enews Graduation Issue | June 14, 2013 - Ferndale Public Schools

F e r n d a l e 

S c h o o l S 

enews 

Graduation Issue | June 14, 2013 

Congratulations to the 406 graduates of Ferndale University Public Schools’ Class of 2013! 

We are proud of each of their accomplishments High and proud School to present this inspiring class to 

May 31|Lawrence Tech 

the world as they pursue their college and life goals. The students from 

Ferndale High School, University High School, Digital Learning Center, and 

Ferndale Adult Education earned $2.5-million in scholarships and will represent the 

Ferndale Public Schools and our community well in all that they do. 

Look where our Class of 2013 graduates are headed: 

Four-Year Universities 

Baker College 

Central Michigan University 

Eastern Michigan University 

Ferris State University 

Grand Valley State University 

Kalamazoo College 

Madonna University 

Marygrove College 

Michigan State University 

Northern Michigan University 

Oakland University 

Saginaw Valley State University 

University of Detroit Mercy 

University of Michigan 

University of Michigan-Dearborn 

University of Michigan-Flint 

University of Toledo 

Wayne State University 

Western Michigan University 

Out of State Universities 

Bowling Green State University 

Howard University 

I nternational Academy of 

Design & Technology 

Kentucky State Southeast 

Kentucky State University 

Moore College of Art & Design 

Norfolk State University 

Spelman College 

Xavier University 

Community Colleges 

Henry Ford Jackson 

Macomb Oakland 

Schoolcraft Wayne 

Armed Forces 

National Guard 

United States Air Force 

United States Marine Corps 

United States Navy 

Technical Programs 

Denmark Technical College 

Family Connections 

ITT Technical Institute 

D avid Pressley 

School of Cosmetology 

Sp ecs Howard School of 

Media Arts

2013 John F. Kennedy Scholarship Recipients 

Corsica Collins 

This exceptional young 

woman has been an outstanding 

role model for all 

students at the DLC this year. 

She earned an incredible 9 

credits this school year to 

complete the requirements 

for graduation! That’s one 

and a half years of school 

in one year! As the DLC 

Valedictorian, Corsica plans 

to pursue her college education at Wayne County 

Community College District. 

Corsica is self-motivated and hard-working 

when it comes to school, work, and her life beyond 

school. Her Academic Case Manager, Lauren Axt, 

says Corsica “is a mature, responsible adult and 

she takes the time to help her friends when they 

need it and puts her son before herself.” She has 

volunteered to help other students, has earned the 

respect of everyone in the school who knows and 

loves her. 

Corsica is truly an outstanding representative of 

the Digital Learning Center, and her dedication and 

successes exemplify the principles of John F. Kennedy. 

Congratulations to her on joining the ranks 

of 49 Years of the Ferndale School’s John F. Kennedy 

Award Recipients and best of luck in all she does in 

the future. 

Melvin Allen 

Melvin Allen BECAME a 

good student at the Digital 

Learning Center. DLC administrators 

all agree that he is 

The Most Improved Student 

at the DLC this year. 

Melvin embodies the 

kind of student the DLC was 

designed to serve. Here’s 

how: First, he has increased 

his willingness to take risks. 

Second, he takes ownership for his accomplishments. 

And third, he enjoyed the freedom and flexibility 

of the program while taking full advantage 

of the adult support and commitment to students. 

Melvin enjoyed the close relationship he developed 

with his Academic Case Managers so much, he continued 

to come to school AFTER he graduated! 

Melvin’s polite and outgoing manner, plus his 

commitment to making his education a priority, 

helped him succeed despite facing many obstacles. 

DLC Administrator Renee Heard says, “Melvin actively 

sought help with his modules to let us know 

he felt school was a priority. He has great potential.” 

The Marines have also recognized Melvin as a 

promising young man with “extreme leadership capacity.” 

He soon heads off to join the Marine Corps 

and serve our country. 

Congratulations to him on joining the ranks of 

49 Years of the Ferndale School’s John F. Kennedy 

Award Recipients and best of luck in all he does in 

the future. 

Digital 

Learning 

Center (DLC) 

Since 1964, the Ferndale Schools have 

awarded two graduating seniors – one 

male student and one female student – with 

the distinguished John Fitzgerald Kennedy 

Award. 

This year, two outstanding Digital Learning 

Center students were selected by members 

of their school community, teachers, 

and administrators. Corsica Collins and 

Melvin Allen were selected because they 

best represent their graduating class by 

having demonstrated an outstanding 

combination of scholarship, leadership, 

school involvement, community service, 

and individual responsibility while --students 

in the Ferndale Alternative and Adult 

Education program. The two students 

received a keepsake plaque, their names 

will be engraved on a permanent sign in 

the school office, and they each received a 

$1,000 college scholarship from the Ferndale 

Schools Board of Education. 

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Mallory Fuller 

Mallory truly exemplifies the core 

foundation of this scholarship. She has 

made the most of her Ferndale High 

School experience with an exceptional 

drive to succeed. She did it all with a 

remarkable balance of grace, humor and 

humility. She is truly respected and well 

liked by everyone in our school community. 

Mallory has been a highly visible 

leader in our school music programs, this 

year as Drum Major and in the leading 

role of Maria in The Sound of Music. And 

throughout her six years as a member of the award-winning Ferndale 

Golden Eagle Marching Band, Mallory exhibited exceptional 

leadership. 

Her band director, Elon Jamison, said: “As our Drum Major, 

Mallory was arguably the best I’ve seen in my 15 years. Every detail 

of her musical performance was always perfect, and the intensity 

with which she approached the marching side of performance 

was consistently elegant and graceful.” 

