Ferndale’s Balkan House donated lunch as students made vision boards and posed in graduation caps and gowns
FERNDALE, Mich. — Students at Ferndale Public Schools’ Tri-County Educational Center (TCEC) spent Friday, Oct. 2, mapping out their futures at the school’s annual Build the Vision event. The schoolwide goal-setting day filled the TCEC gym and cafeteria, where students set goals for the school year and for life, then turned those goals into vision boards.
A vision board is a collage of words, photos and images that represents what a person wants to achieve. Students chose the goals that matter most to them, for this school year and beyond, and built boards to keep those goals in sight.
“Our students know where they want to go,” said Derek Adams, principal and curriculum coordinator at TCEC. “Build the Vision gave them time to say it out loud, put it on paper and see themselves in a cap and gown. That picture is a promise we intend to help them keep.”
Each student also had a portrait taken in a graduation cap and gown. The portraits went on the students’ vision boards, giving each student a picture of the goal they are working toward: walking across the stage at graduation.
Students then presented their vision boards to classmates and staff, explaining what they hope to accomplish.
Jessie Wallace, a caseworker with Ferndale Youth Assistance, the Oakland County Youth Assistance office serving the Ferndale School District, sponsored the event. TCEC’s special education team, teacher Andrea Williams and transition coordinator Lacetia Walker, planned and led the day in partnership with Communities In Schools of Michigan, which provides student support at TCEC.
Communities In Schools of Michigan arranged lunch from Balkan House, the downtown Ferndale restaurant known for its Balkan- and German-style döner kebabs. The restaurant donated 60 döner wraps with French fries, a gift valued at just over $500, so students could refuel during the event.
“We want to ensure our local community partners are thanked for their kindness and generosity,” said Haïette Merchi-Magueramane, student support coordinator with Communities In Schools of Michigan, who serves at TCEC and helped secure the donation.
Build the Vision is designed to empower TCEC students by focusing on the possibilities ahead and motivating them to reach their goals.
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About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.