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Congratulations to the Best of the Class 2023!


Together with Mercantile Bank of Michigan, 910 Media Group celebrates the success of our Northern Michigan young adults with Best of The Class 2023: join us this June as we highlight the much anticipated Northern Michigan Class of 2023 valedictorians!


You can find student profiles below. Take a moment to get to know them; these students have worked hard to earn top honors in their class, to get to where they are today and beyond.


For questions regarding Best of The Class student profiles, please contact
promotion@910mediagroup.com.


Special thanks to our sponsor, Mercantile Bank of Michigan, for making Best of The Class 2023 possible.

 

 

 

 

 

Best of The Class 2023 Valedictorian Gallery

 

  • Name: Jarrod Albosta
  • School: Mancelona High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
  • Plans: Jarrod is presently in his second year of attending NMC working toward his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and will continue after he graduates from high school in May. He has plans to transfer to Ferris State University in two years to complete a Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy. He plans to become a pharmaceutical scientist specializing in research involving stem cells and immuno-therapy to develop treatments, therapies, vaccines and potential cures for various cancers and systemic diseases. Jarrod is the 2023 Valedictorian of Mancelona High School along with five other students this year. In his free time, Jarrod enjoys video gaming, spending time with his family and dog; Yukon, and golfing.
  • Name: Bailey Allan
  • School: Morley Stanwood HS
  • Name: Miranda Allen
  • School: Rudyard HS
  • Favorite Quote: "Choose to believe in yourself as much as possible.  It’ll be the best decision you ever made."
  • Plans: Will be attending LSSU for elementary education
  • Name: Alison Amalfitano
  • School: St. Mary's HS - Lake Leelanau
  • Favorite Quote: "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."- Walt Disney
  • Plans: I plan to attend Florida Southern College this fall to pursue Business and Visual Communication degrees for a career in entrepreneurship.
  • Name: Jane Amstutz
  • School: Brethren HS
  • Favorite Quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
  • Plans: I plan to attend Central Michigan University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in english. I hope to become a writer or a college professor.
  • Name: Brody Appelgren
  • School: Hillman Jr/Sr High School
  • Name: Ted Arnold
  • School: Traverse City Central High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world"
  • Plans: I plan to attend George Washington University this fall to study political science.
  • Name: Angeleah Arnold
  • School: Mason County Central
  • Favorite Quote: “Prove them wrong when they doubt you and be happy in what you do”
  • Plans: Plans to pursue a degree in nursing at West Shore Community College, with the ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.
  • Name: Conner Aspinall
  • School: Gladwin HS
  • Favorite Quote: "Not all who wander are lost"
  • Plans: Plans to attend Western Michigan University and study political science with the goal of becoming a lawyer.
  • Name: Bryton Bea Bailey
  • School: Detour HS
  • Plans: Plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, for study in Nuclear Physics.
  • Name: Josie Baker
  • School: Harbor Springs High School
  • Favorite Quote: “Life is beautiful and we have time” – Robert Benigni
  • Plans: I plan to attend the University of Vermont, majoring in Environmental Science
  • Name: Charlie Banks
  • School: Mason County Central
  • Favorite Quote: “Find what motivates you and work for it.”
  • Plans: Plans to attend Grand Valley State University in the fall to study business and finance. 
  • Name: Samuel Baron
  • School: Lake City High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Only the meek get pinched. The bold survive". - Ferris Bueller
  • Plans: I plan to attend The University of Michigan this fall to pursue a degree in civil engineering.
  • Name: Katie Bell
  • School: Northern Michigan Christian School
  • Favorite Quote: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." - Isaiah 43:1b-2a
  • Plans: I plan to study and swim competitively at Grove City College in Pennsylvania this fall.
  • Name: Jacqueline Brace
  • School: Pickford Public Schools
  • Favorite Quote: “When one door closes, a bridge appears, and then you cross that bridge and make lemonade out of a molehill.” - Winston Bishop
  • Plans: I will be attending the University of Michigan for a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and Literature. I plan to use my degree to pursue a career in editing.
  • Name: Lydia Brower
  • School: Traverse City Christian
  • Favorite Quote: Matthew 5:16 which states, "In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see the good works and give the glory to your father who is in heaven."
  • Plans: I plan to attend Cornerstone University this fall to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.
  • Name: Kenzi Burt
  • School: Cheboygan Area
  • Favorite Quote:  “Always play with a full heart”
  • Plans: Plans to study pre-med and play basketball at Aquinas College.
