Congratulations to our 2026 Outstanding Educators!

Join us as we recognize the 10 honorees during a community event at 6:30 p.m., June 3 at the City Opera House in Traverse City. Huge thank you to TBA Credit Union and Traverse Connect for their support for this event! Find out who this year's Outstanding Educators are: https://www.northwested.org/article/2908111

about 14 hours ago, North Ed News
Congratulations 2026 Outstanding Educators. Traverse Connect. Northwest Education Services. TBA Credit Union.

As the school year comes to a close, there is so much to celebrate, including Tools of the Trade equipment deliveries! This year, we proudly awarded 61 Career Tech students $57,000 worth of essential tools to launch the next steps in their career. From work boots to power tools, specialized computers and everything in between, these Career Tech students are being set up for long-term success thanks to the generous donations made to the North Ed Foundation Tools of the Trade fund!

Learn more about Tools of the Trade and other North Ed Foundation funds: https://www.northedfoundation.org/o/nef/page/funds

Special thank you to Milwaukee Tools and Maxbauer Ace Hardware, managed by former Career Tech student Collin O'Brien.

1 day ago, North Ed News
Collage of nine photos of Career Tech students posing with their equipment provided by the North Ed Foundation Tools of the Trade Fund.
Collage of nine photos of Career Tech students posing with their equipment provided by the North Ed Foundation Tools of the Trade Fund.
Collage of nine photos of Career Tech students posing with their equipment provided by the North Ed Foundation Tools of the Trade Fund.
We understand that barriers to attendance can arise. Whether it involves transportation, health or other hurdles, our school is here to provide support. If your family is facing challenges with attendance, please reach out to our office so we can help. #SuccessStartsWithShowingUp
4 days ago, North Ed News
Analog clock sitting on a stack of books in front of a chalkboard. Overlayed text reads "Success Starts with Showing Up".
Last week, students from our New Horizons and Bridgeway programs experimented with trapeze yoga as Adaptive Physical Education (PE). Thank you to our North Ed staff for their support and Dharamsala TC off Robinwood for facilitating this accessible and enriching experience for our students!
6 days ago, North Ed News
A student wearing a red shirt and jeans sitting in a trapeze swing with their legs crossed, eyes closed and head bowed in deep concentration.
A student wearing an orange hoodie sitting in a trapeze swing smiling at the camera.
A student wearing a graphic t-shirt and black pants sitting in a trapeze swing, smiling.
A class of North Ed students striking yoga poses while being supported by trapeze apparatuses around their limbs.
A student wearing a dark shirt and dark pants, sitting in a trapeze swing, holding their legs close to their body, smiling at the camera.
A student wearing a black graphic t-shirt and dark pants standing while being supported by a trapeze apparatus around their shoulders.
A class of North Ed students laying on their backs on yoga mats with their legs suspended in the air.
A student wearing a graphic t-shirt, tie-dye pants and sparkly glasses sitting with their legs crossed in a trapeze swing.
A student wearing a dark green polo and khaki pants sitting in a trapeze swing with their legs straight and feet on a yoga mat.
A student wearing a grey dress and black leggings holding on to a trapeze apparatus, standing with one leg suspended in by the apparatus.
Throughout the year, our Adult Community Experience (ACE) Downtown students participate in various art, cooking and baking projects, leading up to their annual ACE Art Show & Bake Sale. Many of the pieces featured in today’s art show are also on display until May 28 at Art on Union’s Buzz & Bloom Exhibit. Don’t miss your chance to witness the creativity of these talented students!
8 days ago, North Ed News
Photo: A table of paper mache insects with a poster reading, “Welcome to the 2026 ACE Downtown Art Showcase,” hanging on the wall above.
Photo: Close up of floral plastic baggies filled with baked goods and tags reading “Thank you for supporting the ACE Downtown Art Showcase!”
Photo: Four ACE students holding their paper mache insect creations.
Photo: Framed self portraits made from brightly colored construction paper on a table with gallery attendees in the background.
Photo: A table filled with clay pottery artwork and a white board with the Georgia O’Keefe quote, “To create one’s own world takes courage,” hanging on the wall above.
Photo: North Ed staff member purchasing baked goods from ACE students with art show attendees in the background.
Photo: Several ACE students selling baked goods at the art show.
Photo: Fiber art created by multiple ACE students displayed on a pin board, next to a small round table with pens, paper ballots, ballot box and a sign that reads “Let’s vote for people’s choice award.”
Photo: Seven watercolor paintings of butterflies and birds created by ACE students.

It was a busy couple of weeks for our Career Tech Public Safety program! Here are some highlights:

  • At the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center graduation ceremony on May 5, current student, Hayden Jury, graduated from the months-long Firefighter I and II state certification training. The ceremony was also an opportunity to connect with several graduates from the North Ed Public Safety program who are now successfully serving in the firefighting industry.

  • Recently, Michigan State Police Trooper Matthew Unterbrink from the Traverse City Post visited our Public Safety students to demonstrate the skills of his K9 service dogs, including Lulu, who is trained to sniff out explosive materials.

  • Four North Ed Public Safety students participated in the NMC Police Academy’s MCOLES Fitness Exit exam. This event occurs at the end of the 16-week academy where NMC students must pass a state mandated physical fitness test in order to graduate with a law enforcement license. The stakes are high for the academy attendees and the Director is gracious enough to allow our students to compete alongside. In preparation for the event, Public Safety students practice the four proctored exercises during the school year. Those events are a vertical leap, situps, pushups, and a half mile shuttle run. The individuals with the best records for the 2025-26 school year were selected to participate, including: Gage Allen-Bint (TC West Senior High), Logan Bredahl (Greenspire High School), Cameron Marcero (TC Central High School), and Gregory Stover (Benzie High School). Thank you to Director Kurowski and test proctors Christine Bussell and Jim Bussell.

8 days ago, North Ed News
Public Safety instructor Tom Lennox, current student Hayden Jury, and former Public Safety students pose for a group photo at the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center graduation ceremony.
Michigan State Police Trooper Matthew Unterbrink and his dog Lulu standing in the North Ed Career Tech parking lot under a blue sky.
Public Safety students standing in a gymnasium awaiting the MCOLES Fitness Exit exam results from the test proctor.
Attendance is an important life skill. Being present today helps prepare students for the expectations of the workforce and adulthood. We are working together to build a strong foundation for their future success. #SuccessStartsWithShowingUp
9 days ago, North Ed News
Graduate in ceremonial garb tossing their cap in the air while holding their diploma, backlit by a blue sky. Text overlay reads "Success Starts with Showing Up".
The best way to start Teacher Appreciation Day is with a full heart and an even fuller plate! North Ed staff gathered at Career Tech this morning for our annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast. This event was a reminder that North Ed staff don’t only serve students, we serve our fellow educators every day! Thank you to all of the staff who volunteered their time to make this event special and to our Culinary Arts program who created this fantastic feast.
11 days ago, North Ed News
Two North Ed staff members posing behind a buffet of french toast and scrambled eggs.
A group of North Ed staff members sitting around a long table, smiling for a group photo while eating breakfast.
Image of four North Ed staff members smiling for a group photo, standing while holding their plates of food.
A hand holding tongs grabbing from a platter of pineapples, melons, blueberries and strawberries.
Cinnamon rolls.
A stronger area begins with present students. When our students are in class and engaged, they are preparing to be the future leaders and neighbors of our community. We appreciate your support in this shared effort.
11 days ago, North Ed News
Student facing a chalk board, raising up both hands triumphantly. Text reads "Success Starts with Showing Up".
Huge shoutout to our friends at the NMC Nursing program, specifically Program Director Betsy Boris, who generously donated three practice manikins, including software, computer and monitor, as well as four hospital bed side tables to our Career Tech Health Sciences program! These items have been on our wishlist for years and are incredibly expensive. If bought new, this equipment would total around $150,000. We are VERY grateful and this is a game changer for our program!
12 days ago, North Ed News
Six Career Tech Health Sciences students posing with two practice manikins that were placed in wheelchairs.
Six Career Tech Health Sciences students posing with a practice manikin placed in a hospital bed.
Two Career Tech Health Sciences students practicing evaluating a manikin placed in a hospital bed.
Two Career Tech Health Sciences students practicing evaluating a manikin placed in a hospital bed.

Yesterday, North Ed Career Tech’s student-led Voices Club hosted their ‘Stories from a Stranger’ gallery. This powerful exhibit paired anonymous student stories of exclusion with original photography to shine a light on the lasting impact of bullying. By turning vulnerability into art, our students are building a culture of empathy and challenging bias one story at a time.

Read more: https://www.northwested.org/article/2860302

Thank you to Common Good Bakery for donating pastries for exhibit guests.

14 days ago, North Ed News
Two Career Tech students looking at one of the pieces on display during the ‘Stories from a Stranger’ gallery.
A Career Tech students writing in front of a yellow box, which displays the ‘No Place for Hate’ logo.
Career Tech students and school social worker Laura Miller gathered around a table at the ‘Stories from a Stranger’ gallery on exhibit at Career Tech.
Two Career Tech students looking at an art piece on exhibit in the main atrium of Career Tech, in front a of banner that reads “Stories from a Stranger”.
This year's Teddy Bear Clinic was stuffed with amazing experiences for Career Tech and local elementary school students!

North Ed Career Tech Health Sciences program hosted kindergartners and their stuffed animal “patients” visiting from Cherry Knoll, Buckley, Mill Creek, Eastern and Willow Hill elementary schools. The annual clinic aims to reduce children's fears of hospital and doctor visits, making care easier, and possibly even inspiring future medical professionals, by experiencing simulated medical procedures and activities demonstrated by trained Career Tech students, Munson Healthcare staff and first responders from the Traverse City Fire Department.
15 days ago, North Ed News
Picture of Career Tech Health Sciencies student wearing scrubs, using an otoscope to look into the ear of a elementary student’s stuffed animal.

