![](/sites/default/files/imported/Photos/DailyDishSig2H.jpg)
SAC Sound-off: What did you learn?
May 30, 2012
So why be part of the MHSAA Student Advisory Council? It looks great on a college application, and it's a lot of fun. But our members also picked up some important perspectives this school year.
It starts with sportsmanship
“Always promote sportsmanship. Sportsmanship doesn’t just apply to athletics. It applies to future careers and working with people in different cultures.” – Detroit Country Day senior Maria Buczkowski
“Being a good sport will take you far, and working as a team can take you even farther.” Portland St. Patrick junior Elle Lehman
“Keep my temper under control and always keep a positive attitude.” – Evan Lamb, Rogers City junior
Leadership doesn't stop at the door
“In order to be a leader on my teams, I need to be a leader all of the time – including at school, at practice and anywhere else I go. I’ve learned that no matter where I am, I represent my teams, school and the MHSAA.” – Carly Joseph, Pontiac Notre Dame prep junior
“Leadership isn’t just leading. It’s doing what’s right, even if it’s not the ‘cool’ thing to do.” – Vandercook Lake junior Thye Fischman
“Being on the SAC these past two years has really made me realize just how much of a role model a high school athlete is to a younger one. It’s pretty special to see the smiles on their faces if you just take five minutes to talk to them.” – Rudyard senior Tyler Wilson
We can learn from each other
“It helped me to branch out and become familiar with other schools that I have never even heard of before.” – Walled Lake Central junior Taylor Krumm
“I learned a lot about how other schools are run, and I made a lot of friends that I hope last for a long time. I also learned how important leadership is.” – Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Central junior Abby Radomsky
Together, we can do big things
“I now realize that being a member of the SAC has taught me that I am able to be a part of something bigger than myself. For example, the ‘Battle of the Fans’ was statewide. I know that with the right drive, organization and work ethic, projects like this are feasible.” – New Buffalo senior Lena Madison
There's a right way to cheer
“Student sections can be fun, loud and not get the other team down.” – Benzie Central senior Travis Clous
“The camaraderie and friendships I made when visiting Rockford for our ‘Battle of the Fans’ competition taught me what student cheering sections are truly about.” – Bailey Truesdell, Grand Blanc senior
“The way the student section acts at games is a reflection on the character and the values that the school has.” Muskegon Catholic Central senior Alissa Jones
![](/sites/default/files/imported/Photos/DailyDishSig2H.jpg)
SAC Sound-off: Leaving Town, Leaving Something Behind
May 22, 2012
The days are numbered.
For the past few months, graduation has been breathing down my back. For seniors, life as we know it in high school will soon become a distant memory.
And do I have a large number of people to thank.
Growing up in a small town has taught me lots of things. Everybody knows everybody. And everybody knows the big news and happenings the day it happened.
But that’s beside the fact. The biggest and best part is I feel loved. I am sure going to miss the atmosphere around Rudyard. I’ve grown accustomed to the slowed-down, laid back lifestyle. All my friends, teachers, coaches, and roots are here. I’ve done my best to leave “tattoos on my town."
Being a part of the MHSAA Student Advisory Council has been such a huge bonus for me. Everything we did and everything the MHSAA does is for a remarkable cause. And it really makes you well-known in the EUP (our short-hand for Eastern Upper Peninsula) if you are lucky enough to get picked to serve the two-year term. I just wish that the term was longer.
My message to the new juniors (now sophomores) who were recently selected to join the MHSAA class of 2013 is this: Make the most of everything you do at the office in East Lansing. Serving on the council has really improved my people skills and my ability to work in a group. I know for a fact that I will be able to take the skills I have learned from being in East Lansing on those Sundays and apply them to situations down the road.
And to all students: Soak up every part of high school that you can! Small town or big city, the sports, school, and extra-curriculars are all great experiences. So take advantage of them! Be involved in all that you can because you will most likely never regret joining a new club or team when you look back on it.
Make the most of everything, and do your part to leave your “tattoo” on your hometown.
Wilson, a three-sport athlete at Rudyard, graduated this spring. Next up: Grand Rapids Community College, where he'll play basketball and study pre-med.