education

Upcoming Book Signing Event With Local Children’s Book Author

If you have little ones to shop for this Christmas, why not give them the gift of imagination, and mental stimulation with a new book from Port Huron Author Pen R. Mark.

This Saturday, December 10th, from 2PM – 4PM, Pen R. Mark will be promoting her new children’s book The Reminator 2 and B-Yond at Great Lakes Gaming, located at 4350 24th Ave, Fort Gratiot, MI. She will be doing book signings, with her book also being available for purchase.

The Reminator 2 and B-Yond centers around a puppy named Remi who possesses super hero abilities inherited from his dad. Remi is later adopted, and he and his new owner begin training and exploring his new powers to fulfill his super-hero destiny. Remi’s character is based on the author’s daughter’s real life pet who bears the same name as the main character.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Couple Donates $2M Auto Collection To Northwood University

The giving spirit of the season is in full effect for a Midland couple, as they have chosen to gift Northwood University their personal collection of cars valued at $2million.

Michael and Dianne Morey, founders of Bandit Industries, will be giving the school 35 vehicles as a gift to help future students in their journey. “It’s time for these cars to write a new chapter, and support young men and women who want to work hard, build something of their own, and positively influence the communities they call home,” says the Morey’s.

Northwood University plans to auction the cars off at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction on January 6th, and will utilize up to $1million to enhance the campus experience and to build upon recent campus improvements.

For details about the auction, visit: mecum.com.

Reporting for WGRT Choze Powell

YMCA Programs To Beat The Winter Blahs

The cold weather has arrived, and with that comes snow days for students whenever the schools close due to inclement weather or driving conditions. No school means you’ll probably be listening to your children telling you how bored they are all day. Well the Blue Water YMCA is offering a few programs that will give them something to do on those snow days, as well as during the holiday breaks.

Students ages K – 6th grade can participate in the Holiday or Snow Day Camps if you’re looking for some indoor fun on the days kids don’t have school due to closings. From 7AM – 6PM students can participate in activities such as swimming, crafts, gym time, and snacks. The Holiday Camp would be available on all holiday breaks and the Snow Day Camp would be available on snow day closings. 

To register for the programs it costs $31/day for members, and $32/day for non-members. Financial assistance is available. So, let’s keep our kids active this winter and let them experience the Blue Water YMCA with these programs.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools To Abandon Current Mascots

The Port Huron Area School District has made the decision to do away with the mascots, and logos associated with some of their schools. The 2022 school year will be the last year that they will be used as they begin to look into alternative names and designs.

The Port Huron High “Big Reds,” Roosevelt Elementary “Little Reds,” and Michigamme Elementary “Little Chiefs” are deemed offensive or inconsiderate of the Indigenous and Native American people. There was a unanimous approval on the name change by Board members, which some may or may not agree with. 

The deadline for the changes to take place is March of 2023, so that the school can use grant funding to pay for the redesigning and changes needed.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lunch Program Returns To STEAM Academy At Woodrow Wilson

Sometimes our children may have certain issues or problems at home that they don’t feel comfortable sharing with those closest to them, but will often open up to a mentor or other trusted adult. The Lunch Buddies program at the STEAM Academy at Woodrow Wilson returns to give students the chance to spend time with a trusted mentor.

The Lunch Buddies program was a popular program that students enjoyed attending prior to the pandemic. Its return allows adults and leaders in the community to register and spend 25 – 30 minutes during lunch period to partner and have lunch with a designated student. Volunteers can sign up for weekly or bi-weekly appearances. During that time they may be a social support, help the students with school work, or just share helpful life lessons. 

For more information on how you can be a mentor, email Principal Shyla Eagle at: seagle@phasd.us

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron High School Teacher Earns Prestigious Recognition

When it comes to education and ensuring that students get the help needed to enter college, Port Huron High School (PHHS) has been recognized as one of the top 10 schools in the state of Michigan for improving its FAFSA Completion rate.

The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has recently recognized Holland Woods Middle School substitute teacher Brandon Wardlow with the Ombudsman Award. The Ombudsman Award is a prestigious award given to individuals who have a passion for college access and success, have persevered over challenges, and have proudly represented Americorps to their community. 

Wardlow was recognized for his work during the 2020-2022 school years. There were also others from the community who were acknowledged for their support of this initiative, Cliff Thomason, Kevin Totty, Marion Stewart, and Tyrone Burrell.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell