NEWS & HAPPENINGS

May 26, 2023—

The Hartland Area Community Council is proud to announce the 2023 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshals are Matt and Anna Devitt! 

Matt and Anna are staples to the Village and the Hartland community. Both of them grew up in Hartland and attended Hartland Schools, as well as their two children and their granddaughter–who is the 5th generation from their family attending HCS. The two were high school sweethearts and have been married for 45 years.

Matt’s service as an Officer in the Air Force took them around the world. He served from 1977 to 1992 in a top secret program that took them all over the Midwest, and a few more states including Maryland and Nevada, and overseas to Turkey. But when he was offered an early out, they knew Hartland was where they wanted to be and where they wanted to raise their children. While in service, they were awarded the Great American Family representing the Air Force presented by First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1988. 

Anna dedicated over 28 years to Hartland Schools and retired in 2021. She was in the role of Athletic Administrative Assistant for 23 years and worked under four athletic directors. JD Wheeler, Hartland Athletic Director, said, “From day one Anna showed tremendous enthusiasm in her role. I can honestly say that it was not a job for Anna, it was a way of life.”  

When asked what they love best about the Hartland community, Matt didn’t hesitate to answer, “It’s the small town feel with friendly neighbors and people.” Anna said, “We’re lucky here in Hartland. There is a great school system and great teachers, wonderful coaches that mentor our children, and there is so much to do for a small town!” As soon as you mention the Grand Marshal selection, the couple beams with pride.  For Anna, it is really special. Her mother, Diana Sweeten, was the parade Grand Marshal in 1994. She couldn’t wait to call her mom and tell her that she and Matt had been selected for 2023! 

These days for fun the couple enjoys fishing, kayaking, nighttime rock hunting and of course watching Hartland athletic events!  

Matt’s view of the parade will be slightly different this year as he has carried the American Flag in the Memorial Day Parade for 30 years! But not this year. He joins Anna in the Grand Marshal convertible! The Hartland Area Community Council is thrilled to have such proud Hartland residents and supporters as the Grand Marshals for the 2023 Memorial Day parade. Matt and Anna ARE Hartland and definitely represent the culture and pride that are valued in the community

May 19, 2023–

Every school year, HHS Student Council sends a survey to students asking them to nominate their favorite teacher for the Golden Apple Award. This year’s Golden Apple Award goes to Automotive teacher, Mr. Dan Trahey! Students nominate a teacher and they must give a reason for the nomination. At the end of the year, all of the nomination comments are given to every teacher nominated. Kathleen Hoerauf, Student Council Advisor, hopes it is a little something to put a smile on the faces of all staff at the high school.

Here are some of the nomination comments for Mr. Trahey:
-He’s the best auto teacher, he lets us work on cool things. He buys us amazing equipment to use for our advantage in learning auto as a trade.
-He was able to help us in our admissions and he was just able to deal with everyone’s shenanigans.
-He is very kind and respectful to everyone. He is also very good at remembering names.
-Learned more useful skills in this class than any other class I’ve had.

Congratulations to Mr. Trahey on this award!

May 12, 2023–

The Hartland Athletics Male and Female Athletes of the Year were recently announced at the Senior Athlete Recognition Program at Hartland High School.

The 3 candidates for Male Athlete were Brayden Bobo, Sam Clay, and Joey Mattord. The candidates for Female Athlete were Delaney Gomolka, Kloey Merenuk, and Carlie Mitchell. 

Congratulations to Sam Clay on winning Male Athlete and Kloey Merenuk on winning Female Athlete! 

Sam Clay is attending Davenport University to play baseball. During his high school career, he was an All Region Player, KLAA All Conference, All State Player, and a Scholar Athlete in Football. In basketball, he was a team captain. For baseball, Sam was an All Region Player, KLAA All Conference, All District, and Top 5 Player in Livingston County. He also leads the county in home runs, is a team captain, and received the MVP award from the coach.

His football coach said, “No matter what Sam does, he excels! He is a phenomenal student athlete, as well as a great kid. His junior football season will be one talked about in Hartland forever! In addition to football, his ability as a baseball player and his grades show the type of young man Sam is. I can’t wait to see him succeed at Davenport University!

Kloey Merenuk is attending Eastern Michigan University to play Lacrosse. During her high school career in lacrosse, she was the State Bank Athlete of the Week and team captain. She was a 4 year KLAA Scholar Athlete and Varsity Lacrosse Academic All-State. In golf, she was also Athlete of the Week and a KLAA and Hartland Scholar Athlete. 

