Algonac High School
2011-2012 Points of Pride
As the 2011-2012 school year comes to a close, it is important to reflect upon (and celebrate)
the many achievements of our students. Despite economic hardships and increased
expectations, our students and staff continue to accomplish many amazing feats across a broad
spectrum of categories.
Academics
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After two years of hard work, the first cohort of International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme Students completed the rigorous two year curriculum. 83
individual IB subject area tests were taken throughout the month of May.
In January, AHS hosted an accreditation review team (QAR) from Advance-Ed, the
world’s largest educational accrediting agency. At the conclusion of the review, the
QAR team reported to staff and administration that Algonac High School maintained
their ‘fully accredited’ status, continuing a longstanding tradition of accreditation
(accredited status has been continuous since 1931). Algonac High School was rated
as “Highly Functional,” the highest possible rating in five categories. In the other two
categories AHS was rated “Operational,” the second highest score.
The AHS graduation rate increased over 5% from 2010 to 2011. (2010 Cohort:
85.26% 2011 Cohort: 90.63%)
The 2012 ACT composite (as recorded from the 2012 MME) increased nearly a point
from the 2011 school year. (2011 MME: 18.83 2012 MME: 19.59)
The Algonac High School P.A.S.S. Mentoring program sustained its’ prominence as a
model for mentoring programs throughout the county and state. The 2011-2012
program included 70 participants (mentors and mentees combined). Based on
preliminary training projections, nearly 50 students from the Class of 2013 and Class
of 2014 will be mentors next year (the highest amount since program inception).
The AHS Chapter of the National Honors Society held its 73rd induction ceremony
and gained 20 new members.
Junior and Senior AHS students that participate in TEC competed in the Skills USA
state competition in April. Three students earned high honors:
Kevin Barbieri: 1st Place- Gold medal in Computer Maintenance (2nd time)
Sarah Zuccaro: 2nd Place- Silver medal in Audio (Radio) Production
Vito Marinelli: 2nd Place- Silver medal in Oxy-fuel (Gas) Welding
Arts
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For the 6th straight year, the AHS Marching Band (100 members strong) maintained
their storied tradition by achieving all Division I ratings in MSBOA competition in
October. The band participant numbers for the 2012-2013 year are projected to
eclipse record levels (estimated 125 members).
The Algonac High School Choir qualified to compete in the state MSVMA
competition in April by achieving Division I (Superior) ratings in the District 16 Solo
and Ensemble Festival. In addition, AHS Senior choir member Shelby Ramales
received an ‘Excellent’ rating for her solo performance at the competition and
qualified to compete at the state competition.
Philanthropy
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As a part of promoting the second pillar of the AHS mission statement, an emphasis
on philanthropy was instilled throughout the school year. Results from the students
and staff were impressive. Highlights include:
o The Varsity Volleyball team hosted a ‘Pink Out’ Tournament at Algonac High
School on October 8th and donated the proceeds to the Passionately Pink for
the Cure, Susan G. Komen Foundation.
o The Varsity Football team hosted a ‘Pink Out’ game on October 7th vs. Capac
and donated portions of the proceeds from the game to the Karmanos Cancer
Center.
o The Homecoming theme revolved around philanthropy, with each float
highlighting a different organization.
 9th Grade: Stand up to Cancer
 10th Grade: Livestrong Organization
 11th Grade: Humane Society
 12th Grade: Books for Children’s Hospital
o IB Diploma Students completed numerous service projects, highlighted by an
organization wide ‘Service Day’ in October and April.
o Ian Sass (IB Diploma Student) organized and implemented the ‘Care Bag
Movement,’ an event so successful that it is drawing the attention of groups
around the state. Ian received several scholarships and awards for his efforts
o NHS held two Blood Drives during the year and met their target goal by
collecting nearly 100 pints of blood.
o The Student Council collected over 500 lbs of food for the Algonac Food
Pantry.
o The Student Council orchestrated a collection of items for ‘Troop Boxes’ to
be sent to overseas and is currently organizing a Holiday Letter Writing
Campaign to send ‘Holiday Wishes’ and ‘Thanks’ to our troops.
Extra-Curricular
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In April, all AHS students took part in ‘Rachel’s Challenge,’ a program aimed at
promoting high moral behavior and sustained acts of kindness. After the program,
approximately 50 students we given specialized training in how to sustain the mission
of the program. These students will be starting a F.O.R. (Friends of Rachel) club
during the 2012-2013 school year.
Over 215 AHS students competed in a least one sport during the Fall, Winter, and
Spring sports seasons and represented the Muskrats with extreme pride and
sportsmanship.
AHS Junior Santos Alvarez qualified to compete in the State Wrestling Tournament
at the Palace of Auburn Hills in January. He was District Champion in his weight
class, placed 3rd in Regional Competition, and 6th at the State Tournament.
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AHS Homecoming Queen, Morgan Rorah, was selected to participate in the Liberty
Bowl Halftime performance. She was selected by the Homecoming Queens National
Pageant Registry as a regional qualifier based on community service, G.P.A., and
extra-curricular involvement.
The Boy’s Track Team won its’ third Regional Championship in four years. The
championship meet was highlighted by four school records being broken and 12
different team members qualifying to compete in the Individual State Track Meet.
The staff of AHS wishes to personally thank our graduating Seniors (and their parents) for
helping us sustain our academic traditions and shaping our educational legacy. We wish you
the best of luck in future endeavors and look forward to your accomplishments.
Go Muskrats!
Brian R. Brutyn, Principal