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Nominate an Educator Today!!
Each year The Success Fund recognizes educators that go "above and beyond". Click the link below for this year's nomination form - due May 31!
Kevin Hershock
Read more about the success of a recent Marshall graduate, Kevin Hershock »Details
Alumni Spotlight Archive
The Success Fund is proud to have selected the following individuals as past recipients of our Alumni Spotlight.
Aaron Morse - Biography
Throughout his Marshall High School career, Aaron Morse was involved and worked at his parent’s business, Wacky Willy’s Party Store, owned by William Morse, a Marshall Alumni himself. After graduating 1993, he attended Kellogg Community College for a year. While at KCC, he decided that he wanted to pursue an education in electronic imaging, so in 1994 Aaron enrolled as a student in the Arts Department of Northern Michigan University. Upon graduation from Northern with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Aaron returned to Marshall and began an apprenticeship to become a brewer of craft beers. In September of 2000, he opened the Dark Horse Brewing Company, south of the Fountain in Marshall. The little business began making craft beers on premise with a small taproom. Soon, Aaron's products became well known and popular in the area. This was quickly followed by the distribution of Dark Horse products throughout the entire State of Michigan.
Since 2000, the Dark Horse Brewery has grown to become a respected brewery throughout the United States. In addition to Michigan, Dark Horse products are now distributed and sold in Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Several of Aaron’s beers have won medals in International competitions, and of course, Dark Horse products have garnered many awards and recognitions in Michigan competitions. As the brewery continues to grow in size and reputation, Aaron is appreciative of his Dark Horse team. No less than eight of the brewery’s employees are Marshall High School alumni. Since its beginning less than ten years ago, the Dark Horse Brewery has grown to become a thriving Marshall business that has become a destination. Stories in the Chicago Tribune and many other large newspapers bring people to many of the special Dark Horse events. Others come to Marshall just to experience the unique atmosphere that Aaron has created south of the Marshall fountain.
The entire Dark Horse team encompasses the values of creativity, hard work, and dedication. Aaron uses the art skills he learned from Northern, KCC, and of course, Marshall High School to design the labels and other artwork of his craft brew products - from the bottles, cartons, to many clothing products. His work ethic, leadership skills, and vision to the future began as he experienced life in Marshall and as a student in the Marshall Public Schools. Aaron tries to give back to the community on a regular basis.
Personal Statement
I believe that my education at Marshall Public Schools has provided me with the skills I needed to succeed through college and my professional career. I truly value my education at Marshall Public Schools. I particularly enjoyed Kelly Williams as my teacher. He allowed us to use our creativity in his class and taught us how to make things work even though we didn’t have the particular tool that we needed. We were able to think on our own and figure out the task at hand. It may not have worked the 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd time, however, through his encouragement and guidance, we were able to solve the problem. Through the high mileage vehicle challenge project, I enjoyed being a part of a team and the success we gained from working together. The skills that I learned in that class are the skills we use everyday in the brewery. It has saved us time, money, and a lot of aggravation.
I also enjoyed art with Mr. Walton. The basic skills that I learned in that class allowed me to be creative and successful in art during my college career. I continue to use my art skills in the design of my labels, packaging, and promotion of Dark Horse products.
I am happy that I came back to my Marshall roots to open a business and raise a family. I truly value all the community support and take pride in the hard work and dedication of my fellow crew members!
Elinor Marsh - Biography
Elinor Marsh has spent the entirety of her professional career igniting and sustaining a passion for the arts. She holds a BA in Music Education (General and Voice) from Hanover College and an MBA in Arts Administration from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. As a private piano instructor and K-12 music teacher for the Clare Public Schools in Clare, Michigan, she dedicated herself to conveying a love for music as well as developing the skills of her students. After completing her MBA from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, she has spent the past decade working as an Arts Administrator, specializing in Fund Raising and Arts Education. A highlight of her career was the five years she spent at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire overseeing the Education Department for their internationally renowned Hopkins Performing Arts Center. Elinor returned to her Michigan roots to serve first at Michigan State University's Wharton Center and is now thrilled to be "home" as the Executive Director of The Music Center in neighboring Battle Creek. Elinor is an accomplished mezzo soprano in addition to her duties at The Center.