  • Name: Emma Carlson
  • School: Beal City HS
  • Favorite Quote: "Always do your best in everything you do, and you’ll find that it’s enough!"
  • Plans: Emma plans on attending the University of Michigan in the fall to study aerospace engineering.
  • Name: Lilianna Cason
  • School: Les Cheneaux Community
  • Name: Chloe Colton
  • School: Manton High School
  • Favorite Quote: "The only person that can tell you you can't is you. And you don't have to listen" - Nike
  • Plans: I intend to attend Alma in the fall majoring in mathematics while running and wresting
  • Name: Evan Covert
  • School: Daystar Christian Academy
  • Name: Aria Cucinella
  • School: Northern Michigan Christian School
  • Favorite Quote: "There are no elevators to success. You have to take the stairs."- TobyMac
  • Plans: I plan to attend Michigan State University to pursue a degree in kinesiology with a minor in Spanish.
  • Name: Hudson Decker
  • School: Onaway Area Community
  • Name: Mikayla Dennis
  • Favorite Quote: "Success is not final; Failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
  • Plans: I plan to attend Ferris State University to earn my bachelor’s degree in Health Care Systems Administration.
  • Name: Isabel Dunn
  • School: Harbor Springs High School
  • Favorite Quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney
  • Plans: I will attend Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA to swim competitively and likely study English
  • Name: Dakota Dykhuis
  • School: Montabella HS
  • Name: Claire Erickson
  • School: Sault Area High School
  • Favorite Quote: “The only person you are destined to be is the person you decide to be.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • Plans: I plan to attend Ferris State University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Finance while playing basketball.
  • Name: Joslyn Fairbanks
  • School: Roscommon High School
  • Favorite Quote: "My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big, your worries stay small" - Rascal Flatts
  • Plans: I plan to attend University of Michigan and major in Movement Science.
  • Name: Kevin Frazier
  • School: LaSalle High School
  • Name: Leah French
  • School: Engadine High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." - John Wooden
  • Plans: I plan to attend Aquinas College this fall and study Sports Psychology while playing women's basketball.
  • Name: Cameron Golden
  • School: Bellaire HS
  • Favorite Quote: "While Northern Michigan is a naturally beautiful place, you should expand your world view. Growing up here has been a privilege, and I’m ready for new experiences."
  • Plans: Plans to attend University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as part of the Residential College, majoring in sociology.
  • Name: Brendon Grant
  • School: Suttons Bay
  • Favorite Quote: “Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want” - Ken Poirot
  • Plans: Plans to attend Northwestern Michigan College Aviation program to become an airline pilot. 
  • Name: Alexander Grover
  • School: Houghton Lake HS
  • Favorite Quote: "Always embrace the challenges that lie ahead because our true self is revealed through adversity. Don't let us just be defined by our accomplishments, but also by our determination to make a difference in this world. Remember, success is not merely reaching the mountaintop, but inspiring others to climb alongside us."
  • Plans: I plan on attending Michigan Technological University in the fall to pursue a degree in engineering.
  • Name: Leah Helsel
  • School: Manton High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Your future is only as good as the work you put into it."
  • Plans: I plan to go to mid michigan community college to study radiology and continue my athletic career playing basketball.
  • Name: Anthony Henderson
  • School: Mio AuSable HS
  • Name: Jenna Houserman
  • School: Houghton Lake High School
  • Favorite Quote: "The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
  • Plans: I will be attending Northwood University in the fall to study Data Analytics.
  • Name: Jeffrey Huber
  • School: Manistee High School
  • Favorite Quote: “Luke, you’re going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.”
  • Plans: Plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue a Major in Environmental Sciences.
  • Name: Hannah Hughey
  • Favorite Quote: "Like an echo in the forest, the day will come back around as if nothing happened. Yeah, life goes on" - Life Goes On by BTS
  • Plans: I am taking a gap year to focus on working and writing, then I will be moving to Arkansas. In Arkansas I will be attending college, majoring in Creative Writing/English.
  • Name: Kaylyn Johnson
  • School: Manistee Catholic Central
  • Favorite Quote: "Enjoy every second of your life. You'll never realize how fast it went by until you look back."
  • Plans: I plan to attend Aquinas College in the fall to pursue a major in Biology.
  • Name: Priscilla Johnson
  • School: Mason County Central
  • Name: Madison Kaiser
  • School: Mason County Central
  • Name: Jack Kaminen
  • Favorite Quote: "Always give 100%. Unless you’re giving blood."
  • Plans: I will be attending Western Michigan University next fall to become an airline pilot.
