The Dryden Red and Black

Join us tonight (Tuesday, January 16) at halftime of the Varsity Boys Basketball game

vs. Mayville as we induct senior Jacob Burgess into the 1000 point club!

Mr. Tresnak has been a member of the Dryden family since before he graduated from college. "I actually came here while I was still in college to pursue my dream of coaching football with my favorite coach from when I played, Don Twiss. I loved the community and students so much that when an opportunity arose to teach here a few years later, I didn't even bother looking for other jobs," he recalls. His college career actually began while he was a student at Brown City High School. He started college by dual enrolling at SCCCC, then attended UM-Flint, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in English and History in 2002, a Teaching Certificate in 2004 and a Master's degree in Social Sciences in 2015. Currently, he teaches English and History at Dryden High School as well as a college History course for Ferris State University.

When asked his favorite thing about Dryden, Mr. Tresnak responded "I love the small size of our school. It offers students so many opportunities to participate in things they are interested in. If you want to play a sport, join a club, play in band, try a new subject or take college classes, you can here. At larger schools you may have 100 other students all trying to earn the same spot on a team or role in a club. Here in Dryden, you don't just get to be on a team, you get to participate." In his free time, Mr. Tresnak enjoys spending time with his family, cycling and hiking, and watching football and baseball. Not only is he the proud father of Addie and Ian, he's also a proud Chihuahua dad.

In closing, Mr. Tresnak has these words of wisdom for his students: "Your story is still unfolding, and every step forward is a testament to your limitless potential."

We asked students to share their thoughts about Mr. Tresnak. Here are some of their responses:

What is your favorite thing about Mr. Tresnak?

• " His positivity!", Dane Pelkowski
• "That he's always there when I need a smile, one of my biggest childhood heros 😊," Celia Bowman
• "My favorite thing about Trez is that he so goofy ah and he a true homie," Logan Romain
  
• "Mr. Tresnak always puts forth the effort and will work with you endlessly to get your grades up, always great for asking questions and always there for you when you need help with work. He's the nicest teacher and has the most outgoing attitude," Raghan Delong
• "Mr. Tresnak is positive and funny," Molly Miller
• "I love how he allows us to have our own opinions on subjects, and allows for discussions and for other students to help others understand an assignment better," Olivia Zellers

What is your favorite memory with Mr. Tresnak?

• "My favorite memory is when Mr. Tresnak took time out of his planning hour to help me with a project for a class I was failing, he stood out from the crowd to help me," Dane Pelkowski
  
• "I use to watch youtube songs in Mr.Tresnak's living room, with my parents with a big smile I haven't seen in years. :)," Celia Bowman
• "My favorite memory with Trez is presenting my def Trez's favorite projects," Logan Romain
• " Being able to take history in his classes!" Raghan Delong2
• "When the year started, a student kept saying "bruh" and so Mr. Tresnak said "sup bruh" to the student and it was just hilarious," Molly Miller
• "There was this one time in class where me and a few other girls laid on the floor as a joke and we did our assignment on the floor and he didn't mind and in fact thought it was funny," Olivia Zellers

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from Mr. Tresnak?

• "Keep pushing on and don’t give up no matter what happens," Dane Pelkowski
  
• "The people around you should always make you happy," Celia Bowman
• "The most valuable thing I have learned from TrezMan is that I am his favorite student," Logan Romain
• "Most valuable thing I've learned would be never give up and you've got it no matter how hard it get. Always keep a positive attitude," Raghan Delong
• "Kindness is important and it really does affect people," Molly Miller
  
• "He has taught me that there is always an easier way to do an assignment, and there is always an easier way to think of something so it doesn't feel as hard and stressful. He also allowed me to balance fun with education and he makes me look forward to English class everyday," Olivia Zellers

Stay updated on our progress with funds from the bond passed in May 2023 by using this checklist! We appreciate your continued support of our students, our schools, and our community.

by Lily Finnigan

Before the winter break, Dryden High School alumni came to speak with the seniors about their experiences leaving Dryden and starting school in a new place. They spoke about the differences, what they liked and disliked, and gave us some tips to use when we move on from Dryden.

When talking about college and high school, there are many differences. When the alumni came and spoke to us, I learned one of the biggest differences is how it is structured. You have to have discipline to be able to go to class daily and spend time doing your work. In high school, you have to go to class and get most of your work done in class. In college, it is almost the complete opposite. Another difference is many live on campus while in college. The alumni told us that dorms were a hard thing to get used to. We were told there would be people having parties late into the night while you were trying to sleep for your early class.

Along with the differences, they told us about what they liked in college. They said although it is hard to get used to the new schedule, it is nice because it gives you more independence and allows you to choose what you do with your time. They did let us know that we would probably be sick for almost the entire semester and we could get stuck with some very bad roommates.

