Nashville recording artist returns to OLSM
ORCHARD LAKE — Orchard Lake St. Mary’s graduate and Nashville recording artist Mac Watts recently returned to the school to speak to students and members of the campus community, as well as sing the national anthem at a high school football game Sept. 22.
He also performed one of his latest releases at the homecoming varsity game against Toledo St. Francis de Sales.
On Sept. 24, Watts performed at a “special event for alumni and alumni parents,” according to a press release.
Students named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
WALLED LAKE — Walled Lake Consolidated Schools has announced that four students have been named semifinalists for the 69th National Merit Scholarship.
Two of the students are from Walled Lake Northern, and two are from Walled Lake Western.
Ryann Hunt and Anna Loszewski, from Northern, and Alyssa (Aly) Paolicchi and Kyra Wong, from Western, earned the distinction.
“It means a lot to me,” Hunt stated via a press release. “Obviously, I couldn’t have done it without learning from my teachers and the teachers in this district, and I think they pushed us to this expectation and high standards that motivate us to achieve in these situations.”
Loszewski also shared some thoughts.
“I have high expectations for myself, and I want to succeed,” Loszewski stated in the release. “I have the opportunity to pursue the things that I am passionate about.”
Paolicchi also issued a statement about her achievement.
“It’s a really cool honor, especially coming from this district and being able to represent our schools,” Paolicchi said. “It’s rewarding to see how all our studying has come to fruition.”
Wong credited Western for the preparation it helps provide.
“It means a lot to be recognized by this program that gives all students, all over the country, the opportunity to be rewarded for their efforts academically,” Wong stated via the release.
According to the release, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation awards nearly $28 million in scholarships each year.
“Finalists will be announced in the spring, then approximately half of those academically talented seniors will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title,” the release states.
Local author distributes books at autism event
ROYAL OAK — West Bloomfield resident and author Lori Ellis was a vendor at the Hero Walk for Autism event at the Detroit Zoo Sept. 23.
Ellis gave away books for children on the autism spectrum.
The fundraiser benefited the Autism Alliance of Michigan.
Pine Lake Park dedication
WEST BLOOMFIELD — West Bloomfield Parks is set to take over operations of the former Pine Lake Elementary School property, located at 3333 W. Long Lake Road in West Bloomfield.
The West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission and the Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education entered into a 20-year lease agreement.
Per the agreement, the 21-acre plot is set to be maintained and improved by the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission, with Bloomfield Hills Schools still maintaining ownership of the property.
Visit wbparks.org/pine-lake-park for details.
JFS offers free health workshop series
METRO DETROIT — Jewish Family Service is offering a free, six-week health workshop that is intended to teach individuals how to create a personal plan for success, develop problem-solving skills, improve communication with health care providers, decrease stress, make healthier food choices and incorporate physical activity into daily life, according to a press release from JFS.
“Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) is a fun, interactive program designed by Stanford University to provide the necessary skills and tools to help people manage chronic pain and other persistent health conditions live a healthier life,” the release states.
The workshop is being offered via Zoom 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 10-Nov. 21 and is open to adults, their family and friends, as well as caregivers.
Reservations are required, as space is limited, according to the release.
For more information or to register, call (248) 592-1995 or send an email to jlyons@jfsdetroit.org.