Latest news with #Charlevoix-EmmetIntermediateSchoolDistrict
USA Today
06-05-2025
- USA Today
Michigan community rallies around high school golf team involved in fatal car crash
Michigan community rallies around high school golf team involved in fatal car crash CHARLEVOIX, Mich. — When getting ready for school on Friday morning, students and teachers at school districts throughout the region donned Charlevoix's maroon and white in honor of Rayder Strong Day. Charlevoix Public Schools and the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District called upon schools, residents, businesses and others across Northern Michigan to celebrate "Rayder Strong Day" on Friday, May 2 to show support for the Charlevoix High School varsity boys golf team. They were joined by the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Education Service District and Northwest Education Services to spread the message far and wide. "It truly has been amazing to see the outpouring of support. I know 'outpouring' is a word that's used a lot in these situations, but I can't come up with a better word," Char-Em Superintendent Scott Koziol said. "People are just freely giving and doing anything they can to support (the community)." The golf team was traveling in a van on Sunday, April 27 in Benzie County when a suspect fleeing police in a stolen vehicle crashed into them. The suspect died at the scene. Charlevoix's coach Doug Drenth and seven student-athletes were injured and hospitalized. Since the crash, Northern Michigan has rallied around the Charlevoix community. A GoFundMe for the victims has soared past its updated $200,000 goal. According to a May 2 update from the GoFundMe's organizer Scott Kelly, "It is hoped that one more player will be released from the hospital today to bring it to six of the seven players being out of the hospital. Coach Drenth and one player remain in the hospital with expected extended stays." In addition to the GoFundMe and Rayder Strong Day, many local businesses are stepping up to host their own fundraisers. For example, all proceeds from the Charlevoix Dairy Grille on May 2 will be donated to the team. Staff is donating their tips and wages as well, according to their Facebook page. Charlevoix Public Schools has posted a Google Doc with a full list of fundraisers taking place throughout the community. "We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support for our community from neighboring districts, local businesses and the junior golf program," Charlevoix's Superintendent Mike Ritter said. "Your kindness has provided comfort and strength to our students, families and staff during this profoundly difficult time. We ask that you continue to keep students and coach in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to heal. #RayderStrong." Rayder Strong has become a rallying cry in Northern Michigan, but the support has extended past state borders, with the Illinois State University golf team sending their love Charlevoix's way. "The far-reaching aspect of it is mind-blowing," Koziol said. "When you are made aware of a situation as tragic as this, it's nice to see that the inherent reaction in people is, 'How can I help? What can I do?' ... What a great opportunity for people to see the potential that social media does have when it's used for good and to build people up and to support people." Here's how Northern Michigan (and beyond) has rallied around the Charlevoix team: Reporter Annie Doyle contributed to the reporting of this article. — Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @KarlyGrahamJrn.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Project Connect aims to simplify social service access in Northern Michigan
PETOSKEY — More than 300 people made their way to North Central Michigan College in Petoskey on March 19 for the annual Project Connect event. Around 90 organizations set up in the college's gym, with resources on hand ranging from addiction support to medical care to new parent guidance and more. The goal of the event is to bring as many community resources as possible together on one day under one roof, so residents can find what they need and get assistance in multiple areas. 'Understanding the complicated social services system can be a challenge and at Project Connect we will help direct you to agencies that can offer assistance," said Project Connect co-chair Dana Lorian in a release. Booths were also set up offering education information, with the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District and NCMC hosting their own tables at the event. While walking around, people could connect with representatives to learn more about the services they offered. They could also pick up some resources right there in the gym, including informational packets, Narcan bottles, baby blankets and more. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage Project Connect first started in 2007. The event was held annually until the COVID-19 pandemic, but it returned in 2024. For more information about Project Connect, visit — Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@ Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Northern Michigan social services converge for Project Connect 2025