Mr. Jamison concluded with this: “In a word: She never misses.” 

Mallory has also been Principal Clarinet for the past two years, 

after making the Wind Ensemble as a sophomore. She was also 

heavily involved in choir, Tuesday Night Singers, Student Enterprise 

Theatre, Students Against Destructive Decisions, United 

Student Assembly, National Honor Society, and the Green Club. 

Academically, Mallory has challenged herself throughout her 

four years at FHS, taking honors and Advanced Placement classes, 

for which she was awarded the AP Scholar Award. She graduated 

2nd in her class and received many scholarships. 

Mallory is an open, friendly person who left her mark on FHS 

for her kindness and maturity. She plans to enter the University of 

Michigan in the fall. Congratulations to her on joining the ranks of 

49 Years of Ferndale High School’s John F. Kennedy Award recipients 

and best of luck in all she does in the future. 

Keith Waldrup 

It has also been said that Keith 

“truly embodies the spirit of the JFK 

award.” He has the admiration of his 

teachers and he has been a champion 

of Ferndale High School. 

Keith is an exceptional scholar, 

athlete and leader. His teachers 

praise him for his work ethic, desire 

to support his classmates, and 

incredible focus. They say: “He is 

the type of student every teacher 

wants in class.” His coaches say: “No 

one outworks Keith. He’s the type of 

athlete every school wants wearing their jersey.” 

Keith has been a standout athlete on the baseball, tennis 

and hockey teams, becoming captain of all three teams 

and maintaining top grades throughout. He was a leader in 

merging the Berkley/Ferndale United Hockey Team. 

Athletic Director Shaun Butler says: “Keith is without a 

doubt the most well-rounded scholar-athlete we have. Keith 

is always positive. Nothing can shake him. He has truly been 

our biggest student leader.” 

Along with athletics, Keith has always been proud 

to maintain his top grades. He was also a member of the 

National Honor Society, and has received more than 20 

scholarships recognizing his varied skills including the Grand 

Valley State University Award of Distinction Faculty Scholarship 

and Award for Excellence. He earned the MHSAA and 

Detroit Free Press Scholar Athlete Awards, OAA Sportsmanship 

Recognition Award, and Michigan High School Hockey 

Coaches Association Academic All-State Award. We know he 

will continue those accolades when he enters Grand Valley 

State University next fall. 

Congratulations to him on joining the ranks of 49 Years 

of Ferndale High School’s John F. Kennedy Award recipients 

and best of luck in all he does in the future. 

Ferndale 

High 

School 

Since 1964, the Ferndale Schools 

have awarded two graduating 

seniors – one male student and 

one female student – with the 

distinguished John Fitzgerald 

Kennedy Award. 

This year, two outstanding 

FHS students were selected 

for this honor by members 

of their school community, 

teachers, and administrators. 

These two students are selected 

because they best represent 

their graduating class by having 

demonstrated an outstanding 

combination of scholarship, 

school involvement, community 

service, leadership, and 

individual responsibility during 

their years at Ferndale High 

School. Mallory Fuller and Keith 

Waldrup received a keepsake 

plaque, their names will be 

engraved on a permanent sign 

in the school office, and they 

each received a $1,000 college 

scholarship from the Ferndale 

Schools Board of Education. 

www.ferndaleschools.org Follow us on Twitter! @FerndaleSchools


Alexis Thompson 

Alexis Thompson has demonstrated 

a special combination of 

scholarship, hard work, and tremendous 

maturity. As the UHS Student 

Representative for the Ferndale 

Schools Board of Education, she 

was thorough and professional and 

always provided interesting and 

impressive information about UHS 

accomplishments. 

Alexis has been very active in 

all aspects of the UHS experience. 

She was involved in nearly every 

club, including the GET IT Girl’s engineering club and the 

Robotics team. She was a standout on her Robotics teams 

which won two district championships, twice qualifying for 

the state competition with a third place finish, and qualifying 

for the national competition. Alexis’s Robotics advisor Julie 

Patterson praises her exceptional problem-solving ability and 

her dedication to completing even the most challenging task. 

With the DECA marketing club, she has been an officer 

for the local chapter, and her projects have qualified her for 

the International Career Development Conference for her 

Merit Award Project. She also received a Merit Award at the 

International Conference. 

Alexis has competed on the girls’ basketball team, serving 

as a team captain, and last year sharing in the team’s 

Academic All-State recognition. She was also a captain of the 

cross country team, and a starter on the volleyball team. 

In addition to her leadership and extracurricular involvement, 

Alexis is known as an outstanding scholar. She is dedicated 

to high-quality work and an active participant in the 

classroom. Next year, she plans to continue her education 

at the University of Michigan-Dearborn to study Mechanical 

Engineering. 

Marquis Ray 

Marquis Ray has truly 

taken advantage of every 

University High School opportunity. 

He is known as a 

quiet, respectful role model 

for his classmates. He has a 

steadfast drive and work ethic. 

His academic performance 

was outstanding throughout 

high school, including Honors, 

Advanced Placement, and 

dual enrollment college courses 

at Lawrence Technological 

University. 

His teachers appreciated his friendly, humorous 

personality combined with his dedication and 

perseverance. 

Jason Beatty, one of his school leaders and 

teachers, says: “Marquis has the traits that will guarantee 

his success throughout his academic career.” 

Marquis leads by example, and he is described 

as kind and very well liked by everyone who meets 

him. Marquis has been involved in Picture Perfect, 

leading the photography of all UHS events to make 

sure the yearbook documented your high school 

years. He has also been a standout leader of the National 

Honor Society where he was dependable and 

mentored Ferndale Schools’ elementary students 

through the NHS mentoring program. 

