By Carolyn Marnon – Sixteen year-old Antoine Perry, Jr. was in 29th District Court on December 28 for allegedly murdering a 19-year old outside HYPE Recreation Center on November 26, 2018. Antoine faced four charges: homicide-felony murder, armed robbery, and two charges of felony firearm.
Three Michigan State Police cars and three City of Wayne police cars were seen outside the courthouse while police officers filled the halls outside the courtroom.
The Honorable Judge Laura Mack presided over the court proceedings. She instructed those present that no pictures were to be taken of the defendant’s face or of any minor testifying before the court. She also made it clear that anyone who was testifying that day or who would testify in downtown Detroit was not allowed to view the proceedings.
The first witness was a 16-year old girl who said Antoine had been her boyfriend for a few months before the incident occurred. She said he had told her via Facetime that he was going to “jug” something. According to UrbanDictionary.com, “jug” means to steal.
Later that day, she and Antoine were hanging out in a garage with other friends where “we play music and conversate.” While they smoked weed, Antoine pulled a gun out and started playing with it. The witness said she told him he was trigger happy and that he needed to chill out.
Plans were made to get more weed. She said he told her he was going to take the weed from the weed guy.
The group pulled up behind HYPE where Antoine and another friend got out of the car. Antoine took her phone with him to text the weed guy. A bit later, the friend is running back to the car, shaking, saying “Twoin really blew that nigger” because he didn’t give him the weed. Antoine then shows up at the car, and she sees the gun. She testified they were all scared. Her sister, who was driving the car, takes off and then stops in front of Franklin Middle School. She said Antoine had dropped her phone and she wanted it back.
The second witness was in the HYPE parking lot, getting ready to work out. He said he noticed two African-American men standing by the corner and didn’t think anything of it. He went about gathering his workout gear and water bottle when his attention was then diverted back to the men. A car had pulled up to them. One went up to the driver’s side door and then he said the car took off at a high rate of speed with the person holding onto the door while it was being driven. The person tumbled from the car while firing several times at the vehicle driving away before running toward the corner of the building.
The final witness was Officer Michael Bolton of the Wayne Police Department. He says he received a report of a shooting. The victim was in the main lobby of HYPE bleeding from his stomach. Outside, he found three bullet shell casings and a phone about 3 inches away from the casings. Officer Bolton said the defendant walked up saying he was looking for his girlfriend’s cell phone. The defendant was detained at that time.
During testimony, sobs could be heard in the courtroom.
Judge Laura Mack said testimony showed probable cause. The defendant was placed at the scene of the crime with a gun. The witnesses were credible. The case was bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court.
On January 4 at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in downtown Detroit, Antoine Perry stood mute as a plea of not guilty was entered by the court. The court ordered a competency evaluation. The competency hearing is scheduled for March 1.
By Carolyn Marnon – In her free-time, she likes doing triathlons where she swims, bikes and runs!
She has lived in Michigan all her life, except for a short period of time spent in Wisconsin.
She loves reading Young Adult novels and social science non-fiction books.
She was recently certified as a scuba diver and prefers warm water on her vacations.
And she lives in Northville with her yellow lab, Einstein.
Who is this woman? She is Jody Wolak, the new Library Director at your Wayne Public Library.
After a 10-year career in marketing, Jody decided to switch careers. While working full-time in marketing, she worked on obtaining her Master in Library Science. She enjoyed problem solving and being creative, but she also always loved libraries and literature.
Her first library jobs were both part-time jobs as Children’s Librarian at the Rochester Hills library and at the Wayne library. She moved on to full-time employment at the William P. Faust Public Library of Westland as the Teen Librarian.
Before coming back to the Wayne library as its director, Jody spent less than two years as the Youth and Teen Director at the Chelsea library.
The job as Wayne Library Director has turned out to be more than she expected. “I knew I loved working with children and loved reading and books since I was a young child,” said Jody. “I enjoy doing library programs for children to adults and seniors. I think my marketing background has been very helpful in promoting the library and our services and making connections in the community. I’m looking forward to doing more of that here in Wayne.”
She goes on to say, “Libraries are so much more than books and reading. We’re a place for the community to gather, a place to see your friends, and a place to expand your horizons!” Jody and the approximately 16 employees of the library are here to serve the needs of the community. The library recently conducted a survey to learn what the community felt the priorities were for the library after a ballot measure was passed in August giving the library 1 mil in additional funding. The most urgent issue to address is the leaking roof. Although expanded library hours, more programming and additions to the collection (books/DVDs/magazines) are being considered, the library board wanted to know where to focus their efforts and where the biggest impact could be made using the feedback they receive from the surveys to inform their decisions.
The library board meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Surveys were collected through January 3. The board will be able to look at the surveys at their January meeting. Jody expects the library board and staff will have their initial plans ready to share with the community in February or March. Until then, stop into the library and welcome Jody back to the Wayne library.
“We’re entering a period of growth where we’ll be able to expand our services,” said Jody. “Please come check us out if you haven’t been here in awhile.”
