Oriole Academy gave Tre Wenzel motivation to finish high school.

Oriole Academy gave Tre Wenzel motivation to finish high school.

Oriole News is a presentation of Ludington Area School District in partnership with Mason County Press. 

By Kate Goodman, MCP correspondant. 

LUDINGTON — Trevon (Tre) Wenzel, has been described as a success story for the Oriole Work Based Learning Academy. The program was created in 2019 and puts an emphasis on workforce development. 

Oriole Academy, instructed by lead teacher Melanie Tomaski, is a program for students who struggle with the traditional academic style of high school. Available for students enrolled in grades 9-12, the program, according to Wenzel, “motivated us to show up to school.” By having field trips, like to Ferris State University to view their college programs, and local job fairs to find their passion, Oriole Academy is a combination of academics and fun.

The Oriole Academy offers several options for students to graduate on time. It allows students to take only required credits and can include internships in the community for credit.  “The Oriole Academy has had a great impact on my life,” Wenzel, a 2020 graduate of the program, said.

Returning for another year of high school, Wenzel said, “I was more determined to succeed. I was there for the academics rather than social aspects.” Dan Mesyar, principal of Ludington High School, recommended to Wenzel that he join the academy if he wanted to earn his high school diploma.

In high school, Wenzel said he was best known for his authentic school spirit. “During middle school, I was the mascot,” remarked Wenzel, “and once in high school, section leader during games.” Combining the talent with academics, Wenzel was able to earn an internship with Stacey Johnson at Synergy Media. 

“It was pretty fun,” Wenzel said. At Synergy Media, he was the morning DJ and apprenticed under Johnson. Learning not only the communication aspect of the radio, but the technical side as well.

Since graduating, Wenzel has had a passion for music and said he hopes to pursue DJ-ing. Although not in college, Wenzel is currently working for DK Security, a firm based out of Grand Rapids, where he is now based at Ludington Pump Storage. In his free time, he enjoys DJ-ing Friday and Saturday nights at the town’s Tiki Night Club.

Wenzel praised his instructor, Melanie Tomaski. “When it came to Mrs. T, she really cared for us and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.”

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