Detroit, MI
Detroit Lakes High School Class of 2024 graduates
DETROIT LAKES
— The Detroit Lakes High School Class of 2024 graduated with much fanfare on Friday, May 24.
After being welcomed into the Lakeshirts Fieldhouse by the DLHS Band playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” a total of 228 seniors received their diplomas from Detroit Lakes School Board Chairman John Steffl, after which High School Principal Joshua Omang turned their tassels from the left to the right side of their mortarboards.
But in between the processional and the disbursement of diplomas, the seniors heard remarks from classmates Ava Morrison, Josef Nemec and Brayden Sjoblom, as well as Omang and DLHS social studies teacher Kalen Malchow.
The messages ranged from somewhat serious to unabashedly humorous.
Vicki Gerdes / Detroit Lakes Tribune
“We finally made it,” said Morrison. “The past 13 years of our lives have led us to this moment. … As we look into our futures, I know a lot of us, including myself, may be a little bit scared to take the next big leap …”
Morrison concluded her presentation with a quote from Stephen Hawking: “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. … Don’t live your life in one spot because you’re afraid to adapt to change. We’ve been adapting for 13 years. So don’t forget to keep taking steps, big or small, even if it’s slowly. Just keep moving. Embrace the little things and dream big.”
Nemec, who said that he hadn’t even told his parents he would be speaking at the ceremony, described himself as “not your typical speaker,” and illustrated that by noting, “Congratulations, we finally made it. Especially considering, just last month, one out of four students among us had a failing grade.”
As the chuckles died down, he continued on a more serious note, “As we embark on the next chapter of our lives, let’s embrace the unknown, with courage and confidence. Let’s dare to dream big, and aspire to achieve greatness in whatever path we choose to pursue.”
After giving “shout outs” to his family and others who had contributed to his path toward graduation, Sjoblom started his presentation out with a confession that he hadn’t told very many people before, noting, “I’m afraid of the dark.”
More specifically, he added, “I’m afraid of what could be in the dark,” and noted that he felt this fear of the dark “applies to a lot of us. We’re going out into the completely unknown.”
Vicki Gerdes / Detroit Lakes Tribune
Sjoblom added that he felt his fellow graduates had the ability to overcome that fear. “Any challenge, any darkness … don’t fear what could happen. Just take a look at yourself and say, you’ve faced worse, and you will be able to overcome whatever happens.”
Malchow entertained the seniors with some humorous predictions for their future, and left them with the following advice: “Stick together; be there for each other. No. 2, get a job… and laugh every day.”
Omang expressed his pride in this graduating class and left them with some parting advice: “Nobody gets anywhere by themself. Say thank you to the people who help you get where you want to go. Don’t forget them.”
In between these presentations, the audience was treated to performances from the DLHS Concert Choir, Concert Band and Laker Singers, who performed selections including “Omnia Sol,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “What Was I Made For,” respectively.
A 16-year-old student was kidnapped from a bus stop in Hamtramck at gunpoint this morning. Classmates tracked the student through their social media and cell phone.
Hamtramck Police located the student and made an arrest. Hamtramck Police Chief Hussein Farhat said that the incident happened at 7:08 a.m. He said a weapon was recovered.
Hamtramck School Board President Abdulmalik Algahaim says there will be additional measures for safety and security during pick-up and drop-off. The police department will also increase security measures.
The kidnapper was caught within 30 minutes of the incident.
Additional headlines for Monday, April 13, 2026
Joe Louis Greenway community meetings
Community meetings are being held regarding expansion of the Woodmere part of the Joe Louis Greenway. The next virtual meetings are April 21 and April 29.
The General Services Department is holding the meetings to discuss the designs and construction on Woodmere Street for a bike and walking connection between Fort Street and Vernor Highway.
The project has been funded through a $10 million grant and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Outlier Earth Day event
The Outlier Media collective is hosting an Earth Day seed packing social this month. The hands-on volunteer event is in partnership with Keep Growing Detroit’s Garden Resource Program.
There will be free non-alcoholic beverages by the Gardenside Brewery and refreshments by Vámonos. The seed packing event takes place April 22nd from noon-2 p.m at Vámonos.
Healthy Homes
The City of Detroit is hosting another Healthy Homes resource event. The next one takes place Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Services will include HOPE application assistance, health screenings and more.
People can schedule a Lyft service to attend by calling 866-313-2520.
