The Dryden Red and Black

Congratulations to #proudcardinal seniors Caila Fitchett and Cara Prusakiewicz! Members of the Dryden Early College Academy, Caila and Cara graduated Summa Cum Laude on Saturday from Macomb Community College with Associate Degrees in General Studies. They will graduate from Dryden High School in May with their college degrees already in hand.

We’re Hiring!

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

We have openings for:

• Special Education Paraprofessional
• Part-Time Cook
• Crossing Guard

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.

🎉 Support Project Graduation and enter to win delicious prizes in our Meat Raffle sponsored by The Country Market! 🥩🍗🥓

For just $5 per ticket, you could win:
🥇 1st Prize ($475 Value): A huge variety of steaks, chicken, pork, and more to fill your freezer!
🥈 2nd Prize ($200 Value): Ground chuck, sirloins, sausage, whole chickens, ribs & more.
🥉 3rd Prize ($85 Value): Ground chuck, hotdogs, pork steaks, bacon, and more.

📅 Tickets will be drawn on December 19th – just in time for the holidays!

Every ticket purchased helps support our graduating seniors.
👉 To purchase tickets or for more info, contact Ashley at agammon@drydenschools.org.

Thank you for supporting Project Graduation and our students’ futures! ❤️

Calling all future Cardinals!

Do you love basketball? Want to play with your friends and improve your game?

Join Dryden Elementary Boys’ Basketball — Grades 3–6!

Space is limited — register today!

Email: coachdelcampo@aol.com

by Nicklas Abromaitis

On Wednesday, December 3, a speaker from Eastern Michigan came in and talked about the school. This was by far one of my favorite speakers we’ve had. She was very fluent with her information, and she made the presentation interesting. The two things that caught my attention were the new dorms that were built on campus and the location.

Making my college decision, dorms play a big part in it. I want to go to a place that is newer, has a seat, and it’s in a good area. The speaker from Eastern Michigan said that the dorms are in a great area, they’re new, and have everything we’d ever want. She also said there are many around campus, and they’re all super close to each other. I can’t remember if she said they were new this year or last year. But they are still newer, which not only helps me, but also helps other students narrow down where they would like to spend their college academic career.

Now, I didn’t know that Eastern Michigan was so close. Eastern Michigan University is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. That is about an hour or an hour 30 from Dryden. For me, that’s far away enough, but also very close. I would even say that’s the perfect distance for college. She said there are many things to do around there, many places to eat, and it’s not a boring place at all. She didn’t name some of my favorite food restaurants around there. Those include Chick-fil-A and Chipotle. So that really helped me decide if I wanted to keep Eastern Michigan in my thoughts for college.

Overall, the speaker was amazing. She was not boring at all. And she was also very quick with her information. She answered all the questions that we asked her prior to the presentation. I would put Eastern Michigan to my top three schools for where I would like to spend my academic career.

by Kaeleigh Gourieux

On December 5, 2025, Heidi Schall, Director of Admissions and Outreach of Macomb Community College, came to Dryden High School to talk to students about creating a LinkedIn profile and what LinkedIn is. Her presentation was very informative and useful, and she included different activities to give students a more interactive experience.

Heidi first came in by asking us some questions about what we were interested in going into. She also shared with us a paper to write down our answers. Bringing up points such as big companies and how we remember them, for example, the yellow arches is always McDonald's. Asking us about what companies we are loyal to. Most students answered iPhones since no one had an Android, but then she asked us why we liked iPhones more, and made us really think about why we were so loyal to certain companies.

Then we started working on what our profile could look like. Heidi made us write down some of our best qualities that could be looked for in a certain job. Some things I wrote down were creative and hardworking. Even helped us with answering questions about ourselves instead of listing things like a list, turning it into a story. Sharing how your experiences made you the person you are today. She shared with us good examples of profiles and then profiles that employers might not even look at for the way their profile was built, such as irrelevant information, profile pictures, and irrelevant banner pictures.

