Class of 2013/2014
Email update received August 9, 2023 from Emily Zirwes Richards (pm session):
"I got my associate degree from Delta last April and I am going to be pursuing( in the near future) another degree in something related to postpartum, doula, breastfeeding counselor etc. my passion lies heavily there :) I just had my five year wedding anniversary. We have a four year old daughter and I just had our second daughter this past March. Still doing cakes also. This last year had been crazy but feeling blessed!"
"I got my associate degree from Delta last April and I am going to be pursuing( in the near future) another degree in something related to postpartum, doula, breastfeeding counselor etc. my passion lies heavily there :) I just had my five year wedding anniversary. We have a four year old daughter and I just had our second daughter this past March. Still doing cakes also. This last year had been crazy but feeling blessed!"
Mrs. Birchler was the musician for a wedding at St. James Church on July 28th,2023, and one of the groomsmen was Michael Walther (pm session). Michael earned his Associates Degree in May of this year. He is still working at Xalt and is continuing his education to earn a Bachelors degree in accounting.
January 17, 2023 email update from Michael Walther (pm session):
"In 2022, I was promoted from a Operation Technician to a Quality Auditor at Xalt Energy. I work a 3-2-2 schedule, and I rotate from day-shift to night-shift every six weeks. The emergency response training I received through taking your class helped myself, technicians, and EMS save one of our fellow technicians on the floor. I cannot procure details of the incident for confidentiality reasons, but I thank you for teaching me how to remain calm and composed in dire situations. I am also enrolled at the Online Campus at the University of Phoenix. I am pursuing my Bachelors of Science in Accounting with an Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Business Fundamentals. After May 8, 2023, I will receive my Associates, and I will be the first member of my family to earn a college degree."
Keep up the good work, Michael!
"In 2022, I was promoted from a Operation Technician to a Quality Auditor at Xalt Energy. I work a 3-2-2 schedule, and I rotate from day-shift to night-shift every six weeks. The emergency response training I received through taking your class helped myself, technicians, and EMS save one of our fellow technicians on the floor. I cannot procure details of the incident for confidentiality reasons, but I thank you for teaching me how to remain calm and composed in dire situations. I am also enrolled at the Online Campus at the University of Phoenix. I am pursuing my Bachelors of Science in Accounting with an Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Business Fundamentals. After May 8, 2023, I will receive my Associates, and I will be the first member of my family to earn a college degree."
Keep up the good work, Michael!
Mrs. Birchler received an email in October 2022 from a HOSA adult volunteer who said she received Occupational Therapy from a former student. It turns out that Paige Schmidt Rybak (pm session) was her therapist. Paige works at Renue Therapy on Bay Road.
March 2022 email update from Drew Davis (am session):
"I graduated from Harding's PT program in May of 2021. I started a job immediately after (and even before) graduating. Pro-Active physical therapy hired me to train as a tech, to eventually transition into a PT position once I got my license. I passed the boards, and they did not hesitate to switch me into a PT position. Pro-Active is an outpatient ortho clinic, and this setting was exactly what I was looking for even in high school. I have learned a ton as a practicing therapist in my short time.
My wife found a job close to where we live (Benton, AR). We found a house that is between our jobs, and it's only an hour away from my family. I have been blessed immensely, as this was the plan I was wishing for. "
Congratulations, Drew!
"I graduated from Harding's PT program in May of 2021. I started a job immediately after (and even before) graduating. Pro-Active physical therapy hired me to train as a tech, to eventually transition into a PT position once I got my license. I passed the boards, and they did not hesitate to switch me into a PT position. Pro-Active is an outpatient ortho clinic, and this setting was exactly what I was looking for even in high school. I have learned a ton as a practicing therapist in my short time.
My wife found a job close to where we live (Benton, AR). We found a house that is between our jobs, and it's only an hour away from my family. I have been blessed immensely, as this was the plan I was wishing for. "
Congratulations, Drew!
March 2022 email update from Jake Wojciechowski (am session): "An update of my career path- I turned pro in men’s bodybuilding in 2020. I have since earned my NASM CPT certification and have worked with 100+ online training clients from all over the world. I have trained individuals recovering from CVAs to IFBB professional bodybuilders. In my first official season of coaching bodybuilders, 3 of them also turned professional.
In December of 2021, I graduated with my MSOT from SVSU. Last week I moved to East Lansing where I have accepted a job with Doctors of Physical Therapy within MSU Sports Medicine. I am specializing in hands and have begun working toward achieving my CHT. Only a few thousand more hours of training to go!"
Mrs Birchler replied to Jake that Mrs. Mosher, OTRL, CHT (guest speaker who taught splint-making) would be thrilled to know that Jake is going for his Certified Hand Therapist certification.
