The Dryden Red and Black

Staff members at Dryden High School recently selected students from each grade level to be recognized as our February Students of the Month! As part of our schoolwide partnership with the Positivity Project—now in its fourth year at DHS—February’s character focus was Humility. These students were nominated for demonstrating a quiet strength, a willingness to put others first, and the ability to celebrate success without seeking the spotlight.

7th Grade: Bailey Johnson
8th Grade: Meenah Mohler
9th Grade: Willow DuBuis
10th Grade: Levi Fitchett
11th Grade: Logan Korth
12th Grade: Madilyn Thorman

Each honoree received a congratulatory letter from Principal Mary Finnigan, a “front-of-the-line” cafeteria pass, a Dryden High School Student of the Month keychain, and—most importantly—our sincere appreciation and congratulations. We are proud of these students for modeling humility and helping make DHS a positive and supportive place to learn and grow.

#proudcardinal families — we invite you to join us for Parent-Teacher Conferences at Dryden High School!

Thursday, March 12, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 P.M.
No appointment necessary

This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers, discuss your student’s progress, ask questions, and partner together for continued success. We look forward to welcoming you and working together to support our #proudcardinal​ students!

Dryden High School is proud to announce that senior Caila Fitchett has been named one of just 500 National Semi-Finalists in the prestigious Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship competition.

The MVS Scholarship program recognizes high school seniors across the United States for their leadership, service, academic achievement, and financial need. As a National Semi-Finalist, Caila has secured a $4,000 scholarship award and now advances in consideration for one of the Top 20 national awards of $30,000.

Caila graduates as the Class of 2026 Salutatorian with a 4.0 GPA. During high school, she earned an Associate of General Studies degree from Macomb Community College, graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She has served as President of the National Honor Society, Vice President of Student Council, President of Spanish Club, Captain of the Indoor Track Club, Editor of The Dryden Red and Black, and Co-Founder and Huddle Leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

An accomplished multi-sport athlete, Caila has competed in varsity track and field, cross country, soccer, volleyball, and bowling, earning multiple MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, All-Conference honors, Academic All-State recognition, state qualifications, school records, and team leadership awards. She is also a recipient of the Horatio Alger Scholarship and the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award. Caila plans to pursue a psychology degree while continuing her track and field career at Hope College.

“Caila represents the very best of Dryden,” said Kimberly Fleming, counselor at Dryden High School. “Her academic discipline, leadership across multiple organizations, and genuine commitment to serving others set her apart. Being named a National Semi-Finalist in such a competitive scholarship program is a testament to her character and work ethic.”

To advance in the competition, Caila must complete a comprehensive Semi-Finalist application that includes new essays, a teacher evaluation, and financial documentation. Finalists will be announced later this spring, with the Top 20 students invited to attend the Elks Leadership Weekend in Chicago.

Mary Finnigan, Principal of Dryden High School and Superintendent of Dryden Community Schools, praised Caila’s achievement. “We are incredibly proud of Caila and the example she sets for younger students,” said Finnigan. “Her dedication to academic excellence, leadership, athletics, and community involvement embodies the strength of our school community. This national recognition from the Elks National Foundation highlights not only Caila’s accomplishments, but also the supportive environment that helps our students thrive.”

The Elks National Foundation awards 500 four-year scholarships annually through the Most Valuable Student program, with awards ranging from $4,000 to $30,000. Scholarship recipients are selected based on scholarship, leadership, service, and financial need, and must plan to attend a four-year college or university in the United States.

Friday, May 15, 2026, has changed from a full day of school to a half day of school at Dryden High School ONLY.

Dryden High School will host the MHSAA Track and Field Regional 39 meet at Stremler Field on May 15. The event begins at noon. Because some members of the high school staff volunteer at the meet, many students participate or spectate, and the parking lot will be needed for visitors, Dryden High School only will have a half day of school, dismissing at 10:35 a.m.

We’re Hiring!

Dryden Community Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team!

If you’re passionate about supporting students and making a difference in our schools, we’d love to hear from you!

Call (810) 796-2201, (810)796-2266, or apply online below.

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.

Dryden Athletic Booster Meetings

March 18
April 15
May 13
June 17

by Claire Wright

Why is a life as a bee so hard?

It's hard to sur-hive.

Attention #proudcardinal Class of 2026 Parents:
If you're looking for a great way to honor your 2026 graduate, consider purchasing a Recognition Ad in this year's yearbook. A 1/4 page ad costs $80. There are several formats from which to choose. Here are some examples from last year's yearbook. A limited number of ads are available and are sold on a "first come - first served" basis. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Palmerini at bpalmerini@drydenschools.org.

Last week's riddle:

First, think of the color of the clouds. Next, think of the color of snow. Now, think of the color of a bright, full moon. Now, answer quickly: What do cows drink? Water!

Congratulations, Ella Gustner! You were the first to submit the correct answer.

This week's riddle:

You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy. What am I?

Submit your answer below for a shoutout next week!

As we officially close the book on another winter sports season, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how much there is to be grateful for in Dryden athletics.

High school sports are about far more than wins and losses. They are about people—many of whom give far more than they ever receive in return.

First and foremost, I am grateful for our coaches. They dedicate countless hours—early mornings, late nights, weekends away from family—for pay that never truly reflects the time, preparation, and emotional investment required. They shoulder criticism when teams fall short, yet often receive little recognition when teams succeed. Their impact goes well beyond the scoreboard. They mentor, teach resilience, build character, and invest deeply in our student-athletes. That matters.

