CENTER LINE/WARREN/STERLING HEIGHTS — Through smiles, hugs, and tears, local students recently received their high school diplomas. Parents snapped photo after photo of their children in their caps and gowns as friends cheered on their classmates.

NOVI — On June 2, a large audience filled the Novi Middle School auditorium to witness the graduation of Robby Heil, a young man with Down syndrome, from the Novi Adult Transition Center program.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — In teacher James Fisher’s class at Ferry Elementary School, compassion and commerce go together.

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP — In a dimly lit gymnasium inside Francis A. Higgins Elementary School on May 30, fifth grade students fueled by orange juice and sugar cookies celebrated the end of their school year in only the most exciting way possible: simulating the real estate market.

HAZEL PARK — The Hazel Park Public Schools Board of Education decided last month to reinstate its superintendent, Amy Kruppe, after 100-plus days of non-disciplinary paid leave. Since then, Beverly Hinton, the board president and its spokesperson, has raised concerns about the district’s finances.

TROY — Seven students from Troy Public Schools were among the 158 who received top honors at Michigan History Day’s State Finals competition on April 19.

NOVI — Wildcat Willy, the Novi High School mascot, received a dramatic face-lift from one of the school’s largest graduating classes — 576 students — during the school’s commencement ceremony May 18 at the George Gervin GameAbove Center at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence has announced the academic achievements of 37 graduating seniors who have received scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 to continue their educations.

GROSSE POINTES/HARPER WOODS — A number of students and community members are again encouraging residents to don something orange to show their support for an end to gun violence.

WARREN — With a career spanning about 30 years, Warren Mott High School Band Director Erik Miller — or as I knew him, Mr. Miller — touched the lives of countless students. It’s why around 30 alumni with varying backgrounds, degrees, families and career choices all came together to honor him in an alumni band.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Utica High School is the DECA international winner for the first time in school history, and the Henry Ford II school store has placed in top 20.

CENTER LINE — It’s never too early to put yourself on the right path. That is exactly what Peck Elementary third grader Nathaniel Carter is doing. As a new student this year, staff noticed his low self-esteem, his struggle to create peer relationships and how he couldn’t concentrate in class.

WARREN — A group of eighth grade Middle School Mathematics Science Technology Center students are working on a class project that is out of this world.

ROYAL OAK — There is a new superintendent of Royal Oak Schools and his name is John Tafelski.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Building steam upon last year’s fire, the Dakota High School winter drumline team has continued its run of percussive success with a world finals appearance to finish its 2025 season.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Bowers Academy in Bloomfield Hills, the district’s alternative educational program, will look different next year.

TROY — Seven students from Troy Public Schools were among the 158 who received top honors at Michigan History Day’s State Finals competition on April 19.

ROSEVILLE — Alumni and former staff members of Roseville Community Schools went back to class May 10.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP/ROSEVILLE — About 75 salmon were released to their new home in Lake St. Clair on May 2 by the three fifth grade classes from Green Elementary School in Roseville Community Schools.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union has awarded more than $130,000 in scholarships to 57 Michigan residents, including a Utica High School student.