The meeting between the alumni and current Sturgis East students was held in the newly opened 529 Main Street building. Sturgis East principal Mr. O’Kane facilitated the discussion and asked the panel of alumni to describe how high school prepared them for college. Many shared the same feeling that the rigorous IB programme made the transition to college courses run smoothly. In addition, they added that while completing the IB programme, they developed critical time management skills. In college, students may be surprised by the amount of time they have to finish their assignments. However, without establishing a clear schedule for themselves to do their work, assignments can pile up quickly.
Furthermore, the alumni showed their appreciation for the friendships they developed with Sturgis East teachers. Getting to know teachers on a more personal level has helped the college students find it easier to talk to their professors when they have a question or concern. Sturgis reinforces the idea that every student, teacher, and faculty member is part of a greater community.
The StormWatch would like to wish the Sturgis alumni the best of luck as they continue their studies after high school.
Open Mic Night at 529 Main Street
On December 6, seventeen students from both Sturgis East and West performed at our new 529 Main Street building. Students showed off an array of talents, from comedic monologues to rock music. The open mic night was a great way to unite both campuses. Congratulations to the music department for a night full of such beautiful performances and talent!
Smile Cards
Every December, the Sturgis East Key club helps bring holiday cheer and kindness as it hosts the Smile Card event. Smile cards are kind cards that students can send to their peers and teachers to wish them happy holidays and write nice messages. The Key Club also writes cards for every student and teacher, ensuring that no one is left out. While the cards can be holiday-themed, it’s the generous spirit of the holiday season rather than the actual holidays that are being celebrated. By taking the time to send even a simple card to someone, students embrace the true spirit of the holidays of spreading kindness rather than spending a lot of money on presents.
Improv Club
But that’s precisely what the Sturgis Improv Club, sometimes called Awkward Blocking, is trying to achieve: to make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. On December 4, the club put on a show that saw the appearance of snail evolution, questionable driving lessons, and pencil petitions in a variety of different games that drew a large crowd of students.
The members of the improv club range from freshmen to seniors. The group this year includes returning 2017-18 members Hunter Crossman, Nate Wood, Rowan Higgins, Phoebe Cohen, Owen Pugh, Xander McInerney, Declan Shinnick, Lyle Edwards and myself and are joined this year by Tomas Miller, Carmela Davies, Macklin Devine, John Guimaraes, Danny Murray, Will Benoit, Kelly Gototweski and Maeve King. Everyone plays a part each week and holds true to the unofficial motto of Awkward Blocking: Have Fun.
The Improv Club is anticipating another show in the near future. In addition, Awkward Blocking will perform in a limited capacity at the upcoming STAGE Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, February 1. The event is a fundraiser, and reservations before the event will cost $5 for students and $10 general admission, with an added deal of $25 for a family of four. Additionally, buying tickets on the day of the event costs $7 for students and $16 general admission. Visitors will be treated to an exclusive preview of the upcoming winter one-act performance, entitled “Say Yes,” written and co-directed by Sturgis East students.
Or, if you can’t even wait until then, the Improv Club meets every Tuesday at lunch, and they are always welcoming new members! So if you are in the mood for a laugh or just want to see what all the buzz is about, come to the Theater Room in the Annex for an experience that will brighten up your day.