MyCity_June26_Book

Genesee Landlords Association

A Legacy of Advocacy, Education, and Community

For more than five decades, the Genesee Landlords Association (GLA) has served as a steady voice for property owners in Genesee County, championing their interests, providing critical resources, and fostering a strong sense of community.

Founded in 1974 under the leadership of its first president, Emery Wenzel, the association began as a grassroots response to proposed licensing and rental inspection requirements in the city of Flint. With modest seed funding and a clear mission, a small group of landlords came together to ensure their voices would be heard.

That mission quickly gained traction. The organization’s first meeting, held at the Board of Realtors office on Court Street, drew a full room and resulted in approximately 30 founding members. From the beginning, GLA established a tradition of monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, while also actively advocating on behalf of landlords at the local level.

By May 1978, the association had formally incorporated as a nonprofit.

Membership grew steadily in the years that followed, eventually peaking at around 700 members. Today, GLA maintains an engaged base of

nearly 300 members, continuing its work with the same commitment that defined its early years.

Among those who have shaped the organization’s legacy is Terry Hanson, a founding member who has served in multiple leadership roles, including president, and currently holds the position of treasurer. His long-standing involvement reflects the continuity and dedication that have helped sustain the association over time.

At its core, GLA is guided by three central pillars: education, advocacy, and camaraderie. The organization equips landlords

GLA hosts two regular meetings each month to keep members informed and engaged

with up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and best practices, advocates against policies that may negatively impact property owners, and creates opportunities for members to connect and support one another.

One of the association’s most valuable tools is its extensive database of landlord-tenant court records in Genesee County. Updated monthly and containing more than 10,000 entries, this resource helps landlords make informed decisions when screening prospective tenants. Members also have access to credit reporting services, legal forms, and experienced guidance to help navigate the complexities of property management.

GLA hosts two regular meetings each month to keep members informed and engaged. An evening meeting at Redwood Steak House in Flint offers attendees a complimentary meal alongside presentations from expert speakers. A second, more informal morning gathering at IHOP on Miller Road provides an additional forum for discussion and networking. Prospec-

THE GENESEE LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION HOSTS A MONTHLY MEETING AT REDWOOD STEAK HOUSE IN FLINT.

THE GLA REGULARLY BRINGS IN EXPERTS TO SPEAK WITH MEMBERS. Photos courtesy of the GLA

tive members are invited to attend up to two meetings at no cost.

Beyond its regular programming, the association organizes an annual Vendor Appreciation Night, an event that connects landlords with contractors and service providers in a relaxed, no-cost setting. Members also receive a monthly newsletter covering industry updates, legal developments, and organizational news. Through its affiliations with state and national real estate investment organizations, GLA provides access to additional training and educational opportunities.

Like many in the housing sector, GLA members face ongoing challenges. Hanson notes that concerns around inspection practices and regulatory compliance remain top of mind. He emphasizes the importance of thorough tenant screening, encouraging landlords to utilize available tools such as court records, credit reports, and references.

GLA’s membership reflects a broad spectrum of experience, from individuals exploring their first investment property to seasoned professionals managing large portfolios of up to 2,500 units. This diversity contributes to the association’s collaborative environment, where knowledge-sharing is a key benefit.

Through its affiliations with state and national real estate investment organizations, GLA provides access to additional training and educational opportunities.

Membership also includes practical advantages, such as discounts from major suppliers, insurance providers, tenant screening services, and self-directed IRA programs.

As the housing landscape continues to evolve, the Genesee Landlords Association remains a trusted resource and unified voice for property owners throughout the region, grounded in its history, yet focused firmly on the future.

For more information, contact the GLA office at 810-767-3080. Hanson can be reached at 810-767-2500.

Editor’s Letter

Are you starting to feel the energy in the air? In our family, the month of May has always been busy. From celebrating Mother’s Day, my husband’s birthday and our anniversary — this year marks 42 years for us — to remembering our military service personnel over Memorial Day weekend, there has been a lot to do. And now, we’re throwing the sports schedules of two grandsons into the mix. Having events programmed into my phone used to be enough, but now we also hang a calendar in our kitchen where we write down events and review it each morning so we don’t miss a thing.

Now that it’s June, our family is getting ready for our 26th annual (and final) Brad Stone Summer Classic golf outing in memory of our son, Brad. This event at Fenton Farms has grown over the years. It’s a lot of work, but our hearts told us to keep it going. The outing on June 20 is sold out once again, but we can always use more sponsors and donors. This outing is our main fundraiser for college scholarships for Lake Fenton graduates and EMHA hockey players. Since 2004, we’ve awarded more than $330,000 in scholarships. My husband and I recently awarded $12,000 in scholarships to two Lake Fenton High School graduates and $6,000 to one EMHA hockey player.

One reason Brad’s outing has been so successful is the effort of Christopher White, owner of Fenton Farms Golf Club, and his crew. Be sure to check out My City’s feature, “7 Questions with Christopher White,” in this issue.

This issue of My City is packed with stories, as well as our annual special section featuring the top varsity athletes in the greater Flint area. These young student-athletes have earned success on and off the field, and we are honored to highlight a sampling of the outstanding individuals in our area.

June is also a significant month for the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation as it celebrates 100 years of contributing to the greater Flint area, Genesee County, the state and beyond. Be sure to read Gary Fisher’s story about this milestone on page 8.

University of Michigan alumni and fans will not want to miss My City writer Mark Spezia’s story on Flint native Trey McKenney helping lead the Wolverines to a basketball national championship. Mark said he enjoyed working on the story. My City writer Keegan Deloney also wrote a story about Mott Community College Culinary Arts Institute students studying abroad in Italy. Her story begins on page 60.

For flower garden enthusiasts looking to visit beautiful gardens in July, be sure to check out my story on the Open Gate Garden Club on page 14. In addition to our local stories, I’m excited for readers to enjoy our amazing columnists. They each bring unique perspectives on life.

On a final note, my friends and I are heartbroken over the passing of our very good friend Karel Schupbach of Fenton. On behalf of everyone at My City, we extend our deepest condolences to Karel’s family.

Sharon Stone Editor-in-Chief

Where to Find the Magazine

Fenton’s Open Book 105 W. Shiawassee Ave. Fenton, MI 48430

810.629.8000

Hurley Lobby Gift Shop

Hurley Medical Center One Hurley Plaza Flint, MI 48503

810.262.9306

Publisher

Laura Constable

Editor-in-Chief

Sharon Stone

Freelance Writers

Keegan Deloney

Mark Spezia

Contributing Writers

Brice P. Carter

Dr. Christopher Douglas

Gary Fisher

Dr. Shan Jackson

Alexandria Nolan-Miller

Noah Morgan

Mark Rummel

Leslie Toldo

Shannon White

Stacy Sawyer

Braden Diehl

Contributing Artist Design2pro

Accounting/Circulation

Carolyn Golota

Account Executive

Terese Allen COVER ART Powers Catholic High School

My City Magazine 1032 N. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430

810.215.3900

ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, 1032 N. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Correspondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 1032 N. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430, phone 810.215.3900. To authors, photographers and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. The opinions and conclusions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of My City Magazine. My City Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Every effort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by sufficient firstclass postage, but the Publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material.

68 Hurley Foundation’s Come Fly With

71 June Reading List

72 HSGC Adoption Highlight

73 Hope for the Weary Soul By Braden Diehl

Thoughts

74 Joining The 4-Wheeler Club By Mark Rummel

Finances

75 Don’t Sit On The Sidelines By Brice Carter

Econ

76 Preventing Another Government Shutdown By Dr. Christopher Douglas

Musings

77 The Day I Finally Believed I Could By Leslie Toldo

Travels

78 Miles Instead of Medals: Finding My Athleticism on the Road By Alexandria Nolan-Miller

Afterthought

80 June: A Season of Connection, Celebration, and Sunshine By Sharon Stone

Questions with …

CHRISTOPHER WHITE

FENTON FARMS GOLF CLUB

PRESIDENT, CO-OWNER AND OPERATOR

Christopher White is the president, co-owner and operator of Fenton Farms Golf Club, affectionately known as “The Friendly Place.” White is an entrepreneur and business owner whose career began in the film and television industry. After graduating from Eisenhower High School in Utica, Michigan in 1987, he briefly attended the University of Oregon before transferring to Columbia College Hollywood to pursue film production. He later refined his commercial directorial craft at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, a prestigious program known for producing industry leaders such as Michael Bay and Zack Snyder. At just 21 years old, White launched his professional career as a production assistant after

landing an opportunity as an extra in Jet Li’s first American film, “The Masters.” He quickly distinguished himself, earning a full-time role with CineTech Production Group, an international production company with offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Beijing, where he began rising through the ranks.

From 1991 to 2002, White built an impressive production career, advancing from location manager to executive producer and working with major global brands including Puma, ExxonMobil, AT&T, and Coca-Cola. He spent time in Hong Kong managing Pacific Rim advertising campaigns for Sprite before returning to the United States to start a family and found his own production company, Spot Boy Films, a nod to his early days producing 30-second commercial “spots.”

Following the uncertainty of international business after September 11, 2001, White returned to Michigan to take on a new challenge: revitalizing a struggling golf course. Today, more than two decades later, he is the owner of Fenton Farms Golf Club, which has been transformed into a thriving and continually evolving destination.

While White and his crew at Fenton Farms work around the clock to get the course ready for members and guests this spring, he took a few moments to answer the following questions for this My City Magazine feature.

1

WHAT/WHERE/ WHEN WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB?

If we’re going all the way back, my first job was in elementary school. I was paid a penny for every fern I pulled out of my grandfather’s field. I ended up pulling around 6,000 ferns that summer and earned a grand total of $60. My first non-family job was shoveling horse stalls for $4 a day, which was low even for the 1980s. In fairness,

it was probably only four hours of work, but it definitely started to build a strong work ethic early on. From there, I worked my way through a variety of jobs, dishwasher on Mackinac Island, busboy at the Hard Rock Cafe in Los Angeles, and eventually broke into the film industry with my first job on the set of The Masters.

WHAT CAREER ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

The short answer? Give yourself more Ferris Bueller’s days off. There were times when I was filming in Europe, we’d just wrapped production, and instead of taking a day to explore, jumping over to Venice or staying an extra day in Paris, I’d rush straight back to the office in Los Angeles because that was expected. Looking back, I wish I had said “no” to others a little more often and “yes” to myself. I’m still working on that. In the service industry, people love hearing “yes.” They don’t always love hearing “no,” but learning when to say it is just as important.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?

The most important thing in my life is always family. But if we’re talking about what I’m most excited about right now, it’s Fenton Farms and continuing to build it into something special. I spend most of my waking hours focused on improving every aspect of the experience, from the welcome at the front door to the tables people sit at, all the way down to the smallest details.

It’s been about elevating everything. From those small touches to building a brand-new halfway house, Jack’s Shack, named after my grandfather, every improvement has been intentional.

Seeing it all come together and watching the place reach its potential has been incredibly Rewarding. That

said, nothing quite compares to being out on the water—whether it’s in the Florida Keys or on Lake Fenton, early in the morning with calm water and a line in. Even better if there’s a grouper or a big bass on the other end.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU HAD MORE TIME TO DO?

Everything.

WHAT TASK DO YOU PROCRASTINATE MOST ABOUT DOING?

Anything administrative, paperwork, tracking receipts, expense reports. I’d much rather be creating, working on projects, making improvements, or

FROM A PAST TOURNAMENT, CHRISTOPHER WHITE POSES WITH HIS TEAMMATES FROM FENTON FARMS, RYAN LUKOWSKI, NICK TRAYWICK,AND JULIAN SORENSON.

interacting with members and guests. I like being out there in the mix.

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL WEEKEND.

Working. Take the last 24 hours, for example. I was up at 4:30 a.m., on the road by 5 a.m. picking up doughnuts for an outing, and back at Fenton Farms by 6 a.m. setting up breakfast for the Rusty Open. From there, it’s a full day, running around getting everything ready, a 10 a.m. shotgun start, opening Jack’s Shack, grilling food, serving lunch to 128 people, then resetting for dinner and the awards presentation. After that, it’s cleaning up, getting everything ready for the next day, and finally getting home around 7:30 p.m. That’s a typical Saturday. Sunday is usually more of the same, or catching up on paperwork and administrative work.

IF YOU HAD A SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Super memory, mental clarity, and unlimited energy. Those three things would go a long way.

If you’re asking what my superpower is today, I’d say it’s making people feel welcome and knowing how to make just about any situation more fun.

CHRISTOPHER WHITE, WITH DOUG MCMANUS, CTO AND KATHLENE (KAT) SMITH, FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR/ EXECUTIVE CHEF, ON A PAST GOLF TRIP.

BY GARY FISHER

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and it stands today as one of the most influential private philanthropic institutions in the United States, with a reach that extends across the globe.

Its origins, however, are deeply rooted in a specific time, place, and individual: the rise of American industrial capitalism in the early 20th century, the city of Flint, and the vision of industrialist and longtime General Motors board member Charles Stewart Mott. Over the course of nearly a century, the foundation has evolved from a modest, family directed charitable vehicle into a major international grantmaking institution, while maintaining a consistent emphasis on strengthening communities as the basis for broader social progress.

Industrial Wealth and Philanthropic Beginnings

To understand the origins of the Mott Foundation, it is essential to start with William C. “Billy” Durant, because without him, there wouldn’t be a Mott Foundation, or even a Flint with an illustrious industrial history. Durant, the grandson of former Michigan Governor and Flint resident Henry H. Crapo, came to Flint after spending his early childhood in Boston. His arrival came on the heels of his parents’ divorce.

In Flint, Durant was surrounded by a phalanx of successful entrepreneurial family members, and he picked up that baton early. Billy was a success at whatever he did, and what he did best was sell. Along with his partner J. Dallas Dort, he created first the Flint Road Cart Company and then

morphed that into the Durant Dort Carriage Company. That success took him to Wall Street, and that experience informed his next move. When James Whiting and his firm was struggling with a new division attempting (and largely failing) to make engines and automobiles under the guidance of David Buick, Whiting knew the firm needed a strong leader to survive. He convinced Dort to cajole Durant to coming back to Flint to take the company over, which Durant did, parlaying Buick into becoming the number one auto manufacturer in America. From there Durant single handedly invented a brand-new company called General Motors. But during all of this action, and before he invented GM, he knew he needed a better system to support his efforts at Buick.

