The Dryden Red and Black

The future of Dryden Basketball made its debut at halftime of Friday's Varsity game. These 3rd and 4th graders played hard and had the crowd cheering. Way to go!

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.

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

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

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

What kind of bird has the worst manners?

A mocking bird!

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:

My birthday is in the first half of the year, not in a 31-day month, not in February, and on an even day. Which month could it be? Answer: April or June

Congratulations, Molly Wilkey! You had the correct answer!

This week's riddle:

You see a boat filled with people. It has not sunk, but when you look again you don’t see a single person on the boat. Why?

Submit your answer below for a shoutout next week!

On Monday, January 5, 2026, Dryden traveled to Beecher for their first game of the new year. In the first quarter, Dryden held a slight edge with 16 points while Beecher followed closely with 14. The second quarter saw Beecher pull ahead, scoring 17 points as Dryden added 12. In the third quarter, Beecher extended their lead with 27 points while Dryden managed 21. In the fourth quarter, Beecher continued their strong play, putting up 20 points compared to Dryden’s 19. Ultimately, Beecher (4-3) defeated Dryden (3-5) with a final score of 78–68. “We played well in spurts but got careless by turning the ball over and by not playing good defense,” said John DelCampo following the game.

For Dryden, Luke Taylor led all scorers with 28 points; Gianni Coscione followed with 22; Brady Schneider added 8; Hayden Blair contributed 5; Jax Morley scored 3; and Tyler Roberts finished with 2.

Dryden faced Bay City All Saints (2-7; 0-2) for their first league contest of the season on Friday, January 9. The Cardinals took the lead, 24-7, in the first quarter and never looked back. When the final buzzer sounded, Dryden (4-5; 1-0) came away with the victory, 68-38. "That was the best we have played all season," reflected Coach John DelCampo. "The first half we played great defense and offensively we moved and shared the ball. A great win for us," he finished.

Luke Taylor put up 27 points. Gianni Coscione added 15, and Jax Morley sank 10. Brady Schneider and Hayden Blair each scored 6, and Jayden Stankevich and Nick Abromaitis contributed 2 points each to the final.

Dryden Bowling hosted Vassar at Hideaway Lanes on January 6th, with both the boys and girls teams earning strong wins. The boys battled through some early self-inflicted mistakes, dropping the first baker game by nine pins, but responded well by winning the second baker by 21 pins. That comeback gave Dryden a 6–4 lead heading into match play, where they took control and won both games. Dylan Lasher led the way with impressive games of 216 and 211, while Brenden Peter added scores of 192 and 163. Bishop Wilson and Caleb Wilson also contributed with games in the 130s. The boys secured a 25–5 victory, improving their record to 3–1 on the season. The girls competed short-handed with just one bowler and still dominated, earning a 28–2 win to also move to 3–1 on the year. Chloe DeLoy led the girls with a 157, followed by Brooke Dombrowski’s 135, and Lily Lasher posted a personal-best score of 128.

The team also took on Reese at Hideaway Lanes on January 8, with both the boys and girls teams earning another pair of wins. The boys again dealt with some self-inflicted mistakes early, splitting the baker games and trailing 6–4 heading into match play. After a slow start in the first game, Brenden Peter and Dylan Lasher caught fire, rolling games of 207 and 199 to help Dryden pull away for a 51-pin win and a 12–7 lead going into the final game. Peter continued his strong night with a 180, while Ian Tresnak added a 149 and Caleb Wilson chipped in a 148. The boys closed out a 21–9 victory to improve to 4–1 on the season. The girls competed short-handed with three bowlers and dominated their match, winning 28–2 to also move to 4–1. Chloe DeLoy led the way with scores of 173 and 137, Brooke Dombrowski rolled a 126, and Kaeleigh Gourieux contributed a 101.

High school athletics simply do not happen without officials. They are a vital part of every contest, and right now there is a serious shortage across Michigan. One of the primary reasons officials are leaving—and young officials are choosing not to continue—is adult behavior at games. Passion and school pride are a great part of high school sports, but yelling at or berating officials crosses a line. It embarrasses our students, reflects poorly on our school, and contributes directly to fewer people being willing to officiate our games.

The impact is real. Many areas now have more officials over age 60 than under 30, and as experienced officials retire, there are not enough younger replacements. As a result, freshman and junior varsity games are increasingly difficult to staff, and some contests across the state have already been postponed or canceled due to a lack of officials. If officials disappear, games disappear—and the loss goes far beyond wins and losses. High school sports teach teamwork, discipline, resilience, and community pride. Those opportunities are at risk if we don’t protect the people who make competition possible.

If you’re interested in being part of the solution, becoming a registered official through the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is a great way to give back. Adults who are 18 or older can register online, complete required open-book rules exams, and work games based on their availability. The MHSAA also offers mentoring programs and resources to support new officials.

How to Become an MHSAA Official:

https://www.mhsaa.com/i-am/officials/officials-registration-information

MHSAA Officials Guidebook:

https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Officials/officials-guidebook.pdf

Our student-athletes learn from what they see in the stands. With your support, we can continue to promote respect, responsibility, and a positive athletic environment for everyone involved.

• 2:30 PM–3:15 PM – FCA Meetings – Boys (Library)

• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JH Boys Basketball at Peck (Bus departs 4:20 PM)

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

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

• 8:30 AM–10:00 AM – Ed Tech Presentation (MPR)

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

• 2:30 PM–3:15 PM – FCA Meetings – Girls (Library)

• 2:30 PM–3:00 PM – JH Student Council Meeting (Room 224)

• 4:00 PM–7:00 PM – Varsity Bowling at Harbor Beach Blue Water Lanes (Bus departs 1:15 PM)

• All Day: Wear it Wednesday (HS) - Jersey Day

• 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – Staff Meeting (Library)

• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JH Boys Basketball vs Memphis

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

• 2:30 PM--3:00 PM -- Drama Club Meeting (Room 223)
• 2:30 PM–3:30 PM – The Theater Kids Club (Band Room)

• 3:30 PM–7:30 PM – Varsity Bowling vs CPS (Hideaway Lanes)

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

• 3:00 PM–5:00 PM – Junior High Winter Party (MPR)

• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM – JV/V Boys Basketball at Deckerville (JV at 6:00 PM, V at 7:15 PM; Bus departs 3:55 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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