In December of 2021, I graduated with my MSOT from SVSU. Last week I moved to East Lansing where I have accepted a job with Doctors of Physical Therapy within MSU Sports Medicine. I am specializing in hands and have begun working toward achieving my CHT. Only a few thousand more hours of training to go!"
Mrs Birchler replied to Jake that Mrs. Mosher, OTRL, CHT (guest speaker who taught splint-making) would be thrilled to know that Jake is going for his Certified Hand Therapist certification.
Great feature on Tessa Leppek (am session) in Route Bay City.
Congratulations, Tessa!!!
Back to Bay County: One young professional's journey to a career in her hometown
JENNIFER VEITENGRUBER | THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
Tessa Leppek left Bay County to become a Masters Prosthetist and Orthotist, but found her dream job back in her hometown. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Video and Photography)Photo courtesy of Michigan Video and Photography
Family bonds, rewarding employment opportunities, and small-town perks are just some of the strings that reeled John Glenn High School graduate Tessa Leppek back to Bay County after time away in the Windy City.
Tessa Leppek graduated from John Glenn High School and Delta College before leaving the area to pursue her education. She says a job and family ties drew her back to the community. (Photo courtesy of Tessa Leppek)With talent retention and attraction being of major significance in the area, Route Bay City takes a look at what kept Leppek here.
Leppek, 25, grew up in Bangor Township with her parents and three sisters and graduated from John Glenn in 2014. After completing two years at Delta College, Leppek continued on to Eastern Michigan University to complete a Bachelor ‘s Degree in Exercise Science.
“I was advised that Exercise Science is the best gateway degree to get into any kind of medical field. That’s why I chose that, so I could get into the O & P (orthotics and prosthetics) field. That was my Plan A since high school, to go into prosthetics,” says Leppek.
It was during her time at Eastern that Leppek began to investigate options for internship in the Bay County area, eventually landing on Oakland Orthopedic Appliances Inc., 515 Mulholland St. It was during her four-month internship there that she began to realize that this was the place she would want to return for her career.
At Oakland Orthopedic, Leppek says she is able to use cutting-edge technology to help patients discover new normals. (Photo courtesy of Tessa Leppek)“I shadowed many other places while at Eastern, but I fell in love with this company.”
Though clinicians are not typically hired post-internship, Leppek was able to secure an assistant position after graduating from Eastern in 2018. Leppek says, “It’s a very nice family company. They take patient care seriously. Some companies only look at numbers, but here if something doesn’t fit, we make it right.”
Leppek fell in love with the business’s slogan, “Caring people changing lives,” and began to live out that mantra for the next year as she applied to schools for her graduate program to become a Masters Prosthetist Orthotist (MPO).
“There are only about 12 schools in the nation that offer this program. I was accepted at Northwestern University in Chicago, which is considered one of the Godfather schools for the MPO program.”
Oakland told her that a position would be waiting when she returned, so Leppek embarked on the two-year program, eventually graduating right in the midst of the pandemic.
Leppek works with patients of all ages. (Photo courtesy of Tessa Leppek)“I was able to go away for a bit and get it out of my system, but I always wanted to come home. It feels like you are in a big city here, but it’s nice that you aren’t.”
Upon return, Leppek signed a contract and began her two-year residency at Oakland in 2021. Corey Smith, one of the owners of Oakland Orthopedic as well as a certified prosthetist, saw many traits in Leppek that encouraged him to hire her.
“First and foremost, we are very strongly rooted in Bay City and Bay County. This is where our home office originated 50 years ago. When Tessa looked our company up to do an internship, through getting to know her and that she was local, that was a big advantage. We like to support our local professionals, so that was the first thing that drew us to her,” Smith said.
While the local roots gave her an edge, her skill and demeanor on the job sealed the deal, according to Smith. “She has a phenomenal personality. Anyone she comes in contact with, she is relatable to that person. She makes them feel comfortable.”
As Leppek nears the end of the first year of her residency, her enthusiasm for her profession hasn’t waned in the least.
“My favorite part is the opportunity to help patients and change their new normal. With prosthetics, you’ve lost a limb. It isn’t coming back. We have to adjust to what you have now. It’s always a great feeling to see the process and gain the trust of the patient and their family.”
Additionally, working with pediatric patients and being able to use some of the most cutting-edge technology in the field have been career highlights for Leppek.
Oakland partners with larger manufacturers, such as global orthopedics leader Ossur, headquartered in Iceland. That gives her the opportunity to pilot innovative techniques and equipment.
'When Tessa looked our company up to do an internship, through getting to know her and that she was local, that was a big advantage. We like to support our local professionals.'