Next year, Marquis enters Oakland University to 

study Computer Engineering. 

University 

High School 

Since 1964, the Ferndale Schools have 

awarded two graduating seniors – one 

male student and one female student – with 

the distinguished John Fitzgerald Kennedy 

Award. With its first graduating class in 

2008, the Board expanded the scholarship to 

students at UHS. 

This year, two outstanding students were 

awarded by members of their school 

community, teachers, and administrators. 

These two outstanding students are nominated 

for this special award by members of 

the community, teachers, and administrators. 

Alexis Thompson and Marquis Ray are 

selected because they best represent their 

graduating class by having demonstrated 

an outstanding combination of scholarship, 

school involvement, community service, 

leadership, and individual responsibility 

during their years at University High 

School. The two students received a keepsake 

plaque, their names will be engraved 

on a permanent sign in the school office, 

and they each received a $1,000 college 

scholarship from the Ferndale Schools 

Board of Education. 

www.ferndaleschools.org Follow us on Twitter! @FerndaleSchools


Adult 

Education 

2013 Class Quote 

“All our dreams can 

come true, if we have the 

courage to pursue them.” 

Class of 2013 Speakers: 

Barbara Beasley 

Mandela Lipscomb 

—Walt Disney 

Class of 2013 Graduate Stats: 

• There are 36 years between the 

youngest born in 1992 and the oldest 

born in 1956. 

• 12 graduates followed the path of 

parents, cousins, siblings and even 

grandparents who have earned 

a diploma with Ferndale Adult 

Education. 

• 33 graduates completed their 

education while raising children and 

grandchildren. 

• 9 young women worked hard to 

complete schooling while pregnant. 

Three gave birth and returned to 

finish school. 


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[Adult Education Student Speakers] 

What Did They Say? 


“We are gathered here this evening for one reason, and 

one reason only and that is to fulfill a dream, a dream that 

we all know too well. That is the dream of GRADUATION!!! 

The time has come where we all have succeeded in our 

transformation that we call higher learning. So for every- 

one that helped us reach this goal, everyone we met along the way, and for everyone that 

encouraged us during our journey to get us here tonight, we say THANK YOU!! 

... At my age, returning to high school was a challenge, but I did it! If I can successfully 

complete my high school education, anyone can. The Jefferson Adult Education Center 

has a wonderful team of teachers and staff who will guide you in the right direction and be 

there when you need them. The graduating class of 2013 thanks them and we thank all of 

you friends and family who helped along the way as well.” 


“My name is Mandela Lipscomb and tonight I am a high 

school graduate! My educational journey was not easy. It 

took hard work, motivation, dedication, and determination. 

When I first came to Jefferson, I had a negative attitude and 

was confused about my future and my life; needless to say, 

I was STRUGGLING! The Adult Education program at Jefferson 

changed all that. I realized on my very first day that 

the teachers cared and that I could be successful here. It 

“At my age, returning to 

high school was a challenge, 

but I did it! If I can 

successfully complete my 

high school education, 

anyone can.” 

- Barbara Beasley 

Adult Education Class of 2013 

“I realized on my very 

first day that the teachers 

cared and that I could be 

successful here.” 

- Mandela Lipscomb 

Adult Education Class of 2013 

gave me a new look on life and made me realize that I could accomplish my goal of earning 

my high school diploma. I am very proud to be a high school graduate and would like to 

thank many people for supporting me during this journey... Tonight is just the beginning of 

a new journey. Take everything that you learned and use it to continue to better yourself 

and reach more goals...” 


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2013 

Adult Education Graduates 

Trina Abbott 

Ahsiyah Abdullah 

Erica Arnold 

LaTasha Arrington 


Jaymia Bell 

Yvonne Brown 

Christopher Caballaro 

Kierra Cabanne 

Jose Cabrera-Servin 

April Campbell 

Lynndon Carter 

Deborah Catchings 

Debbie Coles II 

Shivon Collier 

Chelsea Collins 

Eugene Crumpton, Jr. 

Amin Daniels 

Anthony Davidson 

Starla Davis 

Tina Davis 

Chantese Dexter 

Starleisha Driver 

Kameron Duncan 

Cierra Fielder 

Darrius Flowers 

Claude Gaskin 

Marcus Gater 

Brittney Gavin 

Gregory Griffin 

Jermaine Hagwood 

Lynda Hall 

Melanie Henderson 

Leteva Howell-Foster 

Shamara James 

Calvin Johnson 

Celeste Johnson 

Deondra Johnson 

Kenneth Johnson 

Latia Jones 

Will Justice, Jr. 

Dwayne Lewis 

Alyssa Linebarger 


Milek Michaux 

Rosetta Milton 

Julius Mobley 

Krystal Moore 

T’Keyah Murray 

Kenyetta Nalls 

Stephanie Pace 

Amanda Parker 

Dante Peeples 

Keon Person 

S hawndrika Pinkard-Lackey 

Caleb Rascoe 

Ebony Reaves 

Nicole Reaves 

Markela Reese 

Rose Reeves 

Tanasia Reynolds 

Teara Ricks 

Derick Riley 

Antonio Robinson 

Jennifer Robinson 

Niaya Selma 

Suzette Shaffner 

Dwayne Sharpe 

Sharesa Simmons 

Jacqueline Smith 

Martez Spearman 

Breona Storie 

Dushon Taylor 

Corey Thompson 

Joseph Tompkins 

Oscar Toribio-Martinez 

Lashella Turner 

Paris Tyson 

Asia Vaughn 

Craig Vaughn 

Christina Warren 

Karen Williams 

Marshayla Williams 

Kyle Wilson 

Rachel Wilson-Gould 

Dorian Worthy 


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Digital 

Learning 

Center 


“ Do more than belong: participate. Do 

more than care: help. Do more than 

believe: practice. Do more than be 

fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: 

forget. Do more than dream: work.” 

