Welcome back to Ferris In Focus! We kick off with Mecosta Recycles, where Elvira Rajala and volunteers turn plastics into new materials. Next, College Kids’ Cars showcases Mark Kibbe’s custom 1998 Volvo V70. We then explore Ferris’s ROTC program, student moods in Ferris Asks, and Pirate 101 in Memory Lane. Plus, the Cineskit Fired, Ferris Trolls with Adam Jewell, and Animals of the Arc featuring Ashes the Cat!
Written by Ciara Brooks and Brody Sara | Layout/Featured Image by Cameron Altonen.
Mecosta Recycles
We’re kicking off this episode with a visit to Mecosta Recycles, Ferris’s local recycling hub. Operations manager Elvira Rajala shares the organization’s mission: to boost recycling rates and keep valuable materials out of landfills. What started 36 years ago as a simple truck in a parking lot collecting newspapers has grown into a full-fledged warehouse accepting a wide range of recyclables!
Board member Paul Griffith highlights how plastics processed here are transformed into new materials—including clothing and even park benches! Around 225 to 250 people drop off items like styrofoam, glass, and plastic weekly. The process is simple: volunteers collect the recyclables, pack them into large bags, and feed them into bailers, which compress the materials for easier transportation to businesses that repurpose them. Griffith commends the dedicated volunteers who are passionate about protecting the environment and giving waste a second life. Board president Bonnie Clark adds that one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing families—especially kids—getting involved in recycling. Want to support Mecosta Recycles? Bring in your recyclables or consider donating!
College Kids’ Cars
Next up, we have College Kids’ Cars! Host Quinn McDaniel sits down with Mark Kibbe, the proud owner of a 1998 Volvo V70. When searching for his first car, Kibbe wanted something fun, manual, and preferably rear-wheel drive—but he ended up falling for the V70 so much that he owns two! The one he has on campus features Bilstein B4 shocks, H&R lowering springs, and his favorite mod—a Valvetronic valved muffler. It still retains its classic mechanical feel, complete with a P1 2.4L long tube header and a ‘99 NA head. While he handles most of the modifications himself (except the tires), for Kibbe, it’s all about the joy of working on cars. His advice? “It doesn’t matter what you have or what you’re doing—just go out there, have fun, and meet some great people along the way!”
Ferris State Military Science/ROTC
Next up, we’re shining a spotlight on Ferris’s ROTC/Military Science program. LTC Ryan Greening, an instructor in the program, explains that ROTC’s primary mission is to assess and train recruits for the United States Army while developing them into strong leaders. Leadership and confidence-building are key, as confirmed by Cadets Mileea Seelye and Johnathan Brown, who say ROTC has shaped them into better leaders. New recruits commit to a minimum of three days a week, building both discipline and camaraderie. More than just a program, ROTC is a family and a support system for students. Want to learn more? Visit ferris.edu/business/resources/rotc for details!
Ferris Asks
We then go onto our next topic Ferris Asks, and our question of the day today is “What is your mood today and why?” We see answers from various students and faculty all around campus, ranging from some people having amazing/good days, to others hating how cold it is outside, and others simply being tired.
Memory Lane
Our next segment is Memory Lane, our host Forest Parker takes us on a deep dive into Pirate 101. He goes into the overall gameplay of the game and what you can expect out of it before hitting a paywall.
Ferris Cineskits
Our small, but hilarious skit on this episode is called “Fired.” Elliot (played by Emma Olinger) gets fired from her corporate job, but there is a turn of events when Elliot finds herself daydreaming… papers are flying everywhere, curse words galore, and a bizarre reaction by Elliot in front of her boss (played by Teeghan Rosas). Once she finally sets into reality, she storms out and packs up all of her belongings. But will she want to return? Tune in to find out! This Cineskit was written and produced by TDMP Seniors Jaden Mein and Jadelin Hinkel.
Ferris Trolls
Get ready for more laughs as Ferris In Focus brings you Ferris Trolls! We are welcomed by our host Adam Jewell who grabs unsuspecting students, records them, and has our crew approach them with nonsense. From hilarious reactions to moments of utter confusion, you won’t want to miss out on the chaos!
Animals of the Arc
We are pleased to introduce Ashes in the Animals of the Arc segment. She is a delightful 1.5-year-old cat who has a friendly and affectionate nature. Ashes loves spending time with people and has a playful personality that’s sure to bring joy to any home. She is up to date on all of her vaccinations, ensuring she is healthy and ready for adoption. If you’re interested in giving Ashes a loving forever home, please visit arcofmecostacounty.com or contact them at 231-796-2683 for more details on how to adopt this sweet companion!
Join us next week for another episode of Ferris In Focus!