- Corey Smith of Oakland Orthopedic
One piece of equipment is Power Knee, a motor-powered microprocessor knee that helps above-the-knee amputees regain and maintain mobility. This new knee offers an alternative to the mechanical or hydraulic knee.
Leppek says she likes working with the latest technology because it speeds up the process of helping patients find their new normal.
Leppek says these types of professional opportunities will keep her near her hometown. She lives in Kawkawlin with her boyfriend and two dogs, Titos and Miley.
“All of my family is here. I have never foreseen myself going anywhere else. Bay City is growing and thriving and becoming more of a tourist town. New restaurants and shops are opening, and I am seeing and learning new things everyday now. This is home. ”
Congratulations, Tessa!!!
Back to Bay County: One young professional's journey to a career in her hometown
JENNIFER VEITENGRUBER | THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
Tessa Leppek left Bay County to become a Masters Prosthetist and Orthotist, but found her dream job back in her hometown. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Video and Photography)Photo courtesy of Michigan Video and Photography
Family bonds, rewarding employment opportunities, and small-town perks are just some of the strings that reeled John Glenn High School graduate Tessa Leppek back to Bay County after time away in the Windy City.
Tessa Leppek graduated from John Glenn High School and Delta College before leaving the area to pursue her education. She says a job and family ties drew her back to the community. (Photo courtesy of Tessa Leppek)With talent retention and attraction being of major significance in the area, Route Bay City takes a look at what kept Leppek here.
Leppek, 25, grew up in Bangor Township with her parents and three sisters and graduated from John Glenn in 2014. After completing two years at Delta College, Leppek continued on to Eastern Michigan University to complete a Bachelor ‘s Degree in Exercise Science.
“I was advised that Exercise Science is the best gateway degree to get into any kind of medical field. That’s why I chose that, so I could get into the O & P (orthotics and prosthetics) field. That was my Plan A since high school, to go into prosthetics,” says Leppek.
It was during her time at Eastern that Leppek began to investigate options for internship in the Bay County area, eventually landing on Oakland Orthopedic Appliances Inc., 515 Mulholland St. It was during her four-month internship there that she began to realize that this was the place she would want to return for her career.
At Oakland Orthopedic, Leppek says she is able to use cutting-edge technology to help patients discover new normals. (Photo courtesy of Tessa Leppek)“I shadowed many other places while at Eastern, but I fell in love with this company.”
Though clinicians are not typically hired post-internship, Leppek was able to secure an assistant position after graduating from Eastern in 2018. Leppek says, “It’s a very nice family company. They take patient care seriously. Some companies only look at numbers, but here if something doesn’t fit, we make it right.”
Leppek fell in love with the business’s slogan, “Caring people changing lives,” and began to live out that mantra for the next year as she applied to schools for her graduate program to become a Masters Prosthetist Orthotist (MPO).
“There are only about 12 schools in the nation that offer this program. I was accepted at Northwestern University in Chicago, which is considered one of the Godfather schools for the MPO program.”
Oakland told her that a position would be waiting when she returned, so Leppek embarked on the two-year program, eventually graduating right in the midst of the pandemic.
Leppek works with patients of all ages. (Photo courtesy of Tessa Leppek)“I was able to go away for a bit and get it out of my system, but I always wanted to come home. It feels like you are in a big city here, but it’s nice that you aren’t.”
Upon return, Leppek signed a contract and began her two-year residency at Oakland in 2021. Corey Smith, one of the owners of Oakland Orthopedic as well as a certified prosthetist, saw many traits in Leppek that encouraged him to hire her.
“First and foremost, we are very strongly rooted in Bay City and Bay County. This is where our home office originated 50 years ago. When Tessa looked our company up to do an internship, through getting to know her and that she was local, that was a big advantage. We like to support our local professionals, so that was the first thing that drew us to her,” Smith said.
While the local roots gave her an edge, her skill and demeanor on the job sealed the deal, according to Smith. “She has a phenomenal personality. Anyone she comes in contact with, she is relatable to that person. She makes them feel comfortable.”
As Leppek nears the end of the first year of her residency, her enthusiasm for her profession hasn’t waned in the least.
“My favorite part is the opportunity to help patients and change their new normal. With prosthetics, you’ve lost a limb. It isn’t coming back. We have to adjust to what you have now. It’s always a great feeling to see the process and gain the trust of the patient and their family.”
Additionally, working with pediatric patients and being able to use some of the most cutting-edge technology in the field have been career highlights for Leppek.
Oakland partners with larger manufacturers, such as global orthopedics leader Ossur, headquartered in Iceland. That gives her the opportunity to pilot innovative techniques and equipment.