I am also incredibly grateful for our officials. Without referees and game officials, there are no contests. Period. They step into loud gyms and intense environments, often absorbing frustration from fans and coaches alike, simply to ensure our athletes have the opportunity to compete. Their professionalism keeps our programs running, and they deserve our respect.

To our parents—thank you. Thank you for the countless trips to and from practice. Thank you for long road trips on winter nights. Thank you for making sure your child is fed between school, practice, and games. Thank you for the emotional support you provide after tough losses and big wins alike. Your commitment makes participation possible.

Behind the scenes, there are many who rarely get recognized but are essential to every event we host. Our custodial and maintenance teams prepare gyms, set up equipment, clean facilities, and often stay late to ensure everything is ready for the next day. Our bus drivers safely navigate long, cold trips in less-than-ideal weather so our teams can represent Dryden on the road. Their work is steady, quiet, and invaluable.

To our boosters—thank you for running concessions, organizing support, and continually finding ways to enhance our programs. The equipment, uniforms, and added opportunities our athletes enjoy are often made possible because of your generosity and effort.

And finally, to our athletes—thank you. Thank you for the early workouts, the extra reps, the film sessions, and the willingness to compete day in and day out. Thank you for representing Dryden Community Schools with pride. You are the reason all of this exists.

Athletics in a small community like ours is not built by one person or one team. It is built by an entire network of people who believe in our kids. I am deeply grateful for the way our Dryden community continues to show up, support one another, and invest in something bigger than themselves.

As we turn the page to spring sports, that same commitment continues. New seasons bring new opportunities, new challenges, and new moments to grow. I look forward to seeing our community rally once again—on the track, on the field, and on the diamond—supporting our athletes with the same pride and passion that define Dryden.

Winter may be over, but the gratitude—and the work—continue.

On Monday, February 23, 2026, at districts hosted by Beecher High School, Dryden High School faced Mayville High School in postseason action. In the first quarter, Dryden took an early advantage with 16 points while Mayville followed with 10. In the second quarter, Dryden added 7 points as Mayville stayed close with 8. In the third quarter, Dryden extended the lead by scoring 14 points and holding Mayville to 7. In the fourth quarter, Dryden finished strong with 19 points while Mayville added 9. Ultimately, Dryden (16-7) defeated Mayville (11-12) with a final score of 56-34. “We started out slowly and Mayville was ready to play,” said Coach John DelCampo. For Dryden, Gianni Coscione snagged 23 points; Luke Taylor contributed 18; Rowan Handley added 9; Jax Morley chipped in 4; Tyler Roberts scored 2.

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at districts hosted by Beecher High School, Dryden High School faced New Life Christian Academy in postseason action. In the first quarter, Dryden jumped out to an early lead with 18 points while NLCA followed with 7. In the second quarter, Dryden added 13 points as NLCA responded with 15. In the third quarter, Dryden extended its advantage by scoring 14 points while holding NLCA to 13. In the fourth quarter, Dryden secured the victory with 18 points as NLCA added 13. Ultimately, Dryden (17-7) defeated New Life Christian Academy (15-5) with a final score of 63-48. For Dryden, Gianni Coscione snagged 23 points; Luke Taylor contributed 15; Hayden Blair added 9; Brady Schneider scored 6; Jax Morley chipped in 5; Tyler Roberts added 2; Rowan Handley scored 1.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, at the district finals hosted by Beecher High School, Dryden High School faced longtime rival Kingston High School. In the first quarter, Dryden took an early edge with 15 points while Kingston followed with 13. In the second quarter, Kingston gained momentum by scoring 15 points as Dryden added 11. In the third quarter, Kingston continued to push ahead with 15 points while Dryden scored 12. In the fourth quarter, Kingston closed out the game with 19 points while Dryden added 14. Ultimately, Kingston (14-10) defeated Dryden (17-8) with a final score of 62-52. "It was a three-point game with two minutes remaining, but Dryden committed a turnover on a fast-break layup that shifted the momentum," reflected Coach John DelCampo. “We played hard. We had a few defensive lapses that really hurt us,” he added. “I am very proud of this team. We came a long way this season.” For Dryden, Gianni Coscione snagged 15 points; Brady Schneider contributed 13; Luke Taylor added 9; Hayden Blair scored 6; Rowan Handley added 4; Tyler Roberts chipped in 3; Jax Morley scored 2.

• 7:10 AM - 7:25 AM - Weekly Encouragement Club (Library)
• 2:30 PM–4:00 PM – Creative Writing Club
• 2:30 PM–4:30 PM – Drama Club Rehearsal

• All Day: Wear it Wednesday (HS) - March is Reading Month (Book/Character/Words to Read Day)
• 2:30 PM–4:30 PM – Drama Club Rehearsal
• 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – FCA Meetings
• 6:30 PM–7:30 PM – Weight Room Training/Workouts

• 7:30 AM–7:45 AM – NHS Meeting
• 2:30 PM–4:30 PM – Drama Club Rehearsal
• 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – The Theater Kids Club
• 6:30 PM–7:30 PM – Weight Room Training/Workouts

• 7:30 AM–2:00 PM – NHS Blood Drive

March 9

April 13

May 11

June 8

July 13

August 10

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

Faculty Advisors:

Ms. Sheryl Czerwinski & Mrs. Breanne Palmerini

Editors:

Caila Fitchett & Cara Prusakiewicz

Reporters:

Logan Romain & Claire Wright

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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