WILLIAM C. “BILLY” DURANT

To that end, he needed a vertically integrated company, and he would start with axles and the chief axle maker for Buick was the Weston Mott Company in Utica, New York. That firm was led by Charles Stewart Mott and his partner William Dolittle. Durant coaxed them to move all of Weston Mott to Flint with a simple letter drafted on June 4, 1905. At the time, Mott considered Flint a “Hick Town” and certainly not a place he’d like to relocate to. But after visiting with Doolittle and getting the full Flint welcome (and a very lucrative offer from Durant), Mott and Doolittle saw things differently. By 1907 they were firmly ensconced in Flint, and the Mott name became synonymous with Flint.

significant sum at the time, though modest compared to the foundation’s present-day assets.

Initially, the foundation functioned primarily as a mechanism for organized charitable giving by Mott and his family. Its early activities were local in scope, focusing on improving the quality of life in Flint, the city that had become synonymous with General Motors’ growth. Flint in the early 20th century was a rapidly expanding industrial city, experiencing both the benefits

Frank Manley to launch an innovative initiative that would become known as the “community school” movement. This approach reimagined public schools not merely as places of academic instruction, but as central hubs for community life.

Under this model, school facilities remained open beyond traditional hours, offering programs for children, adults, and families alike. These programs included recreational activities, vocational training, cultural events, and social

Mott served as a Mayor of Flint, and a key supplier to the Durant led growth of both Buick and later General Motors, growth that Durant was almost single handedly responsible for. Ultimately GM absorbed Weston Mott, Doolittle had died of stomach cancer tragically early on, and Mott was left as the sole leader. When GM fully absorbed Weston Mott, Mr. Mott (as he was always known in Flint) became a member of the board of directors of GM, and one of the world’s largest shareholders, and one of America’s wealthiest men.

At that point, he could have lived anywhere, done anything, and spent his life and time in any manner he chose. That he chose to spend it largely in service of his adopted hometown of Flint is as amazing as it sounds, and just as providential. Without the trio of Durant, Dort, and Mott, it’s inconceivable what Flint would have become. And without Mott’s next creation, a foundation, it’s even harder to imagine where it and Genesee County would be today.

In 1926, Mott formalized his philanthropic ambitions by establishing the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. At its inception, the foundation was funded with approximately $320,000 in General Motors stock—a

and strains of economic transformation. Population growth, urbanization, and industrial labor demands created new social challenges. Mott’s philanthropy emerged in response to these conditions, reflecting a belief that private wealth carried a responsibility to address public needs.

The Community School Movement

One of the most significant developments in the foundation’s early history came in the 1930s, during the depths of the Great Depression. In 1935, Mott partnered with educator

services. The goal was to transform schools into accessible, inclusive spaces that could respond to the diverse needs of their neighborhoods.

The community school concept proved highly influential. It addressed multiple challenges simultaneously: providing educational opportunities, fostering civic engagement, and strengthening social cohesion. Over time, the model spread beyond Flint, gaining recognition at the national level and shaping broader conversations about education and community development. The Mott Foundation’s early

C.S. MOTT LEAVES THE MOTT FOUNDATION BUILDING.

Photo: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

HARDING MOTT WITH C.S. MOTT

Photo: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

C.S. MOTT ASSISTS IN REPAIRS TO A HOME FOLLOWING A TORNADO IN BEECHER.

Photo: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

the foundation sought to contribute to systemic change on a larger scale.

Leadership and Continuity

One of the distinguishing features of the Mott Foundation has been the continuity of leadership within the Mott family. After the death of Charles Stewart Mott in 1973, leadership passed to his son, C.S. Harding Mott, and later to subsequent generations, including William S. White and Ridgway White. This continuity has helped preserve the founder’s core philosophy while allowing the institution to adapt to changing circumstances.

“Taking the Foundation into its second century is less about looking at a calendar and more about honoring a legacy of innovation, White said. “My great-grandfather believed in supporting the community and its individuals, so that together they could support each other and succeed. As we move forward, our challenge is to be a catalyst for good, for all.”

investment in this idea established a pattern that would characterize its work for decades: identifying innovative approaches to social problems and supporting their expansion.

Building Local Institutions and Cultural Infrastructure

Throughout the mid-20th century, the foundation continued to focus heavily on Flint and the surrounding region. Its grants supported a wide range of local initiatives, including educational institutions, parks, and cultural organizations. Among its notable contributions was support for the Flint Institute of Arts, which became a key cultural resource for the community. These efforts reflected a holistic understanding of community well-being. Rather than concentrating solely on economic development or direct aid, the foundation invested in the social

and cultural fabric of the city. Parks, arts institutions, and educational programs were seen as essential components of a thriving community, contributing to quality of life and civic identity.

At the same time, the foundation’s work remained closely tied to the fortunes of Flint itself. As a company town dominated by General Motors, Flint’s economic health was deeply connected to the automotive industry. The foundation’s local focus thus mirrored the interconnectedness of industrial success and community development.

Expansion and Transformation in the 1960s

A major turning point in the history of the Mott Foundation occurred in the early 1960s. In 1963, Charles Stewart Mott made a substantial additional contribution to the foundation, transferring a large portion

of his wealth, largely in the form of General Motors stock. This infusion dramatically increased the foundation’s financial resources and transformed its capacity for grantmaking. This period also marked a shift in the foundation’s geographic and thematic scope. While Flint remained an important focus, the foundation began to expand its activities to the national and eventually international level. This expansion was influenced by broader social and political developments, including the civil rights movement, the War on Poverty, and growing awareness of global challenges.

The foundation began to support initiatives in areas such as education reform, civil society development, and environmental protection. This diversification reflected an evolving understanding of philanthropy’s role in addressing complex, interconnected issues. Rather than concentrating exclusively on local concerns,

The foundation’s guiding principle—that strong communities are fundamental to individual and societal well-being—has remained central across generations. This philosophy has informed its grantmaking strategies, shaping decisions about which programs to support and how to measure impact.

White added, “Growing up in this community, I’ve seen firsthand how the Foundation’s work isn’t just about grants — it’s about people. Knowing we’ve stood alongside Flint through every triumph and every challenge for a century is deeply moving. It reinforces my personal commitment to seeing this city, and all the communities we touch, truly thrive.”

Global Reach and Program Areas

By the late 20th- and early 21stcenturies, the Mott Foundation had established itself as a major international philanthropic organization. Its grantmaking extended to dozens of

A COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR IN FLINT HELPS A YOUNG STUDENT PUT ON ROLLER SKATES, CIRCA 1970. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES WERE PART OF THE CITY’S “LIGHTED SCHOOLHOUSE” APPROACH TO COMMUNITY EDUCATION. Photo: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

countries, supporting a wide range of nonprofit organizations and initiatives.

example is the foundation’s response to the Flint water crisis, a public health emergency that emerged in the mid-2010s. The foundation provided significant funding to support relief efforts, infrastructure improvements, and long-term community recovery.

This ongoing commitment reflects the foundation’s origins and its enduring belief in the importance of placebased philanthropy. Flint serves as both a historical anchor and a living laboratory for the foundation’s ideas about community development.

The foundation’s work has been organized into several key program areas. These include efforts to strengthen civil society, promote environmental sustainability, expand educational opportunities, and reduce poverty. Each of these areas reflects a commitment to empowering communities and fostering long-term resilience.

In the realm of civil society, the foundation has supported organizations that promote democratic participation, transparency, and accountability. This includes funding for grassroots groups, advocacy organizations, and institutions that work to protect human rights and strengthen governance.

Environmental initiatives have focused on issues such as conservation, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience. The foundation has recognized that environmental challenges are deeply interconnected with economic and social conditions, particularly in

vulnerable communities. Education has remained a core priority, building on the foundation’s early work in community schools.

Programs have emphasized youth engagement, after-school learning, and efforts to close educational gaps. These initiatives reflect a belief in the transformative potential of education as a tool for individual and community advancement.

Efforts to reduce poverty have addressed both immediate needs and structural factors, supporting programs that promote economic growth, financial inclusion, and community development. In all these areas, the foundation has sought to support innovative approaches that can be scaled or replicated.

Flint and the Foundation’s Enduring Commitment

Despite its global reach, the Mott Foundation has never lost its connection to Flint. The city remains a central focus of its work, particularly in times of crisis. One notable

Scale and Impact in the Modern Era

Today, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation manages assets in the billions of dollars and has distributed billions more in grants since its founding. Its influence extends across sectors and regions, shaping policies, supporting institutions, and enabling countless local initiatives. That includes over one billion given to Flint alone.

Legacy

The history of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is a story of evolution and continuity. From its beginnings as a modest family foundation funded by industrial wealth, it has grown into a major global institution with a diverse portfolio of initiatives. Yet throughout this transformation, it has remained guided by a consistent vision: that strong, engaged communities are the foundation of a healthy and equitable society.

This vision, rooted in the experiences of Flint and the values of its founder, continues to inform the foundation’s work in a rapidly changing world. As new challenges emerge—economic opportunity, environmental change and shifting political landscapes—the Mott Foundation’s commitment to communitycentered philanthropy ensures that it will remain a significant force in shaping the future of both Flint and Genesee County.

WILLIAM S. WHITE SHAKES THE HAND OF HIS SON AND SUCCESSOR AS PRESIDENT, RIDGWAY WHITE.

Photo: Jessica Jones

RIDGWAY WHITE

A DAY IN BLOOM The 2026 Summer Garden Tour in Fenton

BY SHARON STONE PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPEN GATE GARDEN CLUB

On Sunday, July 19, the charm of midsummer will be on full display as the Fenton Open Gate Garden Club presents its 27th Annual Summer Garden Tour. Running from 10AM to 5PM—rain or shine—this beloved community tradition invites visitors to step beyond the garden gate and into a world of creativity, color, and inspiration.

Set against the backdrop of one of Michigan’s most picturesque small towns, this year’s tour

features seven exceptional gardens in and around Fenton and Holly. Just minutes from a vibrant downtown known for its lakes, parks, and inviting streetscapes, each stop on the tour offers a unique expression of the gardener’s vision, ranging from carefully curated elegance to delightfully untamed natural beauty.

Among this year’s highlights is a garden inspired by the timeless charm of Mackinac Island, as well as a serene waterfront retreat complete with a dam

and winding woodland trails. Visitors will also discover a “controlled chaos” garden, where raised beds burst with life in an artful balance of structure and spontaneity. At a historic event venue, roses and hydrangeas mingle with hundreds of plant varieties, while stately turnof-the-century mansions evoke the romance of Victorian-era landscapes. Classic perennial gardens, featuring coneflowers, geraniums, and hostas, round out the experience with familiar beauty and seasonal abundance.

Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply someone who appreciates nature at its finest, the tour offers an opportunity to slow down, wander, and gather ideas to bring home. Knowledgeable homeowners will be present at each location to answer questions, and plants throughout the gardens will be clearly labeled for easy identification.

Admission includes a thoughtfully curated garden guide, access to a Master Gardeners

of Genesee County information table, and special merchant discounts. Guests can also enjoy light refreshments and a water station at one of the featured gardens, and will be entered into a drawing for a beautifully crafted garden bench.

Tickets are $15, with free admission for children under 12. Advance tickets will be available online beginning in May and at local merchants starting in June. On the day of the event, tickets may be purchased between 9AM and 2PM at the A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum, located at 310 South LeRoy Street.

For the latest updates and ticket information, visit the Open Gate Garden Club online or follow along on Facebook.

This July, take a day to wander, wonder, and be inspired—one garden at a time.

For more information visit us at https:// www.facebook.com/OpenGateGardenClub or at https://www.opengategardenclub.com/

The Spotlight @ the Flint Cultural Center, in partnership with the Traditional Flint Juneteenth Committee, will join the Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music, Flint Public Library, Sloan Museum, and Longway Planetarium for an epic block party that closes down Kearsley St. as everyone opens their lawns for a powerful community event. The day will begin with a Freedom March, with many activities to follow.

JUNE 20 11a–4p

FROM CLASSROOMS TO COMPETITION

HOW GREATER FLINT’S TOP STUDENT ATHLETES ARE BUILDING STRONGER FUTURES

In the Greater Flint area, a remarkable group of high school seniors is preparing to step into the next chapter of life. These young men and women are not only excelling in their classrooms, often ranking at the top of their graduating classes, but they are also dedicating themselves to athletics. Their participation in sports is not just an extracurricular activity. It is a defining force that shapes their personal growth, health, career readiness, and connection to the community around them.

On a personal level, sports teach lessons that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom. Student athletes learn discipline by balancing early morning practices, long school days, and late night study sessions. They develop resilience through both victory and defeat, understanding that success rarely comes without setbacks. These experiences build confidence and self respect. They learn how to lead, support teammates, and push beyond their perceived limits. These qualities stay with them long after the final whistle of their high school careers. Health is another critical benefit of sports participation. In a time when sedentary lifestyles and screen time are increasingly common, student athletes maintain active routines that support both

physical and mental well being. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance. It also reduces stress and anxiety, providing a healthy outlet for the pressures of senior year. These students are not only preparing for graduation but also building habits that can lead to healthier lives.

The impact of sports extends into career development as well. Colleges and employers consistently value the skills that athletes bring to the table. Time management, teamwork, accountability, and perseverance are all qualities developed through athletics. Many students find that their athletic experiences set them apart in ap-

plications and interviews. Coaches and parents play a significant role in guiding these students, helping them see how lessons learned on the field or court translate into future success. Whether they pursue higher education, skilled trades, or immediate entry into the workforce, their athletic background provides a strong foundation.

The role of family and mentorship cannot be overlooked. Parents who encourage participation in sports often instill values of commitment and responsibility from a young age. Coaches act as mentors, offering guidance that goes beyond the game. Together, they create an environment where students can thrive. The choices these seniors have made reflect a support system that believes in their potential. Much of their success is a shared achievement.

Sports also strengthen the community. Friday night games, weekend tournaments, and school rivalries bring people together. These events foster unity, giving residents a reason to celebrate their local schools and students. High school athletes often become role models for younger children, inspiring the next generation to stay active and committed. The sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team or cheering for one builds connections beyond school walls.

Looking beyond graduation, the benefits of sports continue to shape these young adults. They enter the world equipped with the skills needed to face challenges and seize opportunities. Their experiences as student athletes prepare them to contribute positively to their communities, workplaces, and families.

For the top varsity athletes featured on the following pages, sports are more than games. They are a pathway to growth, health, opportunity, and community connection. As these students move forward into bright futures, the lessons they have learned through athletics will remain a lasting and powerful influence.