Her golf coach had this to say, “Kloey was an important part of our team this year. Her senior leadership and dedication to the team was crucial to our success. She improved so much from her Junior year. She’s an amazing athlete and one of the top competitors that I’ve seen on the golf course. In addition, she is great in the classroom!”

Brayden Bobo is attending Grand Valley State University for Wrestling. During his high school career, he was a 3 time State Placer, 2 time KLAA Champ, 1 time Regional Champ, and 3 time District Champ. He earned Scholar Athlete 3 times, was a Hartland Scholar and KLAA Scholar Athlete, and was captain his senior year.

Joey Mattord is attending Eastern Michigan University to play football. During his high school career, he was Livingston Daily Athlete of the week (Football), State Champion for Lacrosse, number 1 offensive back in Livingston County, All KLAA Football Team, and on the all county offense. 

Delaney Gomolka competed in Gymnastics and Dive at the high school. She was All State, All Region, and All Conference in Gymnastics. In Dive, she was the Team Captain and won the EAGLE PRIDE Award (Coaches award). She was a Hartland Scholar and KLAA Scholar Athlete.

Carlie Mitchell competed in Girls Bowling and achieved All State Athlete, Top 16 State Singles Finalist, Team Captain, and Top 10 KLAA Girls Average. 

In all, Hartland High School is sending 33 high school athletes off to compete at the collegiate level. We wish them the best of luck and can’t wait to see them succeed on a bigger playing field! 

May 3, 2023 –

The Hartland Farmer’s Market is scheduled to open the day before Mother’s Day – May 13, 2023! The market is every Saturday through October from 9 am to 2 pm in the Rural King parking lot at 10400 Highland Rd, Hartland, MI.

Again this year, we are allowing flea market and garage sale vendors to participate every week. The cost is $10/wk or $150/for the entire year (a savings of $80).

For information they may call me at 810-599-7603 or email Hartlandmarket2004@gmail.com

Interested vendors can download the application HERE.

April 29, 2023–

Hartland High School had 31 Hartland DECA students that went to Orlando recently to compete in the International Career Development Conference. As well as competing and networking, the students were treated to a visit to Disney World for a day and took part in DECA Night at Universal Studios, and a few students were able to attend Leadership Academies while at the conference.

Jamie Riley, Hartland DECA teacher, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of or happier for my kids. I will truly miss these times.” After a long careet in Hartland, Riley is retiring at the end of the school year. He was also recognized at the event for being the Event Director for the Project Management Sales Project Event.

Of the Hartland students attending, a special congratulations to Senior Sam Kromberg on placing 3rd in the Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling category.

Hartland DECA is a student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

April 21, 2023 – Congratulations to Gayle Roberts, Secretary at Village Elementary, on being named the 2023 Hartland Consolidated Schools Support Person of the Year! Roberts has been in the district since 1995, and she started as a bus aide, and then a paraprofessional working with 2-5 year old special needs children at Lakes Elementary for eight years. From there she took a secretarial job at Community Education before working for a short time at Legacy. After that she took a position in the office of Village where she has been for many years, except for a short stint a few years ago to Ore Creek and then Lakes. She is known for her collection of crazy and fun hats, glasses, and earrings and she has something to wear for every event and holiday you can imagine! Roberts said, “Village is my home. Village kids are built different, they rock.”

Village Principal, Jason Reck, said about Roberts, “The Village Elementary team is so excited that Gayle has been recognized. Miss Gayle is an incredible person who has positively impacted generations of Hartland students, staff and families. Her kindness and laughter make everyone feel welcome at Village!” So many parents and fellow co-workers have already congratulated her on social media noting that she is so deserving and one of the best in the district.

Those that know Ms. Gayle know she doesn’t just “work” in Hartland, she’s a true part of the community. According to Gayle, “Hartland is a little gem in Livingston County. We are the true definition of hometown to me. We know our neighbors and come together for each other. It still thrills me when I am out and about and see a student or 4-Her, past or present, and they recognize me. They all have a part of my heart.”

Pictured presenting the award to Mrs. Young from left to right, Chuck Hughes – HCS Superintendent, Roberts, Mikki Cheney – Farms Principal, and Jason Reck – Village Elementary Principal.

April 17, 2023 — HARTLAND DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS FIDDLER ON THE ROOF A TRUE MUSICAL THEATRE  TRADITION.

“Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” The  metaphor of a fiddler on the roof and teetering on that edge, represents the safety of tradition and the danger of  breaking it! 

In honoring their tradition, of a spring musical, Hartland High School Drama Club is excited to announce they  will be performing the beloved musical, Fiddler on the Roof, Friday through Sunday during the weekends of  April 21-23, and April 28-30. Their performances will be held at the Hartland High School (HHS) auditorium  located at 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and  Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. 

