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Alternative high school a solid program here to stay

Marquette Alternative High School is having quite a year. Not only is this its 10th year of serving students in the Marquette school district, but it is also vying to capture a $100,000 prize in a national contest.

The school – now housed in the Vandenboom building after stints at Graveraet School and in a wing of the district’s bus garage – has proven to be a stable learning experience for a certain segment of the student body,

This group of students in the early years may have been viewed as misfits by some people or trouble makers by others, however that’s simply not the case.

MAHS serves students who may be taking a little different path in their education than traditional students, but with the same goals of building a solid and diverse educational base on which to build on as they enter society as adults.

The dedicated teaching staff has worked hard to help the students find that path, as well, creating a harmonious atmosphere for creative learning.

In an effort to further strengthen that teamwork, MAHS staff – lead by Amanda Erspamer-Berry – put together a grant proposal that was submitted to the Thank a Million Teacher Program. Offered by Farmers Insurance, the program provides $100,000 grants each to a school in five regions of the country.

MAHS is among the three finalist in the North Central region for the $100,000, and school officials are hoping to garner support in its effort from the public.

If awarded, the school would use the funds to establish a health and wellness facility in the school, as well as partner with outside organizations that promote good health and wellness.

Exercise equipment and sporting goods – even such basic items as tennis shoes – would be purchased to get the students involved in healthful activities.

Grant winners will be determined by online voting through November at www.thankamillionteachers.com. Each person can cast one vote a day, and we hope area residents will embrace the MAHS effort and help it be the top vote-getter in the region.

We not only wish the school well in the grant program, but we want to wish it a happy 10th anniversary and look forward to many more productive years to come.

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