ATHERTON HIGH SCHOOL

DEAVANTE DELEON

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Track, Basketball

Deavante Deleon is a rising star in the Atherton Community Schools family. The three sport standout is not only tremendous on the football field, track and basketball court, but also is a very good student. Deavante is currently carrying a 3.3 GPA and looking to improve as he finishes his final semester of high school. It has been a joy for the school district to see Deavante excel during his time at Atherton. His teachers, coaches and administration all see him as a positive role model for their younger students and always willing to

ROSLYN HOBSON

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Volleyball, Bowling, Softball, Golf

Roslyn Hobson has grown and achieved so much in her athletic career at Atherton Jr./ Sr. High School. She’s participated in various sporting events since her middle school years, which helped mold her multi-sport journey in high school, in addition to being active with Student Council. Roslyn displayed great sportsmanship, team work and dedication throughout her time at Atherton High School. Roslyn participated in Varsity Bowling for four years and enjoyed competing on a few Regional winning teams. She also showcased a great attitude while on the Varsity Volleyball team for four years. Roslyn has

give a hand when needed. Deavante finished his football season with 104 carries for 1,572 yards and 12 touchdowns in eight games. Deavante is a three time regional and state qualifier in track 110 hurdles and 4x 200 relay. Deavante is a three-year varsity basketball player and team captain for all 3 sports.

In addition to his success in athletics, Deavante also is active with the Student Council. He will be attending Wayne State University in the fall of 2026 on a football scholarship.

been a staple on the Varsity Softball team for three years and also participated on the Varsity Golf team for two years. Roslyn is very bright and has made the Wolverine community proud with her hard work ethic and determination. Roslyn plans to attend Mott Community College for an associates degree in Science. She also plans to attend Central Michigan University for a Meteorology degree.

BENDLE HIGH SCHOOL

CALEB BINGHAM

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Basketball, Track

Caleb Bingham is an outstanding student-athlete who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and performance across multiple sports. He serves as a captain of the track, basketball, and football teams, reflecting the respect he has earned from both his coaches and teammates. Caleb has been recognized as a 1st Team AllConference selection in football, basketball, and track, highlighting his elite level of play year-round. Additionally, he was invited to participate in the Mott Bruins Classic Basketball All-Star Game this year, an honor reserved for the top players in the area. In addition to sports, he is active in the National Honor Society and Links. Caleb will attend Mott Community College.

KENDRA WALLER

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Track

Kendra Waller is a top-ranked student, holding the #1 position in her class with a 4.0 GPA. A dedicated and accomplished multi-sport athlete, she has served as team captain and earned all-conference honors in volleyball, basketball, and softball, while also qualifying for regional competition in track. She’s also active with Links. Kendra will attend Mott Community College.

TOP ATHLETES 2026

BENTLEY HIGH SCHOOL

ABAGAIL ROSE

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Softball, Powerlifting, Bowling, Track

Abagail Rose currently has a 4.0 GPA and ranks second in her class. She is a great student-athlete and represents Bentley at a very high level. She is always willing and eager to be involved and try new activities. Abagail is a very outgoing person, which helps her to be a tremendous leader in the school and the community. Abagail is a 2026 GAC Scholar Athlete Award winner. She has been a member of the Varsity Basketball team, Powerlifting team, Varsity Track team, and Varsity Softball team,

during her time at Bentley. She was the National Honor Society president and Student Council treasurer. She will attend Saginaw Valley State University in the fall to major in Pre-Law and minor

in Constitutional Studies and Political Science. She has represented Bentley at a very high level and with her work ethic and character, she will no doubt be successful in everything she does in the future.

GABRIEL PRAST

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Powerlifting

Gabriel Prast currently has a 3.9 GPA. He is a tremendous student-athlete and person and is a great asset to Bentley High School and the community. He is also a great leader on and off the field. Gabriel is a 2026 GAC Scholar Athlete Award winner. He has been a member of the Varsity Football team and Powerlifting team throughout his time in high

school. Gabriel demonstrates leadership, dedication, and a strong voice for his peers. He has been active with the National Honor Society, Student Council, Senior Student Representative for the School Board. He will attend Saginaw Valley State University in the fall to pursue a degree in business. He hopes to open his own business some day.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers for their unwavering support. We owe our success to you!

TOP ATHLETES 2026

CARMAN-AINSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL

MALACHI MAJEED

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Wrestling, Basketball, Track and Field

Malachi Majeed is a standout student-athlete from Carman-Ainsworth High School and a proud member of the Class of 2026. A dedicated and well-rounded individual, Malachi has excelled both academically and athletically while actively contributing to his school community.

Malachi plans to pursue a degree in Engineering, with aspirations to attend Wayne State University or Grand Valley State University. His commitment to excellence extends beyond

the classroom, as he is deeply involved in several leadership and service organizations, including Student Council, Hope Squad, AASA, and Students for Christ.

A four-sport athlete, Malachi has demonstrated exceptional versatility and achievement across multiple disciplines. In football, he has been a four-year contributor, earning 2nd Team

Kinesiology. A dedicated and versatile competitor, Kyndal has excelled as a threesport athlete, participating in sideline cheer, competitive cheer, and track and field. Beyond athletics, she is deeply involved in her school community, contrib-

All-State honors in 2024 and 1st Team All-State recognition in 2025. In wrestling, he reached the Regional Finals in 2026, showcasing his competitiveness and resilience. On the basketball court, he was a key member of CarmanAinsworth’s Division 1 Final Four team in 2025. In track and field, Malachi competed for four years and qualified for the state meet in shot put in 2025.

In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and multi-sport excellence, Malachi has been named a finalist for the 2026 Rich Tompkins Michigan High School Coaches Association Multi-Sport Athlete Award.

KYNDAL MURPHY

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Sideline Cheer, Competitive Cheer, Track and Field

uting her leadership and service through Student Council, National Honor Society, AASA, and Black Achievers.

Kyndal’s commitment to both academics and athletics is evident in her consistent recognition on the Saginaw Valley League All-Academic Team throughout all four years of high school. On the track, she has earned All-Region honors during her sophomore and junior years, qualifying for the State Championships in both seasons.

As a junior, Kyndal made school history by breaking the Carman-Ainsworth 200-meter record. She was also named MVP of the Carman-Ainsworth Track Team in both 2024 and 2025, further highlighting her impact and excellence in the sport. Kyndal’s achievements reflect not only her talent, but also her discipline, leadership, and dedication to success in all areas of her high school career.

Kyndal Murphy, a member of the Class of 2026, proudly represents CarmanAinsworth High School as one of Greater Flint’s top high school athletes. Following graduation, she plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a degree in

CLIO HIGH SCHOOL

KELCY SPERLING

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball

Kelcy Sperling exemplifies the true student-athlete, maintaining a 3.891 GPA while competing in three sports. She also is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council and is a dual enrollment student. She has earned nine varsity letters and All-League honors in both basketball and softball, along

with multiple All-League and All-District selections on the diamond. A leader on and off the field, Kelcy consistently elevates those around her and makes our school a better place. Kelcy will attend Saginaw Valley State University to pursue a degree in occupational therapy.

D’MARION ERLENBECK

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Wrestling, Baseball

D’Marion Erlenbeck ranks among the finest athletes in Clio history, excelling as a three-sport standout and earning All-League honors in each. On the football field, he was a First Team All-League and First Team All-State selection for the Mustangs. He carried that success into the winter, earning All-State honors in wrestling and finishing as a state runner-up. In the spring, D’Marion led the baseball team as a 2025 All-Region performer. He is also a youth wrestling coach and wrestling referee. D’Marion will attend Mott Community College to continue his education while pursuing both wrestling and baseball.

TOP ATHLETES 2026

DAVISON HIGH SCHOOL

CORTEZ PORTER

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Basketball, Track & Field

Cortez Porter is a hardworking, passionate student-athlete at Davison High School, and this honor reflects his exceptional dedication, performance, and leadership both on and off the field and court. Cortez is a three-sport student-athlete who has compiled an impressive 11 varsity seasons during his four years at Davison High School.

Competing in football, basketball, and track and field, he has consistently performed at a high level in each sport, demonstrating remark-

able versatility, commitment, and competitive spirit. Beyond his athletic achievements, Cortez has proven to be just as dedicated in the classroom, balancing the demands of a rigorous academic schedule with the responsibilities of a multi-sport athlete. His work ethic and focus have made him a true example of what it means to be a student scholar-athlete.

Cortez’s impact extends far beyond his individual accomplishments. He is a leader among his peers, someone who sets high expectations not only for himself, but for his teammates. He consistently encourages and challenges those around him to improve, always looking for ways to help his teams succeed and reach their full potential. This has allowed Cortez to be an asset to three different programs throughout his career at Davison High School.

His proud mother is Angelina Porter. Cortez has a GPA of 3.6. He will be attending Ferris State University on a football scholarship.

SAMANTHA BELLER

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Basketball, Soccer

She has positively represented Davison as a multi-sport student-athlete in both the basketball and soccer programs, as well as outside of them through her role as a Davison athletic office co-op, all in a respectful and positive manner. She understands that success is not simply about individual accomplishment, but about lifting others up and contributing to something greater than herself.

Her leadership is demonstrated not only through performance, but also through encouragement, accountability, and genuine care for her teammates. She consistently leads by example. Whether in the classroom, in competition, or in her community, she shows gratitude for the opportunities placed before her.

She recognizes that these opportunities, whether in academics, athletics, or life, are privileges that come with great responsibility.

She has helped set the bar extremely high for present and future student-athletes in the Davison School District, showing the community what it takes to be great, not just as an athlete, but also as a teammate and student. She is everyone’s favorite teammate because they know she would do anything to help make the team successful.

Samantha will be attending Cornerstone University on a soccer scholarship. Her parents are Jaime and Robbie Beller. In addition to sports, Samantha serves as NHS Treasurer and Cardinal Ambassador and has earned a GPA of 4.117.

Samantha Beller is a fine example of great sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship. She has been a hardworking, “nose-to-thegrindstone” student-athlete at Davison and has truly shown that hard work, dedication, and perseverance pay off.

TOP ATHLETES 2026

FENTON HIGH SCHOOL

MOLLY KATIC

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Track and Field

Molly Katic is a powerhouse in Track and Field, defined by an extraordinary record of success at the highest levels. Over a four-year varsity career, she has secured two National Championships and four State Championships, alongside six Regional and six League titles. Her dominance in her sport is further cemented by four MHSAA Division 1 State Records. As the 2025 Fenton Track & Field Female MVP, it is obvious that her impact is felt both in the record books and through the inspiration she provides to her fellow athletes. These accolades demonstrate a level of disci-

pline and competitive excellence that places her among the elite in the state.

Beyond the track, she has emerged as a true pioneer, utilizing her platform to advocate for inclusivity and pave a path for future adaptive athletes. She takes part in a significant number of extracurriculars. Her legacy at Fenton is defined by a commitment to breaking barriers, whether she is championing the “I am an Athlete Too” mission, competing in Special Olympics, or participating at Tim Tebow’s “Night to Shine.” Molly is bridging the gap between elite competition and adaptive advocacy and serves as a vital blueprint for the next generation of athletes. Molly is a trailblazer who has fundamentally expanded the definition of what it means to be a Fenton student-athlete. Molly plans to attend the University of Michigan to be on the Adaptive Track and Field team, and jewelry design.

DILLON HAMILTON

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Soccer, Football, Track and Field

Dillon Hamilton is the quintessential definition of a “scholar-athlete.” Ranking 13th in his class with a remarkable 4.193 GPA, he has balanced a rigorous IB and AP curriculum with an elite athletic career that spans nine varsity letters across three sports. Admitted Early Action to the University of Michigan, his academic prowess is matched only by his dominance on the field and track.

In soccer, he is a four-year starter, three-time All-State selection, and the 2023 Tri-County Times Player of the Year, finishing his career with a staggering 57 goals and 45 assists. His athleticism extends to the track, where he is a multi-time State Qualifier and a New Balance Freshman National qualifier. Not content with

just two sports, he stepped onto the football field as a senior to serve as the starting kicker for a Regional Finalist team. Beyond the stats, he serves as a Fenton Athletic Leadership Committee member and a National Honor Society student. Whether it is earning the Donald R. Shepherd Scholarship or securing a “Golden Shoe” for scoring, he pursues excellence with a positive, dependable attitude. He doesn’t just play for Fenton, he elevates the entire culture of our athletic department. Dillon has been active with numerous extracurriculars including the National Honor Society. Dillon plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor for economics, statistics, and finance.

FLUSHING HIGH SCHOOL

KAYLA ROUSSEAU

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Golf, Soccer

Kayla Rousseau is a standout multi-sport athlete and dedicated student who has excelled both on the field and in the classroom. In golf, she earned Second Team and First Team All-Conference honors and qualified for the state finals. In soccer, Kayla was a two-year Honorable Mention selection before earning First Team All-League, All-District honors, and serving as team captain. Academically, she has challenged herself with AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, and advanced math courses. A Flushing Scholar Athlete and FML AllAcademic honoree, Kayla has maintained a

GRIFFIN GOOD

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Cross Country, Track

Griffin Good is a Flushing ScholarAthlete who has balanced a rigorous academic schedule with a remarkable athletic commitment. Over four years, he has been a dedicated member of both the track and field and cross country teams, and for two years, he contributed significantly to our basketball program. As a team captain, Griffin led by example— motivating his peers, demonstrating accountability, and fostering a positive and inclusive team culture. His efforts were recognized when he was named the Flint Metro League Stripes Division Kiwanis Male Athlete of the Month, a distinction

GPA of 3.5 or higher, demonstrating consistent commitment to excellence in all areas.

In addition to athletics, Kayla has been active as an AYSO volunteer and a Flushing All Sports Youth Summer Camp volunteer. She plans to attend Lawrence Technological University to study Exercise Science or Sports Medicine and play on the women’s soccer team.

awarded to individuals who exemplify athletic excellence and strong character.

In addition to athletics, Griffin has been active with the Rotary Club, Varsity Club, Colt Squad, Mu Alpha Theta, NHS, Peer to Peer, Student Athlete Advisory Council, and is a part-time employee. He plans to attend Michigan State University and study computer engineering.

GENESEE HIGH SCHOOL

AVERIE ZINN

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Volleyball, Basketball

Averie Zinn has built one of the most decorated athletic careers in Genesee history. A standout in basketball and volleyball, Averie will continue her basketball career at Wayne State University on scholarship. On the court, Averie’s accomplishments are exceptional. She is a Miss Basketball finalist, Flint-area all-time leading scorer, and the MHSAA all-time steals leader. She scored over 2,000 career points, ranks 3rd in MHSAA history for total career points, and is listed in 21 MHSAA basketball records. Averie was named MLive Flint-Area Girls Basketball Player of the Year, earned MLive Dream Team honors three times, and was a three-time First Team All-Conference

JOEY ABBE

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Basketball, Baseball, Track, Bowling

Joey Abbe has distinguished himself as one of Genesee’s most well-rounded and accomplished student-athletes. A multi-sport standout, Joey earned All-Conference honors in football, baseball, and bowling, demonstrating both versatility and consistent highlevel performance across three seasons. In addition to his athletic success, Joey is a GAC Scholar-Athlete and the valedictorian of the Class of 2026, exemplifying elite achievement in the classroom. His ability to balance rigorous academics with the demands of multiple varsity sports speaks to his discipline, time management, and commitment to excellence.