—William Arthur Ward 

Special Awards 

Valedictorian: 

ReNesha Smoot-Grafton 

Class of 2013 Speaker: 

Jessica Walker 

Attendance: Corsica Collins 

Most Improved: Melvin Allen 

Student of the Year: Corsica Collins 

Excellence in Leadership: 

Timothy Ross 

PRIDE Award: Danielle Simon 

English Star: Ronnie Johnson 

Social Studies Star: William Jones 

Science Star : Vincent Johnson 

Math Star: Janel Hunt 

Art Star: Katesa Washington 

Future Teacher Scholarship 

Jessica Walker 


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DLC Graduates 

Melvin K. Allen Jr. 

Michael M. Braxton 

Brittinee E. Brown 

Colin J. Coles 

Corsica J. Collins 

Durail A. Colvin Jr. 

Andre E. Dallas II 

Bryant K. Davis 

Candace S. Denson 

Gregory M. Due 

Alyssa M. English 

Alayna M. Foster 

Nathaniel D. Fuller Jr. 

Mariyah D. Grayson 

Samuel N. Hobdy Jr. 

Andre Houston Jr. 

Dynasty B. Hudgins 

Janel T. Hunt 

Famta T. Janneh 

Deidra Johnson 

Jakyya A. Johnson 

Ronnie Johnson Jr. 

Vincent D. Johnson Jr. 

William Jones 

Marcus L. Lloyd 

Joshua A. Montgomery 

Kiara C. Moss 

Ovionne S. Naugles 

Timothy Ross Jr. 

Danielle M. Simon 

Damon L. Smiley 

Henry D. Smith 

Jonay S. Smith 

ReNesha Smoot-Grafton 

Dajia S. Stoudemire-Bell 

Rojal J. Thomason 

Jessica R. Walker 

Imani S. Washington 

Katesa N. Washington 

Class Inspiration 

Of all the civil rights for which the world has struggled 

and fought for 5,000 years, the right to learn is 

undoubtedly the most fundamental.... The freedom 

to learn... has been bought by bitter sacrifice. And 

whatever we may think of the curtailment of other 

civil rights, we should fight to the last ditch to keep 

open the right to learn, the right to have examined 

in our schools not only what we believe, but what 

we do not believe; not only what our leaders say, 

but what the leaders of other groups and nations, 

and the leaders of other centuries have said. We 

must insist upon this to give our children the fairness 

of a start which will equip them with such an 

array of facts and such an attitude toward truth that 

they can have a real chance to judge what the world 

is and what its greater minds have thought it might 

be. 

—W.E.B. Du Bois, “The Freedom to Learn” 


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High School 


“Change will not come if we wait for 

some other person or some other time. 

We are the ones we’ve been waiting 

for. We are the change that we seek.” 

—Barack Obama 

Class of 2013 Class President: 

Kayla Hughes 


India Solomon 

Taylor Hall 

Hannah Reiter 

Chris Triplett 

Donavon Chambers 


Lillian Myers 

Renée Wolosion 

Chris Edwards 

Celeste Goedert 

Class Songs: 

“It’s so hard to say goodbye to 

yesterday” — BoyzIIMen 

“I was here” — Beyoncé 

Class of 2013 Statistics: 

• 183 Graduates 

• 52% headed to 4-year College/ 

University 

• 35% headed to 2-year College 

• 87% headed to post secondary college 

• 3% to trade or technical program; 3% 

entering the work world; 7% undecided 

• 108 students recognized for 

scholarships totally $1,773,162, of 

which $49,271 was scholarships 

awarded by local clubs, organizations 

and generous community and school 

benefactors. 


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[Ferndale High School Student Speakers] 



“….High School hits us at an age when we are all approaching a more and more clearly 

defined sense of self; it is composed of the years in which we are all searching for a sense 

of identity and belonging. As we begin our freshman year we are still the direct products of 

our childhood, elementary, and middle 

school experiences, and then, under the 

influence of the people with whom 

we surround ourselves, the classes we 

take, the activities in which we involve 

ourselves, the mistakes we make, and 

the obstacles we face, we begin to grow into ourselves. We shape ourselves into 

athletes, dancers, artists, actors, students, musicians, leaders, friends and individuals 

with a world of memories fondly behind us, relationships forever with us, and 

futures bravely in front of us. 

So we graduate from high school as performers and witnesses of remarkable 

change; the change we have conducted within ourselves. But that is not the only 

“As we are handed our diplomas 

tonight we are embracing the 

change that we will activate as 

our generation’s thinkers, doers, 

leaders, and heroes, all the while 

remembering and carrying the 

change we brought about here, as 

Eagles.” 

- Mallory Fuller 

Ferndale High School Class of 2013 

change for which we can assume credit. Because over the course of our four-year high school experience we have changed Ferndale 

High School. The intertwining of our lives with those of our classmates, teammates, teachers, and administrators has composed a 

new chapter of Ferndale’s history; and it is the friendships we made, the words we said, and the smiles we exchanged that have allowed 

us to leave our mark. 

… As we are handed our diplomas tonight we are embracing the change that we will activate as our generation’s thinkers, doers, 

leaders, and heroes, all the while remembering and carrying the change we brought about here, as Eagles.” 