'When Tessa looked our company up to do an internship, through getting to know her and that she was local, that was a big advantage. We like to support our local professionals.'
- Corey Smith of Oakland Orthopedic
One piece of equipment is Power Knee, a motor-powered microprocessor knee that helps above-the-knee amputees regain and maintain mobility. This new knee offers an alternative to the mechanical or hydraulic knee.
Leppek says she likes working with the latest technology because it speeds up the process of helping patients find their new normal.
Leppek says these types of professional opportunities will keep her near her hometown. She lives in Kawkawlin with her boyfriend and two dogs, Titos and Miley.
“All of my family is here. I have never foreseen myself going anywhere else. Bay City is growing and thriving and becoming more of a tourist town. New restaurants and shops are opening, and I am seeing and learning new things everyday now. This is home. ”
Email update from Emily Zirwes Richards (pm session) received March 31. 2020 in response to Mrs. Birchler's coronavirus posting. Emily reports that she is registered for the final class she needs to take before she validates for Delta's PTA program. Emily remembers using the Glo-germ and black light to check for how well students were washing their hands in the first skill lab. Emily also reports that her daughter Everly will be one year old next month and she is walking!
Mrs. Birchler reached out to Emily Zirwes (pm session) on December 7, 2019 because a friend was looking for someone to bake a birthday cake. Emily is now Emily Richards and she indeed still has her cake making business and a facebook page (see below). Emily sent a secondary update reporting that she was married in July 2018 and has a seven month old daughter, Everly, (same age as Mrs. Birchler's newest grandchild who is also a girl). In addition, Emily is signed up for the last class she needs to take before she validates for the PTA program. She is one busy woman!
https://www.facebook.com/pg/emilyelizabethscakecreations/posts/?ref=page_internal
https://www.facebook.com/pg/emilyelizabethscakecreations/posts/?ref=page_internal
Email update from Breana Baranek (am session) on June 25, 2019: "I’m emailing you to let you know that I am starting Eastern's Masters of Prosthetics and Orthotics program in September and I just started a job at U of M in their prosthetics and orthotics department! Tessa Leppek (am session) will be starting classes in July at Northwestern's prosthetics and orthotics program. Last week she and I attended the Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Associations annual conference at the Double Tree in Bay City together."
How fun is that to connect with a classmate going into the same field of health care?! Congrats to both Breana and Tessa!
How fun is that to connect with a classmate going into the same field of health care?! Congrats to both Breana and Tessa!
Email update from Tori Smith (am session) on June 25, 2019: "Quick update on life here in Indiana! I graduated from Trine University in May of 2018 and have been working as a personal training manager handling sales, customer service, and training in Anytime Fitness in Van Wert, Ohio and Celina, Ohio. I recently turned down a promotion to a district manager position because I have been accepted into University of Saint Francis PTA program starting this fall and I just signed a lease on a new home here in Fort Wayne."
Congrats, Tori!
Congrats, Tori!
Email update from Alex Wlodarczak (am session) on June 25, 2019: 'I have officially started PT school!
My orientation was yesterday and today and classes will start Thursday morning. I was fortunate enough to get into Western Michigan’s inaugural cohort meaning I didn’t need to relocate or anything after undergrad!"
My orientation was yesterday and today and classes will start Thursday morning. I was fortunate enough to get into Western Michigan’s inaugural cohort meaning I didn’t need to relocate or anything after undergrad!"
Email message from Jake Wojciechowski ( am session) on June 24, 2019. Jake just finished the first semester of the MSOT program at SVSU along with two other former students, Paige Schmidt from the pm session and Krislyn Rozek from the am session of 2012/2013. They sent the attached video clip of their celebration ...
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Mrs. Birchler saw Michael Walther (pm session) at Krogers on June 15, 2019. Michael is currently attending classes at SVSU and working at Krogers. He plans to move in July to Weatherford, Texas - a small town by Fort Worth - where he has cousins. He will continue with college classes and is considering a degree in electrical engineering.
Email message from Jake Wojciechowski (am session) on February 25, 2019. Jake has been accepted into SVSU's MSOT program. Congratulations, Jake!
Email message from Jake Wojciechowski (am session) On December 23, 2018. Jake is applying to the MSOT program at SVSU.
LinkedIn update from Tessa Leppek (am session) on June 28, 2018. Tessa graduated from Eastern Michigan University and is currently an intern at Oakland Orthopedics.
Email update from Emily Zirwes (pm session) on April 23, 2018. Emily has a cake-making business with very cute business cards.
