By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Their old teachers are constantly reminded of contributions the Class of 2007 made to McKinley Elementary School, from the sign in front to them growing up into Miss Dowagiac, last fall's Homecoming Queen and the No. 1 singles tennis player.
Ten Union High seniors, cousins Andrew Ausra and Miss Dowagiac Sara Ausra, Amber Clark, Emily Heidenreich, Brittney Hill, Chad McGowan, Brittany Ohl, Kyle Robbins, Candise Robinson and Taylor Townsend returned for an assembly Friday afternoon.
They reminisced about the good old days for current students with their principal, Dawn Conner, who is stepping down as assistant superintendent to become principal of Kincheloe Elementary School.
Most intend to attend Southwestern Michigan College.
Conner, accompanied by her daughter, recalled that Amber, the Homecoming Queen, was responsible for the school's message sign.
"She won it in a contest. It cost $2,500. She did that just by writing. Isn't that awesome? I was proud to be your principal in third and fourth grade," Conner said.
Kyle, sporting one of the James Bond "007" class T-shirts, said 22 days of school remained.
Not that he's counting.
Dowagiac's senior class also includes McKinley alumni Ashley Arscheene, Margaret Mersereau and Jacob Shelton.
"We're going to try not to embarrass you too much, but to congratulate you on your successes," said Principal Kay Tularak. "This is very important, boys and girls, because you're going to be sitting here someday. It's very important for you to be good listeners," like Chad's advice to "stay in school."
The punch-and-brownies reception with an orange-and-black theme was organized by Susie Rice and Barb Schuldt. Superintendent Peg Stowers was also in attendance.
Rice reminded soon-to-be graduates (June 3) that "you were the same size" as the current crop of students while in grades K-4. "It makes us as teachers and principals very proud of the job we did. We hope we had some part in helping them be the people they are today. It's just a great, great day for everybody."
Judy Bussler taught nine of the students as second graders and acted as mistress of ceremonies. Brittney, Bussler's granddaughter, was one of her students.
"One thing I know that's really nice about all these girls in this class who are here," Bussler said, "is that they've been friends since kindergarten. That's amazing. They've had slumber parties and done all kinds of things together. I'm sure they'll always be friends, even when they are adults, especially when they go to SMC."
Brittany Ohl, who like Emily Heidenreich, lived by McKinley, "remembers having fun with the teachers the most. And the playground, when we got new equipment. Art is my favorite class now." She attends the Van Buren County tech center for graphic design. She's considering furthering her art education in Phoenix, Ariz.
Candise Robinson remembers going to Warren Dunes. She's going to SMC for early childhood education – to become a teacher.
Bussler remembers Kyle helping a boy who was later found to be seriously ill. "I'll never forget that."
"Not just to say it, but I really liked all my teachers," he said.
Emily "is the youngest in her family," Bussler said. "Her mother cannot believe that they are all graduating. She's going to have a party."
"Am I?" said Emily.
"No, your mother," Bussler replied.
Emily reserves her fondest memories for McKinley field day.
Brittney, too, liked playing on the playground with her friends.
Andy enjoyed the playground and complimented Schuldt as "the best librarian in the district. We learned a lot and had a lot of fun."
Brittney wanted the last word: "We won the fourth grade kickball game."