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India Solomon 

“Now, everyone, please raise your right hand. Notice that the first thing each of us did 

was look around the room to see if others were making the change, to see who would 

be the first to break away from the crowd and disturb the stillness of the atmosphere. 

Now, imagine if we all searched within ourselves and decided whether to raise our hand 

or not based solely on our own judgment. What if all 2,000+ of us immediately found no 

harm in the act, and raised our hands at once? Though the impact of a mass of hands 

rising into the air will not necessarily 

reverse global climate change or solve 

world hunger for that matter, when 

applied to a larger effort, this concept 

exemplifies the influence, the efficiency, 

and the power of individual action. 

“:...Class of 2013, do not wait for that 

extra push from the guy behind you, or 

that extra step from the figures in front of 

you, or that raised hand from the person 

next to you. Seek out the things in your 

life that need to be renewed, altered or 

“I want all of us here to tread our 

own path to personal emancipation, 

and later on when we are 

greeted with challenges and lifechanging 

decisions, WE will be the 

ones to face them without hesitation. 

Class of 2013, the time is 

now.” 

- India Solomon 


thrown out altogether, and take the individual action to accomplish what needs to be 

done. Take the initiative to make a change. I want all of us here to tread our own path 

to personal emancipation, and later on when we are greeted with challenges and lifechanging 

decisions, WE will be the ones to face them without hesitation. Class of 2013, 

the time is now.” 


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Celeste Goedert at the FHS Convocation Ceremony 

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the 

ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” 

—President Barack Obama 

“...The graduating class of 2013 was has grown up in a school of a thousand differences. 

A thousand changes overwhelmed our 

widening perspectives upon entering 

high school. We have learned from 

these differences and changed to benefit 

from them. 

“So this is an invocation to continue the 

adaptability and acceptance that has 

gotten us this far. This is a challenge to 

look towards the future, towards universities and careers and big decisions and 

tough situations, and promise to continue, in the scope of this beautiful and terrifying 

world, to embody and embrace change as we have these past four years. 

Though we each may be leaving the nest to fly through storms of our own, we can 

take comfort in upholding the tenacity that Ferndale has fostered within us. 

“We are and can be the change we 

have sought and hoped for. And as 

we say goodbye, we leave behind 

a legacy of malleable strength. We 

take with us the power to project 

our change onto the world that 

continually challenges us, all the 

while remembering Ferndale and 

the way it has changed us - for the 

better.” 

- Celeste Goedert 


“We are all vastly different; this is a fact obvious and true. But each of us is creative, 

generous, and courageous. We are and can be the change we have sought and hoped for. And as we say goodbye, we leave behind 

a legacy of malleable strength. We take with us the power to project our change onto the world that continually challenges us, all 

the while remembering Ferndale and the way it has changed us-for the better.” 