  • Name: Cadin Keysor
  • School: Evart HS
  • Name: Elizabeth Kornexl
  • School: Grand Traverse Academy
  • Favorite Quote: "Life is short. Why do what everybody else does?"
  • Plans: I have been nominated to the Air Force Academy to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Astronautical Engineering. Post-college, I plan to become a Developmental Engineer in the Space Force.
  • Name: Allison Koski
  • School: Atlanta Community Schools
  • Favorite Quote: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill.
  • Plans: I plan to attend Grand Valley State University this fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography.
  • Name: Cason Kreft
  • School: Onaway Area Community School
  • Favorite Quote: “Everyone fails at what they’re supposed to be. The measure of a person is how well they succeed at being who they are.”—Rene Russo
  • Plans: I have sent in an application to The University of Michigan recently and am awaiting response. With luck, I will be accepted and attend starting the fall of 2024 in my endeavor to become an Aerospace engineer.
  • Name: Jackson Kulawiak
  • School: Buckley Community Schools
  • Favorite Quote: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller.
  • Plans: I will be attending the University of Michigan where I will be enrolled in the Literature, Science, and the Arts Program. Ultimately, I plan to pursue a degree in business.
  • Name: Anna Lator
  • School: Shepard HS
  • Favorite Quote: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11
  • Plans: Plans to attend Central Michigan University to pursue a degree in interior design.
  • Name: Duncan Lowe
  • School: Clare High School
  • Favorite Quote: “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” -Jim Rohn
  • Plans: I plan on attending the University of Michigan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in computer science.
  • Name: Megan Manley
  • School: Mesick High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future." -Corrie Ten Boom
  • Plans: I will be attending Calvin University in the fall to get my masters degree in Speech and Language Pathology!
  • Name: Scott Matelski
  • School: Boyne Falls High School
  • Name: Meagan McCaman
  • School: Morley Stanwood HS
  • Favorite Quote: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
  • Plans: I plan to attend Davenport University in the fall to attain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree
  • Name: Reece McLean
  • School: LaSalle High School
  • Name: Alyssa McNeill
  • School: Chippewa Hills High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Strength comes in many forms: sometimes you can move mountains, but other times it’s simply getting out of bed. Celebrate every victory no matter how small they may be."
  • Plans: Plans to attend the University of Maine, Orono, for Marine Science.
  • Name: Clayton Mobley
  • School: Brethern HS
  • Name: Shirley Ann Mogford
  • School: Harbor Springs High School
  • Favorite Quote: “At the end it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you have given back.” – Denzel Washington
  • Plans: I plan to attend Northern Michigan University for Special/Early Education
  • Name: Addison Mossel
  • School: Big Rapids HS
  • Favorite Quote: “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty” - Maya Angelou
  • Plans: I plan to go to Northwestern Michigan College this fall and pursue a degree in aviation science and business with emphasis on aviation.
  • Name: Ty Murray
  • School: Coleman High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Be Kind, Be Humble and always be the hardest worker in the room. "
  • Plans: I will be attending Michigan Tech University in the fall to study Mechanical Engineering
  • Name: Brandon Nguyen
  • School: Alanson High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Strive for success and inspire others along the way!"
  • Plans: Attend North Central Michigan College with plans to transfer to a university to pursue a degree in Business/Finance.
  • Name: Tailor Onstott
  • School: Beal City HS
  • Favorite Quote: "Always be kind."
  • Plans: Plans to attend Central Michigan University for a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. 
  • Name: Benjamin Parrish
  • School: Mesick Junior/Senior High School
  • Name: Paige Peters
  • School: Elk Rapids High School
  • Favorite Quote: “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” -John Muir
  • Plans: I will be studying plant sciences as a Meinig Scholar at Cornell University.
  • Name: Lola Reimers
  • School: Traverse City Central High School
  • Favorite Quote: "If everything around you seems dark, look again, you may be the light." -Rumi
  • Plans: I plan to attend The University of Michigan Ross School of Business this fall to pursue a degree in Business Administration and Management.
  • Name: Hannah Robinson
  • School: Inland Lakes High School
  • Name: Ellen Roggenbeck
  • School: Central Lake Public
  • Favorite Quote: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take” - Wayne Gretzky
  • Plans: I plan to attend Michigan Technological University to obtain my Masters in Kinesiology, then to transfer to Northwestern University to pursue my doctorate in Physical Therapy!
  • Name: Alaina Rozeveld
  • School: Northern Michigan Christian School
