Au Gres-Sims Families,
Congratulations to the Class of 2025, who on Friday night graduated from Au Gres-Sims. As has been tradition, below is the graduation address that I shared with our seniors.
Tonight we celebrate the achievements of the senior class of Au Gres-Sims. This night is the culmination of thirteen years of schooling and is a celebration of the young men and women sitting before us, but it is also a tribute to the work of each person in our bleachers and the many others who provided guidance along each of these graduates’ journeys. Earning a high school diploma is not an independent endeavor, rather it involves the help and support of many people to get each one of these graduates across the stage. On behalf of our graduating seniors I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the community of people who share in this accomplishment. It takes a village to raise a child – not just parents and family, but teachers, coaches, counselors, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, neighbors, and mentors. Every interaction shapes a child’s path, and together, we create the environment where learning and character take root. The graduates sitting before you today did not get here on their own and though we celebrate them individually, we are also celebrating each other for their achievement.
Seniors, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that this is your first high school graduation ceremony. I’ve lost track of how many of these I’ve been a part of, but I can say with confidence that this is the 5th time I’ve delivered a graduation welcome address here at AGS. It would be really easy for me to recycle my words from one of those previous speeches or to ask an AI bot to generate something, yet each year I put myself through the pure misery of writing out a new message, one that I hope lands with our graduates. I do this because you deserve it, because each graduating class of students has their own identity and unique characteristics.
Beverly Sills, an American opera singer once said, “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going,” and that is something I firmly believe. I also believe in the proverb that “What comes easy won’t last and what lasts won’t come easy.” You’ve probably experienced this yourself during your schooling at Au Gres-Sims; struggling at times to grasp new content, only to feel the exuberance of breaking through that learning barrier and coming out stronger on the other side.
After tonight you will head off to college or trade school, join the military or the workforce, and forever move on from these hallowed halls. Regardless of the next step in your journey, though, you all have more within you to give. There are hopes, dreams, stories, and ideas within each of you that are screaming to be let out. They don’t all need to be let out at once, and some of those thoughts surely need more development before they are ready for the world, but let out they should be in due time. The problem that I see is an affliction that is becoming too commonplace in the world today, waiting for the “right time”. All around us there seems to be this paralysis by analysis, the mindset that today is not the day and that I’ll get to it later.
In The War of Art, author Steven Pressfield reflected on living by writing, “We don’t tell ourselves, I’m never going to write my symphony. Instead we say, I’m going to write my symphony, I’m just going to start tomorrow.” What he means by symphony is that there is greatness within all of us that needs development and attention, and if nurtured properly has the potential to be an amazing contribution to society. The problem, however, is the tomorrows start piling up, they build momentum, and they become a force of resistance that can prevent those symphonies from being heard.
Graduates of the Class of 2025, you all have a metaphorical song within you, a symphony that is waiting to be written and the time to put pen to paper is now, today, this moment. Benjamin Franklin said, “Don’t put off to tomorrow what can be done today,” and I implore you to make each day intentional, to not waste your todays by stacking your tomorrows.
To be sure, whether crafting a graduation speech, or composing the symphony of your life, the path will not always be easy. But as Seneca said, “To bear trials with a calm mind robs misfortune of its strength and burden.” No amount of planning will ever be sufficient to prepare you for what life will bring. Perfection is an illusion, and the pursuit of it is a fruitless endeavor that has stifled the creativity and paralyzed the progress of too many people. There is no way to see into the future, to predict every detail and even if there were, would you really want to deprive yourself of the opportunity to experience it firsthand? Life is not as picturesque and staged as social media would like you to believe and there will be plenty of ups and downs on your journey.
You will make mistakes, but you must live life through your actions. There are a lot of people that sit around and talk about what they want to do, then lament their regrets later in life. Think about all the minutes that you’ve spent on your phone, endlessly scrolling celebrity clickbait or social media posts, or playing games, things you’ve chalked up to killing time or relaxing. According to Seneca “Life is long if you know how to use it,” but I have to ask, are you taking advantage of the time you have? You are all young and healthy now, but no one truly knows how much time they have. I encourage you to be present in body and mind, to anchor yourself in the moment, and to make the most of the time you have; not thinking about life, but living it, experiencing it.
High school graduation is the culminating event of many years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth. It is an accomplishment for sure, but this is not the end of the road, this is not your destination. This is a moment to be applauded and celebrated, but it should be thought of as a mere milestone. There is still a song within you and I speak for everyone in this gymnasium when I say that we would all like to hear yours.
There is no such thing as “one right way,” or even “the best way,” but I would argue that putting off that symphony, waiting until tomorrow is the wrong way. A popular political phrase from 1960’s France expresses this thought eloquently, “vivre sans temps mort,” which translates to “live without wasted time,” and means to live life to the fullest without any breaks or downtime.
In this life you will receive what you put into it, and this has been the case for a very long time. Thousands of years ago Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius stated, “You get what you deserve. Instead of being a good person today, you choose instead to become one tomorrow.” It is reminders like this from history that reveal that delaying action for tomorrow is a condition of being human, one that has challenged people for thousands of years.
Graduates, though we celebrate and rejoice with you today, tomorrow you will begin a new chapter in your life. The diploma that you are about to receive is evidence that you have the knowledge and skills to get started, are you ready? It is one thing to say you are going to do something, it is another to actually do it. Are you ready to ignore the noise, to eliminate the distractions, and to shut out the ignorant and opinionated voices that get in your way. Are you ready to take action in your life? Are you ready to establish your tune and create your symphony?
Seniors, I commend and congratulate you on what you have accomplished in earning your diploma from Au Gres-Sims. When you leave here, as AGS alumni I hope you carry the lessons that you have learned in our classrooms and halls and that I have shared with you tonight. I hope you go out into the world focusing your attention on the present moment, on what you can do today. I hope you ignore the allure of tomorrow and instead pour yourself into each and every day. I hope you consider the words of Peter Marshall who said, “Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” I hope that those small actions drive you to keep learning and growing and that you become the person you were meant to be. I hope that you make the most of the time you have and keep composing the songs of your life. And I hope that we all get to enjoy your symphony, the person that you become.
Class of 2025, you are strong and wise. Now is the time to get started on your symphony and to show us just how great you can be.
From the Desk of Mr. Zeien
Semester assessments/exams are taking place this Wednesday and Thursday, June 4 and 5. These are given at the high school level, while middle school typically gives some type of assessment, but of lesser value. For end of semester grades, each marking period will constitute 40% of the semester grade, while the final semester assessment/exam constitutes 20%. If a student achieves a grade of “A” (94% and above) for both marking periods AND the student ranks in the 60th percentile or higher on the most recent NWEA (fall score for 1st semester and spring score for 2nd semester), the teacher is given the opportunity to exempt the student from exams if they choose. This applies to Juniors and Seniors for both semesters, and Freshmen and Sophomores in the 2nd Semester. All Freshman and Sophomores are required to take exams at the end of the first semester. If the student is exempted, the grade provided to the student will be the percentage averaged together for the two marking periods. The student must have a passing grade in at least 2 of the 3 components ((2 marking period grades and 1 exam grade) with a 60% overall average to enable a teacher to issue a passing grade.
There are some Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camps going on this summer at the Riverside Park in Au Gres on June 25 and 26. Some of the topics include knot tying, tackle crafting, stopping aquatic invasive species, angler ethics, and fishing in general. The cost is $40 and this is open to kids ages 8-12. To register, go to bit.ly/SB4HFC or if you have any questions contact Missy LeFever at 989-846-4111 or lefever8@msu.edu.
Summer is almost here! That also means that so is the preparation for Fall sports! To prepare for this, we will be hosting a Fall Sports Roundup on Thursday, June 5, in the Main Gym. For our high school students, Fall sports (volleyball for girls and football/soccer for guys) begins on Monday, August 11. For middle school students, Fall sports (volleyball for girls and football for guys) begins on August 25. Please remember that in order to participate in practice you must have a physical that was issued since April 15. By MHSAA regulations, high school students must also pass 67% of their classes from this current semester. If students don’t achieve this goal they would need to take a summer credit recovery class(es) to achieve this goal. Stay tuned as I’m sure your Fall coaches will be reaching out to you shortly with summer opportunities.
The Dore Corporation/Jerky Outlet has been a great supporter of the Au Gres-Sims School District. From June 1, 2025, through August 31, 2025, the Dore Corporation is running a promotion called, “Pump for a Cause”. During this time period a portion of your fuel purchases at 19 E. Huron Road in Omer at a specifically marked dispenser (with wolverine logo) will go directly toward supporting the Au Gres-Sims School District. During this campaign, customers inside the store will also have the option to “round up” their purchase to contribute even more. Thank you for fueling up and supporting the Au Gres-Sims School District!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
As we enter our final days, I wanted to share a major change in the way we are handling summer school moving forward. High school students who fail classes during the school year must make that credit up for graduation. Attached here is our student handbook that covers graduation requirements. It is located on page 23. If a student is eligible for summer school with at least a 45% as their final grade, they will be eligible to attend in-person for up to 12 days during the month of June to earn back their credit. Total time required will be determined and shared to families when students receive their eligibility letter. If a student chooses not to participate in summer school, they will be placed back in the class they failed to repeat the semester needed. Students who fail below a 45% will automatically be placed back into the class they failed as they have not demonstrated the content knowledge to move forward into summer school to earn credit. We feel this change will benefit our students and better prepare them for the following year as taking online courses for credit recovery does not allow them to learn from an in-person instructor.
All parents in grades 9-11 received an email through Skyward on May 29th with a flyer containing information regarding summer school. We encourage all parents to reach out if they have any questions and to check your student’s grade to know whether or not they will pass all of their classes.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
Summer Learning Series - Week 3: Outdoor Exploration—Science Is Everywhere!
Nature is the best science lab! Summer is a perfect time to get outdoors, ask questions, and make discoveries. Whether you visit a park, your backyard, or the beach, encourage your child to explore like a scientist.
Ways to Explore Science Outdoors:
Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Look for birds, bugs, plants, or animal tracks.
Observe the sky. Track the weather, watch the clouds, or stargaze at night.
Collect and sort. Gather rocks, leaves, or flowers and sort them by size, color, or type.
Start a nature journal. Draw or write about what you see, hear, and feel while outside.
Build something. Use sticks, rocks, or recycled materials to build a structure and test its strength.
Family Challenge:
Spend 30 minutes outside exploring with all five senses—what can you see, hear, smell, feel, or (safely) taste in nature?
Mrs. Cardinal's Weekly Update
High school graduation can bring about a mix of emotions, often layered and complex. Here’s a breakdown of some common feelings that students may experience. Talking to our students about expressing their emotions is natural and no matter how they are feeling to embrace those feelings as this event only happens once in their lives.
Positive Emotions
Pride – A sense of accomplishment after years of hard work.
Relief – The end of tests, assignments, and school routines.
Excitement – Anticipation for the next chapter (college, career, new adventures).
Happiness – Joy in celebrating with friends, family, and classmates.
Freedom – Feeling unburdened from the daily structure of school life.
Gratitude – Appreciation for teachers, family, and friends who supported the journey.
Bittersweet or Mixed Emotions
Nostalgia – Reflecting on memories, friendships, and moments that shaped the high school years.
Sadness – Saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and a familiar environment.
Uncertainty – Facing the unknown future, not knowing exactly what comes next.
Anxiety – Worry about college, work, or adult responsibilities.
Pressure – Feeling the weight of expectations from family, society, or oneself.
Reflective Emotions
Regret – Wishing you had done things differently (studied more, been more involved, etc.).
Gratefulness – Recognizing the value of your experiences and relationships.
Curiosity – Wondering about the path ahead, potential, and what’s possible.
Congratulations Class of 2025!!!!!
AGS Health Clinic News
Construction has been completed and we are working with Sterling Area Health Center to get the supplies and furniture in place for the opening of the health clinic. More information will be coming out soon when we learn about the opening date.
Unlike the school, the health clinic will be open during both the school year and the summer months. Once the clinic doors have officially been opened to see patients, our school based health clinic will operate three days a week, throughout the entire calendar year.
Parent Teacher Organization
The PTO plays an important role in supporting our teachers and students with many of the extras that make AGS so great. Consider joining this wonderful group and helping to make this school year a special one.
Thanks to our PTO for another great year of support to the students and staff of Au Gres-Sims School District.
Important Dates
JUNE
- 2: Elementary Fun Day
- 4: 1pm Early Dismissal - Final Exams
- 5: ELEMENTARY AWARDS - Main Gym
- 8:30-9:45am ~ 4th/5th Grade
- 10:00-11:00am ~ 1st/2nd/3rd Grade
- 10:30-11:30am ~ 6th Grade Orientation in MPR
- 11:30-12:30pm ~ Kindergarten
- 5: 1pm Early Dismissal - Final Exams - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS!
- 12: 7pm Bond Community Forum in High School Cyber Cafe
- 16: 6p Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Wolverine Wake-Up
Greetings Everyone,
It's graduation season, and to commemorate all of the hard work our graduating Class of 2025 has completed, we have a special edition issue to mark our last issue of the 2024-2025 school year. Included in this issue is a time capsule video of our current seniors when they were freshmen! This issue is packed with sage advice from our graduating seniors, and arguably one of the greatest interviews in the history of The Wolverine Wake-Up.
We would also like to personally thank Mr. Zeien for his tremendous support of our show starting from day 1 of The Wolverine Wake-Up seven years ago. He has been featured in numerous episodes, and is always willing to participate in our shenanigans and hallway interviews, including this week's episode. We wish Mr. Zeien a happy retirement; he is hands down our biggest fan! Thank you, Mr. Zeien!
Help Wanted at AGS
We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Freehling in the district administration office, (989) 876-7150 and she will put you into direct contact with Laurie Crane at ESS-WillSub
For the 2025-26 School Year
