Friday, May 18, 2018

Alyssa Smith - Class of 2011


WELCOME TO BENZIE COUNTY CENTRAL SCHOOLS FEATURED FRIDAY ALUMNI.  Today, we would like to recognize 2011 alumni, Alyssa Smith.

     Alyssa grew up in Thompsonville. She attended Betsie Valley Elementary and Platte River Elementary for grade school. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley were her favorite grade school teachers.
      Alyssa then attended Benzie Central High School. While attending Benzie Central, she also spent a year at the Traverse Bay Area Career Tech Center. She was in the Allied Health program during her time there. Softball and FFA were a huge part of Alyssa’s high school experiences. Alyssa was on the Varsity softball team for three years, two of which she was the captain. Along with that, she was also All Conference and All District in 2009 and 2010.
     Alyssa was in the FFA for all four years of High School. She held the positions of President and Vice President of her chapter. She was also the Treasurer of region six. Alyssa received her regional and state degrees, as well as competed in a variety of competitions. Mr. Block taught Alyssa the leadership skills that she has today. She is not quite sure where she would be today without his patience and dedication.
     After graduating from Benzie Central, Alyssa continued her journey to Kalamazoo. Alyssa attended Western Michigan University for two years in pursue of a nursing degree. While at Western, she held positions at Crystal Mountain Resort, Geno’s Sports bar, and the Roadhouse. After two years of being at Western Michigan University, Alyssa decided to transfer to Ferris State University.
     Alyssa Spent her first semester at Ferris State finishing her last couple pre- requisitions to apply to the nursing program. While waiting to get into the program, Alyssa completed her Bachelors in Health Care Systems Administration. This included completing a 15-week internship in the Emergency Department at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. 
      In the summer of 2016, Alyssa was accepted into The Ferris State Nursing Program. If nursing school wasn’t enough, she still continued to work at the Roadhouse and also started a new job at Iron Fish Distillery. The nursing program came with a lot of ups and downs, however……Alyssa just walked across the stage accepting her diploma just a few weeks ago. (The beginning of May).
     What’s next? Alyssa will be enjoying a much-needed trip to Europe for a month. While she is there, she will be visiting Greece, Italy, and Ireland. When Alyssa returns home, she will be starting her nursing career on a cardiac unit at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Along with the nursing job, Alyssa still plans to continue to work at Iron Fish Distillery.  Alyssa says, “She has been busy her whole life and she couldn’t imagine working just one job”.
Alyssa, we are so very #OneBENZIE proud of you.  Your drive and determination as well as your work ethic will continue to pave your way.  You are a great role model to many and we wish you well in your new career at Munson Medical Center.  Enjoy your trip to Europe, you deserve it!
      Yes, Mrs. Crossman insists….please like, love and share and let’s celebrate Alyssa!





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