Personal Statement
I have always spoken fondly of my hometown. I feel it was a privilege to be raised in a community where everyone knew each other. Many of my peers found this to be suffocating, but I found comfort in that environment. I liked knowing there were countless people who could come to my aid if I needed help. It was hard to step out of line knowing that your parents would have a call before you even made it home. I have often referenced the "it takes a village" philosophy when describing my upbringing. Marshall was my village, and there were many "villagers" who influenced me along the way. I was blessed to have excellent teachers...Mrs. Kinney, Ms. Magnus, Mr. Currie, Mrs. Glant, Mrs. Wheeler, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Burger - and on and on. And the work ethic I developed all started with learning to make change in my head in the drive thru at Circus Circus and McDonald's! I wonder, are we still teaching that to our children? It was certainly a simpler time back then. I walked to Sherman school with friends without a worry about our safety. If I forgot my wallet, I could go home with a trunk of Felpausch groceries and the trust that I would return with the money. We loved football games and school dances, Louie's donuts and Schuler's meatballs. The charm of the fountain when it was filled with a nativity scene, surrounded by 4th of July celebrants, or circled by cruising cars on a Saturday night. I feel blessed to have been raised in Marshall. I feel blessed to have learned from all of those members of my village. And I feel blessed to have returned after so long to share this community with my growing family.
Matthew Crowle - Biography
Matt graduated from MHS in 2000. The following fall he moved to Chicago where, in 2004, he earned a BFA in Muiscal Theatre Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. In the fall of '04, he made another move, this time to New York City, with a head full of dreams about making a career for himself as a professional actor. After waiting countless table in Times Square and auditioning 5 to 7 times a week, his first break came in late 2005. Matt spent most of the next year touring the country, tap dancing with Broadway legend Tommy Tune in Doctor Dolittle - The Musical. Upon returning to NYC, Matt went back to pounding pavement and waiting tables until one day in April 2007, an audition changed his life. The Broadway company of Monty Python's Spamalot needed a comedic actor with tap dancing skills, and selected Matt for the job. For the following two years, Matt performed 8 times a week at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway. He currently lives in Chicago where he continues to perform and is looking to attend graduate school in the fall of 2010 with the intention of earning his MFA in Acting.
Personal Statement
I was always one of the goofy "artsy" kids who had a hard time finding where I fit in to the public school dynamic. While I give credit to a number of teachers who were fantastically encouraging and challenging, I learned early on that when it came to the school system and its priorities for where money was spent, the "arts" seemed to fall through the cracks. While that was disappointing, I'm proud to say that there were a number of artistic community mentors outside the school system who were thrilled to provide services for a kid who had interests that didn't seem to go with the grain. For these people I will always be humbly and profoundly grateful. Judy Heidenreich provided me an environment to learn and grow as a dancer. David Sly took me under his wing and gave me weekly voice lessons. The Marshall Civic Players down at the Civic Center became my second home for the majority of my life in Marshall. When it comes to my parents, I will never be able to adequately express to what extent their support and encouragement contributed to my personal strength and professional success. I found a community in Marshall that saw QUIRKY as BEAUTIFUL, and that was good news for a quirky little dreamer looking for a place to fit in.
Rebecca Josephson Gorinac - Biography
After graduating from Marshall High School in 1987, Rebecca Josephson-Gorinac relocated to the Blue Water Area where she began working at the Sanilac Intermediate School District as an elementary science teacher, curriculum developer and teacher trainer. During this time, Rebecca developed a comprehensive elementary inquiry-based science program to provide teachers curriculum guides and hands-on resources to engage students in engaging instruction. After seven years as a science teacher, Rebecca was hired as the Assistant Director of General Education at the Sanilac ISD. In this role she continued to develop the elementary science program, as well as work in the area of professional development and early childhood education. In 2005, Rebecca received the Outstanding Science Educator of the Year Award from the Metropolitan Detroit Science Teachers Association and the Michigan School Administrator of the Year Award from the Michigan Science Teachers Association.