Joey has been a leader within each of his programs, earning the respect of teammates and coaches through his work ethic, competitiveness, and team-first mentality. Whether on the field, on the lanes, or in the classroom, he consistently sets the standard for what it means to represent Genesee. He is active with the National Honor Society. Joey plans to attend Michigan State University, where he will pursue a degree in Sports and Commercial Turf Management. Joey represents the ideal student-athlete— driven, humble, and dedicated to both personal and team success—and leaves a lasting legacy at Genesee Jr/Sr High School.

selection. She also received First Team All-State honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior, along with multiple AllState recognitions from the Detroit Free Press and Associated Press. Beyond athletics, Averie has maintained a strong academic record, earning Academic All-State honors four times. She also gives back to the Genesee community by volunteering with the girls flag football, and youth sports, including helping at Jet League contests.

Averie represents the very best of Genesee: talent, work ethic, leadership, and commitment to community.

TOP ATHLETES 2026

GOODRICH HIGH SCHOOL

JAKOBY LAGAT

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Basketball, Track and Field

A cornerstone of Goodrich’s program, Jakoby Lagat capped an outstanding high school career by helping lead his team to the 2024 state championship in football. A dynamic playmaker and relentless competitor, he earned First Team All-League honors in both his junior and senior seasons. This year, he etched his name into the record book by breaking the single-game rushing record, a testament to his vision, toughness, and consistency behind a committed offensive unit.

His impact extends beyond the gridiron. As a member of Goodrich’s basketball program,

he brought the same competitiveness, coachability, and team-first mindset, elevating practice standards and contributing in key moments when it mattered most.

Off the field and court, he invests in others through the district’s Peer-to-Peer program, modeling empathy, leadership, and accountability for younger students and teammates alike. What truly sets him apart is his balance

of humility and drive. He does the extra work, celebrates teammates’ success, and carries himself with class in the classroom, locker room, and community. Those qualities, combined with his athletic ability, made him one of the most respected leaders within our athletic programs.

In the fall Jakoby will attend Grand Valley State University where he will continue his football career. While attending GVSU he will major in Business Administration.

KAYLA HAIRSTON

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Basketball, Track and Field

Final Four, and won a state title this year. She earned First Team All-League honors in each of the past four seasons and All-State recognition the last two. In track, she is a two-time regional champion and state runner-up.

Off the court, Kayla is the kind of leader every program hopes for. She gives back as a volunteer coach with the Jet League Basketball program and helps run our summer youth basketball camps, building fundamentals and confidence in young players. She also volunteers with our track and field youth camp, encouraging kids to try new events and

celebrate small wins. Reliable, positive, and team-first, she’s not just building skills, she’s building community.

Academically, Kayla holds a 3.77 GPA and challenges herself with AP Statistics, AP Government, and AP U.S. History. She plans to continue her career at the Division II level at Northwood University, major in accounting, and pursue a path toward forensic accounting.

Kayla Hairston is a standout student-athlete at Goodrich High School, competing for the Martians in basketball and track. On the court, she helped capture four district and four regional championships, reached the

TOP ATHLETES 2026

GRAND BLANC HIGH SCHOOL

BAYLOR PERKINS

CLASS OF 2026

Sport: Swimming

Baylor Perkins exemplifies the pinnacle of the student-athlete. Maintaining a stellar 4.017 GPA, Baylor has successfully balanced the rigors of a championship-level training schedule with a top-tier academic load. In the water, Baylor’s 2026 campaign has been nothing short of legendary, cementing his status as one of the most dominant swimmers in Michigan history. Baylor earned a 2026 All-American time in the 100 Breaststroke, along with placing 4th at the MHSAA Division 1 state meet. Baylor is the Varsity and Pool Record Holder for the 100 Breaststroke, a four-time MHSAA State

Molly Leyes is a role model for all student athletes both on and off the field of competition. With a remarkable 4.196 GPA, Molly has never earned a grade lower than an A-, earning her Academic All-State honors in

Qualifier, and a six-time All-State recipient. His regional dominance is unparalleled; he is a four-time Genesee County Champion and secured an incredible fourth consecutive SVL individual title.

Beyond the records and accolades, Baylor’s true legacy is defined by his character and his heart for service. Recognized as the State Champs Athlete of the Week and the Kiwanis

MOLLY

LEYES

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Lacrosse, Field Hockey

both lacrosse and field hockey. Her leadership extends into the classroom as the Secretary of the National Honor Society and an active member of HOSA, where she prepares for her future career as a Physician Assistant. As the first player in program history to commit to a Division I lacrosse program (University of Detroit Mercy), she has rewritten the record books. A varsity starter since her freshman year, Molly shattered the school’s career scoring record midway through her junior season. She currently boasts 254 career goals— with the remainder of her senior season still to play—placing her on track to finish among the top 10 in Michigan state history for both goals and total points. A two-time All-State

Club of Flint’s Student-Athlete of the Month, Baylor is a leader who identifies a need and takes decisive action.

Following national cuts to SNAP benefits, he spearheaded a massive school-wide food and hygiene drive. By mobilizing his fellow officers and partnering with FISH of Grand Blanc, Baylor successfully raised thousands of dollars’ worth of essential items for local families in need. Whether he is assisting his team to a podium finish or championing a local cause, Baylor Perkins embodies the leadership, excellence, and competitive spirit of a true Grand Blanc Bobcat.

selection and perennial Offensive MVP, Molly’s scoring prowess is matched only by her leadership as a team captain.

She was a foundational member of the inaugural field hockey team, scoring the first goal in program history and eventually earning Team MVP and All-League honors. Perhaps most impressively, Molly uses her platform to lift others. She is a dedicated partner for Grand Blanc Unified Sports and a passionate advocate for the Special Olympics. As a member of the HOPE Squad, she works tirelessly to promote mental health awareness and peer support.

KEARSLEY HIGH SCHOOL

JAMESON VANIER

CLASS OF 2026

Sport: Bowling

Jameson Vanier is an exceptional studentathlete who exemplifies leadership, dedication, and excellence both in the classroom and in competition. He has maintained a strong academic record as an honors student with a 3.5 GPA and has been recognized as a Kiwanis Scholar-Athlete. As a key member of the Kearsley bowling program, Jameson has played a pivotal role in the team’s sustained success, helping lead them to four league championships and four consecutive state championships. His individual accomplish-

outstanding

ments are equally impressive. Jameson has achieved a perfect 300 game, earned All-State honors twice, and captured an individual state championship title. This year, his outstanding performance and contributions to the sport were further recognized when he was named Mr. Bowler by the Michigan High School Bowling Coaches Association.

Beyond his accolades, Jameson is respected by his peers and teammates for his leadership,

work ethic, and positive influence. He sets a high standard and consistently represents his school and team with pride.

Looking ahead, Jameson plans to continue both his academic and athletic career at Lawrence Technological University, where he has earned a bowling scholarship. His achievements and character make him a deserving candidate for recognition, and he is well-positioned for continued success at the next level.

KEANA FANT-THOMPSON

CLASS OF 2026

Sports Track and Field, Golf, Swim, Wrestling, Powerlifting

Keana has distinguished herself athletically by competing in five varsity sports: track and field, golf, swimming, wrestling, and powerlifting. Her dedication and talent are most evident in track and field, where she earned Flint Metro League Long Jump Champion honors and was named First Team All-Conference. Her willingness to challenge herself across multiple sports speaks to her work ethic, resilience, and competitive drive.

Beyond academics and athletics, Keana has shown strong leadership and initiative within her school community. She founded the school’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) club, creating opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers to engage, learn, and grow. This accomplishment highlights her vision, organizational skills, and passion for helping others.

Keana plans to attend Dartmouth University next year, where she will undoubtedly continue to excel academically while pursuing her future goals. Her combination of intellectual ability, athletic achievement, and leadership makes her a standout individual and a positive role model among her peers.

Keana Fant-Thompson is an exceptional studentathlete whose accomplishments reflect both academic excellence and remarkable versatility. She is an honors student with an

4.05 GPA and ranks second in her graduating class, demonstrating a consistent commitment to high achievement in the classroom.

LAKE FENTON HIGH SCHOOL

CAMDEN FRAY

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Baseball, Football

Camden Fray is a Class of 2026 two-sport athlete for the Lake Fenton Blue Devils. His hard work and dedication in the classroom, on the baseball diamond, and football field has earned him the opportunity to continue his athletic career at Northwood University next fall. He’ll be playing baseball in Midland after graduating near the top of his class at Lake Fenton.

BRAYLEY WEST

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Powerlifting, Track & Field

Brayley West is a three-sport athlete who has competed in football, powerlifting, and track & field during her time at Lake Fenton. She’s a three-time state champion in powerlifting and will attend Central Michigan University on a full scholarship in the fall.

LAKEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

ANABELL NEWBERY

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball

Anabell Newbery is a four-year, three-sport athlete. As a multi-year captain and leader, she has left an indelible mark at LakeVille High School. Whether on the court, on the field, or in the classroom, Anabell has brought consistency, leadership, and high expectations to her team and classmates. She has earned All-League honors in each sport, and she has been the heart of her teams. Her teammates rally around her and follow her example. Her ability to balance her competitive nature and leadership qualities sets her apart and makes

her one of the most versatile and valuable athletes in the school.

As a member of the National Honor Society, Anabell has continued to build strong connections and leadership through her service. This fall, Anabell will continue to expand her connections and leadership by attending Oakland Community College. She’ll play softball for the Owls and begin her path to earn an associate’s degree in business administration. She also has plans to attend cosmetology school after graduating from college.

FRED HAMMOND

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Wrestling, Golf, Track

Fred Hammond is a four -sport athlete (football, wrestling, golf, and track) with numerous awards in each sport. He is best known for wrestling (4X league, district, and regional champion, 4X state placer, 2X state champion). This year, he capped off his high school wrestling career as an undefeated state champion. Fred has served LakeVille’s greater community by helping pack

food at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Within the school district, he has supported the growth of other students through his service as a member of the National Honor Society and as a member of the student council. After graduation, he will attend Grand Valley State University to pursue a degree in engineering and compete on the Lakers’ wrestling team.

LINDEN HIGH SCHOOL

MADELYN CIESIELSKI

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Volleyball

Madelyn Ciesielski has been named Linden High School’s Female Athlete of the Year, an honor that reflects her impressive athletic achievements, as well as her dedication to academics, service, and leadership. She has been a cornerstone of the Linden varsity volleyball program since her freshman year. A four-year starter and letter winner, she has demonstrated a level of commitment and performance that few achieve at the high school level. Her progression highlights her drive to improve, earning Honorable Mention AllLeague as a freshman, Second Team All-League

as both a sophomore and junior, and First Team All-League and All-Region honors as a senior.

Beyond her accolades, Madelyn’s impact is evident in her leadership. As a two-year team captain, she has been a steady and inspiring presence, setting the tone through her work ethic, positivity, and competitive spirit. She also gives back to the sport by coaching a U-12 travel volleyball team, helping develop young athletes.

AIDEN MOORE

CLASS OF 2026

Equally impressive is her commitment in the classroom. Maintaining a 3.5 GPA while competing in a varsity sport for four years reflects her discipline and time management. She is also dual enrolled at Mott Community College, further preparing for her future.

Madelyn is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Linden’s Peer-to-Peer program, and volunteers with the FISH Pantry Community Center and Linden Presbyterian Church. She will attend Grand Valley State University to pursue a career as a physician assistant.

Sports: Football, Basketball, Track & Field

On the football field, Aiden’s senior season was nothing short of historic. After earning Honorable Mention All-League honors as a junior, he elevated his performance to First Team AllLeague status as a senior. Despite missing three games, Aiden set multiple school records, including receiving yards (1,142), receptions (47), and touchdowns (11), solidifying himself as one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the area.

Aiden’s success extends to the basketball court, where he earned Second Team All-League honors in both his junior and senior seasons, demonstrating consistency and leadership.

In track and field, Aiden was a key contributor on the record-setting 4x100 relay team last season and qualified for the state meet in both the

100-meter dash and the 4x100 relay, showcasing his speed and versatility.

Beyond athletics, Aiden has made a meaningful impact in his community by donating his time to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to those in need. As he looks ahead, Aiden is considering opportunities to continue his football career at the collegiate level.

Aiden’s combination of academic success, athletic achievement, and commitment to serving others makes him a standout representative of Linden athletics and a true model of what it means to be a student-athlete.

Aiden Moore has established himself as one of Linden’s most accomplished and well-rounded student-athletes. Carrying an impressive 3.8 GPA, Aiden exemplifies excellence both in the classroom and in competition as a three-sport letter winner and a four-year Honor Roll student.

MONTROSE HILLMCCLOY HIGH SCHOOL

CONNOR GROSS

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball

Connor Gross has proven himself as a dedicated student, accomplished athlete, and active community member. Throughout his high school career, Connor excelled in three varsity sports — football, basketball, and baseball, earning numerous awards for his performance, leadership, and commitment.

In football, Connor was recognized with the Captain’s Award, First Team All-Conference, and First Team All-Region honors, along with an Honorable Mention selection to the Flint Dream Team. On the basketball court, he earned Second

Miley Harrington is a member of the Montrose Hill-McCloy High School Class of 2026. She has distinguished herself as both an exceptional student and a highly accomplished athlete. Miley is a four-year varsity soccer player. She has demonstrated remarkable skill, leadership, and consistency on the soccer pitch. Her dedication to the game is further reflected in her involvement in competitive travel soccer, where she

Team All-Conference recognition, was named Defensive Player of the Year, and served as team captain. In baseball, Connor’s achievements were especially notable, including First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District and All-Region honors, MVP Award, Pitcher of the Year, and multi-year captain.

Beyond the athletic facilities, Connor has been deeply involved in school leadership and

service. He participated in Student Council, Varsity Club, National Technical Honor Society, and served as a class officer and member of the Advisory Committee. His commitment to giving back is evident through his involvement in community service, including volunteering at the Blueberry Festival and supporting the Special Olympics. Connor plans to attend the University of Michigan-Flint, where he will pursue a degree in secondary education, followed by a master’s degree in administration. His dedication, leadership, and passion for helping others is a testament to his successes.

