Check out this weeks episode of Ferris in focus as we explore the plans for the old railway station, speak with author Mark Jagger, get spooked by this episode’s CineSkit, and more!
Big Rapids Life
This week’s “Big Rapids Life” was focused on the Big Rapids White Pine Trail State Park Staging Area. On this Maple Street attraction is an opportunity for outdoor exploration. It is the starting point that will lead you to a trail system that will guide you through the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park. This 92-mile trail was established in 1996 that stretches from northern Grand Rapids to Cadillac. Our staging area in Big Rapids is one of the communities along the trail. The depot was formerly used for trains. It has since been picked up by Duncan and Marissa Klussmann for renovation. The park is a work-in-progress with hopes for biking, community, and more. Let’s continue to bring this attraction back to life!
Photo Credit: Edward Gross
Bulldog Story
Hersey born Mark Jager will be the center point of this week’s “Bulldog Story.” He is the author of the “Mystic Michigan“ book series published from 1999 to 2015 which was produced in film by Ferris TDMP students in 2022. It received several awards in 2023 including the Grand Rapids Film Festival and Bea Festival of Media Arts. Jagger began his journey at Ferris State University from 1991 to 1994, studying Practical Applied Social Work, but switched to journalism after a friend’s suggestion that earned him his associate’s degree. This led him to an internship at a small-town newspaper in Lake City, Michigan, where he created a popular tourist guide on unique local attractions. Encouraged to expand his work, he wrote a book, launching the Mystic Michigan series. Years later, reconnecting with video producer Mark Borman revived Mark’s idea to make a video series based on his books. With support from Ferris State University and its students, he brought “Mystic Michigan” to life in a new format, showcasing Michigan’s mysterious places. His experience at Ferris had a deep impact, opening him to new ideas and perspectives.
Photo Credit: Mark Jagger
Memory Lane
Taking us on a trip down “Memory Lane,” Ferris State Torch writer Ember St. Amour recalls “Monster High”, a series she enjoyed as a kid because it offered an alternative to princess-themed toys. Growing up with characters like Draculaura and Frankie Stein, she owned several dolls, including customizable ones, and had themed birthday party items. Draculaura, her favorite character, fueled her love for vampires, and Cleo’s complex personality also intrigued her. Recently, Ember rewatched the movies, with “Skull Island” as a favorite for its adventurous plot. The nostalgia is reinforced by memories of the “Monster High” game, where she loved designing a character and taking quirky classes like “Home Ick,” a cooking class with monster twists. For Ember, the franchise remains a comforting escape to simpler times.
Photo Credit: Mattel
Program Spotlight
Hospitality Management was this episodes Program Spotlight. The program represents an incredibly diverse group of experience-based fields. Because it is a business degree, students will be able to complete the college of business core and have the Hospitality Management classes. Classes like sanitation, food preparation, event management, lodging, and much more are available for all hospitality students. Allowing students to get internship opportunities is at the helm of the program to make sure all students are able to take a first step into their chosen career.
CineSkits
On Ferris CineSkits, it’s almost worth just watching the episode to see all the action, not much you can say in words. In a television studio, malicious events arise. Our main character obtains an SD hard drive containing the words OBEY OR DIE. Will he escape his imminent doom? Watch to find out.
Ferris Asks
In Ferris Asks, it’s time to decipher what was asked. Multiple students giving the weirdest answers possible. Michael Jackson, George Washington, lasagna, and Sydney Sweeney were all answers to who knows what was asked. Luckily, we have the answer, or the question… who knows. Today the students were presented with, what historical figure would you want to eat dinner with and why? Now the answers make more sense. Wath more to find out what other students said; the list is endless.
College Kids: Cars
Join our host Mason Barker as he talks with Jon Diaz De Leon about his 2024 Honda Civic. Jon talks about how he is very happy with his Honda civic and likes them over Chevrolet cars. He also mentions that his civic has a 2-liter 158 horsepower VTEC engine. As they go for a drive, Jon talks about how he got into a car accident with his old Honda Civic and used the money from the insurance to lease his new Civic.
Animals of the ARC
Our Animal of the ARC this episode is Shamrock a three-year-old mixed-breed. After being found at 30 pounds he is now at a healthy weight of 50 pounds. He loves walks on a leash, tennis balls and belly rubs. He is house trained and needs some love and care to gain a few more pounds. For more info, visit ARC’s website.
Behind the Scenes
In the behind the scenes of the making of Ferris Asks, Bobby Yaxley and Reese Miller talk about the question he asks students “If you could have one meal with any historical figure, who would it be? And why? Reese talks about how they were loose with the definition of historical figure and how they got a lot of celebrities. Bobby mentions his favorite answer, that being George Washington Carver. Bobby goes on to say that making this reminded him of when he was a boy scout selling popcorn.