Email update from Taylor Gerhardt (am session) on April 17, 2018: "I recently accepted a position at Alma High School as the Freshman Volleyball Coach and I could not be more excited to start. Just today I was offered the position as a Group Ex Instructor at Morey Courts in Mount Pleasant and I happily accepted. I was also informed that my information was going to be passed on to another individual at Morey Courts who is looking to hire a Fitness Supervisor. While I have not heard anything about this position, it is still an honor just to have had my information passed on. By the end of this semester I will only have one semester of classes left to complete at CMU. Once those last 14 credits are done, I am applying for 2 separate internships, one in coaching and one in Health Fitness. I am very blessed and very excited for my future.
Also, I have not seen you since this past July. At the end of July last year, my wonderful boyfriend of 4 years now proposed and we are happily engaged. No future wedding plans yet as we are both in school and want to finish before any big plans are set in place." Copngratulations, Taylor!
Also, I have not seen you since this past July. At the end of July last year, my wonderful boyfriend of 4 years now proposed and we are happily engaged. No future wedding plans yet as we are both in school and want to finish before any big plans are set in place." Copngratulations, Taylor!
Big brother and alumnus Kirby provided an update on April 13, 2018 on Quintin Courier (pm session). Quintin is currently living in the UP.
Email update from Alex Wlodarczak (am session) on March 22, 2018: "So, I am finishing up my third year here at Western Michigan, and am majoring in Exercise Science still. I am hoping to use that undergraduate degree as a springboard towards Physical Therapy. Excitingly enough, Western's PT program will officially open in Summer 2019 which is right after I graduate (spring 2019) so I am hoping to be a member of the inaugural class in the PT program. I just have 2 more classes to take care of in the upcoming Fall, and then I will be doing an internship in that last spring semester. A couple weeks ago, I volunteered at an outpatient clinic down here as part of a requirement for one of my classes. I felt it went very well, and I really enjoyed all the therapists that worked there. I parlayed that into a volunteer opportunity all summer at the same clinic, getting roughly 10 hours a week, and I'm hoping that through that, I can build relationships with the therapists, and hopefully be selected as one of their two interns for the spring semester. So I am finally starting to get some traction in the PT field after about 2 years of just getting through the grind of all the class work and what not.
That's about all I have for you for now, but I have been using your class as a reference for why I chose to go into the field, and have discussed how prepared it got me for college and for knowing that this is what I wanted to go into, so I cannot thank you enough for that one year that has really impacted and shaped my future."
Thanks for your kind words, Alex. This is why Mrs. Birchler loves teaching!
That's about all I have for you for now, but I have been using your class as a reference for why I chose to go into the field, and have discussed how prepared it got me for college and for knowing that this is what I wanted to go into, so I cannot thank you enough for that one year that has really impacted and shaped my future."
Thanks for your kind words, Alex. This is why Mrs. Birchler loves teaching!
March 14, 2018 email update from Emily Zirwes (pm session): Emily is ready to validate for the PTA program at Delta College.
December 2017 email update from Paige Schmidt (pm session). Paige is ready to apply to the MSOT program at SVSU and feels that her completion of our Career Center program has definitely put her at an advantage over her peers. She also announced that she is getting married this summer (2018). Congratulations, Paige!
Email update from Drew Davis (am session) on November 30, 2017. Drew will be graduating in spring 2018 and has been accepted into the Harding (Arkansas) DPT program. He will be home for Christmas break and will be judging the PT event at HOSA regional conference on January 5, 2018
Email update from Emily Zirwes (pm session) on November 19, 2017. Emily announced her engagement with a wedding planned in July 2018. She is also a new homeowner. Congrats, Emily!
Email update from Tori Smith (am session) on March 30, 2017. Tori is still at Trine University and beginning to apply to DPT programs. The first application is at Trine.
Taylor Gerhardt (am session) came to the Career Center as an alumni representative for the Open House on February 9, 2017. Taylor is working on a degree in Health Science at CMU and may go on for a master's degree in Exercise Science. She still commutes to Bay City for an 8 hour shift at McLaren Bay Region Friday through Sunday.
September 21, 2016 email update from Taylor Gerhardt (am session). Her rescue dog Rue was visiting the Vet Science program today but unfortunately we were out of the building for a field trip and were not able to meet Rue. Taylor is now at CMU but commuting home on weekends for her job. She hopes to find a job in Mt. Pleasant.
Mrs. Birchler crossed paths at a pancake breakfast with the parents of Rachel Haiderer (pm session). Rachel is now attending Ferris State University in the pre-PT program. She is applying for a position as a student assistant for the athletic training department and will be attending early Tuesday morning training sessions so that she can assist with taping and first aid.
Michael Walther (pm session) attended the Alumni Networking event on May 31. 2016; Michael even took the day off from his job at Nexteer to be in attendance. He is happily employed but hopes to hear about a new job at GM PowerTrain this week.