  • Favorite Quote: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." -Theodore Roosevelt
  • Plans: I will be attending Grand Valley State University to pursue a career in elementary education.
  • Name: Scout Russell
  • School: Traverse City Central High School
  • Favorite Quote: “Never stop pursuing things that make you happy”
  • Plans: I plan to attend Northwestern University to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering while pursuing either a double major or minor in jazz studies.
  • Name: Cora Scott
  • School: Brethern High School
  • Favorite Quote: “Nothing comes from nothing. So do something, take a big step—and I promise you—you won’t regret it.”
  • Plans: My intended future steps are to attend the University of Michigan and pursue a career in Pathology/Biochemistry, or some other STEM field.
  • Name: Kyra Shouldice
  • School: Harbor Springs High School
  • Favorite Quote: “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents” – Bob Ross
  • Plans: I plan to attend Albion College and major in Biology. Additionally, I am running cross country and track & field for Albion. After college, I plan to attend medical school and become an allergist.
  • Name: Jeffrey Siebigteroth
  • Favorite Quote: I"t doesn’t matter how good you are at something as long as you enjoy it."
  • Plans: I plan on attending Michigan Technological University this upcoming fall to study cybersecurity
  • Name: Brooke Smith
  • School: Traverse City Christian
  • Favorite Quote: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.
  • Plans: Next year I plan to attend Milligan University to pursue a degree in nursing.
  • Name: Rowin Smith
  • School: Traverse City Central High School
  • Favorite Quote: "We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place. Make some time to go outside and enjoy it."
  • Plans: I plan on studying Computer Science at Colgate University, then likely pursuing a master's in Computer Science at another university.
  • Name: Brooke Stafford
  • Favorite Quote: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw
  • Plans: I plan to attend North Central Michigan College in the fall to get my degree in education.
  • Name: Julia Taratuta
  • School: Hillman High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey"
  • Plans: I plan to attend Central Michigan University this fall to pursue a degree in social work.
  • Name: Maja Thompson
  • School: Harbor Springs High School
  • Favorite Quote: “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” – Mark Twain
  • Plans: I plan to go to the University of Michigan and study computer science/engineering. After graduation I hope to earn an MBA and take some time to travel.
  • Name: Mallary Tosch
  • School: Rogers City High School
  • Favorite Quote: "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
  • Name: Will Unger
  • School: Traverse City Central High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced" -James Baldwin
  • Plans: I will be attending Columbia University to study Human Rights on a pre-law track. After undergrad and law school, I hope to go into human rights law and/or politics.
  • Name: Abbigail Vallette
  • School: Baldwin HS
  • Favorite Quote: "A river cuts through rock not because of its power but because of its persistence." -Jim Watkins
  • Plans: I plan to go to Ferris State University to pursue a career in pediatric physical therapy.
  • Name: Natalie Wandrie
  • School: Inland Lakes High School
  • Favorite Quote: "Set your goals high, and your expectations for yourself higher, because that's how you do the things that nobody thought were possible."
  • Plans: I plan to attend Lindsey Wilson College located in Columbia, KY. While there, I will be double-majoring in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in English. I will also be dual-sporting with softball and volleyball as a Blue Raider. Eventually, I hope to attend Law school somewhere.
  • Name: Zosia Wasylewski
  • School: Boyne Falls High School
  • Favorite Quote: “Your life is your life. If you’re not satisfied with what you’re doing, ask yourself why you’re doing it. I promise it’ll motivate you to become the best version of yourself.”
  • Plans: I plan to attend North Central Michigan College to begin pursuing a degree in medicine.
  • Name: Ava Wendel
  • School: Traverse City Christian
  • Favorite Quote: “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5
  • Plans: I am planning to attend North Central Michigan College while studying exercise science and continuing my athletic career through their volleyball program.
  • Name: Nevaeh Wharton
  • School: Traverse City Central HS
  • Favorite Quote: “Take your biggest fear and learn to waltz with it, don’t crush it, don’t shove it aside, don’t’ even over commit, dance with it.”
  • Plans: Plans to attend Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.
  • Name: Jacob Willis
  • School: Pellston Public School
  • Favorite Quote: "Finding your limits is the first step to overcoming them.”
  • Plans: I will be attending Michigan Tech University in the Fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
  • Name: Kaleigh Yats
  • School: Farwell Area HS

Best Of Class 2023 Is Proudly Sponsored By Mercantile Bank

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