Following her fourteen years at the Sanilac Intermediate School District, she began the role of K-12 Curriculum Supervisor with the Port Huron Area School District. Rebecca continues in this role, focusing on developing high-quality curriculum and professional development for teachers. She is also the District assessment coordinator, with the responsibility of helping teachers analyze data for instructional planning. This role includes being the District MEAP/MME Coordinator.
Rebecca spends her spare time raising two young children, Jacob 4 and Nicholas 2, who enjoy being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family. Rebecca also works as a private consultant, focusing in the area of content literacy reading and writing strategies.
Personal Statement
Since leaving the area, I appreciate the sense of community that Marshall brings. Each time I return to visit, the comfortable feeling of home returns. My experience in the Marshall Public Schools provided the foundational education that helped me achieve in my professional roles. Working in an urban public school district helps me see the value of a small town school system where teachers collaborate to help all students succeed. There is no greater community than Marshall. It would be an honor to someday return to the community for a position with the Marshall Public Schools.
Ian Schnaitman - Biography
After graduating from Marshall High School in 1997, Ian Schnaitman started working full-time at Quality Engraving in Marshall, where he later acquired the business in July of 2007. After graduating from MHS, Ian never really left the High School. Beginning in 1998, he started helping with the Sophomore Class and M-Club concession stands. To this day, he remains a Senior Class sponsor and is on the production crew for the Senior Class Night.
Ian has become very active in his local community. He serves on the Downtown Development Authority for the City of Marshall, and he is a member of the fundraising team for the City of Marshall's Fountain Restoration project. Ian was previously a member of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Personal Statement
I was so lucky to be a part of Marshall Public Schools. Back when I was a student, the pride felt for our schools was amazing. My four years at Marshall High School were full of memories. Administrators, Teachers, Support Staff and Students were one big family. We were taught to take pride in what you have and give back to your community. We also received a great education. Growing up in Marshall, I knew I wanted to stay here. I have deep family roots in this City, and I take great pride in what my family has done for years in Marshall; I wanted to continue in their footsteps. I feel there is no greater community than Marshall.
James Mohn - Biography
Based in New York City, James Mohn opened his architectural and interior design practice in 1998 and has completed residential and commercial projects in New York City, Long Island, Washington, DC, Connecticut and Florida. Jim grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High in 1980. He attended KCC before transferring to The University of Michigan School of Art. After graduation, he moved to Chicago and worked for the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill before enrolling in the University of Illinois at Chicago where he earned a master’s degree in Architecture. The next stop was Los Angeles and architectural firm Richard Meier and Partners, where Jim collaborated on the design of the Getty Center. Following the completion of the Getty, Jim relocated to San Francisco to develop interior environments for Bay Area high-tech firms. Desiring a shorter flight home, Jim moved to New York City in 1996 where he worked for the luxury interior design firm B5 Studio. Feature articles related to his firm’s work have appeared in Elle Décor, Traditional Home, Hamptons Cottages and Gardens, and Trends magazine. Jim lives in a 19th century farm house with his family on Eastern Long Island. For more information on his work, please visit www.jamesmohndesign.com.
Personal Statement
Being somewhat of an academic late bloomer, my scholastic path was significantly shaped by the art and music programs that I immensely enjoyed in Marshall’s middle school and high school. The endless personal attention and encouragement that I received from teachers like Betty Washburn, Cheryl Poole and John Beery buttressed my self confidence while expanding my knowledge and appreciation for the creative process and the value and relevance of creating and performing. The self-confidence that I realized in performing a brief solo during a high school band concert or the immense boost in self-esteem that I remember feeling when my art projects received generous praise from peers and teachers shaped my sense of self and the belief that I could reach for and achieve seemingly distant goals. The confidence that I developed pursuing and succeeding in art and music compelled me to push further by signing up for college prep courses at Marshall high where I was challenged and inspired by great teachers like Kathryn Kinney and Kendra Magnus. I feel extremely fortunate that these programs and educators were available and willing to influence my learning and developmental path. Many thanks to the Marshall school system for providing me and so many kids with the programs and teachers that possess the skills to inspire, guide and encourage the developing minds of its community.
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