatives like Michigan Reconnect.

Retired educators are encouraged to apply, leveraging their expertise to support adult learners in achieving their educational aspirations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Cedar Point Kicks Off 155th Summer Season With Thrilling Attractions And Special Michigan Bundle Offer

Cedar Point launched its 155th summer season. Excited thrill-seekers can make their way to the park to experience the adrenaline-pumping rides, including the renowned Millennium Force®, Steel Vengeance®, and the brand-new Top Thrill 2™ triple-launch strata coaster.

Michigan residents have a special treat in store with the Michigan Bundle, offering single-day admission, free parking, and unlimited drinks for just $49.99. This deal is valid throughout the summer season and into September, providing ample opportunities for fun in the sun.

With over 71 rides, including three dedicated kids’ areas and 18 heart-stopping roller coasters, Cedar Point promises non-stop excitement for visitors of all ages. The park has embraced cashless transactions, accepting credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, ensuring a seamless experience for guests.

Cedar Point’s summer season runs until Sunday, October 27th, so be sure to enjoy the festivities before it ends! 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sam’s Club Unveils Groundbreaking Tech To Eliminate Checkout Queues

Sam’s Club is revolutionizing the shopping experience with its latest technological innovation, announced at CES, aimed at resolving a common member concern: waiting in line for receipt verification at exit points. The new system, which will utilize AI and computer vision, promises to eliminate queues at club exits, offering unprecedented convenience to members.

This move builds on Sam’s Club’s commitment to enhancing member experience through digital solutions like Scan & Go™. The technology seamlessly verifies purchases without the need for manual checks by associates, ensuring a smoother checkout process.

Excitement buzzed at CES as Sam’s Club revealed plans to further refine and expand the technology across its nearly 600 clubs by the end of the year. With this groundbreaking advancement, Sam’s Club solidifies its position as an innovator in the retail segment, prioritizing convenience and efficiency for its members.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Origin Of Mother’s Day: A Celebration Of Motherhood

The beloved tradition of Mother’s Day, celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May, owes its existence to the relentless advocacy of Anna Jarvis. Following the passing of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, in 1905, Jarvis conceived the idea of a day dedicated to honoring the love and sacrifices made by mothers worldwide.

With the support of Philadelphia department store owner John Wanamaker, Jarvis organized the inaugural Mother’s Day celebration in May 1908 at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia, alongside a large event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores.

Jarvis’s unwavering determination led to widespread adoption of Mother’s Day across states, towns, and churches by 1912. Finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, cementing Jarvis’s legacy of devotion to motherhood in the nation’s calendar.

Source: history.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gallup Poll Reveals Decline In Adequate Rest, Especially Among Young Women

Recent findings from Gallup Polls highlight a concerning trend in sleep patterns, with women consistently reporting lower rates of adequate rest compared to men. The latest poll reveals that only 36% of women feel they get enough sleep, in contrast to 48% of men, marking significant declines from previous years.

While traditionally, adults aged 65 and older are more likely to report sufficient sleep, the decline in sleep satisfaction affects all age groups, although less noticeable among young adults aged 18 to 29.

Of particular concern is the stark gender gap among younger demographics, with only 27% of young women reporting adequate sleep compared to 46% of young men. This widening gap over the years underscores a growing issue in sleep health, demanding attention and intervention to ensure better rest for all demographics.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell