The Dryden Red and Black
February 17, 2026
Varsity Boys Basketball Clinches League Title
Creative Writing Club Produces Published Writers
Six members of Dryden's Creative Writing Club were honored with publication prizes in an upcoming Young Adult Writers Anthology published by Young Writers, USA. Chloe DeLoy (12), Atticus Podvin (11), Isabella Lomasney (11), Makayla Mater (10), Diana Lallbachan (10), and Juliet Hearold (10) submitted short stories for the Fright Club 2025-Beyond the Dark Contest.
"It's super exciting. I've never had anything like that published before," said Deloy.
Their work is scheduled for publication on April 20, 2026. The book will be on display and available in the school library.
Celebrating National School Resource Officer Day
Flint Firebirds Teacher of the Year Finalist
Let’s show some Dryden pride and help one of our own shine! 🌟
Mrs. Katz Rhodes from Dryden Elementary is a finalist for the Elementary Teacher of the Year through the Flint Firebirds Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Award! Out of 266 educators and more than 13,000 votes in the first round, Katz is now in the Top 10 — and the final round of voting is open!
Now it’s up to us to help bring it home for Dryden! ❤️🖤
🗳 Vote for Katz Rhodes (Elementary category) before Monday, February 23 at 5 p.m.
Let’s rally together and support Mrs. Rhodes — a teacher who makes a difference every single day at Dryden Elementary!
Calendar Change: Dryden High School ONLY
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.
Join our #proudcardinal family!
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.
Junior High Spelling Bee Winner Crowned
Congratulations to #proudcardinal Jaxon Buffo, Dryden's Junior High Spelling Bee winner, and runner-up Charlee Bowerson! Jaxon will represent our school at the Lapeer County Spelling Bee on March 24 at 6:30 pm at Lapeer County Ed Tech.
Bond Projects Update
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.
American Red Cross Blood Drive at Dryden High School
Junior High Softball Opportunity
Dryden Athletic Boosters
Dryden Athletic Booster Meetings
February 25
March 18
April 15
May 13
June 17
We need your help!
Banner Advertisements
Yearbook
Who's Hungry?
Substitute Teachers Needed!
Joke of the Week
by Claire Wright
Why did the math book look so sad?
Because it had too many problems!
Class of 2026
Senior Parent Yearbook Ads
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.
Color Me Green Recycling Club
Riddle of the Week
Last week's riddle:
A doctor and a bus driver are both in love with the same woman, an attractive girl named Sarah. The bus driver had to go on a long bus trip that would last a week. Before he left, he gave Sarah seven apples. Why? Because an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Congratulations, Martin Barker!
You were the first with the correct answer.
This week's riddle:
I am not alive, but I grow.
I don’t have lungs, but I need air.
I don’t have a mouth, but water kills me.
What am I?
Submit your answer below for a shoutout next week!
Fundraising Information
Athletics
Varsity Boys Basketball
by Logan Romain
On Monday, February 9, 2026, Dryden traveled to Mayville for a league matchup. In the first quarter, Dryden took an early lead with 10 points while Mayville followed with 7. In the second quarter, Dryden expanded its advantage by adding 18 points and holding Mayville to just 4. In the third quarter, both teams scored 18 points. In the fourth quarter, Dryden finished strong with 19 points while Mayville added 13. Ultimately, Dryden (11-7; 4-0) defeated Mayville (11-8; 1-4) with a final score of 65-42. “We played very well in the first half both offensively and defensively,” said Coach John DelCampo. “We got a bit careless in the second half.” For Dryden, Gianni Coscione snagged 26 points; Luke Taylor contributed 18; Brady Schneider, Jayden Stankevich, and Rowan Handley each added 5; Jason Kaiser and Kai Grabowski chipped in 3.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Dryden traveled to Bay City All Saints for a league matchup. In the first quarter, Mayville held a slight edge with 11 points while Dryden followed with 9. In the second quarter, Dryden took control by scoring 11 points and holding BCAS to just 4. In the third quarter, Dryden extended the lead with 17 points while BCAS added 9. In the fourth quarter, both teams scored 20 points. Ultimately, Dryden (12-7; 5-0) defeated BCAS (5-15; 2-4) with a final score of 57-44. “It is tough to win at BCAS,” Coach DelCampo commented. “We had to keep our composure.” For Dryden, Gianni Coscione snagged 20 points; Rowan Handley contributed 12; Brady Schneider added 9; Hayden Blair scored 5; Luke Taylor and Jayden Stankevich each added 4; Tyler Roberts chipped in 3.
On Friday, February 13, 2026, Dryden hosted Kingston in a league matchup that extended into overtime. In the first quarter, Kingston took an early lead with 13 points while Dryden followed with 5. In the second quarter, Dryden responded with 14 points while holding Kingston to 7. In the third quarter, Dryden added 15 points as Kingston kept pace with 13. In the fourth quarter, both teams scored 15 points, sending the game into overtime. In the extra period, Dryden secured the victory by outscoring Kingston 9-4. Ultimately, Dryden (13-7; 6-0) defeated Kingston (11-10; 5-2) with a final score of 58-52, clinching the league championship. “What a great high school basketball game. Kingston has been a rivalry for a long time and this was another classic,” reflected Coach DelCampo. For Dryden, Gianni Coscione snagged 28 points; Brady Schneider and Hayden Blair each contributed 8; Rowan Handley and Luke Taylor each added 7.
Boys Basketball Districts
Ticket Link Coming Soon!
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, February 17
- 7:10 AM - 7:25 AM - Weekly Encouragement Club (Library)
- 2:30 PM–4:00 PM – Creative Writing Club
- 2:30 PM–3:15 PM – FCA Meetings (Girls)
Wednesday, February 18
- All Day: Wear it Wednesday (HS) - Snow Day Day
- 2:30 PM–4:30 PM – Drama Club Rehearsal
- 2:30 PM–3:15 PM – FCA Meetings (Boys)
- 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JH Boys Basketball at Marlette (Bus departs 4:30 PM)
- 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JV/V Boys Basketball vs Deckerville (JV 6:00, V 7:15)
- 6:30 PM–7:30 PM – Weight Room Training/Workouts
Thursday, February 19
- 2:30 PM–4:30 PM – Drama Club Rehearsal
- 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – The Theater Kids Club
- 5:00 PM–8:00 PM – JH & JV Boys Basketball at Memphis (Bus departs 3:45 PM – Triple header; JH first, then JV)
6:30 PM–7:30 PM – Weight Room Training/Workouts
Friday, February 20
- All Day – Varsity Bowling Team Regionals at B’s Bowling (Time TBD)
- 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JV/V Boys Basketball vs Mayville (JV 6:00, V 7:15)
Saturday, February 21
- 8:00 AM–2:00 PM – Varsity Bowling Individual Regionals at B’s Bowling
- 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – Mother/Son Dance
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.
District Calendars
2025-2026
2026-2027
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