The Class of 2025, Valedictorians and Salutatorians – front row: Gabriella Brown-Deacon, Farah Judieh, Angie Lopez Ramriez, Lillian Keniston, Jessica Hurst, Joel Hernandez – back row: Gabriel Roberts, Ian Spurlock, Talian Adham, Sultan Gbeminiyi, Olivia Farmer and Rayshawn Henley. Photo by John Rhaesa
Wayne Memorial High School has 12 valedictorians and salutatorians. Both categories of achievement are determined strictly by cumulative GPA. Valedictorians have GPAs 4.0 and above. Salutatorians have GPAs between 3.93 and 3.99.
Meet the Class of 2025 Wayne Memorial High School Valedictorians and Salutatorians:
Angie Lopez Ramirez – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of study: Psychology
Parents: Maricruz Ramirez and Edgar Lopez
Notable High School Accomplishments: Vice President of Latinx, National Honor Society, Academic Letter, College Board AP Scholar with Honors, National Hispanic Recognition Program, National First-Generation Recognition Program, $950,000 in scholarships
Rayshawn Henley – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of study: Major: Neuroscience, Minor: Psychology
Parents: Ivy Wright and Jamar Henley
Notable High School Accomplishments: AP Scholar Award, Academic Letter for 4 years, National Honors Society, President of the Black Student Union. Maintaining a 4.2 GPA. Achieved over $220,000 in scholarship money.
Olivia Farmer – Plans to attend Columbia University
Area of study: Sociology and Political Science (Pre-Law)
Parents: Patricia Farmer
Notable High School Accomplishments: Four-Year Class President, Four-Year Student Council Member, National Honor Society President, Bezos Scholar, Gates Scholar, Founded The WAVE Project, Upward Bound Member, Planning/Head Chair of the Uniquely United Prom (through student council)
Lillian Keniston – Plans to attend EMU or move to Vegas to attend college there
Area of study: Zoology
Parents: Andrea and Rob
Notable High School Accomplishments: Security+ Certification
Jessica Hurst – Plans to attend Central Michigan University
Area of study: Major: Exercise Science, Minor: Athletic Coaching
Parents: Mary Alice Hurst and Edward Hurst Jr
Notable High School Accomplishments: Academic Letter three years in a row, Body Copy Editor in Yearbook 2 1/2 years, National Honor Society member 2 years, 5 on the APUSH test, 4 on the AP World test, taken AP Government
Gabriellah Brown-Deacon – Plans to attend Central Michigan University
Area of study: Art: Animation
Parents: Cheryl Brown-Deacon and Lovell Deacon
Notable High School Accomplishments: Academic Letter recipient of three years, 3rd place winner at Michigan SkillsUSA competition in 3D animation and visualization, National Technical Honor Society member, recipient of two silver keys in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, CTE Python Certified, CTE 3D Graphics certified, recipient of the Champions of Wayne Certificate of achievement for each completed academic semester
Farah Judieh – Plans to attend Wayne State University
Area of study: Nursing
Parents: Ekram Abdelfattah and Nidal Judieh
Notable High School Accomplishments: Completed over 140 hours of volunteer work (during grades 9-11), around 60 hours volunteering at a mosque in Canada during their Ramadan Program, where I helped pack and distribute food to those in need, around 30 hours volunteering as a library assistant where I managed library operations, including money handling, cleaning, checking in/out books, shelving, and providing customer service. Attended a private Arabic school (from June 2020 – August 2024) where I successfully developed skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking Arabic, enhancing my language proficiency and cultural understanding.
Ian Spurlock – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Area of study: Computer Engineering
Parents: Doris Wendland and William Spurlock
Notable High School Accomplishments: Taking 12 Advanced Placement classes in total. Getting accepted to UM Ann Arbor. Graduating as Valedictorian. Three years as a member of the National Honor Society. Four years on the school district’s robotics team (once going to the world championships).
Gabriel Roberts – Plans to attend University of Michigan-Dearborn
Area of study: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Parents: Heather Cleveland and David Roberts
Notable High School Accomplishments: Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 with a 4.0 GPA. Recipient of multiple Outstanding Student Awards recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and initiative. Recipient of Emerging Artist Award, recognized for creativity and artistic talent, Finalist in the Michigan Summit High School Governor’s Cyber Challenge, demonstrating critical thinking and team leadership in cybersecurity strategy. CEO of a successful student-run small business through the CTC program, leading project development, budgeting, and team coordination. Passed 4 CompTIA certification exams (ITF+, A+, Network+, and Security+) as part of my CTC program, showing advanced technical knowledge and self-discipline, placed 12th in over 100 people in a regional FFA competition at my former high school, gaining early experience in public speaking and team collaboration. Active participant in cybersecurity competitions and STEM enrichment opportunities, consistently stepping up as a team leader and problem-solver. Self-taught in sewing and design, applying creativity and discipline to develop a unique personal skill set. Worked consistent 30-hour weeks as an Assistant Manager at Domino’s, managing employees, customer service, and operations while maintaining academic excellence.
Sultan Gbeminiyi – Plans to attend Eastern Michigan University
Area of study: Nursing
Parents: Mohammed Gbeminiyi and Abidemi Gbeminiyi
Notable High School Accomplishments: KLAA All Conference list senior year for soccer, four year varsity letter for soccer, top goal scorer for Wayne, Gold medal in the 4 by 4 at the Ypsilanti Levi Simpson meet for track, Valedictorian Class of 2025.