Heidi’s presentation, I think, was very useful, and I enjoyed the interactive presentation she had that really made me think about myself and how I could promote myself to employers. She was very kind and set a good mood where everyone was participating, which made the experience more interesting. Personally, I will be starting a LinkedIn account and will be taking her advice on setting up my profile!

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

January 21
February 18
March 18
April 15
May 13
June 17

Scan the QR Code for Winter Concessions Sign Up

by Logan Romain

Dominick Cohoon is an eighth-grade student who has been part of the Dryden Schools community for nine years. He is involved in several activities, including Color Me Green, band, drama club, and Junior High Student Council, showing his strong school spirit and willingness to be involved.

Dominick’s favorite thing about Dryden is the small size of the school, which helps create a close-knit environment. Outside of school, he stays active by playing hockey for the 2012 Jr. Metro Jets, and he also enjoys watching and refereeing hockey games.

Looking ahead, Dominick dreams of becoming a video game developer. As he prepares to enter high school, he is especially excited about the opportunity to take EdTech classes. With his enthusiasm for technology, creativity, and school involvement, Dominick is eager for what the future holds.

Introducing Tri-County Voltage Volleyball — Launching 2026!

Get ready to feel the energy… because a brand-new volleyball club is coming to the Tri-County area, and we’re turning up the power in 2026!

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of Tri-County Voltage Volleyball, a fresh, dynamic club built to inspire athletes, develop strong fundamentals, and create a high-energy volleyball community right here at home.

What to Expect in Our First Year:

• Exciting skill-building camps & clinics

• Beginner-friendly programs for new players

• Competitive training sessions for developing athletes

• Specialty camps to level up serving, passing, hitting & more

• A positive, supportive environment with a passion for growth

Whether you’re stepping on the court for the first time or leveling up your game, Voltage Volleyball is here to spark confidence, connection, and FUN. Our first round of camps launches in 2026 — details dropping soon! Be ready… spots will go FAST once registration opens.

Join our email list! - https://lclhhpcx.formester.com/f/GMmFihYov

Let’s build something amazing together!

by Claire Wright

Why is everyone thirsty at the North Pole?

No well.

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:

A dog crosses the river without getting wet, and without using a bridge or boat. How?

The river is frozen!

There were no correct answers submitted.

This week's riddle:

You have me today, Tomorrow you'll have more

As your time passes, I'm not easy to store

I don't take up space, But I'm only in one place

I am what you saw, But not what you see

What Am I?

Submit your answer below for a shoutout next week!

On Thursday at the Paul Grondin Tournament in Dryden, Dryden faced Capac in tournament play. In the first quarter, Dryden jumped out to an early lead with 17 points while Capac followed with 13. In the second quarter, Dryden extended the lead by scoring 24 points as Capac was held to just 3. During the third quarter, Dryden added 18 points with Capac responding with 21. In the fourth quarter, Dryden closed out the game with 16 points while Capac finished with 12.

Ultimately, Dryden (2-1) defeated Capac by a final score of 75–49. Dryden advanced to the finals on Friday against Webberville. “When we set our mind to it, we can play very good defense, which carries over for our offense,” said Coach John DelCampo following the win.

For Dryden, Brady Schneider led the way with 18 points; Luke Taylor contributed 14; Gianni Coscione added 13; Jax Morley finished with 11; Nick Abromaitis scored 9; Hayden Blair chipped in 5; Jayden Stankevich had 3; and Tyler Roberts added 2.

On Friday, in the finals of the Paul Grondin Tournament at Dryden, Dryden faced Webberville. In the first quarter, Dryden took a narrow lead with 20 points while Webberville followed closely with 17. The second quarter saw Webberville pull ahead by scoring 22 points as Dryden added 18. In the third quarter, Dryden recorded 13 points, but Webberville maintained the advantage with 18. In the fourth quarter, Dryden finished with 11 points while Webberville closed out the game with 14. Ultimately, Webberville (5-0) defeated Dryden (2-2) by a final score of 71–62. “Webberville played well and they are a well-coached team. We played hard and played well. Some careless fouls got us in foul trouble and that hurt us,” said Coach John DelCampo following the game.