MILEY HARRINGTON

CLASS OF 2026

Sport: Soccer

has continued to elevate her performance and impact. Throughout her high school career, Miley has earned numerous athletic honors. She is a two-time Most Valuable Player and threetime All-Conference selection. She is a two-time All-District, and All-Region player, along with Honorable Mention All-State recognition. Her offensive contributions have been especially impressive, as evidenced by her two Golden Boot Awards for most goals scored and her Set Up Player Award for most assists.

Beyond athletics, Miley excels academically and in leadership roles. She has been recognized as a Montrose Scholar Athlete and serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society. Her commitment to service and student leadership is

clear through her involvement in the SAVE Club, Student Advisory Committee, and Varsity Club. As Class President, she has played a key role in representing and supporting her classmates and school. In the fall, Miley will attend the University of Alabama, where she plans to major in accounting, while also continuing her pursuit of excellence both academically and personally.

GENESEE DISTRICT LIBRARY

POWERS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

KENDYL SMITH

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Basketball, Soccer

Kendyl Smith is an outstanding high school athlete. Over the past three years, Kendyl has been a true leader and team player, consistently putting her teammates and the program first while helping lead her team to success. She demonstrates exceptional character both on and off the court, showing dedication, discipline, and respect in everything she does. Kendyl leads by example and has earned the trust and admiration of her coaches, teammates, and school community.

Her strong faith is a guiding force in her life, shaping her values, work ethic, and the way she treats others with humility and integrity. Her commitment and talent have earned her the opportunity to compete at the Division I level, a testament to her hard work and determination. Kendyl truly represents the very best of what a student-athlete should be. In addition to her sports, she is a Wyld Life leader and active in Weight lifting, Unicef, Rotary, and the Baking Club.

AYDEN COOK

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Hockey

Ayden Cook is an outstanding high school athlete for Powers.

Ayden has been a vital part of taking the Powers hockey program to “Back-to-Back” state hockey titles. He has been a great leader for the Powers hockey program and has demonstrated strong leadership skills on and off the ice that inspired his teammates to attain incredible success for Powers hockey. This past season Ayden was named “Mr. Hockey” for being the best hockey player in the state of Michigan and the first ever Mr. Hockey from Genesee County. Ayden’s most immediate plans are to play hockey next season in South Dakota. In addition to hockey, he is active in Golf, and has obtained 50+ community service hours.

ELEVATED SPACES, SIGNATURE

QUALITY

Since 1991, Signet Residential has built spaces where quality, detail, and purpose come together. The Signet Signature of Quality ensures every project reflects your vision with lasting craftsmanship and design.

Whether you’re building or remodeling, our team provides a full range of design services:

• Crafting Custom Homes

• Delivering Quality Renovations

• Offering Personalized Consulting

• Interior Design Expertise

Ready to bring your space to life? Schedule your complimentary project analysis today at 810.695.5660.

SWARTZ CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

MASON MCMICHAEL

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Lacrosse, Football, Basketball

Mason McMichael is an awesome young man with great character and is a natural born leader on the field and in the class room with a 4.2 GPA. He had an impressive senior year and he helped start a new culture at “Creek.” His coaches were thankful to have him. He will excel at anything he does in life from here moving forward. Mason plans to attend Grand Valley State University.

GRACE PARSONS

CLASS OF 2026

Sports: Softball, Bowling

Grace Parsons is a student you would want 10 of on your team. She works extremely hard at everything that she does and has a drive to be good at it all. Grace has improved so much over the last few years at softball and is a pivotal outfielder for Swartz Creek this year. She has her moments where she struggles, but her coaches very rarely see her with anything but a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She is supportive of her teammates and is somebody that her teams lean on for leadership in and out of softball. Grace carries herself the same way in the classroom. Her hard work and dedication to her academics has earned her All-State Academic Individual from the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association this year and she will be named as a Flint Metro League Scholar Athlete award winner again this year. Grace plans to attend Rochester Christian University.

MAKE THE CHOICE Wise

StudentStandout

Presented by

Breion Baker

Bendle High School Grade 12

Breion Baker is an outstanding young man and a leader at Bendle High School. He is captain of his football, baseball, and track teams. He has received all-conference awards in every sport he has participated in. Breion is always looking for ways to help those in need and make Bendle a better place to be. From helping students in need to visiting the office daily to greeting secretaries and administrators, he always looks to be a positive influence. Breion plans to attend Mott Community College.

Which sport do you like best?

Football is my favorite sport.

How did you get so good at sports? What motivates you to work hard?

I’ve improved by working out every day

and always trying to learn something new that can help me grow, both in sports and in life. My motivation comes from wanting to better myself and reach my full potential.

Who inspires you the most?

My parents inspire me the most because they’ve always supported me and pushed me to do my best.

What is your favorite class?

My favorite class is Links.

What advice do you have for younger students?

Stay focused, be a leader, and never quit anything you start. When things get tough, don’t give up on yourself—keep pushing forward.

You plan to attend MCC. Do you have a career picked out, or are you sticking with sports for now?

I plan to attend MCC and work toward becoming an electrician while continuing to stay involved in sports.

Do you know a standout student in athletics, academics or the arts? Nominate them to be featured in an upcoming issue!

SCAN HERE!

TWISTED BURGER DINER

How Bill and Tina Etter Built a Flint Favorite

From Pretzels, Passion, and Community

BY SHARON STONE

In a city known for resilience and reinvention, Twisted Burger Diner feels right at home. Equal parts comfort-food haven and community hub, this Flint favorite has carved out its own niche by blending handcrafted flavors with a story rooted in faith, family, and a passion for serving others, led by owners Bill Etter and Tina Etter.

From Pretzels to Patties

The journey to Twisted Burger started with pretzels. After spending two decades operating Auntie Anne’s locations, Bill and Tina Etter had perfected the art of dough. When the idea for a food truck first took shape in 2020, they decided to build on that expertise, developing their own pretzel recipe to serve as the foundation for their burgers.

That twist became their signature. Hand-rolled pretzel buns now define the Twisted Burger experience, giving each sandwich a soft, slightly chewy bite that stands apart from anything else in the area. The name “Twisted Burger” is a nod to both that unique bun and the creative spin the Etters bring to classic diner fare.

A Dream That Grew Wheels and Walls

Twisted Burger’s story moved quickly. The first food truck launched in July 2020, offering a mobile introduction to their bold flavors. By January 2021, the diner itself opened its doors, followed by a second food truck in 2022, each one expanding their reach across the Flint community.

Behind the scenes, it’s a true team effort. Bill, whose vision sparked the original food truck, still operates one of the mobile kitchens, while Tina plays a key role in shaping the business and its mission. Manager DJ runs the second truck, and Nigel oversees the day-to-day rhythm inside the diner. But ask anyone involved, and they will tell you the same thing: the staff is the heartbeat of the operation.

There is a shared focus on making people feel welcome. Their grill is directly behind the front counter, which has bar seating and the cooks are known to greet customers as often as the servers. It is the kind of place where regulars are known by name and first-time visitors are treated like they have been coming for years.

A Diner With a Past Life

Even the building itself has a story. The diner was not built from scratch. It was transported from another location and set onto an existing foundation along Miller Road. Owned by Harley-Davidson, the structure carries a sense of history, now repurposed into a lively, modern eatery.

Why Flint?

For Bill and Tina, Flint is not just a business location. It is home. Their connection to the city dates back to 2005, when they moved to the area to purchase a pretzel shop at Genesee Valley Center. What began as a business opportunity evolved into something deeper: a commitment to the community and a belief that they were meant to be here for a greater purpose.

That sense of calling still shapes Twisted Burger today. Whether it is through friendly service, community involvement, or simply offering a place where people can gather, the diner reflects a genuine investment in the people of Flint.

The Food: Fresh, Flavorful, and Just a Little Twisted

While not every item is made from scratch, Twisted Burger takes pride in preparing as much as possible in-house. Their burgers start with never-frozen beef, cooked to order and stacked high on those signature buns. Fresh-squeezed lemonade, hand-cut fries, housemade chili, and a lineup of baked goods, from cookies and brownies to cheesecakes, round out the menu.

And then there are the burgers themselves.

The Southwest Burger has earned a loyal following and accolades to match. A double patty topped with pepper jack cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and their signature Rock Sauce took first place in a local burger competition’s Judge’s Choice category. It is bold, messy, and exactly what you want from a standout burger.

For something a little more classic, the Bill Burger delivers a satisfy-

ing combination of bacon, egg, and cheese, comfort food at its finest. Other favorites, like the Twisted Swiss, keep things simple while letting the quality ingredients shine.

Beyond burgers, the menu stretches into breakfast territory with hearty omelets, as well as indulgent options like Monte Cristo sandwiches. It is diner food, elevated just enough to feel special without losing its familiar appeal.

Something for Everyone

Twisted Burger makes an effort to accommodate a range of dietary

needs. Gluten-free buns and cookies are available, along with naturally gluten-free options like salads and chili. While the kitchen is not suited for those with severe gluten sensitivities, many gluten-intolerant customers have found plenty to enjoy. The diner also has a fairly expansive vegan menu, which has helped build a base of regulars. They also offer their popular hand-dipped shakes as well as mixed fresh fruit smoothies.

Built for Today’s Diners

In addition to its welcoming

atmosphere, Twisted Burger keeps things convenient. Online ordering is simple and widely used, making it easy for customers to grab their favorites on the go. Meanwhile, the food trucks continue to serve at events across the region, bringing their signature flavors to parties, gatherings, and celebrations of all sizes.

An Open Invitation

At its core, Twisted Burger Diner is about more than just food. It is about consistency, quality, and connection, values that Bill and Tina have woven into every aspect of the business. It is about showing up every day, as they are open seven days a week, and offering something people can count on.

For first-time visitors, the advice is simple: start with a burger. After all, it is in the name. Whether you go for the awardwinning Southwest, the hearty Bill Burger, or something in between, you will get a taste of what makes this place special.

And once you have been, chances are it will not be your last visit.

Twisted Burger Diner is at 3142 Miller Rd., Flint. Phone: 810-8202999. Visit Twisted Burger Diner | Order Ahead & Catering for Large Groups for menus. New hours are 9AM – 10PM. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

TWISTED BURGER DINER FOOD TRUCKS SERVE THEIR SIGNATURE MENU ITEMS AT EVENTS ACROSS THE REGION.

TREY MCKENNEY’S CLUTCH SHOT LIFTS MICHIGAN TO NATIONAL TITLE

BY MARK SPEZIA

FROM FLINT TO FINAL FOUR GLORY

Sporting a newly minted National Championship cap with a piece of the net he had just snipped off dangling from the back, Trey McKenney could finally fully soak in the enormity of the moment.

The Michigan freshman and Flint native’s National Championship shirt was soaked with the sprays of the Wolverines’ locker room celebration after knocking off Connecticut for their first national title since 1989 as he humbly answered media questions. The biggest topic of conversation, of course, was how McKenney

TREY MCKENNEY CUTS OFF A PIECE OF THE NET FOLLOWING THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. Photo courtesy of University of Michigan Photography

nailed a clutch shot late in the game that will forever live in Michigan basketball lore.

“That shot turned out to be really big, but I actually didn’t realize how big until after the game because I was so laser-focused on competing hard until the end,” said McKenney while reliving the sequence roughly three weeks later. “They were not going to let up.”

The Wolverines never trailed after Yaxel Lendeborg’s layup put them up, 27-25, with 3:06 left in the first half, but UConn crept within 62-56 with just over two minutes remaining in the game and seemed poised to further trim the deficit after forcing a turnover.

McKenney, however, was not having it. He raced down the court, catching up with the Huskies’ Solo Ball and thwarting his layup attempt. McKenney then flew back the other way in time to snare a pass from teammate Roddy Gayle on the right wing, dribble once, step back behind the 3-point line and launch a high, arcing shot that practically all eyes in Indianapolis’ 70,000seat Lucas Oil Stadium watched go through the net, stretching Michigan’s advantage to 65-56.

“We needed something at that point to give us a lift because I felt the momentum might be shifting after they had gone a little run,” McKenney said. “I was glad I could provide that in such a big moment. I worked really well with Roddy the whole season and I knew he trusted me, so I started calling for the ball. I just wasn’t sure if he was going to hear me because the place was going crazy.”

UConn was within four points when he rebounded a missed 3-pointer, was fouled and promptly swished two free throws with 13 seconds left for the final points of Michigan’s 69-63 win.

Playing a season-high 29 minutes, McKenney finished with nine points and a season-high eight rebounds, second-best on the team behind Morez Johnson’s 10 boards. He is the first Michigan high school graduate to play in an NCAA Division 1

That shot turned out to be really big, but I actually didn’t realize how big until after the game because I was so laser-focused on competing hard until the end.

— Trey McKenney

men’s basketball national championship game since Grand Ledge’s Al Horford helped Florida win the first of back-to-back titles in 2006.

Ironically, Michigan’s national championship came nearly a year to the day after McKenney predicted it would happen during an interview after earning the Detroit Athletic Club’s Male Athlete of the Year award. “I envision myself winning a national championship next year with Michigan,” he told State Champs Network’s Lorne Plant.

“It really means a lot to see what I hoped would happen my first year at Michigan come true because there were so many good teams in this year’s tournament,” McKenney said.

“To watch how we grew as a team all season long and deliver a national championship when the stakes were so high was unbelievable for our program and the community. I’m so blessed to be a part of it.”

After averaging 21.6 minutes of playing time and 9.6 points per game during the regular season and Big Ten Tournament, McKenney increased his production to 25.2 minutes and 12 points a game in the NCAA Tournament. He made 14 of 17 free throws, including his final nine in a row.

McKenney’s postseason performance was no surprise to Michigan

assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen. “Trey’s biggest strengths are his confidence and ability to make shots in big moments and he’s just really comfortable out there,” he said. “What we appreciated most was how much he cares about winning and his teammates. He was a big part of what we did all year, and especially in the NCAA Tournament, where he kept making plays when we needed them.”

McKenney, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound guard, was the Wolverines’ second-leading scorer against Alabama in the Sweet 16 (17 points) and Arizona in the national semifinals (16). “Arizona was a

pretty fun game because we were not really favored to win, but we took it to them (91-73) and showed why we were the best team in the nation,” he said.

Michigan finished with a 37-3 record, the highest single-season winning percentage (.925) in program history. Team chemistry developed quickly even though the Wolverines’ top five scorers — transfers Lendeborg, Johnson, Cadeau and Aday Mara along with McKenney — were all in their first seasons with the program.

“The biggest reason we got over the hump and finally won another national title for Michigan is that,

FLINT NATIVE TREY MCKENNEY IS CREDITED WITH MAKING A CLUTCH SHOT LATE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME THAT WILL FOREVER LIVE IN MICHIGAN BASKETBALL LORE. Photo courtesy of Imagn Images

courtesy of Imagn Images

Photo

collectively, nobody had an ego or was out for themselves, but went about doing everything the right way,” he said. “We all bonded as one during the summer and fall while preparing for the season and throughout the season.”