Fiddler on the Roof, winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, is the brainchild of Broadway legends,  Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince; songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harrick; and book writer, Joseph Stein.  Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth, and honesty, this universal show is a staple of musical  theatre. 

The show features a star turn in Tevye, who is among the most memorable roles in musical theatre. Along with  iconic and beloved songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset”, ”If I were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”  Fiddler on the Roof is the perfect mix of audience-pleasing humor and heart. 

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the  help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with  traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in  historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class,  nationality, and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness. While it may seem that  tradition is the main theme of this musical, in most of the story, love ultimately triumphs. 

According to Artistic Director Scott Usher, Fiddler on the Roof is a story about acceptance. “It is about accepting  and respecting your traditions, but also accepting who you are,” says Usher. “It demonstrates the balance we try  to build between our traditions and our individual wants and desires. Watching this story of oppression unfold  evokes compassion and empathy from the audience, as well as a deeper understanding of what the world looks  like when we are not accepting of others.”  

HHS senior Tommy Persons, who plays the role of Tevye and is the Hartland Drama Club Treasurer and ITS  Historian, agrees. “This show has great potential for humor, spectacle, and fun. The reason why it’s an incredible  show, however, is because the raw moments shown throughout are applicable to anyone, regardless of language,  culture, or age.” 

Continuing Hartland Drama Club’s tradition of excellence, Fiddler on the Roof showcases entertaining dances,  choreographed by Karen Whittaker, spectacular vocals, guided by HHS Director of Choirs Bailey Tallman, and an impressive orchestra pit, rehearsed by HHS Director of Bands Brad Laibly and conducted by Tallman.

We hope you will come to see our little village of Anatevka, where you might say, “every one of us is a fiddler  on the roof!” Please don’t delay and purchase your tickets today! 

Tickets are available online at www.hartlanddramaclub.org and at the door. Individual tickets purchased  in advance are $16 for adults and $14 for students, children, and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door  are $18 for adults and $16 for students, children, and seniors. Group rates are also available. 

For more information, contact Scott Usher at 810-626-2360 or via e-mail at scottusher@hartlandschools.us. 

April 13, 2023 – Congratulations to Michele Young, 2nd grade teacher at Lakes Elementary, on being named the 2023 Hartland Consolidated Schools Teacher of the Year! Young has been teaching in the district for 32 years, starting at Village for only one year before moving to Lakes. 

Lakes Principal, Anthony Howerton, said about Young, “She is an amazing teacher for ALL of her students, a tremendous team player, and a leader in the building who is always working with others to make Lakes better!” Laura Moore, HEA President added, “Michele is dedicated to her students and colleagues and speaks volumes for our profession in her actions every single day.” From the entire community, thank you Mrs. Young for your dedication to Hartland students and for challenging them with learning every day!

Pictured presenting the award to Mrs. Young from left to right, Chuck Hughes – HCS Superintendent, Laura Moore – HEA President, Young, and Anthony Howerton – Lakes Elementary Principal.

March 15, 2023 –

Congratulations to all of the Hartland High School students that competed in the 2022 Congressional App Challenge this year. Rep. Elissa Slotkin came to Mrs. Hasseld’s classroom on March 15 to recognize all of the HHS student entrants and to announce this year’s 8th District winner! This year’s district winners are Makala Faix and Ani Lahser. Their app, “Beefriend’ is all about helping people find information that’s personalized to local bees as they are an important part of ecosystems across the United States. Congratulations to Makala and Ani as their  app now goes to the National level of the competition.

Students under the direction of Mrs. Hasseld worked either in teams or individually (their choice) to create an app that solved a problem for the CAC.  Students brainstormed possible apps, identified a target audience, and created a storyboard with their plan. 

Representative Slotkin also gave a special thank you to Mrs. Hasseld, saying in a Facebook post from her page, “I know firsthand how hard Mrs. Hasseld works to teach her students hands-on, real world lessons, because for the past 4 years I’ve watched them compete & win our district’s Congressional App Challenge. Congratulations Mrs. Hasseld on being named the 2023 MI ACTE Teacher of the Year, & thank you for your commitment to equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed, no matter what path they choose.”

Every year Congress challenges students in their districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge. Each challenge is district-specific. The Congressional Internet Caucus initiates the annual CAC. The non-profit Internet Education Foundation was appointed to provide the CAC with supplemental staffing and support.

