the county press

"As sunshine poured into the cheerful Rolland Warner hallway, I observed Principal Wyatt Stevens, with his warm and sometimes impish smile, high-fiving chatty middle schoolers as they surged by. Students’ faces lit up as Wyatt shouted to them by name and offered a playful comment or fist bump. Witnessing Wyatt’s interactions with “his kiddos,” I understood why students say, “Mr. Stevens brings this school a lot of joy,” and “he makes me feel like this is my home.” 

"Today, Jessie is 101 – a rare centenarian – and we celebrate her. As I watched Jessie’s journey up and down our hill that day, I found it symbolic. Since her birth in 1924, Jessie has endured 10 decades of ups and downs – life’s challenges – with a fighting spirit, unwavering faith, and ability to “just get on with things.” I asked her why she thinks she’s lived this long.

“I never even thought about it. I never even thought I would live this long. It’s the Lord’s will. It’s just a blessing to be alive.”

"Denis grinned when his wife Lynne playfully referred to herself as “just a barnacle on his boat.” Yet, it is clear the McCarthys are co-captains in their marriage who respect and value each other highly. On a frigid winter’s day, the McCarthys and I gathered round bowls of potato soup while they supplied good company and a heartwarming story. It was a tale of two young people who met randomly, quickly joined forces, and built a successful life that included giving back. Theirs is a decades-long ‘court’ ship highlighted by a recent celebratory event."

“Mama told me when I was young, ‘Sit beside me, my only son, and listen closely to what I say. Be a simple kind of man, something you love and understand.’”

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” is a favorite. The southern rock song’s co-writer Gary Rossington said, “We just put down in a song what our mama or grandma had said to us. They really wrote it. We just played it.”

Many try to be a “simple man” — to live an authentic life focused less on ego and more on love. Few of us can consistently achieve this ideal. Someone I know, though, comes close: Jason Mudge. His life mirrors the song — right down to a caring mother who instilled wise values in her son.

I met Jason — and his wide smile — years ago. Our group was raising money for Project Graduation, and he donated a fitness class. 

 "Compassion may not be a cure, but kindness and care are certainly what the doctor ordered. At some point, we all will experience physical difficulties. It may be an injury or illness, some issue with mobility, sleep, or respiration, or even dealing with life after a mastectomy. Any one of these scenarios is daunting — and painful — yet it’s reassuring to know help exists. In Lapeer, there is a resource for high quality care and a comprehensive offering of medical supplies: Stacey Fike and her business Active Home Medical Supply and The Pink Ribbon Boutique. "

"Nine years ago, in front of a packed Lapeer High School commencement, JonPaul Wallace sang his own tender and touching version of the ballad “7 Years” by Lukas Graham.

The area singer songwriter had rewritten the lyrics to express his anxious but excited thoughts about growing up, which he shared with classmates. As he sang the words, “Once I was seven years old. My momma told me go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely,” the crowd was transfixed. I know because I was there.

“Once I was 11 years old. I always had that dream, since my freshman year, to walk across the stage and hear all of the claps and cheers. I don’t know what happened, but now I’m right here. It all went by so fast”.

Captured on camera by a friend’s father, the video of a young man singing about a vulnerable time of life went viral. To date, the recording has garnered over 20 million views worldwide! On YouTube, one viewer responded: “I’ve literally watched this 5 times!! Gave me goosebumps EVERY SINGLE TIME!! SUCH TALENT.” I chatted with JonPaul recently — who’s compared to Shawn Mendes, John Mayer, and Bruno Mars — to learn what this talented and driven metro Detroit musician was up to nine years after “7 Years.”

"It’s no surprise that in her youth Michelle Bradford was a competitive body builder. When I first met Bradford, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Lapeer Community Schools, I was immediately struck by her fortitude and strength of character. She’s an enthusiastic person who exudes intelligence and dedication in the pursuit of excellence. While Bradford quickly points to colleagues — Lapeer teachers and administrators — for the district’s educational growth and achievements, it’s evident she carries a strong load. The administrator is both tough and tender — a needed balance when the goal is excellent instruction for 4,400 children."

  https://www.edutopia.org/blog/unleashing-power-positivity-your-school-donna-wilson-marcus-conyers 

 http://info.teachstone.com/blog/how-positive-negative-climate-among-teachers-affect-children 

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5602565/ 

  https://www.edutopia.org/blog/teaching-staying-positive-trying-time-heather-wolpert-gawron 

  https://www.teachtci.com/how-to-be-a-positive-influence-on-your-students/ 

  https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/effective-small-classroom-practices/ 

 https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-strategies-building-better-student-relationships 

  https://www.bakpax.com/welcoming-classroom-environment/