April 2016 e-mail update from Paige Schmidt (pm session): Paige says that the "Brown Squirrels" still hang together. This is a photo from dinner at Applebee's on April 10th. (left to right, front row: Brandon, Hannah, Paige, Maylin, Krista, Michael; back row: Quintin, Luke). They also have a group chat once a week and that group includes Justyne, Mike R, Emily S, Marisol, Rachel M, and Alivia in addition to the previously mentioned alumni.
In April 2016 Blake Desander (am session) met up with Mrs. Bacigalupo at the DoubleTree where he works. Blake is attending Delta College and plans to apply to the PTA program.
January 25, 2016 email update from Alex Wlodarczak (am session): "I once again will pass a class because of my knowledge from your class, as I am enrolled now in Anatomy and we're currently going over directional terms, planes, and just various names for the different parts of the body. It's incredible how many terms I remember from your class, and I think I made a good first impression with my TA in lab today because I was answering first to his questions just about every time. So thank you again for all this knowledge you gave me." It's always gratifying to hear that students are doing well; they are reaping the benefits of their hard work in high school.
Taylor Gerhardt and Drew Davis (am session) assisted with the Physical Therapy event at HOSA regionals on January 6, 2016. Taylor judged ROM and Drew was the Section Leader. Drew said he is very happy in Arkansas and doing well at school. Taylor sent the following update via email: "This upcoming winter semester is my last semester at Delta. In July I will be moving out to my house by CMU to finish my bachelors degree in Exercise Science and hopefully continue on to grad school for PT. I'm still staying busy and active as always and I am still working at McLaren Bay Region. I will be renewing my CPR certification in February and I am eager to see what the future holds." See a photo of the entire PT event team on the alumni/alumna tab of this web site.
Thanksgiving 2015 updates:
Taylor Gerhardt (am session) replied to the request to help with HOSA regional competition on January 6; Taylor will be judging the PT event.
Drew Davis (am session) will still be in town for Christmas break and will also be helping with the PT event at HOSA regional competition. Drew writes "This past summer I worked in a rehab office as an administrative assistant with MidMichigan Medical Center. I did enjoy being in the therapy field, but I would have rather been a therapist than an admin assistant. I am thankful for that opportunity though and I learned a lot from it. I am still at Harding University in Arkansas working towards an exercise science degree, and eventually physical therapy school. I am currently in a class called motor development and I am loving it. I find it to be pretty easy after all of what you have taught us. I am so thankful for your class and everything you have done for us."
Maylin Spencer (pm session) will be at Delta College winter semester to study entrepreneurship. Maylin would like to open her own cheer/dance/gymnastics gym and says that she is very excited for it.
Tori Smith (am session): " I am still down here at Trine University in Indiana. I am still an exercise science major but I just made the move to the physical therapy track so I on the way to getting accepted into the PT school. I am in an anatomy class this semester and it is so easy because we already learned it in your class which is definitely a plus. I am not playing any sports down here but still having a great time and can't wait to start the spring semester even though I am going to kill myself with 17 credits. haha"
Taylor Gerhardt (am session) replied to the request to help with HOSA regional competition on January 6; Taylor will be judging the PT event.
Drew Davis (am session) will still be in town for Christmas break and will also be helping with the PT event at HOSA regional competition. Drew writes "This past summer I worked in a rehab office as an administrative assistant with MidMichigan Medical Center. I did enjoy being in the therapy field, but I would have rather been a therapist than an admin assistant. I am thankful for that opportunity though and I learned a lot from it. I am still at Harding University in Arkansas working towards an exercise science degree, and eventually physical therapy school. I am currently in a class called motor development and I am loving it. I find it to be pretty easy after all of what you have taught us. I am so thankful for your class and everything you have done for us."
Maylin Spencer (pm session) will be at Delta College winter semester to study entrepreneurship. Maylin would like to open her own cheer/dance/gymnastics gym and says that she is very excited for it.
Tori Smith (am session): " I am still down here at Trine University in Indiana. I am still an exercise science major but I just made the move to the physical therapy track so I on the way to getting accepted into the PT school. I am in an anatomy class this semester and it is so easy because we already learned it in your class which is definitely a plus. I am not playing any sports down here but still having a great time and can't wait to start the spring semester even though I am going to kill myself with 17 credits. haha"
Hannah Myers (pm session) stopped by to pick up a letter of reference for a Peer Mentoring program at SVSU. Hannah is still working part-time at a medical office in addition to taking classes at SVSU. Hannah is still exploring options - either music therapy or behavioral therapy.