The friendship McKenney formed with Lendeborg, the Big Ten Player of the Year and probable first-round NBA Draft choice, is one of the experiences he will treasure most when reflecting on his first season in Ann Arbor. “Yaxel became my best friend and we developed a very strong bond because he’s a great example of everything our team stood for,” McKenney said. “I’ll always have great memories of us working out early in the morning or staying after practice to shoot, dinners out and all those kinds of things. He’s an amazingly talented player, yet so unselfish and that’s so refreshing.”

Lendeborg praised McKenney during the post-title game celebration on the court prior to making their way to the locker room.”This

shot of the season. He never hit the freshman wall and stayed true.”

McKenney and Lendeborg also basked in the adulation of thousands of fans during Michigan’s championship parade through Ann Arbor. “For me, the parade was an incredible time to celebrate the national championship with our people,” McKenney said. “They were really supportive throughout the season and gave us that extra energy to keep going in practice and games to do all the little things, all the dirty work to be successful. Some tournament games felt like home games because they showed up for us.”

Another celebration followed on May 14 when ‘Trey Day’ honored McKenney and Michigan’s national championship at the Riverfront Conference Center in downtown Flint.

Trey said. “I didn’t want to put the ball down after that and my aunt certainly had a big impact on my development, especially early on at her camps.”

I can certainly see myself as an All-Big Ten player next season and contending for All-American while hopefully helping us defend our national championship. — Trey McKenney

guy is one of the best freshmen in college basketball right now,” he told reporters. “Trey made the biggest shot of the game for us, the biggest

McKenney served as Michigan’s top force off bench this season. He did not start a game, but played in all 40 and led the Wolverines in 3-pointers (68). He was second in free throw percentage (77-for-86, 89.5%), third in 3-point shooting percentage (68-for-174, 39.1%) and fifth in scoring (9.9 points per game), minutes per game (22.1), rebounding (2.8) and defensive rebounds (94).He was named to the All-Big Ten freshman team and presented with the Michigan’s Newcomer of the Year Award which goes to the top first-year athlete who has excelled both academically and athletically.

McKenney began developing an affinity for basketball while watching and playing the sport with his father John and attending a camp run by his legendary aunt, Linnell Jones-McKenney, at about age 4. Jones-McKenney became Flint’s first female professional basketball player after starring at Flint Northwestern High School, becoming All-American at Kentucky State and making the 1980 Olympic team.

“I loved basketball from the start, especially once I got my own hoop,”

McKenney’s talent really began blossoming in middle school while he was playing for the Flint Affiliation program and playing up two age groups for Bates Fundamental’s U-16 team in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. He enrolled at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School, developing into the state’s most highly sought Class of 2025 recruit. The four-year varsity starter was a three-time state Division 1 Player of the Year, leading the Eaglets to a state championship as a junior, and was named Michigan’s Mr. Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American as a senior. McKenney also played an integral role in Team USA capturing the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup gold medal.

Ranked among the top 20 recruits in the nation, McKenney received more than 30 Division 1 scholarship offers before choosing Michigan over USC and Georgetown on Nov. 9, 2024. “I actually decided privately I was going to Michigan about two months before the official announcement,” he said.

As unforgettable as this season was, McKenney is hoping it was a mere prelude to achieving bigger goals in the future, beginning with replacing graduating guard Nimari Burnett in the starting lineup.

“I can certainly see myself as an All-Big Ten player next season and contending for All-American while hopefully helping us defend our national championship,” he said. “Expanding my leadership role is also very important to me, but it all starts with myself and everybody else putting in the offseason work.”

Miskdeen is eagerly anticipating McKenney’s next act. “Trey shows up every day to work, listens and brings good energy to the group,” he said. “With the way he approaches the game, Trey has a really bright future.”

Jennifer and Shawn Mathieu’s LOVE STORY

Presented by

How and when did you first meet?

We met in 2008 through mutual friends. We were at a breast cancer awareness event and Shawn bought me a shirt I liked. It was very sweet.

Tell us about the proposal. We both love the outdoors and go for walks in the woods often. On one of our adventures in the woods, I didn’t hear Shawn walking behind me anymore. I turned around and there he was on one knee in the snow. It was beautiful.

Tell us about the wedding.

We had an amazing wedding at the Fountains in Clarkston. All of our friends and family celebrated late into the night. The best part of our wedding was how well everyone mingled and enjoyed each other’s company.

What do you cherish most about each other?

Shawn and I are opposites. We complement each other in our areas of weakness. I am opinionated and loud. Shawn is quiet and reserved.

Have any sweet, funny, or just plain awesome details you want to share?

We have been married 16 years. We have the most amazing little boy together.

HAVE A LOVE STORY THAT DESERVES THE SPOTLIGHT?

Apply now to be featured.

Scan the QR code to submit your story.

HOME

The Manors at Pine Hollow is a one-of-a-kind, prestigious residential community in southern Genesee County, now under new ownership.

Our newest phase offers a fully custom home building experience, including site selection, architectural guidance, and professional project planning and construction management. Residents enjoy a world-class lifestyle featuring:

• Award-winning custom homes by Signet Residential

• Over 200 acres of scenic common areas

• Spacious home sites of an acre or more

• Grand Blanc Community Schools

The exclusive builder, Signet Residential, has been crafting homes where quality, detail, and purpose come together. The Signet signature represents a commitment to superior craftsmanship and thoughtful design, ensuring each home reflects your vision and stands the test of time.

Call us today at 810.695.9901 to learn how you can be welcomed home at The Manors at Pine Hollow.

BY KEEGAN DELONEY PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Education is something people have long puzzled over: how best to teach, how best to absorb information, and how best to ensure those lessons transfer into practical skills or lifelong values. Instruction methods vary from visual and auditory approaches to hands-on education, from individual or group learning to rigid schedules or flexible lesson plans. And, of course, different types of learning produce different lessons, different kinds of value or experience gained.

In the case of Mott Community College’s recent study abroad, students returned with experiences that

A LIFE-CHANGING CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH FLORENCE

will continue shaping every aspect of their lives.

From the end of February to the first week of March, Chef Mark Handy, Chef Gregory Campbell, and Chef Kristina Boroff led Mott Culinary Institute students on a study abroad to Italy. Based in Florence and the Apicius International School of Hospitality, students embarked on a five-day program to “enrich the culinary arts students,” as Chef Handy explained. This enrichment came in various forms over the course of the trip, from standard classroom instruction to cultural immersion. And, of course, every aspect of this

trip contributed to students’ lives and learning in different ways.

Hands On

Classroom learning is likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of college education: the academics, the concrete facts, and the book learning. For the study abroad, such learning included lessons in Italian language, history, wine, how to prepare specific dishes, such as gelato and various pastas, and more. Classroom and group education are familiar learning methods, providing a sense of stability to build foundational knowledge, not to mention

practical and easily applicable skills such as foreign language and food preparation.

Of course, this might lead to a question: why travel abroad when students could learn the same material in a classroom in their own country? After all, lessons like those above were learned in a classroom setting, and it’s true that these lessons could have been learned without crossing an ocean. In fact, some were, as students needed to take pre-requisite courses before they could apply for the trip. However, the fact that something can be done in one place doesn’t mean there’s no value in doing it elsewhere.

A prime example is the class in pasta students took. While they could have learned similar material at Mott, Apicius offered more depth to it: they offered proximity to a nation famous for perfecting the art of pasta, instructors who grew up with everything that makes their nation’s pasta so remarkable, ingredients, local knowledge, passion for the craft, and more.

Not only that, but Jacob Middaugh, a student on the trip, commented on the language barrier between students and the instructor. “She didn’t really speak English,” he said, “so it was a really good, immersive experience.” In combining the traditional classroom experience with a depth and intimacy to the content only locals could share, a typically straightforward experience becomes further enriched with nuance, understanding, and even challenge through the unfamiliar (such as a language barrier). These were all things students were steeped in throughout their study abroad.

Feet Planted

The effects of classroom learning may be clear, but what about the value of immersion? Of encouragement to explore and exposure to Italy as a whole?

For one, it demonstrates how everything they’ve learned in the classroom fits into the world at large, or even why it’s important. As an example, Jacob brought up the concept of cucina povera, or “poverty cuisine,” which consists of minimizing food waste and maximizing use of what you have. Katherine Davis, another student, went further to say, “No ingredient left behind… You utilize everything all the time.” From using stale bread to clean plates to preparing every part of an animal to eat, and from watching food prepared this way to partaking of it themselves, these students learned both how to cook in this manner and the reasoning behind it. In this, they also gained a better appreciation for what they cook with and what they eat, limiting food waste in both areas of their lives.

Students were able to explore more than culinary technique or the country’s value of wine, as well: they were able to learn about the country just by walking the streets. They visited famous landmarks and cities such as Piza and Tuscany, but they didn’t neglect the Italy that most tourists pass by, the everyday history and the current value of things like wine windows, narrow streets, and the Italian people themselves. Jacob in particular noted the differences he saw between America and Italy: the tight streets made him more aware of the people around him, and “nobody was in a rush for anything,” teaching him to match their pace and enjoy experiences as they happened. Face-to-face with a way of life so distinct from

what they’re used to, students didn’t just gain a better understanding of culinary practices: they gained a better understanding of the world, its people, and their ways.

Eyes Forward

However, their grown understanding of others wasn’t limited to strangers in another country. It extended to the people they came to Florence with: their peers and instructors. This study abroad put several students into close proximity with each other, students who, beyond attending the same college and even some of the same classes, otherwise wouldn’t spend much time together. They shared classroom sessions, walking tours, meals, lodging, and countless other experiences. Chef Handy commented on how

close quarters have the potential to breed tensions and animosity, but how everyone on the trip instead found more room to bond and get to know each other than to argue.

Katherine expressed similar sentiments, describing how everyone worked with peers and teachers they might not normally see or rely on. “Everyone rose to the occasion and checked in with each other,” she said. In this way, students didn’t just learn to empathize and understand people they’d never met before: they also learned to reach out, cooperate with, and connect to the people around them. The ability to initiate contact and interact with “familiar strangers,” to get to know distinct individuals who would normally be relegated to “background characters,” is an increasingly vital skill to

develop in this age of isolation and independence.

Focus Inward

From practical skills to the ability to empathize with the unknown, and from understanding complete strangers to connecting with familiar faces one would normally take for granted, Mott’s study abroad program encouraged students to reach beyond themselves and grow in ways they never thought possible. And yet, external learning was only part of the process. Chef Handy noted how many students grew into themselves, from one student seeing the ocean for the first time to a quiet student finding their voice and engaging with others for the first time. Katherine agreed: “You were capable of being a melting pot within yourself.”

Lasting Impact

The impact of these trips hasn’t gone unnoticed. Even during past trips such as one in Barcelona, local instructors pulled Mott faculty to the side and expressed how amazing the students were, something that greatly impacted Chef Handy. And with practical applications like buffing resumés and standing out in the job market to social discoveries such as greater connections and self discovery, he went on to say that “Out of the 20 students that went, three students are currently working through the scholarship process to go back” and learn even more. With a study in

Switzerland planned for June next year, they will have that chance. However, these trips wouldn’t be possible without people working behind the scenes. Scholarship sponsors like Big John Steak & Onions, fundraiser dinners hosted by students, Mott faculty like Jessica Botos-Esperanza who led the process and kept everyone organized, the students who pressed on through a competitive scholarship process: Chef Handy expressed his thanks to everyone for making the study abroad to Florence possible. “Lots of work goes on behind the scenes,” he said, “I firmly believe that our study abroad program improves students’ lives in an impressive way.”

To learn more about Mott Community College’s study abroad program or how to contribute, Chef Handy invites you to email him at mark.handy@mcc.edu or call him at (810) 232-6956, or to email Jessica Botos-Esperanza at jessica.esperanza@mcc.edu.

MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S CULINARY ARTS INSTITUTE INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS CELEBRATE THEIR TIME STUDYING ABROAD IN ITALY.

Step Into SUMMER

June’s

Must-Have Trends

BY SHANNON WHITE

June is the official kickoff to the summer season. Memorial Day marks the final days of the school year, the approach of the longest day of the year — the summer solstice in June — and summer style staples like white T-shirts and the best blue jeans. This winning combo always works, and

they’re year-round must-haves. However, the following trends are emerging, specifically in the colors, cuts, and materials to style your best early summer outfits. Take inspiration for upcoming graduation parties, summer weddings, al fresco dining, brunch with friends, and lakeside gatherings this June.

Romantic Blouses: It’s true — bohemian fashion is having a renaissance this spring, and the frilly, puffy, romantic blouses that come with this style are included. Options like balloon-sleeve shirts, short puffed-sleeve blouses, or peasant blouses offer a great statement look when paired with simple white or blue

jeans. A statement sleeve or hem makes even the simplest outfits look more elevated, while an off-the-shoulder top adds elegance to an outfit. These fashion-forward tops can also be paired with linen pants, denim shorts, or jeans.

Stylish bralettes: Some celebrities have recently revisited the exposed-bra styling hack, and the timing aligns perfectly with summer. The transition between spring and summer offers ideal moments for pairing lightweight knits with a stylish bralette. When summer fully arrives, you can swap cardigans for linen button-downs or sheer tops, so choose your undergarments wisely. Interesting backs, layers of modest lace, and strappy little numbers are in abundance this June.

Silky Scarves: There are so many ways to style a silk scarf, and in the summer, it looks undeniably fashion-forward as a belt. This layer of silk adds dimension to your outfit and a splash of color. You can wear them as headbands, as an accent to your ponytail, or as an elegant upgrade to your neutral purse or tote bag.

Little White Dress: The term LBD is probably already in your fashion vocabulary, but what about an LWD? If you’re not already familiar with little white dresses, this is the year to make them a staple. Silhouettes ranging from breezy minis, eyelets, and scalloped hemlines to shift dresses and maxi or midi styles can be summer style perfection in the color of the year, “Cloud Dancer” — a soft, airy, and “lofty” white. This shade, selected for its sense of serenity, calm, and clarity, acts as a “blank canvas” — the perfect palette to accessorize your LWD with pops of colorful handbags, earrings, scarves, shoes, and more.