March 13, 2023–

Join the Livingston County Chamber Alliance, Brighton, Hartland, and Howell Chambers for “Changing the Game”  Advancing Business Together: A 5-part speaker series for 2023. Held at Oake Pointe Country Club in Brighton from 9:00 to 11:00 am, each event includes coffee and a breakfast buffet. The second part in the series features Giancarlo Mori on Demystifying Artificial Intelligence. Potential attendees can register at any time–you do not have to attend all five events!

Register today on the Chamber website below.

• March 22 – Demystifying Artificial Intelligence
• ​May 24 – TBA
• July 26 – Cyber Security
• October 25 – Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
• January 25 – Economic Forecast with The Bowtie Economist

March 12, 2023—

The 2023 State Career Development Conference (SCDC) was March 9-11 in downtown Detroit and it was a big weekend for Hartland Advanced Marketing Students. Several Hartland High School DECA members are now heading to Orlando in April for the International Career Development Conference. Hartland DECA is a student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

March 9, 2023—

Hartland Optimist Club held its annual Optimist Oratorical contest on March 8. There were 11 students that prepared a speech based on this year’s topic, as determined by Optimist International, “Discovering the Optimism within Me” and presented it to 3 judges, plus an audience of their peers, teachers, and families.

The winners of the Hartland Club Contest this year are: 1st place, Anne Marie Yarber; 2nd place, Zachary Tennis; 3rd place, Willow Robinson. All three are students at Hartland’s Ore Creek Middle School. Other contestants were: Vyola Forcia, Isabella Gembal, Mara Laibly, Danielle Renaud, Avery Richardson, Amelia Salinas-Arredondo, Abby Tenbusch, and Artan Vuli.

Club contest organizer, Stefanie Furge, applauded all of the contestants, “This year’s topic lent itself to diverse personal stories. Each speech was well-written and presented, and it was clear they are all motivated and able to see the world in an optimistic light. The club is proud to host this event each year as it promotes personal growth, thoughtful deliberation, and an opportunity for students to see themselves as part of our community.”

The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundation is awarded annually from this program. At the Club level, the top 3 winners receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medallions, with first and second place advancing to the area competition held Saturday, April 22. The winner there will continue to the statewide competition Saturday, May 13 and culminating in the world championship contest held in July in St. Louis, Missouri.

• On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, voters in the Hartland Consolidated School District will be asked to renew and restore the full 18 mills on non-homestead properties for its operating budget through 2028. This millage has been in existence since Proposal A went into effect in 1994 and was last approved by voters in 2018. For residential homestead property owners, this millage will cost nothing other than time to vote.

• This proposal has no impact on residential or most agricultural property
• This is a renewal and restoration of the current 18 mills that voters last approved in May 2018
• This is NOT a new tax.  It is an existing levy on commercial, business, and rental properties within our district.
• Generates approximately $5.5M annually for district operations
• Funds cannot be replaced by other sources

History:
In March 1994, Michigan voters approved Proposal A, which completely changed how Michigan public schools were funded. Proposal A shifted the primary source of school funding from local property taxes to state sales taxes, and as a result, significantly reduced property tax rates for homeowners. For example, the Hartland Consolidated Schools operating millage on homestead properties was 37 mills prior to Proposal A. After Proposal A, the operating millage was reduced to 6 mills, and remains at that amount to this day. The 6 mills levied on homestead properties is sent directly to Lansing, and is combined with other taxes such as sales tax, income tax, liquor/tobacco tax, and lottery revenues to make up the State School Aid Fund. The School Aid Fund then provides school districts with a “foundation allowance,” which is currently $9,150 per pupil in 2022/23. However, the state assumes districts will collect 18 mills on non-homestead properties locally and deducts this amount from the foundation allowance provided. In order to collect the 18 mills on non-homestead properties, state statute requires a district-wide election to approve the millage. Should voters not approve this levy, the district is not made whole.

For Questions:
 Contact Chuck Hughes, Superintendent, or Rachel Bois, Chief Financial Officer, at 810-626-2100 or visit the HCS website.

March 3, 2023—

The Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce held it’s 5th Annual Black & Bling: Celebrating Women in Business event on March 3 at Crystal Gardens. The event began to celebrate International Women’s Day and to inspire women in Hartland with the stories of other successful women in the community! This year’s keynote speaker was definitely contagious with her positive attitude. Kathy King is a success coach, educator, and entrepreneur who left the entire crowd, both women and men, inspired with her words.

The presenting sponsor for the event was LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC, the dessert sponsor was Brighton Ford and the welcome sponsor was Two Men and a Truck. The table sponsors graciously donated all the beautiful centerpieces for a raffle and Kenny Privett Productions served as emcee. This year’s 2023 Queen of Bling was also crowned. Stay up to date with the Chamber on their website: www.hartlandchamber.org