For participating in professional development and training, offered by the Michigan Association of School Boards, Lake Orion’s board of education was awarded the Honor Board and Standard of Excellence Board distinction.
Boardmembers Janet Wolverton (Advocacy Skills Specialty), Jim Weidman (Award of Distinction), Mary Jo Burchart (Master Diamond Award) and Tiffany Weber-Phillips (Award of Merit) were also honored.

Lauren Dysarz
Lauren, a Lake Orion resident and dance student with L.A. Dance, placed in the top 12 in the Junior Pre-Competitive Contemporary Dance Category with her contemporary solo.
She was also invited to attend the Youth American Grand Prix National Gala in New York.

Dan Dendel
Dan, a Lake Orion resident, received the 2009/10 Outstanding Community Service Award. Pictured, Club Director Tim Dougan (right) gives the award at the Boys and Girls Club Annual Leadership Awards Dinner, March 23.

In support of the 23rd Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon, Lake Orion’s Jose Sulaica, a senior at The College for Creative Studies (CCS), has designed artwork for a commemorative, collectible bread plate that will serve as the special incentive for donors who give $240 more during this year’s Radiothon.
Sulaica’s winning design was chosen from several that were submitted during a student contest conducted at CCS. Participants were charged with creating artwork that captured the essence of hunger and homelessness, along with the hope that The Salvation Army gives to people in need. Sulaica, a Lake Orion resident, received a $1,000 scholarship for his winning design.
‘We typically forget that the homeless are people who have families and could be facing circumstances beyond their control,? said Sulaica. ‘The image of a father and daughter is a familiar one and the father holding the shield symbolizes protection, which is what people look to The Salvation Army for in times of

Alma College junior Kathryn Rice, from Oakland Township, is a national finalist for the $30,000 Truman Scholarship. Kathryn, a junior from Oakland Township, is a graduate of Lake Orion High School. She is the daughter of Brian and Susanne Rice, of Oakland Township.
The Truman Scholarship, the most prestigious national scholarship for college juniors, seeks to support students committed to pursuing a career devoted to public service. This year, a total of 176 finalists were selected from 122 colleges and universities. Truman Scholars will be announced later this spring. Each of the 60 to 65 winners will receive $30,000 in funding for graduate school.
Congress established the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation in 1975. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government and public service.

Kathryn Carlson
Kathryn is now among 18 free-throw shooters vying for the Great Lakes Regional title in the Elks ‘Hoop Shoot? Michigan State Contest.
Having already tasted glory in her local and district contest, Kathryn captured another first-place finish, Saturday, Jan. 30, when she wowed the crowds at states.
Kathryn, the 12-year-old daughter of Don and Tanya Carlson and St. Joseph School student, represents Rochester Elks Lodge #2225.
She sank 19 out of 25 free throws and nine of 10 in a shoot off in the 12- to 13-year-old girls division, making her a true standout in the field of more than three million boys and girls, ages 8 to13, who have participated in the contest since last fall.
Now, Kathryn will travel with her parents, courtesy of the Elks-USA, to Angola, IN March 20 to be among the 18 top youngsters from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio vying for the chance to claim the Great Lakes Regional championship and a chance to be one of 72 finalist at the National Finals in Springfield, MA, April 22 to 25.

At the Mid-Winter Conference of the Michigan Department of the VFW, Post 334 received an ‘Honor Post? banner for exceeding 100 precent membership. The Post was at 123 percent mark in just the first six months of the current fiscal year. To achieve full member, membership a Post must replace the members it loses and have a total membership equal to the prior years? membership roster.
North Oakland VFW Post 334 meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Knight’s of Columbus Hall, 1400 Orion Road. Members live in Lake Orion, Oxford, Leonard, Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills. Those interested can call the Post Commander Ernie Baker at 248-391-6933 for more information. Annual dues are $22.00 and the fee to become a life member depends on the veteran’s age.

Nine-year-old Parker Jenkins, of Lake Orion, was chosen to play a Munchkin in a national tour of The Wizard of Oz, performing at Fisher Theatre, Jan. 29 to Feb. 4.

Ben graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Professions and a Minor in Business.’Ben plans to pursue a career as a Physicians Assistant (PA).
The son of Joe and Dawn of Lake Orion, Ben graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2005.

McKeon Products, a leading ear care manufacturer is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Asma as its new president.
Mr. Asma will be responsible for managing and developing all company growth strategies in the areas of marketing, sales, product development, operations and manufacturing.
A Michigan native, Mr. Asma has a master’s degree in business administration from Grand Valley State University and is an accomplished senior executive with 20 years of management, sales and marketing experience with consumer products.
His proven skills have allowed him to maintain a supply of profitable products, execute account specific and corporate wide promotions, grow sales and enhance market differentiation.
Most recently, he was executive vice president of Personal Care Products in Bingham Farms.
Asma is a committed professional who also is dedicated to his family and community.
He resides in Lake Orion with his wife and two daughters.
Currently he serves as chairperson of the Oakland Christian School Board.

Christopher Bzdok was elected Traverse City’s newest mayor, Nov. 3, 2009.
Chris is a 1989 Lake Orion High School graduate. His parents, Michael and Cheryl Bzdok, reside in Lake Orion.