Saturated Shades of Green: After St. Patrick’s Day this year, I realized I don’t have a ton of green in my closet, and I became even more

aware after several runway shows featured saturated shades of green on the catwalk, including chartreuse, grass green, and olive. I love green but don’t own many green wardrobe items, so at SHIFT, we have vowed to carry some interesting pops of green to celebrate the season this summer. Lastly, it’s dress season — spring in Michigan is tough for dresses when the weather is still blustery, cold, and often rainy, but June marks the season for the “one-and-done” wardrobe item. Choose a style that’s flattering for your body shape — a fitted silhouette for the long and lean, a fit-and-flare for a pear-shaped figure, a maxi to elongate your look, a short bubble hem for us short gals, and a SHIFT style for all occasions and body shapes. Get moving, get social, and get outside — June in Michigan is a beautiful time to be your best self.

Shannon White is an architect, designer and fashionista – a small but mighty cheerleader of all things Flint! Holding both Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Michigan, she is the founder of the FUNchitecture design firm and co-founder of the new she-powered Downtown Fenton retail business, SHIFT.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF GENESEE COUNTY’S 26TH ANNUAL PAWS ON PARADE

Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club

Grand Blanc | 4.26.2026

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUFF LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Dozens of supporters of the Humane Society of Genesee County attended the 26th annual Paws on Parade Champagne Brunch & Charity Auction on April 26. It was held at Warwick Hill Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc.

This special event was part of the Humane Society’s celebration of 100 years of helping animals in Genesee County. Attendees enjoyed great food, exciting auction items, and a beautiful day supporting a cause that means so much to our community.

A silent auction, reverse auction, lucky squares and live auction raised more than $115,000 to go toward keeping all of the animals up to date on their medical care and vaccinations.

LESLIE TOLDO, A MEMBER OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS, HOSTED THE EVENT.

DAVID SCHMIEDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HSGC, WAS THE FEATURED SPEAKER.

HURLEY FOUNDATION’S COME FLY WITH ME: A FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE

GALA TAKES GUESTS TO NEW HEIGHTS

The Hurley Foundation recently welcomed community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters for an unforgettable evening at their annual VIP Fundraising Gala, “Come Fly with Me: A First Class Experience,” held Saturday, April 11, in Flint.

Guests were immersed in the glamour of the golden age of aviation as an airport hangar was transformed into an elegant, aviation-inspired venue. The evening featured elevated dining, live entertainment, and impressive aircraft displays, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that blended innovation with timeless sophistication.

The event brought the community together in support of Hurley Medical Center’s lifesaving programs and patient care initiatives. Funds raised during the gala will directly benefit critical services and community health programs, helping ensure patients across the region continue to receive exceptional care when they need it most.

As a cornerstone of healthcare in Mid-Michigan, Hurley Medical Center is home to the region’s only Level I Trauma Center and Burn Unit, along with a high-risk obstetrical unit, and the highest-level Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units (NICU/PICU). These specialized services, combined with a wide range of programs, position Hurley as a leader in advanced, compassionate care.

JUNE 2026

5 Davison Comedy Festival 2026 presents Greg Morton, a finalist from America’s Got Talent, at Lake Callis Recreation Complex, Davison. The event is from 7–9:30 PM. The 8th annual Davison Comedy Festival 2026 is bringing the best comedians to town. Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, improv, or sketch, we’ve got something to tickle everyone’s funny bone.

6 Her Ground, Her Legacy: The Women of Glenwood Cemetery, presented by Glenwood Historical Cemetery & Certified Arboretum. The event is from 11 AM–1 PM at Glenwood Historical Cemetery, Flint. This is a guided tour on the women whose work often unfolded behind the scenes but whose influence shaped Flint’s history. Tickets: $17.86.

11

Pitch for $K at The Dryden Building, Flint. The event starts at 5:30 PM. This event is free and will also be live-streamed for anyone who would like to join virtually. Register for free now at thepitch4k.com.

16

2026 Summer Concert Series at Clio Amphitheater, 301 Rogers Lodge Dr., Clio. The first concert in the Tuesday series features a Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, and Zac Brown tribute. Free parking. Gates open at 6 PM; concerts start at 7 PM. All shows are $7 per person at the gate.

25–27

13

Fifth Annual Mott Fest at Mott Park Recreation Area, 2402 Nolen Dr., Flint, from 2–8 PM. The event features food trucks, a beer garden, live music, and local vendors.

13–14

Flint Art Fair, Friends of Modern Art, at the Flint Institute of Arts, Flint. The event features 125 artists from Michigan and beyond. Hours: Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM; Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM.

19 and 28 Summer Skate Night at 125 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Join our pilot Skate Night of the 2026 season! If it is a success, organizers have several dates already scheduled. Join guests downtown on June 19 to kick off the summer! Enjoy food trucks, music, open skating, and fireworks. Free.

20–21

Curious at Crossroads: Oddities Fest at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Flint. Step into the strange as historic Crossroads Village transforms into an asylum of the wildly weird. The event runs from 11 AM–5 PM.

16th Annual Car Show Weekend Celebration,

presented by Trendsettas Corvette Club. The event runs from 9 AM–4 PM at Wyndham, 5353 Gateway Centre Blvd., Flint. Over 160 awards and multiple specialty awards. All vehicles welcome. Music by DJ Alex.

26

Reel Fishy Fun: Watery Habitats, presented by Genesee County Parks at Bluegill Boat Launch. The event is from 6–7:30 PM. Fishing rods and bait are provided. Each week, participants will learn about fish biology and ecology, then cast out and try to land the big one. Anglers 16 and younger do not need a fishing license. Anglers 17 and older will need a license to fish actively; they can be purchased at https:// www.mdnr-elicense.com/. Adults must accompany youth under 16.

Coming up

Thru

Sept. 13

The Lost World of Dragons, presented by Sloan Museum at Sloan Museum, Flint. Members get in free; other tickets range from $7–$25 each. This unique exhibition features life-size animatronic dragons with realistic movements and sound, as well as interactive displays that take guests through the stories of dragons throughout history. Check https://sloanlongway.org/ dragons for times.

Reading List June

Reading in June offers valuable benefits as summer begins, helping prevent learning loss while encouraging imagination and focus. Access to books through programs supported by the C.S. Mott Foundation strengthens literacy and provides meaningful opportunities for growth. June also includes Father’s Day, making it a perfect time for families to bond through shared reading and storytelling. Establishing reading habits early in the summer sets a positive tone for the months ahead, keeping minds active and engaged. Whether at home or in local libraries, reading in June supports education, connection, and lifelong learning for individuals and families alike.

52 by Mark E. Moore

Everything I Learned, I learned in a Chinese Restaurant: A Memoir by Curtis Chin

Remembering Flint, Michigan: Stories from the Vehicle City by Gary Flinn

That’s What Friends Are For by Wade Rouse

Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete’s Dreams by Anthony Ianni

The Life of Charles Stewart Mott: Industrialist, Philanthropist, Mr. Flint by Edward Renehan

Meet Winston Second Chances Hope Awaits at the Humane Society

Winston is a 6-year-old Holland Lop. He is deaf, but that doesn’t slow him down. He is very soft and sweet. His adoption fee is $50. Adopting a deaf Holland Lop doesn’t change the fundamentals of rabbit care, but it does change how you interact with them and how they experience the world. The biggest shift is that everything becomes visual, tactile, and scent-based instead of sound-based.

Startle response is a big deal

A deaf rabbit won’t hear you coming, so:

· They can panic if suddenly touched or approached

· Always get into their line of sight first or gently create vibrations (like lightly tapping the floor) before touching them

· Approach from the front or side, not behind Building trust here is critical—once they learn you’re predictable, they relax a lot.

Communication becomes visual and routine-based

You’ll rely on:

· Hand signals (simple, consistent gestures for feeding, “come here,” etc.)

· Light cues (turning a light on/off to signal your presence)

· Consistent daily routines (feeding at the same time, same movements)

Rabbits are excellent at picking up patterns, even without hearing.

Bonding may take a bit more patience

Because they can’t hear reassuring sounds (your voice, footsteps), they may:

· Be more cautious at first

· Take longer to trust handling

But once bonded, they’re just as affectionate as hearing rabbits, sometimes even more tuned in to your physical presence.

Safety adjustments in the home

Since they can’t hear danger:

· Be extra careful with other pets (dogs/cats can startle or approach unnoticed)

· Watch for hazards they can’t hear (like approaching people, vacuums, etc.)

· Avoid letting them roam where they could be surprised suddenly

Environmental enrichment matters more Without sound stimulation, give them:

· Plenty of chew toys

· Tunnels, platforms, and things to explore

· Different textures and safe objects to interact with This keeps them mentally engaged.

Health considerations

Deafness itself isn’t always a major health issue, but:

· It can sometimes be linked to genetics or inner ear issues

· With Holland Lops, continue to watch for ear infections; their ear shape already makes them prone Regular exotic vet visits are still essential.

Handling and lifting requires extra care

Because they can’t hear your approach or calming voice:

· Move slowly and deliberately

· Use gentle, predictable touch

· Support their body fully to avoid panic kicking (which can injure their spine)

Every shelter animal has a story ... Let’s change their

Hope Weary Soul

BY BRADEN DIEHL

Several weeks ago, a couple of friends and I went to a college campus a few hours away with one mission: to encourage people and share the hope of Christ with broken and seeking souls. Within a short timeframe of being there and having casual conversations with people, it was clear that we were exactly where we needed to be.

We approached a conversation with a young man by simply asking if we could pray for him. Shortly after praying with him, he began to open up about the recent loss of his sister. He was very clearly hurting deep within his soul. The result? He was turning to drinking and worldly pleasures to help heal that brokenness.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

In this world, whether you’re willing to admit it or not, people

for the

are weary, anxious, afraid, and broken. Placing your trust in Jesus won’t take away the trials of life, but He will provide rest for your soul through the trials.

In Luke 19, the Bible shares the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus and the restoration that He had brought to souls, and he had to get a look for himself as Jesus was coming through town. After Zacchaeus climbed up into a tree to get a better view, Jesus looked up at him and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” The Bible says that Zacchaeus came down and received Jesus gladly.

You’ll gain access to hope for this life and eternity, knowing that what’s on the other side of this life is far greater than we could ever imagine.

Later in the story, Jesus says, “Today, salvation has come to this house… for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Zacchaeus believed in Jesus; he knew Jesus was there, but he had no relationship with Him. Amid a crowd, Jesus saw Zacchaeus and brought him salvation. Jesus sees you too, no matter who you are or what you’ve done in your life, He’s seeking you.

The Bible says in Romans 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

You will be saved simply by placing your faith in Jesus; saved

from sin, spiritual death, and the judgment to come. You’ll gain access to hope for this life and eternity, knowing that what’s on the other side of this life is far greater than we could ever imagine.

When I talked with that young college student many weeks ago, I didn’t have an answer as to why he lost his sister. I didn’t have an answer as to why he has had to endure trials. But I did have a solution: accepting the free gift of salvation for true hope and peace through these circumstances. I pray that the Lord continues to work in that man’s heart, and I pray that as you read this right now, you would find that same hope and peace through Jesus.

Braden Diehl is the Production Director at The Rock Church and has a passion for reaching people worldwide with the good news of the gospel through technology.

We all join clubs and groups for different reasons throughout life. Usually, we get to decide which ones to join, but sometimes there’s little or no choice. That’s how I was able to join a new vehicle group more than a year ago. It’s a 4-wheeler club, but it doesn’t involve any motoring fun you’re probably thinking of.

My 4-wheeler is a walker, designed to give “aging” people more comfort and support as we all roll through life. Because of my three-quarters-of-a-century age, plus normal nerve deterioration in my right foot thanks to bladder cancer chemotherapy a decade ago, it’s now time to use a walker to continue as much mobility as possible. Choosing to use a walker isn’t a vanity thing, trust me. I doubt

Joining

most of my fellow walker users are happy or proud of our required vehicles. But a walker enhances independence, since I can barely feel the changes in the ground underneath my feet as I walk on soccer or football fields watching grandkids play games. Holding onto those two handles increases stability and balance, and we get more endurance to walk longer distances. The best thing a walker does is reduce the possibility of falling. I vividly remember when my grandmother’s accidental fall resulted in a broken hip. It completely changed — and shortened — her life.

Most people have no idea how many “environmental obstacles” exist as we all walk through life. It’s difficult navigating sidewalks,

THE 4-WHEELER CLUB

curbs, and stairs, and pushing a walker can tire out even the fittest user. Picture a person using a walker, and 99% of us immediately imagine someone old or frail, don’t we? It’s embarrassing to be lumped into the category of different, notquite-capable fellow citizens. It’s also humiliating when people literally jump out of the way as we meet in a restaurant doorway. Well-meaning folks usually take a step back to open a door or clear a path for the “less mobile” among us. They all mean well, and I get that. They’re thinking about their own aging family members as they hold that door open. And I understand, because I’ve done that all my life, too.

BY MARK RUMMEL

driving assist controls to our car is possible after a six-month-long group of lessons and tests, plus about $2,000 of modifications. Then either Sally or I could drive that car, but not car rentals or loaners. Still, I reserve the right to pursue driving again in the future.

MOST PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY “ENVIRONMENTAL OBSTACLES” EXIST AS WE ALL WALK THROUGH LIFE.

I gave up my driver’s license last fall, since I wasn’t comfortable with reduced reaction times. Along with all my classmates, 15-year-old me was so proud in 1965 when we each earned our Michigan driver’s licenses. Yes, no longer driving after doing so for literally 60 years is another sobering reality. Adding

I must admit, I personally always looked at people using walkers or wheelchairs as being somewhat diminished. “They must have done something to get this way,” I usually thought, deep down in my brain. But all we 4-wheel walker users did was continue the cycle of life... and get older. It’s nothing to be proud of, and yet I’m not ashamed, either. Similar to getting broken teeth or bones fixed or needing to wear glasses—when it’s time, it’s time.

I’m grateful I can still see, hear, and think for myself. I can still type, make social media posts, and have a brain that can create coherent thoughts. This is just the next phase in this game of life, and I’m content to do my best by wheeling through it.

Mark W. Rummel is a lifelong news guy who has worked in communications since 1972. Along the way, the Fenton, Michigan, resident and his wife Sally even worked for the Walt Disney Company. They opened and operated the Mancino’s of Fenton restaurant in 1998 and now enjoy traveling and spoiling their grandkids. Mark always appreciates your comments at MarkWRummel@gmail.com

DON’T SIT ON THE SIDELINES

(Uncertainty Is A Certainty)

BY BRICE CARTER

If you are waiting for a perfectly calm news cycle to put your money to work, you will be waiting forever. There is always a looming crisis ready to rattle our confidence. Whether it is the wars in Ukraine and Iran, the lingering economic sting of COVID, stubborn inflation, or dizzying market volatility, the world will always give you a reason to hit the panic button.

When you turn on the news, the sky always appears to be falling. It is incredibly easy to let these global events dictate financial decisions. However, the point I am trying to make is that you cannot let your emotional response to daily, weekly, or quarterly geopolitical movements derail your long-term financial plan.