Talian Adham – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of study: Psychology
Parents: Najwa Adham and Majed Adham
Notable High School Accomplishments: National Honor society, Class secretary, Upward Bound
Joel Hernandez – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of study: Business
Parents: Silvia Cruz and Jorge Hernandez
Notable High School Accomplishments: Gates Scholar, Horatio Alger Scholar
Congratulations to the Wayne Memorial High School Class of 2025 graduates!
The Class of 2025, Valedictorians and Salutatorians – front row: Gabriella Brown-Deacon, Farah Judieh, Angie Lopez Ramriez, Lillian Keniston, Jessica Hurst, Joel Hernandez – back row: Gabriel Roberts, Ian Spurlock, Talian Adham, Sultan Gbeminiyi, Olivia Farmer and Rayshawn Henley. Photo by John Rhaesa
Police Officer of the Year 2024 Award winner James Serman with Police Chief Ryan Strong.
By Sarah Shurge – On Tuesday, May 6th, at the City of Wayne’s Council meeting, Officer James Serman was presented with the 2024 Police Officer of the Year Award.
Each year the Wayne Police Department’s Awards Committee – which consists of patrol officers, command officers, and the police chief – meet to select a Police Officer of the Year Award recipient as well as other individual awards for exemplary service.
“Officer Serman has a high degree of integrity and cares deeply about his fellow officers and the community. We are lucky to have him as a member of the department, and he is highly deserving of this award,” said Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong. Officer Serman was nominated by his supervisor for his hard work and positive attitude.
Officer Serman spent much of last year as the School Resource Officer at Wayne Memorial High School, where he built relationships with students, staff, and the community. “He takes time to make his presence known in the community, not just the high school,” said Chief Strong.
Officer Serman also spent time assisting the Investigations Bureau, where he was instrumental in helping to solve a homicide case. The team received information about a suspect’s vehicle at a hotel. Officer Serman spent time during his off time looking for the vehicle and was able to locate it.
“This led us to quickly identifying the suspect and getting a conviction for homicide,” said Chief Strong.
There were two things that Officer Serman wanted to do in life: go into the military like his father and be a police officer. Officer Serman accomplished both of those dreams.
In 2013, Officer Serman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served active duty for five years.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a police officer to help people,” said Officer Serman. In 2021, Officer Serman joined the Wayne Police Department (WPD).
During his three years at the WPD, Officer Serman has received multiple commendations, including one for finding the homicide vehicle.
“My time at the high school for a year and a half was very eye opening. It helped me be a better officer and taught communication skills. It helped me when I got back on road patrol to communicate with the public easier,” said Officer Serman.
Officer Serman was stationed at Wayne Memorial High School which is the same high school he graduated from. “My Lieutenant was actually my School Resource Officer,” said Officer Serman.
Officer Serman is currently on road patrol, but his end goal is to be the next canine handler or supervisor. “I want to thank all the supervisors that I’ve had and my training officers, they set a good foundation for me. They helped instill what it is to be a good police officer. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be in the position I am,”said Officer Serman.
Congratulations to Officer Serman for his well-deserved recognition!
For more information about the Wayne Police Department, visit cityofwayne.com/159/Police or you can find them on Facebook by searching “City of Wayne, Michigan Police Department.”
Cruisin’ US12 rolls through Downtown Wayne! Fans line the streets as classic cars cruise by, don’t miss the fun! Save the date: July 12 for the Cruisin’ US12 Car Cruise!
By Sarah Shurge – Mark your calendars because it’s almost that time of year again. The much-anticipated, annual car cruise, Cruisin’ US12 will be happening on Saturday, July 12th.
For the 19th year in a row, Michigan Avenue and downtown Wayne will be packed with classic and custom cars. For the fifth year in a row, pit stops will be returning up and down Michigan Avenue for the community to enjoy, thanks to the City of Wayne Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) partnership with the cruise.
“As I step into my fifth year helping to plan the US12 Cruise, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude,” said Lisa Kubany, DDA Marketing and Events Director. “Every year, our planning team puts their heart and soul into making this event a celebration for the entire community—and this year, we’ve added more fun, more flavor, and more reasons for the whole family to come out.”
New to the cruise: 9:30 a.m. is an opening prayer at Harry J Will Funeral Home. We will begin the day with a short ceremony and prayer before the cruise starts.
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. is the National Anthem, opening ceremony, and parade cruise begins at Jack Demmer Ford. A patriotic start to the day, followed by the first official cruise lap. A ceremonial lap begins, departing from Jack Demmer Ford, showcasing vehicles to officially open the cruise. (Participants line-up or park at the “pre-owned” lot at Jack Demmer starting after the opening ceremony).
This year there will be six pit stops, as well as many honorable mentions to stop at.
The first pit stop runs from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Harry J Will Funeral Home. For the 10th year, Harry J. Will Funeral Homes will be hosting Hot Cars and Hot Cakes. The parking lot opens at 8:30 a.m. Show registration is $15 per car and includes pancake breakfast. Additional tickets for adults are $5.00, kids under 12 are free.
There will be prizes for Best in Show, Most Original, and Show Favorite. Donations are being accepted to benefit childhood mental health.
The second pit stop runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Jack Demmer Ford. This stop will have a car show, DJ with live music, and food by Fun Food Express.
The third pit stop runs from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Outdoor Vendor Show, managed by Jen Bowers. This stop will have local vendors offering crafts, goods, and more.
The fourth pit stop runs from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. This stop will have a 50’s theme celebration where you can step back in time with a vintage car show and themed fun.