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FHS Graduates 

B arrington Nwokebuikem 

Ajulufoh 

Andre Lamonte Anderson II 

Reggie Antwan Anderson 

Reginale Anthony Anderson 

Sha’mira Lee Anderson 

Amonie Teanna Austin 

Jennylyn J. Balcita 

Jordan Christopher Banks 

Charles Darance Bates 

Melissa Ann Belkowski 

Eric Matthew Bird 

Devin James Bolton 

Chancellor Ryan Boyer 

Gabrielle Maris Brantley 

R aven Laniece Chanté 

Brantley 

Angelica Shalynn Bright 

Carisma Renée Brown 

Porsche’ Brown 

Tameya Lashonique Brown 

Andrew René Burrell * 

Alathia Grace Burton 

Chantel De’Jaun Byas 

Megan Leigh Campbell * 

Shannel Joyce Canty 

Dominic William Cardelli 

Destiny Joy Cardwell 

Meghan Tyler Carney 

Owen Thomas Carroll 

Raven Symone Carter 

Antonique Zenae’ Chambers 

Domonique Dana’e Chambers 

Donavon Michael Chambers 

Chantez Earl Chaney 

Morgan Susan Ciambelli 

Quentin Jamal Clark 

Nieyri D. Cobb 

Johnny E. Coopwood 

Lee Cottingham III 

Hannah Celeste Coy 

Elgin James Craley 

Anthony Phillip Cregar 

Stephen Christopher Cregar 

Moshe’ Nadji Cross-Nelson 

Gregory S. Daly 

Roman Justin Daniel 

Calina Lee Dase 

Kyle Christopher Davis 

Stirling P. Davis 

Sydney Danielle Dewan 

Troy Wallace Dill-Reese 

Dajuan Donaven Donaldson 

Dominick Macaraeg Duldulao * 

Brittany Tanay Edwards 

Chris A. Edwards 

Eric Atoi Ellis 

Marvin Perry Ellis 

Charlie R. Evans 

Melany Sue Feiner 

Sherita Maris Ford 

William Howard Fueri 

Mallory Hope Fuller * 

Ryan Taylor Fura * 

Aidan K. Gale 

C hynna Summe’Rai Garland- 

Shepherd 

Cass Jonathon Gentry 

Adelaide Emily Gillham 

Celeste May Goedert ** 

Justin Alexander Graves 

Quaneshia Shantaria Green 

Haley Marie Greer 

Madison Rose Grobbel * 

Brandon Isaiah Gunter 

Jacob Alexander Hagle 

Taylor Breahn Hall 

Jessmine Bianca Harp 

M inyonne Monét 

Hartsfield-Davis 

Danielle My’Kal Hawthorne 

Tyler Renice Dennis Hayes 

Ryan Saad Herfi 

Brandon Lee Hill 

Damon O. Hill 

Seiji Sky Hoover 

Lieon Javon Howard 

Kelsey Ann Huber 

Katlynn Vanessa Hughes 

Kayla Darlene Hughes 

Talia Renée Hunter 

Kameron Abdule Jackson 

Marckus T. Jackson 

Katherine Megan Jahn 

Austin R. Johnson 

Kayla Nichelle Johnson 

Jeffrey A. Kazmierczak 

Tiara Lynn Kemp-Watson 

Omar Villedo Khalasawi 

Nathan Wesley Khalsa 

Alicia Christina Kincer 

Andrew Steve Kizy 

Anthony Samuel Kizy * 

Leo David Kopack * 

Ra-Von Aldaine Lambert 

Matthew James Lapinski 

Gabrielle Anna Leas 

Carmen Olymphia Leonard 

Shane Benjamin Lesser 

Jobe Allen Lodge 

Jasmine Nicole Love 

Alexander Jordan Marsack * 

Scott A. May 

Taveda M. Mayes 

Kaitlyn Allyse McCord 

Patrick Alan McCoy 

Ma’Yetta L. McCree 

A kela Latrice 

McFarland-Mapps 

Isaac L. McGill 

Collin David McLaughlin 

Sean Michael McQueeney 

Douglas Ian Miller * 

Quentin A. Minor 

Brian Allen Montgomery 

Destiny A. Morris 

Daniel P. Murphy 

Sierra Maris Murray * 

Lillian Connors Myers 

Bryanne Elizabeth Nelson 

Damien M. Neuman 

Daniel R. Neuman 

Tiara Mone’ Owens 

Desmond Jay-Mez Paige 

Olanzo Okary Palmer 

Emanuel Lee Palmer 

Antonia Lee Paul 

Gabriele Clair Paul 

Kiana Marie Peaks 

SaVaughn Renée Pembrook 

Delores Deanna Perry 

Dejia A’mon Plump 

Jade Raquel Pointzes 

Heather Athena Proimos 

Marcus Anthony Quarker 

Hannah Elizabeth Reiter * 

Katelyn R. Reynolds 

G ’Angela Alexandra 

Roquemore 

Quinton Thomas Rosiek 

Kelsey Erin Sanders 

Shannon Sky Santos 

Daniel P. Scholl 

Krystal S. Sewell 

Miguel Arasean Shepherd 

Eric Keith Simmons 

LaKwayzea Leeza Smith 

Raesean Lanonte’ Smith 

India Solomon * 

Alisha Renée Stallworth 

Amond Arron Stewart 

Jacob Justin Stone 

Ryan Kristoffer Stoll 

Cortney Sheree Stovall 

Darrell Juwan Strong-Staples 

Alexis Monique Tate 

Dolly Louise Tate 

Michael Christian Tellier 

Jordan Michael Thomas 

Cody Alan Thompson 

Kalyn Simone’ Tinsley 

Joseph Peter Traynor 

Diamond LaTese’ Treadwell 

Christopher Allen Triplett, Jr. * 

DeAndre’ Lamar Turner 

Quillan C. Turner 

D’Angelo M. Vaughn 

Roy Dell Vaughn 

Andrea Paige Vozel 

Keith Thomas Waldrup * 

Myles Campbell Walimaa * 

Asia Denise Washington 

Andre Duane Watts 

Amber Lynn Marie Wilson 

Justen Donald Wilson 

Renée Victoria Wolosion * 

Jayda Tabitha Wynn 

Kesniel-Jacob Delloro Yadao 

Adam K. Yu 

*HONORS **HIGHEST HONORS 


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University 

High School 


“Take the world as you find it, but 

leave it a better place.” 


Leamon Wilson 

Azurae Chalk 

Class of 2013 Class Officers: 

Alexis Thompson, President 

Natalie Elliott, Vice President 

Elaina Hardy, Treasurer 

Class of 2013 summa cum laude 

graduates: 

Azurae Chalk 

Leamon Wilson 

Class of 2013 magna cum laude 

graduates: 

Shantanique Brantley 

Sierra Devoe 

Natalie Elliot 

Abriona Mays 

David Jones 

Marquis Ray 

Alexis Thompson 

Class of 2013 cum laude graduates: 

Angelica Brown 

Elaina Hardy 

Jordan Causey 

Albertina Mays 

Malaka Cegers 

Jazmen Nelson 

Damesha Cochran 

Daeja Patterson 

Kayla Collins 

Devin Porter 

Rachel Crouch 

Blair White 

Ericka Hannah 


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UHS Graduates 

Jonathan Tyrel Abbott 

Naya Abercrombie 

Deborah K. Arhin 

Jabari Bandele 

David Banks 

Ja’Von Banks 

Kenya M. Barksdale 

Makayla Bell 

Terranice Cortez Black 

Tre’von Boyd 

Blake Braddock 

Allan Bradley-Turner 

Shantanique DaShawn 

Brantley** 

Demetria Broaden 

Walter Keith Brockington, IV 

Kalif Dwane Broughton 

Angelica Tincie Brown* 

Dimari Devon Burrell 

Brittany R. Carter 

Reginald Bernard Cashaw 

Jordan Causey* 

Malakia Uzuri Cegers* 

Azurae Azjaí Chalk*** 

Da’mesha Cochran* 

DeMal Coleman 

Kayla Renae Collins* 

Deion LaMarr Counts 

Destiny C. Crawford 

Rachel Crouch* 

Kiara Cutts 

Bianca Nicole Dabney 

Michael Davis 

Sierra Simone Devoe** 

Teneyah Duff 

Natalie Andrea Elliott** 

Jorden Alexander Evans 

Khira Evans-Shackelford 

Marsalis Turéll Fowlkes 

Juan O’Neal Gadson, Jr. 