Northwest Education Services (North Ed) is proud to celebrate the success of 50 Career Tech students at the 2026 National Robotics Challenge (NRC) in Marion, Ohio. Competing across over eight distinct categories, students from our Engineering Academy and Robotics & Automation programs earned two silver awards, two bronze awards, and a nomination for the prestigious Honda Innovation Award at this 40th annual event.

For more information about this event and a full list of award recipients, visit: https://www.northwested.org/article/2855834

16 days ago, North Ed News
Group photo of Engineering Academy and Robotics & Automation students and instructors outside of the 2026 National Robotics Competition Venue in Maron, Ohio.
Happy Bus Staff Appreciation day to our dedicated drivers, attendants, office staff and transportation nurses. You do so much more than simply getting students from point A to point B. You make education possible for countless students in our community every single day. Thank you for your heart, your hard work and your commitment to the safety and success of our students!
18 days ago, North Ed News
Thank you bus staff! Bus Staff Appreciation Day. April 28, 2026. Northwest Education Services.
School is a place where students build a sense of belonging. When they attend regularly, they develop the friendships and connections that help them feel safe and supported. We want every student to know their seat is waiting for them. #SuccessStartsWithShowingUp
18 days ago, North Ed News
Image of four students of various genders and ethnicities huddled around a desk, smiling and collaborating. Text reads "Success Starts with Showing Up".

Since launching in 2023, one of Career Tech’s newest programs, Aviation Maintenance, has already proven excellence in training and achievement of its students. 

Six students represented North Ed Career Tech at the 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan competition, sweeping the podium with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Students also had the opportunity to tour and work within Western Michigan University’s state-of-the-art College of Aviation. 

  • Cash Stawicki (TC Central High School) - Gold Medalist

  • Hannah Bott (Benzie Central High School) - Silver Medalist

  • Wyatt Goodrich (TC West Senior High School) Bronze Medalist

  • Rex Bunek (St. Mary School Lake Leelanau) 

  • Matthew Minor (TC West Senior High School)

  • Madison Steinhebel (TC West Senior High School)

Learn more about the Aviation Maintenance program: https://www.northwested.org/o/ct/page/aviation-maintenance 

22 days ago, North Ed News
North Ed Career Tech Aviation Maintenance students touring Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation.
North Ed Career Tech Aviation Maintenance students posing on stage at 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan with their awards.
North Ed Career Tech Aviation Maintenance students and instructor wearing white shirts, black pants and red lanyards, smiling and posing at 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan.
Regular attendance helps students build the routines they need to feel confident in their school day. These small daily habits lead to significant long-term achievements and help students become capable learners. #SuccessStartsWithShowingUp
23 days ago, North Ed News
Image of student with long raising their hand in a classroom from the back. Overlay text reads "Success Starts with Showing Up."

Make the most of your Rooms experience by customizing your Rooms notification settings on the North Ed app and on the web. Select how and when you would like to be contacted, set up push notifications and more! For more information, visit https://rebrand.ly/2gio7ut

24 days ago, North Ed News
Customize your Rooms Settings and Notifications. News, Events, Messages, Classes. Download the Northwest Education Services app from the IOS App Store or Android Play Store and enable notifications.

Congratulations to our Film & New Media students who represented us at the 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan state conference, earning Gold and Bronze honors in Digital Cinema Production.

Help us congratulate these talented and hardworking students!

Gold Medalists:

  • Roman Hoppe (11th Grade, Elk Rapids)

  • Sophie Augenstein (11th Grade, Bellaire)

Bronze Medalists:

  • Eli Walker (12th Grade, Benzie Central)

  • Adam Wood (12th Grade, Benzie Central)

Learn more about our North Ed Career Tech Film & New Media program: https://www.northwested.org/o/ct/page/film-new-media

24 days ago, North Ed News
Four Career Tech Film & New Media students wearing white polos and black pants posing with their awards at 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan
Four Career Tech Film & New Media students wearing white polos and black pants on stage with several other award recipients at the 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan

At 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan, four students from Electrical Occupations represented North Ed Career Tech in a variety of categories, including Industrial Motor Controls, where Cohl Jennings (Kalkaska High School) earned a Bronze Medal.

We are so proud of the skills and professionalism demonstrated by our Electrical Occupations students and the bright futures ahead of them!

Ethan Butler, (TC Central High School) - Electrical Construction Wiring
Tyler Evernham (Kingsley High School) - Electrical Construction Wiring
Cohl Jennings (Kalkaska High School) - Industrial Motor Controls
Jake Smyth (TC Central High School) - Electrical Construction Wiring

Learn more about the Electrical Occupations program.

25 days ago, North Ed News
Image of Jake Smyth, Cohl Jennings, George Shumar, Tyler Evernham and Ethan Butler standing on exterior steps of the 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan venue, wearing white shirts, black pants and red lanyards, posing and smiling for a group photo.
Electrical Occupations student Cohl Jennings on stage at 2026 SkillsUSA Michigan accepting the Bronze Medal for Industrial Motor Controls.