Today we capture some dual action with two studio shows being covered! On Ferris Out Loud, its the Thanksgiving episode! Our hosts talk holiday traditions and debate Thanksgiving foods to crown the ultimate dish to be served. They also bring back some more Game Time action and Host Recommendations to finish things off. Along with Ferris Out Loud, Making The Grade will cover student growth and support across campus and Michigan.
Ferris Out Loud
What’s Trending
This week join our hosts Ryan Pilon, Da’Shanya Williams, and Sara Keilman, with special guest Molly Cesa as they talk about the Jake Paul, Mike Tyson fight that aired on Netflix. Ryan mentions how the fight seemed more fake than WWE. They also talk about how Jake Paul seems to choose to fight people that are either in-experienced or out of their prime. They end by discussing how disappointing it was.
Next they talk about how good the Lions are doing right now. Currently being ranked number one with a 9-1 record. Ryan mentions that they could go to the super bowl but not to get your hopes up too much because they are the Lions.
Debate
For Debate Time, our hosts rank Thanksgiving food. First up was stuffing vs sweet potatoes. Da’Shanya exclaims that she doesn’t like stuffing, and it doesn’t matter who makes it. Molly agrees that sweet potatoes are better. But Ryan and Sara say that stuffing is better. Ultimately the camera operator was the tie breaker with stuffing moving up. Next was cranberry sauce vs green bean casserole with the hosts unanimously picking cranberry sauce. They talk about apple pie vs pumpkin pie. Our hosts decided that apple pie is better. The last for the first round was mashed potatoes vs mac and cheese and they picked mashed potatoes. Round 2 starts off with stuffing vs cranberry sauce. Then they discuss mashed potatoes vs apple pie. With mashed potatoes being picked to move on. And in the final round it was stuffing vs mashed potatoes. Ultimately the group picks mashed potatoes as the best Thanksgiving food.
Game Time
In Photo Roulette the hosts guess whose photo is whose. The first photo was the hosts thought it looked like the Rainforest Café, but it actually was Molly’s picture of the T-Rex restaurant in Disney Springs. Next was a picture of tulips that everyone agreed was Sarah’s. Which was a picture from Mackinac Island when she did her internship there. Next was a picture of a camera on a trash can during winter and everyone instantly agreed that it was Ryan’s, he goes on to say that he did this because he had to take a time-lapse photo. Then they showed a picture of a pine tree in the winter which was taken by Sara. And she talks about how it is an old photo she took on her way to school. Lastly, they showed a picture of a horse which was Da’Shanya’s photo.
Host Recommendations
They wrapped up with Hidden Gems. Sara’s hidden gem was McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey. She found this bookstore while she was living in Petoskey this past summer. Sarah talks about how she went there every day she had a day off and looked at the used book section. Da’Shanya hidden gem was the thanksgiving parade. Molly’s hidden gem is Burt Lake in Indian River. And Ryan’s was the Michigan International Speedway which is a NASCAR track near Ann Arbor.
Making The Grade
Guests’ Roles in the Academic Industry
On this episode of Making the Grade, host Tim Haist dives into the heart of student support at Big Rapids Public Schools. Joining Tim, the Big Rapids High School Superintendent, are three dedicated professionals shaping students’ academic and personal growth: John Zocco, the elementary school social worker; Katie Thomas, the middle school counselor; and Caryn Schonert, the 9th and 10th grade counselor. Together, they share insights into their roles, explore the work they do to empower students, and highlight the importance of mental health and guidance in providing a positive educational experience.
As the elementary school social worker, John focuses on ensuring students are doing well both academically and mentally. When students face challenges, he works to provide the support and resources they need. Katie and Caryn, as counselors, assist students with their academic and emotional needs. They create class schedules, develop educational plans, track grades, guide academic recovery, and more, all while prioritizing the overall well-being of their students.
School Partnerships and Missions
Big Rapids Public Schools serves over 2,000 students, including about 750 in high school, 640 in middle school, and more than 700 across three elementary schools. These trusted adults support students by offering resources like after-school study programs, guided academics, coping strategies, and advice to help with personal challenges.
Big Rapids High School partners with Corwell Health to provide a behavioral therapist, offering valuable support for students. Counselors can refer students to the therapist as needed, and students can schedule sessions weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This program is convenient for both students and parents, as it minimizes time away from school and eliminates the need for parents to take time off work for appointments.
Big Rapids Public Schools is dedicated to supporting students academically, emotionally, and personally. With trusted staff, helpful programs, and accessible resources, they ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.