The fifth pit stop runs from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Karma Coffee Vendor Show. At this stop you can sip coffee, enjoy treats, and shop from local artisans. The sixth and final pit stop runs from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Family Fun Zone. This stop is hosted by the Wayne DDA, Historical Museum, and Hillcrest Bible Church. New to the cruise is a 25 ft rock-wall, trampolines, games, and a live DJ. All ages welcome (kids are required to have an adult chaperone/must sign a waiver if they would like to participate on the rock wall or trampolines).
This pit stop will also have the Food Truck Rally on Park St. and Biddle. Several food trucks will be open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Porta potties will be available at each pit stop. There will be no shuttles this year.
The following businesses are our honorable mentions: US12 with good food, cold drinks and live music on the outdoor patios. A new arcade is open as well.
Flowers in the Mitten will have a bake sale and shopping specials all day. Fat Man Nok’s foot cart will be outside. Derby’s Alley with BBQ by Wayne Fire Department.
Kurt’s Caps and AKA Custom Apparel will be selling T-shirts.
The State Wayne Theater with the Rocky Horror Picture Show cast.
Lastly, Avenue American Bistro and L George’s Coney Island are offering free parking for classic cars or car clubs with room to pull in and out. There will be bounce houses, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, free water and ice, and Jesse James Band from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
“From the classic car shows and food trucks to the family fun zone, there’s truly something for everyone,” said Kubany.
The DDA will attend the event and be handing out collectable cruise keychains again this year at pit stops, while supplies last.
New to the cruise, The DDA will be handing out classic car collector plates, while supplies last. They plan to have a new collector plate each year for all the classic car lovers.
Thousands of cars show up each year for the cruise, and there are lots of regulars and crowd favorites expected to make an appearance. Parking lots in Downtown will be hosting local car clubs, while other cars will be driving up and down Michigan Avenue.
“We love seeing families, friends, and neighbors come together to kick off the summer with pride and joy right here in Wayne,” said Kubany. The DDA and cruise are still finalizing all the details for the event.
Be sure to attend Cruisin’ US12!
Check out the variety of tasty doughnuts at Donut Craze.
Welcome back to another Spotlight Series with Sarah!
The series where the writer gets to know the city more personally, while the readers get to know the writer better in the process.
When you move into a new house or have new neighbors move in next to you, you hold your breath on whether you’re getting good neighbors or neighbors of nightmare.
When my new neighbors moved in back in 2019, I quickly realized I hit the jackpot of neighbors. Theron and Autumn were a younger, married couple that just had their first child, Theron II. They got a dog, had their second child, Mya, and got another dog.
We never had long conversations but were always friendly with each other – always saying “hi” in passing or waving when we saw each other.
Autumn spends most of her time outside, either gardening flowers in her front yard, gardening vegetables in her backyard, playing with the kids, playing with the dogs, etc. While I work from home, I always hear the kids’ laughter through my window throughout the day.
I can always tell when Theron gets home from work because I’ll hear the kids run out to his work van to greet him. So many times, I’ll look out my window and see Theron walking the dogs or standing at the grill in the backyard.
Theron and Autumn are some of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever met. Theron will frequently ask if I or my family want any of the food he is grilling. He brought over jumper cables when my mom’s car wouldn’t start. Autumn will always offer me fresh vegetables from her garden. She will shovel my sidewalk or rake my leaves while I’m working.
I’ve tried to repay their kindness by racing to shovel her snow first or water her plants/gardens when they’re out of town. I was able to get their kids some free scooters from a job I used to work at and we got our dogs to play together a few times. Even though we weren’t super close, I always appreciated having them live next door to me. Then recently, I learned about two back-to-back tragedies that Autumn and her family were experiencing. I knew I needed to step up, not just as a neighbor, but as a friend.
I started reaching out more, stopping by, and inviting Autumn and the kids places with me to get them out of the house. The more time I spent with Autumn and the more we got to know each other, the more I realized we actually had in common.
On Thursday, May 29th, I invited Autumn and the kids to come to Donut Craze with me after I got off work.
When we arrived, I could already see rows and rows of doughnuts from outside after parking the car.
Autumn informed me that they actually had been there many times before and the kids absolutely love the place, which made me even more ready and excited to try it.
We walked inside and I was slightly overwhelmed with how many choices were on display.
Autumn and the kids came prepared and ordered quickly. Theron II got a chocolate frosted with sprinkles, Mya got a vanilla Long John, Autumn got a vanilla frosted with sprinkles, and an apple fritter for Theron.
I immediately knew I wanted a strawberry frosted with sprinkles (my favorite doughnut) and I also ordered a coffee frosted to share with my mom (a huge doughnut fan). However, I did have my eye on the lemon frosted, sugar, and coconut doughnuts that also sounded good to me, among the many other flavors available.
Theron II and Mya both really liked the frosting on their doughnut, and Autumn loved how soft hers was. Autumn and Theron both commented on the size of their doughnut — how it’s larger than standard.
I agree with all of their feedback. My strawberry frosted seemed larger than a standard doughnut, the doughnut was soft, and the frosting was sweet.
My mom commented on how strong the aftertaste of coffee was after she tried the coffee frosted doughnut, which I loved.
I’m definitely planning on going back to try as many other flavors as I can.