While most of the conversation was about telling us what to expect, they also gave us advice. One of the biggest things was to stick with it. If you decide to take a gap year, don’t make it an excuse to not go back to school, and if you don’t take a gap year, make sure you come back after the break. Starting school was tough for all of them, but they made sure to let us know that we can always reach out to them if we need it.

In conclusion, the DHS alumni speakers were a great group to learn from. I think it was a very good way to end the semester. Getting experiences from people we know was good to hear because we got it from people who were our classmates for years rather than hearing it from the same people all the time. They talked about the differences, what they liked and disliked, and gave us some tips to use when we move on from Dryden. I am thankful they came in to talk to us especially because after the new year, everything hit that this is it.

Editor's Note: Senior Seminar students concluded their semester course by listing what they wish parents knew about graduating seniors and their final year of high school. We'll feature their ideas here.

by Hope Wilcox

1. THEIR ACTIONS AFFECT MY LIFE TOO.

Everything you do and say makes a bigger impact than you might realize. I look up to you for everything. It's okay to make mistakes, but please try to set the best example for me so when I'm alone in my dorm and don't know what to do, I can think of the things I’ve learned from you.

2. BE MORE UNDERSTANDING WHEN I WANT TO HAVE FUN.

There is no need to huff and puff when I ask to go to the basketball game. My senior year is going to be filled with experiences I will never be able to get back. So don't make it a big deal when I would rather go hang out with my friends than sit at home alone in my room.

3. TELLING ME I NEED TO DO SOMETHING IS DIFFERENT THAN GUIDING ME TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE.

With all the pressure to make the right decision, the last thing I need to be is scolded on what to do. I want you to guide me through the good and bad so I can make the right choice, not just be told I need to do something with no explanation.

4. DON’T FORCE ME TO HAVE A CONVERSATION I’M NOT READY FOR.

I'm already stressed enough, and an interrogation about what I want to major in or what college I want to go to isn't going to make me feel any better. If I want to talk to you about something, let me come to you first. Don't bombard me with 10 million questions I don't quite have the answers to myself during the car ride home. It will only make me want to talk about it less and less.

5. SUPPORT ME.

At this time in my life, I am about to be entering a new chapter. I need you more than anything right now. So don't just act like my mother and my father. Be my mom and dad. Sometimes, I just need you to hold my hand and tell me everything's going to be okay.

6. TALK TO ME ABOUT FINANCES. IT’S NOT SOME BIG SCANDALOUS SECRET.

Money can be a tough topic sometimes. When it comes to college, finances are one of the most important things. Being able to have an open conversation about things we can and can't afford, or things we should and shouldn't do, is extremely crucial.

7. REMEMBER THIS IS MY FUTURE. NOT YOURS.

As much as you wish you were, I'm the one who is still 17, not you. The things I want to do, the places I want to go, and the decisions I make will shape my future, not yours. So when you give me advice, don't base it off things that you would do; base it on what you think will give me the best outcome.

8. BE PATIENT.

I'm not leaving for college tomorrow. Though it might not feel like it, and it's good to be prepared, there is still so much time. So be patient because not every form, file, scholarship, and application has to be done today. Enjoy the amount of time you have left while I still live under your roof.

9. TRUST ME.

Though I may not act like it, I'm not an idiot. I know how to do my laundry, navigate a city, cook for myself, make a dentist appointment, lock my doors, and be all right alone. Just have faith in me.

10. I love you :)

I know this time in life may be hard, but I'm so grateful for you. Going to college doesn't mean I'm leaving forever. I still want you to call to tell me about the drama at work, text me good night, and all the other things that may not be a big deal to you but mean the world to me. This doesn’t mean smother me either lol. I love you.

Matthew Hickmott is a senior, and he has been going to Dryden for all of his life. His favorite thing about is “the rural part of it, how everyone likes to help out everyone.” Matthew is in Cross Country, Track and Field, and Bowling. After high school, Matthew’s plans are to “Do my 13th year, hopefully get my associate's degree, then go to the police academy and hopefully they pay for it," so his dream career is to become a police officer. In Matthew’s free time, he likes to play racing car video games.

by Lily Finnigan

At Hideway Lanes, the Dryden bowling team went head to head with Memphis. The boys started with baker games of 192 and 172, giving them the 10 point lead off the bat. Matthew Hickmott would lead the boys with a 211 game. All boys were consistent with a 908 total. Sean Finnigan would have a 188 and 189, and Michael Hickmott with a 192. The boys never looked back and finished with a 28-2 win. Best efforts include the team bakers of 192 and 172, the team game of 908, and Matthew Hickmott with a 211.

