Tim Carroll ’13
Editor in Chief 

To hype up the school about fundraisers working for their organization, the Detroit Dog Rescue visited the high school, and they brought friends.

After Student Council began a fundraiser for the charity, called DDR for short, which rescues stray and abused dogs in Detroit, the founder of DDR Dan “Hush” Carlisle brought his team to speak to students about what they do and who they are. DDR also brought two dogs, Petey, Carlisle’s own dog and also Piglet, a four month old puppy. The Student Council began this fundraiser in May, selling paw prints for one dollar and also holding penny wars.

Petey, a four month old rescue, hung out after the assembly to meet with students from all grades. Photo by Tim Carroll

“I saw a problem and I wanted to fix it,” said Carlisle after the assembly. “Ms. Kennedy has always been a supporter of DDR and when she heard the Student Council was doing this fundraiser she picked up the phone and called me.” Carlisle added that the best part about working with the school is showing students they can attach themselves to cool, important charities like the DDR.

Carlisle also brought Alumni Lisa Penszynski, who works with the DDR, to speak to students. The Class of 2008 graduate, who handled Piglet, was very excited to be back at her old school.

“It feels good to come back and support the Cavaliers!” said Penszynski. “It’s all about making a difference for the people and for the animals and doing everything we can.”

Students were also excited about seeing and working with the DDR, including Senior Bonnie Holmes, who is on the Executive Board for Student Council.

“I really love animals and so does the rest of the E-Board so hearing about dogs on the street is really hard and we want to help,” said Holmes. “If we can raise money and help out these animals then that’s a really great thing we can do.” Holmes also said the best part about working with the DDR is knowing that the money raised has gone to a good cause and is helping animals find homes and get enough to eat.

Students can still donate change to their class sponsor or the student council and can still purchase paw prints to support the charity.

Robert Swetlic ’16
Managing Editor 

For 11 years an annual art show known as Celebration of the Arts has been held. Large art easels decorated the hallways last week and various art pieces of all different flavors were displayed. Students who entered into the art contest had a chance to win ribbons for their work.

Senior Demetrius Few earned a second place ribbon for one of his artistic creations.

“Art isn’t always about how your work compares to others and how people judge it,” said Few. “It can be as good as you perceive it to be.”

Many students enter the Celebration of the Arts contest, but only a few people with exceptional skill win from each category.

Advanced Art seniors had portfolios set up along the school’s hallways during the event. The Celebration is a way to showcase the District’s art program. Photo by Tim Carroll

“The categories you can win awards in are the same as the 3 levels of art; intro, intermediate and advanced.” said Art Teacher Erica Marotzke. Marotzke added that if there are students concerned about their art abilities, or lack thereof, most students are pleasantly surprised with the quality of their work and what they can accomplish with a little guidance. 

“I am always a very proud ‘mom’ when it comes to the students at our school,” said Principal Carmen Kennedy. “I think its things like Celebration of the Arts that really set our school and our students apart from everyone else.”

Celebration of the Arts is held each spring, and features artwork from any students who wish to showcase their hard work. Year over year the turnout has increased and the Celebration is sure to be around for many more years to come.

This Friday, Avalon Elementary School with be hosting its first ever Avalon Carnival Fundraiser. Dawn Kolassa, Treasurer of the Avalon PTO, is expecting to see anywhere between 250-300 people at this event.

“The carnival is mainly for Avalon families, friends and neighbors but we always welcome the entire South Lake Community,” Klossa said, expressing her excitement.

Like a regular carnival, there will be many activities ranging from carnival games, a cake walk, train rides, shriner clowns and even The Amazing Flec, Avalon’s strolling performer/contract juggler who is an active member of the Detroit circus community and a regular performer at the Michigan Renaissance Festival each summer.

The PTO and the rest of the district are eagerly awaiting this Friday. All students are encouraged to come out and join the fun, Friday May 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Prices for the event are as follows:

Basket raffle tickets are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5.

Carnival Tickets are $0.25 each.

Popcorn, popsicles & capri suns are 1 ticket each.

Train Rides are 2 tickets.

Cake walk is 2 tickets.

Carnival games are 1 ticket each.