Donut Craze opened in Wayne somewhere around ten weeks ago, on President’s Day – Monday, February 17th. A ribbon cutting ceremony is currently being planned possibly for the end of June.
“It’s been terrific since opening,” said Dayne Nundley, Donut Craze owner/chef. “We’re something new, something done right, and like our logo, genuinely fresh.” Nundley makes the doughnuts and other sweet treats fresh daily.
After working 27 years at FedEx, Nundley decided it was time for a change and opened his own bakery. “Baking is simple and I have a passion for it,” said Nundley.
Nundley has been cooking all of his life, he went to culinary school and has been baking for a few years. “I’ve learned from other people and from training. I take other people’s recipes and add to it to make it my own. I’m not scared to learn new things. I experiment, and I like what I came up with. I ain’t giving anyone my recipe,” said Nundley.
Some of Donut Craze best-selling items are the apple fritter and the cinnamon rolls. Though, Nundley states the best-selling items can vary from week to week. “They [the customers] like everything I put on the shelf,” said Nundley.
Donut Craze is located at 39365 Michigan Ave and is open 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday. For more information about Donut Craze, call (734)628-8808, or email donutcraze25@gmail.com. Come inside to place an order. A website is currently in the works. You can find them on Facebook by searching “Wayne-Donut Craze”.
“We’re here for the people and we’re happy to be a part of the community,” said Nundley. Be sure to check out Donut Craze and be on the lookout for the next Spotlight Series with Sarah!
By Sarah Shurge – This month marks The Wayne Dispatch’s 200th edition!
The first issue of The Wayne Dispatch that John and Natalie Rhaesa started was published in November 2008. John and Natalie’s vision for The Wayne Dispatch was a monthly publication that will be your source for positive community news.
“We decided if we had our own newspaper, we would want it delivered to all houses in the city,” said Natalie. “Direct mail to make sure it gets into the hands of everyone in the city and the advertisers get the best bang for their bucks.”
Since 2008, John and Natalie have been able to provide The Wayne Dispatch at no cost to the residents, still on newsprint, and it is available online for our online readers. “Time has flown by so fast,” said Natalie. “It’s pretty cool that we’ve been able to keep up with the same quality of work and we haven’t missed a month.” June is The Wayne Dispatch’s 200th edition, as well as John and Natalie’s 30th anniversary.
John and Natalie’s main goal for The Wayne Dispatch is more stories, more pages, and to keep growing. They want larger issues.
If you have a story idea, an advertisement you want to run, or any questions regarding The Wayne Dispatch, you can call (734)641-6550 or email john@thewaynedispatch.com.
To view all 200 issues, visit thewaynedispatch.com
The Farmer Jack’s Country Hoe Down on the corner of E. Michigan Avenue and Wayne Road in 1990.
There are some big changes that are going to be happening along the NE corner of Wayne Road and Michigan Ave. EB with the demolition of the peace memorial and parking garage, but what’s the history?
The peace memorial was put in motion around 1968 when a committee was formed to create a new memorial, with a budget of $50,000 and the idea that it should be a clock or a fountain. A site was chosen on the mid-block cul de sac of the former Main Street, then renamed Veterans Plaza.
Main Street had been eliminated during urban renewal, and some of the urban renewal dollars would be used to build the peace memorial. Several rounds of concept sketches were gone through, with the final design chosen by 1974. Before construction began, and at Mayor Patrick Norton’s insistence, the structure location was moved 200 feet closer to Wayne Road so that it could be better seen.
Construction started, and it was decided to increase the height from 36 to 45 feet. The tower would cost $90,000 and was designed by architect Karl Nelson, who also designed the Wayne Federal Savings and Loan building, as well as Northville Downs and the Inkster Civic Complex. The final design was made of Vermont marble on a steel frame, sitting in a reflecting pool with two fountains, had a bronze eagle statue and an electronic carillon bell system at the top to play chimes. Construction took 8 months, and it was completed and dedicated for Memorial Day 1975.
Around the same time the parking garage was starting. Around 1973 the idea of a parking structure pops up, and with an abundance of cleared urban renewal land it was an easy choice. The city applied for and received a 1.9 million dollar federal grant to build the 5-story structure. At the time many city officials were still hopeful that the urban renewal program would bring a business boom to Wayne, which unfortunately never panned out. The structure was built by Hoetger Construction and HF Campbell and was designed by William Kessler Associates. Construction started in 1977 and was completed by summer 1979. The land on the corner was vacant since urban renewal in the late 60s and was used for several yearly festivals up until 2003 when Fountain Place Condos were built.
2025 Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy graduates stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Julian Aguirre
Yousef Abbas
Batoul Abd
Mohammad Aburahma
Parker Adkins
Norha Alaugaily
Lon’Dyn Allen
Ta’Laya Allen
Chaz Allison
Lily’Ana Alvarez
Acil Assi
Dylan Barton
Averie Bausley
Mia Bazzi
Terrell Bennett
Breanna Bibb
Hope Boguslawski
Dashia Bond
Anthony Boone
Alex Bregu
Madisyn Brown
Tayshaun Brown
Dana Burgess
Cayden Caksackkar
Darius Campbell
Coriana Camper
Anthony Capparelli
Ant’Terreus Carter
Johnny Carter
Iverson Centers
Jayden Charleston
Taylor Chatman
Zoey Clay
Darmarion Coleman
Terrance Coleman
Nathan Cooper
Cameron Corder
Rico Crawford
Para’dise Cry
Kelsie Csolak
Robert Cunningham
Domenic D’Orazio
Adrianne Davis
Alycia Davis
Davon Davis
Jayla D. Davis
Marcus Davis
Natalee Dennis
Dorian Deshazer
Nicholas Dewitt
Julian Diaz
Troy Douglas
Jaylin Eads
Lucas Eads
Bridget Egnatowski
Johnathan Esch
Keira Esslin
Davion Flagg
James Flanders
Kimberly Fleming
Alexis Flory
Jordyn Flournoy
Samiyah Folk
Mark Fossett
LaTesha Fralin
Nathan Freeman
Tyrie Gardner
Trey Gholston
La’Nya Gilkey
Jahmyrio Gladden
Emily Godinez
Ayden Golden
Daisy Gonzalez
Michael Guzman
Cherish Gweh
Emma Hale
DonnaJeanea Harris
Harry Harris
Kaylie Hartley
Jeffrey Herrington
Madison House
Anthony Hudy
Ryan Hufstetler
Courtney Hughey
Donald Hunt
Jamia Jackson
Jeremiah James
Ja’Quolla Johnson
Marzay Johnson
Damorion Jones
Layane Kaouk
Shataya Kemp
Dylan Kenny
Emily King
Salvador Krasson
Carson Last
Nakora Lee
Darnell Loyd
Kamiya Lucy
Jadon Maddox
Nat’Real Maddox
Gauge Manderson
Eddie Marotz
Megan Mellin
Cadence Mendoza
Youcef Mestour
Angelina Miller
Emma Miller
Jamere Miller
Darrell Mitchell
Jameson Mitchell
Katlyn Mitchell
Conner Myers
Thierno Ndoye
Antonio Newton
Jessica Nichols
Layla Oates
Hunter Oliver
Kayana Parker
Aamon Penn
Joshua Peterson
Quinn Peterson
Jalen Ramirez
Jonny Ramon
Diego Ramos
Alyssabeth Rosas
Jordan Rowsey
Riley Seigmiller
Syaire Selby
Jahkiya Sharper
Carlos Shorter
Bryan Sidney
Nevaeh Simmons
Desiree Slauson-Flanders
Durand Smith
Emily Smith
Isabella Smith
Dante Soumaoro
Kenneth Stratton
Taeshaun Street
Devonaha Sturgis
LeNasiyah Terry
Lamar Thomas
Tyraun Thomas
Jeter Torres
Brailee Trackwell
Micah Tuddles
TyJuan Turner
Austin Vires
Amanda Wade
Giorgia Walkonis
Janaya Ward
Noah Ward
Chance Warren
Davion Washington
Darrin Watkins
Serenity Watters
Sophia Webber
Marquan White
Demerious Whiteside
Auzha Williams
Jordan Williams
Zion Williams
Nicholas Wilson
Zyon Wimberly
Amya Wright
Brielle Wright
Mia Young
On May 31, 2025, the Wayne Memorial High School Class of 2025 came together at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center to celebrate their graduation with true Zebra Nation pride. Family, friends, faculty, and staff packed the venue to honor the dedication and achievements of the graduates. Acting Superintendent Jennifer Curry, the Wayne-Westland Community Schools Board of Education, district administrators, and devoted faculty joined in celebrating the Class of 2025’s hard work, resilience, and school spirit. As the newest members of Zebra alumni turned their tassels and accepted their diplomas, they carried forward the strength, pride, and unity that define Wayne Memorial — ready to take on the future with confidence and determination.
Valedictorians
(4.0 and above cumulative GPA)
Talian Adham
Olivia Farmer
Sultan Gbeminiyi
Rayshawn Henley
Joel Hernandez
Jessica Hurst
Gabriel Roberts
Ian Spurlock
Salutatorian
(3.9 – 3.99 cumulative GPA)
Gabriellah
Brown-Deacon
Farah Judieh
Lillian Keniston
Angie Lopez-Ramirez
Summa
Cum Laude
(3.8 – 4.0 cumulative GPA)
Gold Cord, Blue/Gold Hood,
White Tassel
Talia Adham
Talian Adham
Gabriellah
Brown-Deacon
Olivia Farmer
Sultan Gbeminiyi
Rayshawn Henley
Alexi Hernandez
Joel Hernandez
Sydney Howell
Jessica Hurst
Farah Judieh
Lillian Keniston
Angie Lopez Ramirez
Rylee Rhodes
Gabriel Roberts
Ian Spurlock
Magna Cum Laude
3.3-3.59 Cumulative
Grade Point Average
White Cord, Blue/Gold Hood, White Tassel
Cierra Bowers
Benjamin Cross
Ella Goins
Tierra Golden-Patton
Blues Higgins
Patricia Humphrey
Daniel Irby
Ashley Nguyen
Kyndall Parker
Leyland Thompson
Cum Laude
3.3-3.59 Cumulative Grade Point Average White Cord, Blue/Gold Hood, White Tassel
Christian Aragon
Brady Barnhart
Kaniya Blank
Alyssa Caiafas
Jaydin Dixon
Gabrielle Gerald
Samantha Horner
Elizabeth Jaynes
Kaliyah Jones
Riley Macko
IIett Martinez
Christopher Massey
Ra’Lin Michaux
Phaedra Mills
Isabelle Niedermeyer
Heaven Norman
Haylee Peters
Abigail Raisanen
Gabriel Rister
Addison Schaaf
Jonathan Smith
Isabella Terry
Jacob Thomason
Lauryn Wells
Michael Wright
Nie Wright
Honors
Shari Ambrus
Diego Antonio
Chelsea Aperku
Miracle Bess
Leonard Blackmon
Aliyah Bullock
Holden Butler
Sophia Deneau
Amaya Echols
Meghan Godin
Bran’dashia Grubbs
Aminah Hall
Kalayah Hall
Nyla Jenkins
William Kotrys
Robert Leake
Vivianna Ley
Malaiya Lockett
Nazir Morris
McKenzie Nelson
Ian Nunez-Sanchez
Pilar Perry
Korbin Ottolini
Random Renfer
Taylor Robinson
Abraham Rooks
Kevin Sheppard
Janayah Watts
Aaliyah Welch
Standard
Serenidie Adams
Andrie Aguirre
Montalvo
Joseph Anthony
Jordan Ashby
Kaden Baker
Kameron Bankhead
Robert Baskin
Natalia Betancourt
Keira Bishop
Jeremiah Bojda
Julon Boyce
Avrian Bradshaw
Jolie Bradshaw
Caleb Brinson
Jashawn Brown
Domonic Brown-Corrubias
Colleena Bryant
Jacob Bullock
Jayden Butler
Camille Calloway
Ke’Vonte Calloway
Talan Clark
Isabella Collins
Nakayla Cook
Alex Crane
Mickayla Croft
Bruce Cryor Jr.
Eliana Dahl
Aarion Davis
Joshua Day
John Dunson
Cayla Easley-Dawson
Darryl Elliott
Rashid Ellis Jr.
Tamia Evans
Kara Farmer
Jaden Favor
Justus Favor
Madison Fielhauer
Savannah Foeller
Laura Franklin
Connor Fulkerson
Jermaine Garner Jr.
Jordan Garner
Adrianna Gilbert
Anthony Gillin
LaMaya Glover
Warren Grissom
Sergio
Guerrero-Castaneda
Zaina Hachem
Koby Hampton
Ciana Hawkins
Jonathon Heiple
Anaya Henry
Isaiah Henzel
Zoe Hightower
Noelle Hinds
TyJuan Hopkins
Jerimiah Hopson
Kameron Humes
Mark Jackson III
Zailya Jenkins
Ariana Johnson
Jaylen Johnson
Mykelle’ Johnson
Emily Keefer
Jeremiah Kemp
Andria Kendrick
Anthony Lambert
Jordan Landstrom
Leighanne Langa
Tianna Lanier
Dezmend Larkins
Fox Laughlin
Nicholas Leake
Xavier Lucas
Hayden Lucht
Bailee Maciasz
Caleb Mathews
Angela McClaster
Jalahn McClellan
Nasir McCloud
Devon McGhee
Mackenzie McLeod
Alexa Miller
Amore’ Moore
Mi’Lesia Moore
Paris Moran
Simone Morris
Haileyanna Moulton
Dustin Mullins
Jaeda Neeley
Paige Nepsey
Eghosa Otote
JayDen Page
Keaira Page
Jackson Parm
Aneshia Pender
Devyn Peters
Megan Piersall
Keonnie Porter
Kenneth Priebe
Nathan Ramirez
Alexis Reitmeyer
Theo-James Rodgers
Maria
Rodriguez-Martinez
Caleb Rosato
Harrison Roth
Airial Rush
Zaniyah Rush
Holt Sackyta
Jaden Sackyta
Stephen Sadler
Bradley Schmidt
James Schoonover III
Thomas Schroeder
Allison Schultz
Eleonor Schultz
Dylan Shelly
Mary Ann Sino
Carlos Smith Jr.
Dwayne Anthony Smith
Elijah Smith
Gena Smith
LaShauwn Smith
Steven Smith
Anthony Spencer
Ramaya Stevenson
Shaniya Stewart
Morgan Streetman
Rakeem Strickland
Emily Sykes
Lilly Taro
Vondale Tate
Robert Thomason Jr.
Ariss Thompson
Lisbey Torres Jr.
Austin Tory
Elayna Traxler
Paris Troy
Bryce Van Sipe
Kassidi Vangorp
Nayari Vega
Bryan Velazques-Ruiz
Zayra Villa Landeros
Alala Washington
Justice Washington
Donny West III
Trevon
Westbrook-Moore
Jordan White
Justin White
La’Niyah White
Sanaa Whittingham
Breonna Williams
Kaiden Williams
Kemar Willimas
Aidan Wolfskill
A’Kaila Woodall
Karrielle Woods
Shantel Wright
By Sarah Shurge – Every day, hundreds of people die from overdose in the U.S., with an average of eight deaths daily in Michigan alone. Currently, Wayne County ranks as the highest county in Michigan for overdose.
An effective method for reducing opioid overdose in the community is distributing naloxone (Narcan®). Naloxone (in any form) is effective at reversing overdoses, including overdoses due to opioid contamination.
The Wayne County Department of Health, Human, and Veteran Services (HHVS) is working in partnership with Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) to recruit municipal and community sites for participation in the “Well Wayne Stations” Initiative.