The girls would start with a 144 baker game, they struggled making marks in the second game where they got a 104. They were up 6-4 going into the five on five games where they would shoot a 659 first game led by Raeshell Richardson with a 170, however, they lost the game by 8 pins. Kaitlynn Knuth got a 153 in the second five on five, and Josclyn Mohler would get a 121 in her first match.They were able to make a comeback and secured a 16-14 victory. Best efforts include the team baker of 144, Raeshell Richardson with a 170, and Kaitlynn Knuth with a 153.

The boys are now 5-0 conference (6-0 overall), and the girls are 3-0 conference (4-0 overall). This week, the Cardinals will bowl against Memphis again, this time at Strikers.

by Ava DeVlaminck

On Monday, January 8th, the Dryden Varsity Girls Basketball team played against a tough competitor. Although Kingston outranked them once again, with a final score of 69-28, Dryden will learn more tricks for when they compete at Kingston next time. Some highlights throughout the game include Dakota Deel coming through with a 15 point game, Keira Miller putting up 6 as well, Olivia Reynolds and Monica Kucharski with 3 apiece, and Isabella Weier adding 1 to that total.

After that brutal loss on Monday, the girls game back stronger than ever and beat Deckerville 49-42 on Thursday. Contributing to that score was senior Dakota Deel with 15 points. Along with her was Keira Miller adding on 12. Sophia Peter had 7, Olivia Reynolds put up 6, Delaney Wolle came in clutch with 4, Isabella Weier battled her way to 3, and Jalynn Delmotte had 2. Great job to our girls in both games and good luck this week!

by Audrey Napolitano

On Tuesday, January 9th, the Dryden Varsity Boys Basketball team played at home against Kingston High School. Dryden earned a win against Kingston, concluding the game 61-50. Jacob Burgess acquired 25 points. David Insley contributed 11 points. Gianni Coscione landed nine points. Jaylin Taylor secured eight points, and Sonny Coscione obtained six points. Gabe Haick garnered two points. In the second quarter, Jacob Burgess hit a short jumper to give him 1000 points for his career. "He deserved to get to 1000 points. He works very hard." states John DelCampo. "It was a typical Dryden Kingston game. Both teams played hard and it was a good high school basketball game."

On Thursday, January 11th, the Dryden Varsity Boys Basketball team played at home against Deckerville High School. Dryden accomplished a win against Deckerville, 74-53. Jacob Burgess landed 26 points. Gianni Coscione obtained 17 points. Sonny Coscione secured 11 points. Hayden Blair captured six points. Hunter Hughes gained five points. Gabe Haick logged four points. Owen Gall garnered three points. David Insley bagged two points. "We played really well at the start of the game” states John DelCampo "Give Deckerville credit - they played hard all game."

Congratulations on two skillfully won games, boys! Congratulations to Jacob Burgess on joining the 1000 point club! The next Dryden Varsity Boys game will be on Tuesday, January 16th at home against Mayville at 7:30pm. Good luck!

by Lily Finnigan

On the 11th, the JV boys basketball team played against Deckerville. The Cardinals won 46-38. The majority of the points made were from Nick Abromaitis with 10 points, followed by Owen Gall and Brady Schneider with 9 each.

7:15 AM-7:30 AM - Weekly Encouragement Club Meeting

2:30 PM-4:00 PM - Homework Club - Room 133

6:00 PM-9:00 PM - Jv/Varsity Boys Basketball vs Mayville - JV @ 6:00 pm, Varsity @ 7:30 pm

Wear it Wednesday - Ugly Tie Day (HS)

2:30 PM-3:00 PM - Drama Club Meeting - Room 223 - High School

3:30 PM-5:00 PM - Bowling vs Memphis @ Strikers - bus departs @ 2:30 pm - High School

6:00 PM-8:00 PM - 7th/8th grade Boys Basketball vs Akron - games @ 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm

2:30 PM-4:00 PM - Homework Club - Room 133 - High School

6:00 PM-9:00 PM - JV/Varsity Girls Basketball @ Peck - bus departs @ 4:45 pm

6:00 PM-9:00 PM - JV/Varsity Boys Basketball @ Peck - bus departs @ 4:30 pm

Previous Riddle: What is 3/7 chicken, 2/3 cat, and 2/4 goat?

Answer: Chicago!

Winner: Nobody!

Current Riddle: What do you answer even though it never asks you questions?

What do scholars eat when they’re hungry?
Academia nuts.

February 12

March 11

April 8

May 13

June 10

All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m., will be held in the Dryden High School Library, and are open to the public.

Check out the 2023-2024 Dryden Community Schools District Calendar here!

Editor:

Ava DeVlaminck

Reporters:

Lily Finnigan

Audrey Napolitano

Claire Wright

Faculty Advisor:

Ms. Sheryl Czerwinski

Email: Cardinal@drydenschools.org
Website: https://www.drydenschools.org/
Location: Dryden High School, Rochester Road, Dryden, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 796-2266
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drydencommunityschools

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