Randy Schaedig, this year’s Michigan Association of Student Council’s Region 1 Principal of the Year (far right), holds the Cedarville Student Council’s 2005 Star Award. He is joined by Cedarville Student Council President Dustin Tassier (far left), who holds the organization’s 2005 Award of Excellence, and Student Council Advisor Val Masuga, who holds a recognition certificate for Mr. Mason’s work as president. The awards were given by the Michigan Association of Student Councils April 9.

Mr. Schaedig was nominated for the award by Cedarville Student Council President Dustin Tassier and Council Advisor Val Masuga. Region 1 includes the Upper Peninsula, and Principal of the Year award winners from all 12 state regions were placed in the running for State Principal of the Year.

"He is very understanding of all our requests," Mr. Tassier said of his principal. "He has put forth great effort to meet most of our requests and has really supported us."

Mr. Schaedig has been principal of the high school for five years, after teaching in Cedarville for nine. He taught biology, advanced biology, physical science, conservation, physics, and chemistry.

“I guess I always had an interest in teaching and working with younger students,” he said. “I realize what an important role it is. Some of my teachers and coaches had a positive influence on me when I was in school, and that kind of drew me toward teaching.”

Mr. Schaedig was born and reared in the Les Cheneaux Islands area, where he developed a love of the outdoors and biology. He was graduated with the Cedarville High Class of 1980 and returned to the district to teach science. The choice between remaining a teacher and seeking the principal’s post was a tough one, he said. He enjoyed the hands-on aspect of teaching and felt it was a good fit.

“But I felt I was ready for a new challenge and a change,” he added.

As an administrator, Mr. Schaedig said he is always looking at the bigger picture of high school education. He spends more time sorting out problems and less time giving students positive reinforcement, but as principal, he can provide his staff with encouragement.

“I see my role as principal as helping teachers to be successful. It’s more of an indirect role” in teaching, he said. “The best thing about this job are those opportunities I get to interact with students in a positive atmosphere, like graduations and honors banquets,” he said.

Of the Student Council, Mr. Schaedig said, “It’s a really good opportunity for kids to learn about service, and they get to do a lot of stuff.”

Cedarville’s Student Council organizes pep rallies, Homecoming and Snowcoming activities, Powder-Puff football, Macho volleyball, and bon-fires. The council has hosted community American Red Cross blood drives for eight years. At Halloween, they collect food and toiletries for needy people through Trick-or-Treat for Charity, and stock the shelves of the Cedar Post Thrift Shop and Emergency Food Pantry. They also host staff appreciation awards and give treats like free lunches to staff members to recognize them for their work.

“Our Student Council does a lot for our school,” Mr. Schaedig said.

After a two year absence, the Student Council elected this year to attend the MASC state conference. They joined more than 1,000 other student council and National Honor Society members in learning to improve leadership skills and “get some great new ideas to improve and maintain school spirit and community pride in the Les Cheneaux area,” Mrs. Masuga said.

For its efforts, the Student Council earned two of the prestigious awards the Michigan Association of Student Councils gives each year: the Star Award and the Award of Excellence. The awards are based on leadership skills, organization, attendance, and community and school service.

“We’re grateful to the Student Council for all of their hard work this year,” Mrs. Masuga said, on behalf of herself and advisor Gretchen Storey. “It was a great year. We did a lot of new things and had a successful year.”

Sixteen members of the Student Council attended the conference, including President Dustin Tassier, Vice-president Marcie Mason, secretary and historian Rebecca Bickham, Karissa Schlosser, Alex Altmaier, treasurer Marcelle Reno, Katie Eberts, MacKenzie Sudol, Elizabeth Reno, Lauren Izzard, Austin Walker, Carissa Sudol, Spirit Master Kelly Sheckler, Rhianna Milligan, Ali Eberts, and Dale Dunn.

Mrs. Masuga said it was a good experience for the students because they interact with up to 1,200 students from around the state. They hear about the kinds of activities and issues other schools manage and attend four sessions on the qualities of leadership.

Dustin Tassier was nominated for the Patricia C. Boss Award by Mrs. Masuga. The award recognizes students who “have displayed exemplary leadership within their school’s Student Council,” and encourages students “to continue pursuing goals and reaching to new heights.”

“He did a really great job this year as president, was really well organized, and registered us for the conference,” Mrs. Masuga added.