Board of Education Recognizes Athletes and Musicians

At the February 10th Board of Education meeting, the Board recognized students who achieved state and national recognition for the BHS eSports team, middle school musicians who received recognition from a state organization and middle school girls swimmers who qualified for the state meet.

eSports

The Board recognized the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Team, including Shira Mendelson (senior, captain), Kathryn Frazier (senior), Pierce Manter (sophomore), Rocco Cusumano (senior), Legend Brooks (sophomore) and Dominic Caramagno (freshman) for finishing in the top 16 of the state.

The eSports Chess Team competed in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States Region (all or part of 22 states) and finished 2nd overall. The team consisted of Braedon Golarz (senior, captain), Luke Demerre (senior) and Sage Krysiak (sophomore). 

A second chess team including Ephraim Ball (senior), Aidan Freeman (junior) and Jackson Falenski (freshman) finished in the top 16 of that same eastern time zone region as well. eSports advisor Frank Guglielmetti joined the students at the Board meeting to share the team's successes.

AMS Students Selected for Honors by Michigan State Band & Orchestra Association

Two Anderson Middle School Band students were honored at the Board meeting for being recognized by the Michigan State Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) for their outstanding audition for the MSBOA All-State Band. Hundreds of students from all over the state audition for a coveted spot in this ensemble, which performed at the state-wide Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids in January 2025. Hayden McClure (trumpet) earned an Honorable Mention and Bea Verriest (trombone) was selected to perform with the ensemble in January. Teacher Keri Pruse shared with the Board what the audition process was like for these musicians and that they were selected among thousands of students who auditioned.

Middle School Swimmers

Berkley Middle School swimmers from Anderson and Norup were honored by the Board for qualifying for, and competing in, the State MISCA swim meet. Coaches Derek Samuelson and Betsey McLachlan shared season accomplishments with the Board. Swimmer event qualifications, grades and results are below.

Relays

200-Yard Medley Relay: Emma Allison (8), Julia Duchan (8), Lily McLachlan (7), Keira McEvoy (8) – finished in 21st place.

200-Yard Freestyle Relay: Keira McEvoy (8), Jovie Stilger (8), Claire Bradley (8), Ruby Gale (6) – finished in 8th place and received medals for their finish.

400-Yard Freestyle Relay: Lily McLachlan (7), Jovie Stilger (8), Claire Bradley (8), Ruby Gale (6)  – finished in 12th place.

Individual Events

Emma Allison (8): 100-yard IM, finished in 34th place

Ruby Gale (6): 100-Yard Backstroke, finished in 10th place and 200-Yard Freestyle, finished in 11th place

Lily McLachlan (7): 50-Yard Butterfly, finished in 44th place

Sylvia Pontes (7): Qualified for the 50-Yard Butterfly and 50-Yard Freestyle, but unable to attend the meet

Claire Bradley (8): 50-Yard Butterfly, finished in 20th place and 100-Yard Backstroke, finished in 29th place

Julia Duchan (8): 100-Yard IM, finished in 37th place and 100-Yard Breaststroke, finished in 35th place

Jovie Stilger (8): 100-Yard IM, finished in 35th place and 100-Yard Backstroke, finished in 32nd place