education

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Delivers 2023 State Of The State Address

On Wednesday, January 25th, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fifth State of the State Address. It was held in the Michigan House of Representatives in front of a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate.

The address was broadcast live with Whitmer discussing her plans to tackle the challenges currently faced by Michiganders. 

One of the issues addressed was the cost of living in Michigan. We have all noticed the rise in cost of everyday items, and have been affected by it to some degree. Gov. Whitmer says, “I am excited to announce “Lowering MI Costs, ” a plan offering immediate relief. 

The three steps include rolling back retirement tax, expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, and third, Pre-K for All, which would save families an average of $10,000 per year and ensure that every four year old gets a great start.

For a full video of the 2023 State of the State Address, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Earth Fair Registration Is Now Open

The popular St. Clair County Earth Fair event will be making its return this year to Goodells County Park, and applications are now being accepted.

The St. Clair County Earth Fair has been taking place since 2003 and has since grown to be Michigan’s largest Earth Day event. The goal of the two-day event is to spread awareness about how to maintain the environment, and to create sustainable green living. 

Vendors, school classroom field trips, event volunteers and Green Guardian Award nominations are all welcome to fill out their applications to reserve a spot. Anyone with an environmental product, message or service may apply to be an Earth Fair vendor. The application deadline is March 15th.

The Earth Fair will be held on Friday, April 28th, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 29th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, and applications visit: EarthDayFair.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Athletic Factory Volleyball Skills Development Program Begins Soon

Sports play a major role in the lives of our youth. It teaches them teamwork, discipline, and self confidence. The Athletic Factory is an organization committed to helping our youth not only on the field or court, but in the classroom as well.

Beginning Saturday, February 25th, from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. The Athletic Factory will be offering their 3rd and 4th grade Volleyball Skills Development Program. 

The five-week program will provide students with the tools, skills, and knowledge that are essential for the game of volleyball. It will be a co-ed activity with a max of 20 children per session. 

The cost of the program is $60 with the registration deadline being February 18th. The Volleyball Skills Development Program ends on March 25th.  

For more information, contact Cliff Thomason at: (810) 300-9053/cthomason@theathleticfactory.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Black History Read-In Event Coming To SC4

Literacy and education is vital in producing qualified individuals to sustain and add value to any community. To help in the area of reading and literacy, the St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will be hosting an event with that goal in mind. 

In 2020, St. Clair County had an African American population of 2.28% according to datausa.io. Of that percentage, only 1.79% of African Americans graduate from universities. 

To honor Black History Month, as well as spread the importance and awareness of literacy and education, SC4 will be hosting its Read-in event that will feature Detroit-raised artist and guest author Solomon Johnson. 

The event will be held Saturday, February 4th, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theater. The free event is open to the public and students K – 12. Attendees are asked to register in advance by filling out the registration form or by sending an email to dei@sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SCCCMH 2023 Creative Arts Contest For Local Youth

There is a new art contest for the youth of St. Clair County. The goal is to educate the youth as well as adults about the value of connecting mind and body for those who live with mental illness or other developmental disabilities, as well as those dealing with substance abuse.

The 2023 Creative Arts Contest sponsored by St. Clair County Community Mental Health features three different themes and age ranges. The contest is open to all students in St. Clair County.

For the elementary students there is the Bookmark Contest, middle school will have a Writing Contest, and High School will have an Art Contest. Each category will feature cash prizes, gift certificates, or other rewards. 

The deadline for the 2023 Creative Arts Contest is Friday, February 3rd. 

For more information, visit: scccmh.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell