Mason High School Alumni | Meeting Ground

Class of 1997

Mason High School Alumni Meeting Ground

Emily Kolb
Posted 9/21/04

After high school, I went to a small liberal arts college in Ohio called Antioch which required me to complete five internships in order to graduate. My true passion was journalism, so I thought it would be a great way to gain experience in the field while also exploring other career paths. Throughout my four years there, I wrote for the school paper when I was on campus but then also spent several terms working off campus. I interned for Governor Engler in the PR department, worked in NYC at a publishing house, taught English in Kenya, worked in the Exhibits Department at the Field Museum in Chicago, and assisted the executive office at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

After graduation, I moved back home for a few months and then ended up in the Detroit area for a year where I helped Oakland University launch an internship program of their own. I didn't want to stay in Michigan, so when a friend of mine told me about a sales job at an insurance company in Chicago, I jumped at the opportunity. I hated the job, but it got me to Chicago. I stayed there for a year and then stumbled across a great group of guys who started a staffing firm called Humatal five years ago while they were still students at MSU! I have now been working for them for a year as a staffing consultant and I love it! Our office is right on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago as well so it's a lot of fun. I haven't forgotten my love for journalism though, so I hope to start doing some freelance as soon as I get some time.

I am not married but am on the look-out for Mr. Right. I am hoping I will find him soon...

Lucas Scheid
Posted 6/17/07

I was born in Lansing, but spent the majority of time growing up in Mason.

I'm currently a business owner, no wife and no kids.

Mary Elizabeth (Ruttan) Betts
Posted 5/5/07

After high school, I attend GVSU and received a bachelors degree in health communications. I now work at a dentist office in downtown Grand Rapids. I recently got married in 2006. We live in Wyoming, which is suburb of GR, where we have 2 dogs a Sheltie named Angel and a Yorkshire Terrier named Kerby. We are doing some home improvements on our house so no kids YET. Overall, life is treating me great.

Melissa Burdette
Posted 4/30/07

After high school I attended LCC for 3 long years. I switched majors every semester, so I didn't graduate. I transferred to Central Michigan University to continue my studies in journalism and broadcast; cinematic arts, however I enjoyed the fun more than classes! SO, I decided it was time to take a break and figure out what I really wanted to do.

After moving back to the mid-Michigan area, I was diagnosed with Pseudo Tumor Cerebri which changed my life. I endured a lot of eye testing, MRIs, and a spinal tap. Once the doctors said I could leave, I did just that. I moved to Colorado to start over. In Colorado, I met my wonderful boyfriend, Jason. We have been together for 3.5 years and may or may not get married some day. I also went back to school. I am a certified Massage Therapist and also working at an art and framing shop. I really enjoy art, so couldn't leave it all behind.

I'm hoping to make it to the 10 year reunion, but am unsure if I can. If not, I'd love to catch up with anyone from MHS online.

Where Will You Be in 10 Years? (1997-2007)

"Where did I THINK I was going to be in 10 years? I thought I was going to be working for National Geographic as a photo journalist and exploring the world. But, I also thought I would be married with children at this point. Not sure how that would have worked out with all the travel!"

Missy (Westwood) Ball
Posted 7/27/07

After high school, I went to Central Michigan University. Four years later I graduated with a bachelor's in Broadcast & Cinematic Arts. I moved home for a VERY short time then moved down to Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak for a while to find a job. I worked for Saks Fifth Avenue for a short time, and then worked for a t.v. ad sales company. I hated it. I moved out to Denver for a VERY short time, and decided to move back to the midwest, but this time I left for Chicago. Love, love, love the city!!! I worked full time at a restaurant and studied part time at DePaul University for my Master's in Education. That was cut short when I fell in love with my now husband, Bryon. We had a baby, and I stayed home to be a full time mother. Almost a year later, he finally proposed to me at the top of the Hancock. We got married back in Lansing on Feb. 25, 2006. We moved out to the burbs and bought a new home. We just had our second little girl 3 months ago. Sophie and Maya definitely keep us busy and entertained! =)

We visit family in Michigan and Iowa (Bryon's from Iowa) quite often . We will be attending the reunion and can't wait to catch up with everyone.

Rhonda (Kinyon) Bowen
Posted 6/7/07

I am married to a wonderful man and i have six kids. No they r not all mine. Two are mine Two are step kids and i have foster kids. I do daycare at my home with my husband.

Sarah (Robbins) Shepard
Posted 4/30/07

Graduated from Michigan State. Now I'm the department head of Special Education in a school in the Denver, CO area. I got married in June 2005 to Chris Shepard. He also teaches special ed and coaches football.

Wendy (White) Jurseki
Posted 5/31/07

I have been married for almost 6 years, have a beautiful daughter that just completed Kindergarten and own my own dog training business. Life had been good to me since high school, I moved to Jacksonville, FL where I have been since 1998 and am in the process of planning a move to Houston Tx within the next couple of years. I visit my family in Mason about once a year and always enjoy coming back into town.

Mason High School Alumni | Meeting Ground