This initiative provides free public health vending machines and/or PorchBoxes (newsstand-style storage boxes) and positions them as low barrier access points for naloxone (Narcan®) and drug checking supplies (fentanyl test strips and xylazine test strips) within the community.
The primary goal of the “Well Wayne Stations” Initiative is to reduce overdose and expand access and linkage to lifesaving overdose reversal and harm reduction supplies (naloxone and drug checking supplies).
A Well Wayne Station has been placed at the Wayne Public Library.
“Partnering with the county to host a Well Wayne Station at the library is a great way to get safe and effective harm-reduction options like naloxone in front of a broad audience,” said Jody Wolak, Wayne Public Library Director. “Before we agreed to host the station I reached out to other libraries that have similar distribution boxes and they had overwhelmingly positive things to say about the experience.”
Participation as a host site is low barrier. HHVS and CBHJ will handle all financial obligations, coordination, installation, maintenance, and stocking of Well Wayne Stations.
There is no financial burden and only minimal responsibilities for participating organizations.
“We’ve only had the Well Wayne Station for two weeks and have already seen it get a lot of usage. We’re pleased to be able to make these resources more accessible to everyone in our city,” said Wolak. “Lives have been saved by naloxone obtained from boxes like these.”
HHVS and CBHJ envision a county where all residents have naloxone on-hand.
Getting naloxone into the community, especially to people who are at highest risk of overdose and those closest to them, is the only evidenced based public health strategy for preventing opioid overdose deaths.
Naloxone has no effect on individuals that do not have opioids in their system.
For more information about ending overdoses, visit endoverdosewayne.org
If you’re an organization interested in becoming a host site, you can fill out a brief 5-10 minute survey (scan QR code) or email jchami@waynecounty.com and danielle.lenz@wayne.edu to set up an informational meeting.
Thank you to the Wayne Public Library for being a participating host site for the “Well Wayne Stations” Initiative!
Master Chief Bevard
By Sarah Shurge – Memorial Day is a federal holiday for honoring and mourning the courageous men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
On Tuesday, May 20th, a Memorial Day service was held inside City Hall. Steven Thomas, started the ceremony by playing the National Anthem on his saxophone and closed the ceremony by playing America the Beautiful.
Bobby Kelly, CrossePointe Community Church Lead Pastor, led the crowd in an opening prayer and Seth MacDonald, Hillcrest Bible Church Lead Pastor, led the crowd in a closing prayer.
Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa gave a speech and introduced the featured speaker, Master Chief Avionics Technician (Naval Aircrewman) Carol Bevard. Bevard has been a Wayne resident since 1978. She spends her time volunteering with numerous organizations in the City of Wayne including the Rotary Club of Wayne, where she has held the title of Rotary President since October 2021, and CrossPointe Community Church, as the Women’s Ministry Director.
Bevard comes from a military family, where her dad, brother, and six uncles served in the Army. Bevard joined the Navy in May 1975 and served our country for 30 years (three years active duty and 27 years of reserve duty). Bevard’s initial training took place at Recruit Training Command in Orlando, Florida and her first duty station was Fleet Logistics Support Squadron-21 (VR-21) at Naval Air Station Barber’s Point, Hawaii.
During Deep Water Survival Training and Aircrew Training, Bevard achieved the squadron’s first female C-118 Loadmaster in August 1976. This represented a historic breakthrough for female service members in the Navy. Eventually, Bevard transferred to Naval Air Station Miramar, California. Then in August 1978, she began her 27-year Naval Reserve career with multiple commands at Naval Air Facility Detroit, Selfridge Michigan. She re-qualified as a Loadmaster during her time with VR-52, VR-24 and VR-62, and flew numerous missions to Europe, accumulating over 500 flight hours.
In June 1991, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University.
Her final command was Naval Air Station Sigonella 0192. Here, Bevard served as Command Career Counselor, Antiterrorist Force Protection Instructor, Training Department Chief, and Quality Assurance Senior Chief. After attending the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Bevard was promoted to Command Master Chief. She retired as the Command Master Chief in December 2005, after 30 years of Naval Service.
During her Memorial Day speech, Bevard shared a story about an officer she encountered during her time of service. In June 2005, an officer asked Bevard (he wanted to speak to a seasoned sailor) about the advantages of re-enlisting. Being that he was close to 20-years of service, Bevard encouraged him to re-enlist. And so he did.
Three years after their talk, he was recalled to fight a war in Afghanistan and on June 18, 2008, he died of his wounds from an enemy attack. He was 37 years old. Bevard teared up as she recounted the story.
“The true hero is the military veteran, the police officer, the fire fighter, and others who risk their lives daily and often lose their lives protecting and defending us,” said Bevard. “The heroes we honor today are not exclusive to any gender, race, or religion. They come from all economic classes and backgrounds. They hail from all 50 states. And some have migrated from other countries. They are a diverse group, welded to believe that America is a nation worth dying for.”
On Sunday, May 25th, a heartfelt parade marched through the streets and a ceremony was held at Wayne’s Veteran’s Memorial Garden of Westland. Pastor MacDonald led the opening prayer at the Memorial Day event. Mayor Rhaesa and Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman were the featured speakers.
We thank Master Chief Bevard and all the other veterans for their service, and we honor those that have laid down their lives for ours.