Black & Arab Solidarity Lab
The Black and Arab Solidarity Lab + Political Discussion is an event co-hosted by Arab Americans for Progress, Dream of Detroit, Detroit Action and MI Working Family Party.
Guest speakers include Abraham Aiyash, former MI State Representative and House Majority Leader and Tomena Rawls, the Statutory Vice chair of the 12th Congressional District Democrats.
The discussion will be held on April 25 at 11 a.m.
Arab and Chaldean American Panel at WSU
The Arab American Women’s Business Council is hosting a panel this week. The networking mixer will host women leaders who will share insights on navigating the professional world as Arab and Chaldean women.
The event takes place on April 15 at Wayne State University Student Center, Room 775 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The Philadelphia Flyers secured a thrilling victory over the Detroit Red Wings, with Owen Tippett’s hat trick proving to be the difference. Tippett, a former Florida Panther, has been a key acquisition for the Flyers and his recent performance showcased his growing prowess on the ice. The game was a nail-biter, with Tippett’s three goals, including a crucial second-period goal, demonstrating his consistency and focus.
Why it matters
Tippett’s performance highlights the evolution of his game since joining the Flyers, as he has consistently improved and reached new heights this season. The Flyers’ victory also showcases the importance of special teams, as Tippett’s second goal, assisted by Denver Barkey, was a testament to the team’s ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities.
The details
Tippett’s hat trick, which included a goal in each period, was the driving force behind the Flyers’ victory. The team’s ability to maintain their composure even when the Red Wings mounted a comeback, with Sean Couturier’s empty-net goal sealing the win, demonstrates their mental fortitude.
- The game was played on April 12, 2026.
The players
Owen Tippett
A former Florida Panther who has been a key acquisition for the Philadelphia Flyers, showcasing his growing prowess on the ice with a hat trick in the recent victory over the Detroit Red Wings.
Denver Barkey
A Flyers player who assisted on Tippett’s second goal, demonstrating the team’s ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities.
Sean Couturier
A Flyers player who scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory, showcasing the team’s mental fortitude in the face of a Red Wings comeback.
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What they’re saying
“We’ve been focusing on a shift-by-shift, period-by-period, and game-by-game approach. This disciplined mindset, focused on controlling what’s within our control, is a hallmark of successful teams and players.”
— Owen Tippett, Flyers Player
What’s next
The Flyers will look to continue their momentum as they approach the final ten games of the season, with their sights set on securing a playoff spot.
The takeaway
Tippett’s hat trick and the Flyers’ victory showcase the importance of individual growth, special teams, and mental fortitude in the NHL. The team’s ability to maintain their composure and capitalize on opportunities, even in the face of a late comeback, is a testament to their resilience and potential for success.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch on Kevin McGonigle’s home opener
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch spoke about how rookie infielder Kevin McGonigle experienced his first home game as a Tiger, April 3, 2026.
Kevin McGonigle finally has his first home run in the major leagues.
McGonigle, the Detroit Tigers’ sensational rookie, blasted a ball 408 feet to deep right field off Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcántara on Sunday, April 12, at Comerica Park, giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead in the fifth inning.
McGonigle hit the ball with a 108.8 mph exit velocity.
Alcántara, the 2022 National League Cy Young award winner, threw him a first-pitch 97 mph four-seam fastball.
Celebrate Kevin McGonigle on Tigers with this Free Press print
McGonigle, in his 16th game this season, is hitting .310, behind only Colt Keith on the Tigers. McGonigle has six doubles.
“Fly ball, right field, deep, got a chance, No. 1 for Kevin McGonigle!” Dan Dickerson said on the TV broadcast.
McGonigle previously twice crushed a ball to the wall earlier this season, only to result in a loud out.
Against the San Diego Padres in his second MLB game March 27, McGonigle was robbed of a home run in center field by Jackson Merrill. He hit the ball 403 feet, connecting for a 104.2 mph exit velocity.
In his first at-bat in the Tigers’ home opener April 3, against the St. Louis Cardinals, McGonigle again smashed a ball 403 feet, with a 103.5 mph exit velo to the warning track in left-center. It would have been a home run in 12 MLB parks − but not at Comerica Park.
Celebrate Kevin McGonigle’s MLB debut with this Detroit Free Press print
McGonigle’s Opening Day debut is worth framing and the Free Press has a page print for you.
Follow our Tigers coverage all year long: freep.com/sports/tigers
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