For Dryden, Luke Taylor led the scoring with 17 points; Brady Schneider added 16; Gianni Coscione contributed 15; Hayden Blair scored 5; Jax Morley had 4; Jayden Stankevich added 3; and Nick Abromaitis and Tyler Roberts each finished with 1 point.

Dryden Bowling opened its 2025–26 season at Hideaway Lanes with a strong showing from both the boys and girls teams. The boys came out hot, winning the first Baker game by four pins and the second by 15 to jump out to a 10–0 lead. Ian Tresnak rolled his first-ever 200 game in varsity competition, finishing with a 207, while Nick Abromaitis added a 199 to lead the scoring early. Dryden held a 16–3 advantage heading into the final games, where Logan Romain (188) and Abromaitis (203) helped seal the night. With team games of 808 and 802, the boys won both games for a 25–5 victory, moving to 1–0 in conference play in what was a complete team effort.

The girls squad also took the lanes with two athletes making their first varsity starts, showing energy and positivity throughout the night. While the girls dropped both Baker games and both regular games, the effort and enthusiasm stood out. Chloe DeLoy led the team with a 141 and earned both of her individual points. Penelope Spencer tied a game and picked up a half point in her first varsity meet. The girls fell 27.5–2.5, but team morale, celebration of small wins, and constant positivity highlighted a promising group.

The Dryden Girls came up short in their contest with Sandusky , Dryden 3 and Sandusky 34. They had a strong finish against Peck, Dryden 13 and Peck 7. Great job, girls!

Attendance matters in athletics because teams depend on one another to be present, prepared, and committed. Being at school, practices, and games is not just about individual participation—it’s about fairness to teammates who are counting on each other to train together, compete together, and improve together. When athletes consistently attend practices and games, it builds trust, strengthens teamwork, and ensures everyone is contributing equally to the program.

To participate in a practice or contest on a given day, student-athletes must be in school for at least the last three class periods, unless a pre-arranged excused absence has been approved through the main office. Just as important, athletes are expected to attend all scheduled practices and games unless they have communicated in advance with their coach. Practices are where preparation, strategy, and conditioning happen—missing them impacts not only the individual athlete, but the entire team. Athletes are also expected to be on time and in school for the full day following a game. Unexcused absences from practices or contests may result in reduced playing time or suspension, not as punishment, but to uphold fairness, responsibility, and commitment to teammates.

Our student-athletes learn that showing up matters. With your support, we can continue to teach responsibility, commitment, and respect through athletics.

• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM – SRO Meeting (Room 225)
• 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – FCA Meetings (Library/Room 225/Room 332)
• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JH Girls Basketball at Mayville (Bus departs 4:30 PM)
• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JV/V Boys Basketball vs Richmond (JV at 6:00 PM, V at 7:15 PM)

• 7:10 AM - 7:25 AM - Weekly Encouragement (Library)

• 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – Color Me Green (Room 153)

• 2:30 PM–4:00 PM – Creative Writing Club (Room 226)

• 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – FCA Meetings (Library)

• 4:00 PM–7:00 PM – Varsity Bowling at Charmont in Cass City (Bus departs 2:00 PM)

• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JV/V Boys Basketball at Genesee Christian (JV at 5:30 PM, V at 7:45 PM; Bus departs 4:30 PM)

• All Day: Wear it Wednesday (HS) - Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

• 7:25 AM–10:35 AM – Exams / 1⁄2 Day for Dryden High School

• 7:00 PM–8:00 PM – Athletic Boosters Meeting (Library)

• 7:25 AM–10:35 AM – Exams/ 1⁄2 Day – Dryden High School

• 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – The Theater Kids Club (Band Room)

• 3:45 PM–7:00 PM – Varsity Bowling at Caro (Brentwood) (Bus departs 2:20 PM)

• 6:30 PM–7:30 PM – Weight Room Training/Workouts

• 7:25 AM–10:35 AM – Exams/1⁄2 Day – Dryden High School

• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JV/V Boys Basketball at Oakland Christian (JV at 6:00 PM, V at 7:15 PM)

January 12

February 9

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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