In my experience guiding investment strategies, I have seen firsthand what happens when fear takes the wheel. Sitting on the sidelines, otherwise known as market timing, because you are worried about the current state of the world, is a guaranteed return killer. While parking your money in cash might provide an illusion of safety during turbulent times, it actually exposes you to inflation and causes you to miss out on inevitable market recoveries.

The reality is that uncertainty is a certainty. Markets have grown

DO NOT LET THE CURRENT NEWS CYCLE CONVINCE YOU TO ABANDON A WELL-CRAFTED STRATEGY.

for decades during good times and bad, navigating through world wars, global pandemics, severe recessions, and periods of intense inflation. The global economy, and therefore the stock market, endures.

Prudent investors who stay in the market do just fine. They understand that volatility is simply the price of admission for longterm growth. Instead of trying to predict unpredictable world events, we focus on positioning portfolios to protect the downside while fully participating in the upside. By ensuring investments are properly diversified and aligned with a riskappropriate strategy tailored to your unique goals, you can confidently weather these storms.

Do not let the current news cycle convince you to abandon a well-crafted strategy. Control what you can, stay invested, and let compound interest do the heavy lifting. The market consistently rewards patience, discipline, and those who refuse to sit on the sidelines.

Brice Carter, CFP, ChFC, CIMA,

Preventing Another Government Shutdown

BY DR. CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which houses the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), remains shut down. TSA agents are being paid through emergency funding, which has stabilized staffing and shortened the lines at airports such as Houston International, where lines exceeded four hours in March. Reforms can prevent this from occurring again.

Automatic continuing resolutions for government agencies would do so. This means that these agencies would be funded at current levels if Congress did not pass a new appropriation. TSA agents would continue to be paid, and security lines at airports would remain reasonable even if Congress were deadlocked on a funding change.

Other reforms are possible as well. Each airline ticket is assessed with a “September 11 Security Fee.” Congress deposits this revenue into the general fund and then appropriates it back to the TSA. If the government shuts

down, this appropriation does not happen, and TSA workers do not get paid, leading to chaos at airports. This fee could instead automatically fund the TSA without congressional action, insulating the TSA from the impact of a shutdown. Privatizing government agencies could also mitigate the impact of a shutdown.

Some airports, such as San Francisco International Airport and Kansas City International Airport, use private contractors rather than TSA agents for security. These airports faced no disruption during the March partial government shutdown or the full government shutdown last October and November. Airport security was fully private prior to the September 11, 2001, attacks. The TSA was created after the attacks to strengthen airport security. It is important to note, however, that the September 11 hijackings were not a failure of airport security, as they were carried out with items such as box cutters that were legal to take onto an airplane at the time. Reverting to private security

The incentive behind a shutdown is to maximize the impact on the taxpayer. Not only do I not expect reform to happen, but I also expect another shutdown in the future.

would prevent the chaos witnessed at airports such as Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta without loosening security.

Air traffic control (ATC) was not affected by the March shutdown but was impacted during the October and November shutdown. ATC is a private, non-profit corporation in Canada and a public-private partnership in Europe. Having ATC privatized and funded through an assessment on plane tickets or a landing fee at airports would prevent it from being impacted in a future shutdown.

There is no reason why these reforms cannot be made, other than that both political parties use government shutdowns as leverage to get the other party to capitulate. The belief is that voters will blame one party for the shut-

down, which will cause that party to give in to the other’s demands. It is akin to how parents drag kids into the middle of a divorce. It is unfair to the kids but self-serving to the parents if the kids then pressure one parent to give in to the other.

Likewise, the incentive behind a shutdown is to maximize the impact on the taxpayer. Not only do I not expect reform to happen, but I also expect another shutdown in the future.

Dr. Christopher Douglas came to the University of Michigan-Flint in 2006. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a B.S. in Economics from Michigan Technological University in 2001, and his Ph.D. in Economics from Michigan State University in 2007. As Professor of Economics, he teaches Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, International Economics, Public Finance and Sports Economics.

The Day I Finally Believed I Could

BY LESLIE TOLDO

Itwas always one of the most awkward moments of my entire week when I was in elementary school. I stood on the playing field, with two kids my age staring across at me with disdain. They would occasionally look at each other, their eyes pleading. Who would get stuck with me today?

I had an odd number of kids in my gym class. When it came time to pick teams for kickball, I was usually the last child standing—unassigned, unwanted, uncomfortable. I knew neither of them wanted me on their team any more than I wanted to play. But here we were. Usually, after a few moments of unnerving silence, the coach would chirp up and force one of them to pick me. Why couldn’t I just be the water girl? Why put

everyone through this every kickball Thursday?

THE CURSE OF PHYSICAL INEPTNESS FOLLOWED ME THROUGH MY PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL DAYS. IN FACT, IT FOLLOWED ME INTO MY 30S. I BELIEVED I COULDN’T, SO I DIDN’T.

I was that kid. I got all As, not counting gym class. Gym class was not graded on a standard A–F scale. You either got an S for satisfactory or a U for unsatisfactory. Don’t get me wrong, I got the S, but it was a sham. I knew it. The physical education (PE) coach knew it. The other kids in class, oh, they knew it, too. This was back in the 1970s. I can tell you, it was a time far removed from the “everyone gets a trophy” mentality. We used to do the President’s Physical Fitness Test each school year. You had to run, do push-ups and pullups, and complete other physical feats. I failed miserably at all of them.

The curse of physical ineptness followed me through my primary and secondary school days. In fact, it followed me into

my 30s. I believed I couldn’t, so I didn’t. I remember thinking, “Why put yourself out there? You are going to fail.”

Then something happened when I turned 40. I had worked in Flint for a few years and had heard coworkers talking about running the Crim road race through downtown, ten miles. It may as well have been 100 miles, as far as I was concerned. As luck would have it, that year I was the reporter assigned by my TV station to cover the Crim live. I stood at the start line, wondering what possessed thousands of people to run ten miles on purpose. I noticed there were people at the start line of all shapes, sizes, and physical abilities. They were all so excited to be there.

I was there when many of those people crossed the finish line. Some walked across. Some limped. No matter what kind of shape they were in, each of these people celebrated. I saw tears of joy streaming down the faces of dozens. Part of my assignment was to interview finishers, and believe me, I had questions.

“Why did you do this?” I heard myself ask a middle-aged woman who had barely finished.

“To show myself that I can! I can do anything I set my mind to,” she exclaimed through tears. “I was never an athlete. I was picked on growing up. I did this to prove to myself that I can.”

It was as if this woman could see into my soul. At that moment, I pledged to start running. Not only that, but I would also run the next Crim. I trained for a year. It was ugly. I had a fractured foot when I crossed the finish line, but cross it, I did. I was officially an athlete, at least in my own mind. That was really all that mattered. On that day, I believed I could, and I did. It’s been 17 years, and I’ve only missed two Crim races since.

An Emmy-nominated anchor/meteorologist/reporter at FOX66 and NBC25, Leslie Toldo recently retired from TV news after a career of over 30 years, nearly 20 in Flint. She is a blogger, writer, wedding and funeral officiant. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, she graduated from the University of Wyoming. An avid kayaker, boater and runner, Leslie lives in Linden with her husband, Ellie the cat and three dogs: Henry, Gus and Lucy.

MILES Instead of MEDALS

FINDING MY ATHLETICISM ON THE ROAD

BY ALEXANDRIA NOLAN-MILLER

My husband is an athlete. When we were in high school together (though I was two years his junior), he seemed like some kind of minor god to me. I’d watch him from the stands at Holy Redeemer Field, my history teacher—the football coach—invoking his name and comparing him to the English Navy darting around and making fools out of Spain’s Armada. He was a track star, a captain of the wrestling

have always participated in these activities with my family, but I preferred to hide myself away with a book whenever possible.

I never realized that being an athlete and being athletic were very different things until I started traveling. Europe requires a monumental amount of walking. Even in cities with good public transportation, you are going to walk—a lot—just to access the metro, and once underground, there is even more walking. And in many places, you don’t want to use transportation anyway, because then the sights would be missed: the avenues, the boulevards, the parks, the cafés lining the esplanades. Outside of the city, everything is a walk. A restaurant a mile away? A regular occurrence. A nicer beach farther down the coast? We’ll be hoofing it.

I have run down the streets of Paris in the rain, so fast and so long, trying to see as much of the city as we could in one afternoon. I have biked across the Golden Gate Bridge and walked through forests around Bath, England, along old cow paths in Yorkshire, stepping over gnarled tree roots and watching for mud. I have scaled the terraced city of Positano, trying not to be swept away in a torrent of tourists. I have carried luggage up and down old hotel staircases with no elevators, down into metro stations, and across cobblestone streets in Barcelona while carrying a 3-year-old after being awake for 20 hours.

I never realized that being an athlete and being athletic were very different things until I started traveling.

team, and very nice to look at. Later, he played for the Flint Rogues and was, apparently, just as wonderful to watch there.

I, however, have never been an athlete—at least not in the standard, most conventional sense. My family is a very active one. My father coached travel soccer teams around Genesee County and played in men’s leagues my whole life. My brother was an athlete; one of my cousins played soccer at U of M. I

I have written before about the trek up to Ravello from the city of Atrani on the Amalfi Coast: the crumbling, narrow Roman steps, the searing sun, but also the beauty of the vista—the reward and satisfaction of finishing the climb and descent, and of the obvious pasta carb-loading required afterward. But there have also been countless trips where I did all of the above with a child of varying sizes attached to my hip, probably forever altering my spine in multiple boneand nerve-damaging ways. Swinging him into a baby carrier at 12 pounds or hoisting him up into my arms and settling him into that spot on my hip bone that seems molded exactly to his much larger 50-pound body both create challenges when walking up city streets or wandering across grassy dales.

So all this to say, perhaps, I am an athlete too. Maybe I never earned my varsity letter (except for academics). Maybe I don’t have any old jerseys in my closet and no glory days behind me. But I do have thousands of steps walked all over the world. I have earned aching feet from the streets of Pompeii and sweated while hiking Vesuvius. My trophies for athleticism are less shiny, but they carry the same pride and give the same satisfaction.

And now, his glory days behind him, I have my husband by my side as we traverse this globe together, our feet hitting the same streets, both captains of our own travel team.

Alexandria Nolan-Miller is a misplaced Michigander navigating the vibrant chaos of Houston’s urban jungle. She travels with her husband and young son, contributing her insights and experiences to various print and digital publications. As the author of historical books rooted in Michigan, Alexandria brings the past to life through her writing. When not on the road, she can be found immersed in books, teaching, sharing stories, and chasing new adventures to inspire her next piece.

MILLIONS OF ITEMS MILLIONS OF ITEMS

GENESEE DISTRICT LIBRARY Now Then Later Always

June:

A SEASON OF CONNECTION, CELEBRATION, AND SUNSHINE

BY SHARON STONE

June 2026 arrives in the area with a sense of long-awaited relief and anticipation. After months of cold mornings and gray skies, the temperatures are finally climbing into that sweet spot where it feels like summer is just around the corner. Sunshine lingers a little longer each evening, and the fresh green of trees and lawns seems to glow brighter with each passing day. There’s a collective shift in mood this time of year; people step outside more, windows open, and the pace of life softens just enough to savor the season.

For families across the region, June also marks the end of the school year. Backpacks are tucked away, alarm clocks get a break, and kids suddenly find themselves with the freedom to explore, play, and recharge. It’s a time for reconnecting, with family barbecues, trips to local parks, bike rides through neighborhoods, and spontaneous ice cream runs becoming part of the weekly rhythm. These moments may seem simple, but they often become the

memories that last the longest. Summer offers a chance for both kids and adults to reset, to spend meaningful time together, and to rediscover the joy of unstructured days.

Sports fans in Michigan have even more reason to feel energized this June. As of mid-May, the Detroit Pistons were showing strong performance, sparking excitement and optimism among basketball fans. That momentum has carried into conversations everywhere, from living rooms to local diners, as people rally behind a team that appears to be finding its stride. There’s something special about shared pride in a team’s success; it brings communities together and gives fans a reason to celebrate.

At the same time, it’s the perfect moment to turn attention to baseball and get excited about the Detroit Tigers. June is when the baseball season begins to feel like it’s in full swing. Warm evenings at the ballpark, the crack of the bat, and the simple pleasure of watching a game under the open sky are all part of what makes this time of year so

enjoyable. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just someone who enjoys the atmosphere, there’s no better time to embrace the spirit of Tigers baseball and root for a strong season ahead.

Of course, June also brings one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year: Father’s Day, which falls on June 21 in 2026. This day offers an important opportunity to recognize and appreciate the fathers, grandpas, dads, papas, and daddies who play such vital roles in our lives. Fatherhood comes in many forms, and each one deserves acknowledgment. Whether it’s a dad who coached little league, a grandfather who shared wisdom through stories, or a father figure who stepped in with guidance and support, their impact is lasting and deeply felt.

Honoring these individuals doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as spending time together, sharing a meal, or expressing gratitude that might otherwise go unsaid. A phone call, a handwritten note, or a day spent doing something meaningful together can carry more weight than any gift.

Father’s Day is a reminder to pause and recognize the steady presence, sacrifices, and encouragement that fathers and father figures provide throughout our lives.

As June unfolds, it offers a blend of warmth, freedom, community spirit, and heartfelt appreciation. It’s a month that invites everyone in mid-Michigan to step outside, connect with loved ones, cheer for their teams, and celebrate the people who matter most. Summer is nearly here, and with it comes a season full of possibility.

When it comes to money, you need someone you trust. Someone like Jessica.

At ELGA Credit Union, our people are the ones that make a difference. They’re here for our members. They take the time. And they’re always ready to help.

Meet Jessica today.

Jessica Cameron Branch Manager, Bay City - Straits

The Ultimate Beyonce Tribute

Saturday, July 4, 2026 9:00pm

Downtown Flat Lot, 125 E. Kearsley St., Flint

Coming

Up

Jun 3 Flint Repertory Theatre Ghost Light Cabaret Series I Am Who I Am: Flint Rep Celebrates Pride

June 5-7 Mott Foundation Centennial Family Fun Days Free community events celebrating 100 years of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Jun 5-26 Chamber Series - Music on the Lawn Every Friday in June at Dort Music Center

Jun 20 Flint Cultural Center Juneteenth Celebration

July 4 America 250 Experience - FIM Holiday Celebration and 11th Annual Water Fest 5:00 - 10:00 pm

July 10- FIA Patio Nights with music provided by FIM Aug 28 (Music Around Town performances)

Every Friday in July and August at FIA

Genesee County residents receive 30% off. Contact FIM Ticket Center 810.237.7333 or visit thefim.org/fimcity