E-mail update from Alex Wlodarczak (am session) received on September 10, 2015:
"I currently am just about to wrap up my first week of college, (no friday classes :)) and thought I'd shoot you an email on how things are going. I am majoring in Exercise Science here at Western Michigan, and am planning on going into Physical Therapy afterwards for graduate school. It's going to be a long road but looking back on it, your class really gave me a great head start on what I'm doing here. I currently have an Intro to Exercise Science class, and so far everything we've learned in lecture has been exactly what you taught me 2 years ago. We're discussing the systems of the body and it's coming very easily to me in review and it's all because of your class! So I just wanted to thank you for that, because maybe at the time I may have dreaded that early wake up and drive out to the Career Center but your class probably prepared me more so for my career than all of high school did combined."
Thanks for all your kind words, Alex!
"I currently am just about to wrap up my first week of college, (no friday classes :)) and thought I'd shoot you an email on how things are going. I am majoring in Exercise Science here at Western Michigan, and am planning on going into Physical Therapy afterwards for graduate school. It's going to be a long road but looking back on it, your class really gave me a great head start on what I'm doing here. I currently have an Intro to Exercise Science class, and so far everything we've learned in lecture has been exactly what you taught me 2 years ago. We're discussing the systems of the body and it's coming very easily to me in review and it's all because of your class! So I just wanted to thank you for that, because maybe at the time I may have dreaded that early wake up and drive out to the Career Center but your class probably prepared me more so for my career than all of high school did combined."
Thanks for all your kind words, Alex!
Congratulations to the following students who were honored on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, with a Bay Commitment Scholarship: Sam Drzewicki (am session), Krista Doan (pm session), Hannah Myers (pm session), and Emily Switala (pm session).
Congratulations to Krista Doan (pm session) who took 5th place in Clinical Specialty at the state HOSA conference April 17, 2015. Krista worked with Mrs. Mosher, OTRL and videotaped fabrication of a resting hand splint. In addition, Blake DeSander (am session) thought he took second place in Speaking Skills at the state conference but learned a week later that there was a mistake and he actually placed first and is going to the National Conference in Anaheim. Congratulations, Blake!
Da'Keydra Lewis (am session) was featured in the Bay City Times on April 21, 2015.
Email update from Jake Wojciechowski (am session) on March 29, 2015:
"Fitness was always a staple in our class and ever since, I have been working out 5-6 days a week and last Saturday was my first bodybuilding show! Here is a picture displaying a rear-double bicep shot. I wanted to share with you :) "
Just like in class, when Jake decides to do something, he gives 100%!
"Fitness was always a staple in our class and ever since, I have been working out 5-6 days a week and last Saturday was my first bodybuilding show! Here is a picture displaying a rear-double bicep shot. I wanted to share with you :) "
Just like in class, when Jake decides to do something, he gives 100%!
Mrs. Gerhart, former counselor at Career Center now working for the Midland school district, sent this photo from Delta College. Mrs. Gerhart was looking for peer mentors for at-risk students and guess who signed up? Kayla Lee (am session) is going to Delta and looks pretty happy.
Breana Baranek (am session) visited on March 6, 2015 on her way to her co-op job. Breanna is looking forward to graduating from Western High School. She was her usual bubbly, energetic self :-)
January 29, 2015 email update from Rachel Haiderer (pm session):
"I am in my first semester of anatomy and physiology at Delta. This class makes me think of you and how much I miss your class. It is probably the hardest class I have ever taken in my entire life. Other than that, college is going good and I still plan on becoming a physical therapist. I've decided to get my associates in science at Delta and move onto a university to get a bachelor's degree in exercise science. Anyways, I miss being at the career center and having you teach me anatomy and physiology."
"I am in my first semester of anatomy and physiology at Delta. This class makes me think of you and how much I miss your class. It is probably the hardest class I have ever taken in my entire life. Other than that, college is going good and I still plan on becoming a physical therapist. I've decided to get my associates in science at Delta and move onto a university to get a bachelor's degree in exercise science. Anyways, I miss being at the career center and having you teach me anatomy and physiology."
Mike Rojas' mom is a student in the Delta College PTA program and was one of the presenters when Mrs. Birchler brought her current students for a visit to the program. She reports that Mike is doing well at SVSU and is still planning to apply to the MSOT program at SVSU. Mike was an afternoon rehab student.
Hannah Meyer (pm session) visited the classroom on January 14, 2015. Hannah will be graduating from Central HS this year and plans to attend SVSU to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in psychology. Her career plan is to become a licensed Behavioral Therapist.
January 14, 2015 email update from Alex Wlodarczak (am session). Alex reports that he plans to attend Western Michigan University next fall for a degree in exercise science. He is finishing up his senior year at Western High School and has a co-op position at the Dow Bay Area Family Y.