D’ajane U. Griffin 

Tiffani Lynn Hale 

Malik Hamilton 

Ericka Nicole Hannah* 

Elaina Joy Hardy* 

Marcus Renard Harris, Jr. 

Tyler Hicks 

William Holmes 

Kenrika R. Howard 

Michael D. Howard 

Jonathan Terrell Hubbard 

Laura Hunter 

Tiffany Marie-Merel Hunter 

Gabriel Armand Jackson 

Northern T. James, Jr. 

Da’Marais Mi’Sean Jenkins 

David Demetrius Jones** 

Ja’Nae Jones 

Timothy Keene 

Byron Keys 

Cortney Knight 

Sean’a Monique Leak-McDaniel 

Austin Leake 

Sammuel Paul Lee, II 

Jarvis Mahone 

Jade Martin 

Abriona Rachel Mays** 

Albertina Mays* 

Travon Marquell McDonald 

Amyre Miller 

Kachay Miller 

Olivia Moenart 

Brandon Montgomery 

Amber Denise Morton 

Michael Mosley 

Jazmen Nelson* 

Makenzie Kari Norwood 

Ashlee Pack 

Daeja Janae Patterson* 

Jalen Davon Penn 

Devin Porter* 

Marquis Ray** 

Denzel Stephen Rice 

Diondre Rice 

Shakea Richey 

Asia Nasha Roberts 

Keith Robinson 

Aliyah Sadler 

Xavier Sankey 

Alexis Adrianna Scott 

LaDonna Scott 

Jeanette Mareé Smith 

Tre’ Soles 

Leonard Strickland, III 

Chanell Marie Taylor 

Spencer Allan Thomas 

Alexis Trenace Thompson** 

Ashley Sheri Thompson 

Asia Thompson 

Lonzo Maurice Turner 

Erick Washington 

Somara Watson 

Blair White* 

Autumn Samone Williams 

Leamon Emmanuel Wilson*** 

*** Summa Cum Laude, Graduating with Greatest 

Distinction (3.75-4.0 GPA) 

** Magna Cum Laude, Graduating with Great 

Distinction (3.74-3.5 GPA) 

* Cum Laude, Graduating with Distinction 

(3.25-3.49 GPA) 


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[University High School Student Speakers] 


Azurae Chalk 

“Tonight we have received a great gift - the possibility to 

change the world and the lives of everyone in it. And I realize 

that everyone says, “This changes the world, that changes 

the world.” And to be honest, I’ve never really known 

what that meant until this year. To me, changing the world 

includes many ideas. To fix things that are broken. To help 

those in need and bring people together. To rid the world 

of discrimination and to be a positive influence on those 

around you to inspire them to do the same. Every single 

person in this auditorium has the ability to change the 

world in some shape or form, and all the graduates here 

have learned some key ingredients to change the world...” 

Leamon Wilson 

“...For the first time we are going to face the world all by ourselves, 

and that world can be a very cold place. We are going 

in a world where terrorists believe that they have the right 

to take the lives of innocent bystanders merely because 

they disagree with political policies or beliefs. This thought 

came crashing in on us as we worried about one of our own 

beloved teachers, Ms. Handyside, who was competing in 

the 2013 Boston Marathon. This has to change and we can 

be the catalyst to bring that change forward. As we go our 

separate ways we must be determined to take the world as 

we find it, but leave it in a better place...Class of 2013, Let it 

be said that we cared. Let it be said that we met the chal- 

“Every single person 

in this auditorium has 

the ability to change the 

world in some shape or 

form, and all the graduates 

here have learned 

some key ingredients to 

change the world.” 

- Azurae Chalk 

University High School 

Class of 2013 

“Let it be said that we 

cared. Let it be said that 

we met the challenge. Let 

it be said we looked out 

for others. Let it be said 

that we made a difference 

and that the world is a 

better place because we 

are in it. Congratulations. 

Now let’s get started..” 

- Leamon Wilson 


Class of 2013 

lenge. Let it be said we looked out for others. Let it be said that we made a difference and 

that the world is a better place because we are in it. Congratulations. Now let’s get started. “ 


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June Fair is annual celebration of the end of the school year 

Despite the chilly temperatures, there was fun for all at the annual PTA- 

sponsored June Fair at Roosevelt last week. The event is held for the entire 

Ferndale Schools community and featured a raffle, bake sale, dunk tank, 

climbing wall, prizes, games, face painting, amusements, and food. Musical 

entertainment was provided by the FMS and FHS Bands and Choirs. 


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JFK 6th Graders 

Read 2,061 Books 

The John F. Kennedy Open 

Classroom 6th grade class is proud 

to announce they read a combined 

2,061 books since September! That 

equals an average of 39.6 books per 

student. 

A school year goal of 25 books 

per student was set by their English 

Language Arts teacher Elaine Zold 

and supported by her 6th grade 

team teacher Greg Williamson. The 

books had to be of different genres 

and of substantial length. 

The students not only blew 

through their collected goal but 

wrote about their books on personal 

blogs and created several book 

clubs. 

While celebrating took place 

this week with a pizza party, the 

goals continue. Mrs. Zold has challenged 

every student to read 10 

books in 10 weeks this summer. 

Way to go, JFK 6th grade readers! 

Sixth Grade Breakfast, Farewell to JFK 

The 6th grade students of John F. Kennedy had a farewell concert this week in 

anticipation of their graduation to middle school in the fall. The 6th Grade Breakfast 

included donations of food from 5th grade students and families who were paying it 

forward. The students sang songs arranged by Mrs. Brown. Good luck at FMS, students! 


