The Dryden Red and Black
October 20, 2025
by Chloe DeLoy
On Friday last week, David Clayton from Face Addiction Now came to share his story with us. Face Addiction Now is based in Clinton Township and is an organization that helps people and the families of people who have been affected by addiction. David helps with harm reduction, which he explained to us as providing clean and sterile resources for people who are struggling with addiction. He said that some people are going to use substances no matter what, and it is better if they have clean materials instead of getting infections or possibly passing away from unsanitary ones.
David had a very moving story. He shared how his substance abuse problem started, how it affected his life at the time, how he got out of it, and how it still affects him to this day. He told us that at first, he started it for fun, but after a while, he was drinking and doing drugs to hide the pain. David also told us that the first day he stopped using was the day he thought he was going to die. This was really jarring to hear. Most of the time, when I hear about people who have gotten sober, it’s because they want to change their lives, but with David, it was because he was facing 6 years in prison. He was picked up in a drug raid, and instead of going to prison, he went to rehab.
I think it is amazing and truly very helpful for David and others who have gotten sober to be able to share their stories. As teenagers, we tend to have the mindset that those things aren’t going to affect us like that, but it can happen to anyone. It is so important that people, especially teenagers and young adults, hear about how addiction can impact them, and maybe it would allow them to think twice before drinking or using drugs. It can really ruin someone’s life. The only question I did not get to ask was, How can we get involved? Other than administering Narcan, how can people help those who are struggling with addiction?
David’s story really opened my eyes. Addiction is everywhere, and it can affect anyone. I want to get involved and help people who are struggling with addictions in any way that I can. I really appreciate that we can have speakers like this, and we are able to learn about things that happen in the world that we should be prepared for.
Michigan State University
by Caila Fitchett
On Tuesday, Justice Fowler, a representative from Michigan State University (MSU), visited our school to talk about the university. MSU is located in East Lansing, Michigan, and is known for its strong focus on student success both inside and outside the classroom. What I liked most about the presentation was how much MSU seems to care about students as whole people, not just academically. I appreciated that the school emphasizes building connections, exploring interests, and preparing for life beyond college. I also liked hearing about all the different ways students can get involved on campus, from clubs and organizations to leadership programs, because it seems like there’s something for everyone. The representative made it clear that MSU is a place where students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow in many aspects of life.
Justice shared several key points that highlight what makes MSU stand out. One impressive statistic is that 93% of MSU graduates secure employment, continue their education, or engage in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. This reflects the university's commitment to preparing students for life after college. MSU also offers substantial financial support. Approximately 80% of students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. This assistance helps make higher education more accessible to a diverse student body. In terms of campus involvement, MSU boasts over 1,000 registered student organizations. These organizations provide students with opportunities to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and engage in various activities that enrich their college experience.
After hearing about MSU, I felt excited about the idea of attending a school that focuses on both personal and professional development. The combination of strong academics, real-world opportunities, and a vibrant campus community made me feel that MSU could be a place where I could learn, explore, and build meaningful experiences that would help me succeed in the future.
by Claire Wright
Why did the volleyball team go to the bank?
Because they wanted to get their net worth!
by Cara Prusakiewicz
The Dryden Cross Country team had an outstanding performance at the BTC Blue/Red Championship in Harbor Beach last Wednesday, taking 1st place overall in the combined boys and girls results!
In Girls Varsity, Cara Prusakiewicz led the team with a 2nd place finish in 20:02.26, followed by Claire Wright in 5th (21:06.80), Ella Gustner in 6th (22:03.04), Lilyana Lasher in 12th (23:57.00), and Caila Fitchett in 16th (25:26.63).
For Boys Varsity, Logan Romain captured 1st place with a time of 17:34.61. He was joined by Levi Fitchett in 5th (18:32.79), Brenden Peter in 8th (19:01.91), Jaycen Roberts in 10th (19:11.65), Dylan Lasher in 12th (19:50.71), and Tyler Roberts in 14th (19:53.77).
Congratulations to all the runners for an incredible team effort and a well-deserved championship win!
by Claire Wright
The Dryden girls volleyball team lost in three sets: 12-25, 14-25, 29-31. Kayla Lapka served 13 points. Mallory Barker 10 points, 1 ace. Karley Phillips 10 points. Mckinley Gammon 7 points. Claire Wright 5 points, 1 ace. Molly Wilkey 4 points. Claire Wright and Karley Phillips each had 10 digs. Mallory Barker 6 digs. Molly Wilkey 4 digs. Hailey Messerschmitt 1 dig. Olivia Zellers had 3 kills. Mckinley Gammon 2 kills. Mallory Barker 1 kill. Zellers, Gammon, and Barker each had 1 block. Molly Wilkey had 4 assists. Kayla Lapka 3 assists.
The Dryden JV volleyball team lost to Mayville in two sets: 13-25, 13-25. Elaina Yatros had 5 digs, Molly Wilkey 2, Bella Blatt 1, and Molly Miller 1. Aubrey Joseph, Molly Wilkey, and Bella Blatt each recorded 2 assists. Wilkey and Blatt each had 1 ace. Elaina Yatros and Angelina Urick each had 2 kills, while Bella Blatt added 1.
The Dryden varsity volleyball team fell to Mayville in four sets: 13-25, 13-25, 25-22, 10-25. Mallory Barker led with 15 points served, followed by Kayla Lapka with 10 and 2 aces. Mckinley Gammon added 8, Karley Phillips 7, Hailey Messerschmitt 3, Caila Fitchett 2, and Olivia Zellers 2. Barker also led with 9 digs, Phillips had 8, Lapka 5, and Messerschmitt 4. Barker recorded 7 kills, Gammon 6, Zellers and Phillips each had 3, while Fitchett, Lapka, and Messerschmitt each added 1. No blocks were recorded. Lapka and Fitchett each had 9 assists, with Barker and Zellers adding 1 each.
by Logan Romain
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Dryden JH Cross Country team went to the Big Thumb Conference Blue/Red League Meet hosted by Deckerville. On the boys’ side, Sullivan Brown earned 8th place, 14:37.6, which is a new Personal Record. On the girls’ side, Holly Willson recorded 21th place, 16:50.1, which is a new Personal Record. Eliniah Fitchett registered 22nd place, 16:50.3.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Dryden JH Cross Country team went to the Dryden Cardinal Classic hosted by Dryden. On the boys’ side, Sullivan Brown marked 15th place, 13:53.0, which is a new Personal Record. On the girls’ side, Holly Willson landed 4th place, 16:22.5, which is a new Personal Record. Eliniah Fitchett turned in 5rth place, 16:24.36.
The Team
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