Dear Posen Consolidated High School Students and Staff,
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize two outstanding students, Julia Purol and Rialy Howerton, who attended the Alpena City Council meeting on April 6 and spoke about a proposed project to clean up beach debris at Starlite Beach.
As Mayor, I learn something new every day, and to say I was impressed by these young women would be an understatement. Learning that they have been coming to Alpena for years to pick up debris is truly remarkable. They are clearly future leaders, and I am very proud of them.
Your school and community are doing a fantastic job raising and encouraging responsible young citizens. It gives us all hope and confidence that our future is in great hands.
Julia and Rialy partnered with Meag Schwartz from Great Lakes, Great Responsibility, the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, and their teacher, Stephanie Dege Goebel, to propose a cleanup station at Starlite Beach. This project aligns with the City’s Lake Huron Forever Pledge, which supports initiatives to keep our lakes clean, including efforts like installing rain gardens to filter water before it enters the lake.
Thanks to their initiative, the city is also moving forward with adding another cleanup station at Mich-e-ke-wis Beach. Let this serve as a reminder: never think you cannot make a difference in your community, you absolutely can.
Rialy and Julia, I look forward to hearing more from you. Please come back to the City Council and keep us updated on your progress.
Our future is brighter because of you!
Sincerely,
Cindy Johnson
City of Alpena-Mayor
Phone:989-916-5190
208 North First Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707