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Cheerleading Camp 

for boys & girls 

Registration has begun for girls 

and boys for this summer’s Upward 

Cheerleading Camp in Ferndale. It 

is open to children in grades K-6. 

The camp runs from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. 

each day from July 22 - 26 at 

Ferndale Free Methodist Church. 

The church is 

located at 1950 

Woodward 

Heights, Ferndale, 

next to Webb 

Elementary. 

The early 

registration cost is $35 per child; 

after June 15 it goes to $50. The 

deadline for registration is June 30. 

Scholarships are available. 

You can download a copy of the 

registration going to: 

www.ferndalefmc.com and click 

on “what we do” , then the “sports” 

tab. 

For more information please 

email office@ferndalefmc.com or call 

248/541-2224. 

FPS Staff recognized at annual celebration 

The Fernale Public Schools held its Annual Recognition 

Celebration honoring staff and retirees on Friday. The event 

recognized three future Teacher Scholarship Recipients who in 

turn honored those teachers who inspired them to become educators. 

The program also recognized the Teachers of the Year; 

Employees of the Year; and 2013 Retirees. 

A highlight was the drawing held by Rick Perry of The Suburban 

Collection for a vehicle lease for a year won by Ferndale Schools 

Middle School Teacher of the Year, Jason Gillespie (right) . Congratulations 

to all of the honorees - see next page for a complete 

list of everyone who was recognized. The district’s Facebook 

page as a selection of photos from the event. 


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ferndale 

schools 

TOGETHER 

2013 All Staff Recognition 

2013 Employees of the Year 

Richard Bastian 

Grant Early Childhood Center 

Susan Humphreys 

Roosevelt Primary School 

Regina Boyd 

Coolidge Intermediate School 

Sandra Boyd 

John F. Kennedy School 

2013 Teachers of the Year 

Penny Carrier 


Diana Keefe 


Danielle Cover 

John F. Kennedy School 

2013 Retirees 

Dorothy Deel 

Ferndale Middle School 

Shannon Heron 

Ferndale High School 

Brian Alford 


Sonya Ross 

Digital Learning Center 

We wish all our 2012-2013 retirees many years of health & happiness 

Rita Ray 

Preschool Teacher 


2001 to 2013 

Diane Rizzo 

Teacher 



Antoinette Blyznuk 

Social Worker 



Diana Darland 

Teacher 


1998 to 2012 

Carol Wade 

Child Care 



Norma Peterson 

Customer Service Assistant 

Ferndale Career Center 


Cathy Brady 

Teacher 



Nick Floros 

Custodian 


1986 to 2012 

Ruth Tavalire 


Jason Gillespie 

Ferndale Middle School 

Ryan Dunlap 


Leonard Hunter 

Teacher 



Gayle Minneci 

Counselor 



Walter Rakowsky 

Teacher 



Paul Smith 

Asst. Head Custodian 


1985 to 2012 

June 14, 2013 

Debra Ott 

Jefferson Adult Education Center 

Cheryl Dirkse 

Ungerman Transportation Center 

Donna Newman 

Bus Driver of the Year 

Bret Sutton 

Ferndale Career Center 

Elizabeth Watkins 


Kerri Timar 


Jean Stieber-Anderson 

Jefferson Adult Education 

Colleen ApMadoc 

Secretary 

Adult Education 


George Tomey 

Principal 


1986 to 2012 

District Teacher of the Year 

Each of the three District teachers of the Year had their 

name put into a box for the recognition event. Rick 

Perry, General Sales Manager of Suburban Collection, 

drew one name to win a one-year lease courtesy of 

Suburban Collection. This year’s lease winner was 

Jason Gillespie! Congratulations to each of you! 

Ruth Tavalire 

Elementary Teacher of the Year 

6th Grade, Coolidge Intermediate School 

Jason Gillespie 

Middle School Teacher of the Year 

Social Studies, Ferndale Middle School 

Ryan Dunlap 

High School Teacher of the Year 

Science, Ferndale High School 

In Memoriam 


Student Sammuel Lee 


Student Mario Campbell 

The Voice of the Eagles 

Joe Mahan 

Retired Staff 

Al Bancroft, Science Teacher 

William Coyne, Former Superintendent 

Ron Harcroft, Maintenance & Transportation Supervisor 

Bessie Hysni, Social Studies Teacher 

Connie Pinis, Counselor 

Larry Yezak, Maintenance & Transportation Supervisor 


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what's happening 

Wednesday, June 19 

• Champions Meeting, Coolidge Intermediate, 6:30-9 p.m. 

• UHS Informational Session, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Thursday, June 20 

• FEF Meeting, Harding, 7:30 a.m. 

• Pre-K-Kindergarten Roundup, Grant, 3-5 p.m. 

• Third Thursday ARTWN - The Event, Downtown Ferndale, 6-9 p.m. 

Board of Education Meetings - Next Mtg. June 25 

• Did you know the District has a local cable channel, 19 on Comcast and 15 

on Wowway, that airs general information about the school district and the 

monthly Board of Education meetings? The meetings are broadcast on a standard 

schedule every day: 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 

4 p.m., 8 p.m. If you ever find that the station is not broadcasting 

properly, please email shall@ferndaleschools.org, so we can address 

the issue right away. 

• Agendas and Board packets are posted for the public on the Friday 

before each Board meeting by close of business. They are accessible 

by following this link: http://www.ferndaleschools.org/boardofeducation/meetingschedule.html 

Click for our online calendar! 

You can also download it to 

your own Google Calendar, 

then transfer your dates to 

Outlook, etc. 


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enews Graduation Issue | June 14, 2013 - Ferndale Public Schools

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