Congratulations to Paige Kegley and Blake Desander (am session) and Krista Doan (pm session) who earned medals at HOSA regional conference at SVSU on January 9, 2015. Paige took 2nd place in Healthy Lifestyles and Blake took 1st place in Speaking Skills. Krista took 3rd place in Clinical Specialty and presented a video of how to fabricate a hand splint; she worked with Mrs. Mosher, OTRL and fabricated the splint in the rehab lab. In addition, Mariah Ballinger (pm session) was a finalist in Extemporaneous Health Poster (5th place).
Drew Davis (am session) responded to Mrs. Birchler's call for help and judged "ambulation with a gait belt" in the Physical Therapy event at the rescheduled HOSA regional competition on January 9. 2015. Rachel Maillette (pm) session was able to judge Extemporaneous Health Poster at the same competition. Rachel signed on for the originally scheduled competition on January 7th and was able to reschedule for the snow cancellation. Rachel reported that she ended up with no assistants and had to do everything herself at competition ... and she did it all with her usual good humor and a smile.
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Tessa Leppek (am session) was unable to help with HOSA, but she reported that Delta is treating her well and she got a 92 on her anatomy final exam last semester.
December 8, 2014 e-mail update from Jake Wojciechowski (am session): "I'm currently preparing for my last exams and have spent many hours doing so. I took 15 credits this year and I surprised myself with approaching final exams with high A's in all my classes except for my Bio A & P 1, hovering around a 93. I just received a 102% on our muscle practical and function test and thought you would be proud. As of right now I'm getting set to transfer to SVSU next fall and major in Exercise Science." Way to go, Jake!
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Da'Keydra Lewis (am session) visited the classroom on October 27, 2014. She is enjoying her senior year at Central HS; her co-op job at Wendy's is okay. She's still trying to decide which college she wants to attend next fall, and she is interested in athletic training.
Paige Kegley (am) was elected a HOSA officer for her nursing class. Paige
was installed as co-Vice President at the HOSA membership meeting
on October 20, 2014
was installed as co-Vice President at the HOSA membership meeting
on October 20, 2014
Taylor Gerhardt (am session) visited the classroom on September 22, 2014. Taylor is going to Delta College, coaching girls basketball at Bethel Lutheran, and working at Tim Hortons and McLaren Bay Region. Taylor recently put her CPR skills to work. She was transporting a patient for an MRI and decided to stay with the patient. Good thing she did, because the patient had a cardiac arrest. Taylor called the Code Blue, participated in chest compressions and was successful in reviving the patient; she said it was pretty freaky and tough calming down after the emergency. We're so proud of you, Taylor; you're a hero!
Back for a second year at the Career Center are Blake Desander (am) in Health Technology, Krista Doan (pm) in Nursing-Mrs. Hoffman, Paige Kegley (am) in Nursing-Mrs. Gorski, and Mariah Ballinger (pm) in Nursing-Mrs. Gorski. Rebecca Willette (am) and Mitchell Sobieray (pm) are in Agriscience.
Mrs. Birchler saw Paige Schmidt (afternoon session) at the Bay County Medical Care Facility in July. Mrs. Birchler was working in the PT department and Paige was working in the Activities department.
Congratulations to Kayla Lee (morning session) who took 4th place at the HOSA National Conference in Orlando, Florida. Kayla's event was Speaking Skills. We're so proud of you, Kayla!
Congratulations to Paige Schmidt (afternoon session) who received a Bay Commitment scholarship at an awards ceremony sponsored by the Bay Area Community Foundation on May 20, 2014.
Morning session
Back Row: Nate, Alex W, Blake, Paige, Brandon, Tori
Middle Row: Jake, Taylor, Da'Keydra, Emily, Drew, Alex O, Sam
Front Row: Sharnae, Tessa, Breana, Kasey, Rebecca, Kayla, Kyleigh
Back Row: Nate, Alex W, Blake, Paige, Brandon, Tori
Middle Row: Jake, Taylor, Da'Keydra, Emily, Drew, Alex O, Sam
Front Row: Sharnae, Tessa, Breana, Kasey, Rebecca, Kayla, Kyleigh
Afternoon Session
Back Row: Mitchell, Mariah, Hannah, Krista, Michael, Emily, Mike, Quintin
Front Row: Rachel H, Jenna, Paige, Alivia, Maylin, Rachel M, Justyne
Back Row: Mitchell, Mariah, Hannah, Krista, Michael, Emily, Mike, Quintin
Front Row: Rachel H, Jenna, Paige, Alivia, Maylin, Rachel M, Justyne