by Melissa Newland The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) is poised to mark a major milestone in its history as it prepares to honor 28 graduates at the 2026 Honors and Commen-cement Ceremony. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 8, in the Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga, and promises to be a memorable evening for students, faculty, and the broader community. This year’s graduating class is the largest in the College’s history and includes the first cohort of students to complete the Associate of Science in Nursing program. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland

The Excelsior Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) at L’Anse High School recently welcomed nine outstanding students into its ranks during a memorable ceremony marking its 51st year. The event, held in the LAS cafetorium last Wednesday evening on April 8, 2026, brought together family, friends, community members, LAS administration, staff, and current NHS members to celebrate the achievements of the inductees from the Class of 2026. As guests arrived and took their seats, the anticipation was palpable. The brightly lit cafetorium was filled with chatter and excitement as attendees awaited the start of the ceremony. At 7 p.m., the formal proceedings began, highlighting the excellence and dedication that define the National Honor Society. The NHS is a prestigious nationwide organization for high school students who exemplify scholarship, leadership, service, and character. At L’Anse High School, invitations to apply are extended to eleventh graders with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, ensuring that only those who have shown significant academic achievement are considered. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland The Baraga Area Schools (BAS) buzzed with excitement as the community gathered for an event that has become a cherished tradition. Spectators, players, students and community members alike filled the gym, ready for two days of spirited competition and camaraderie at the annual March Madness Adult Basketball Tourn-ament. This fundraiser, organized by the 10th-grade class, showcased not only athletic talent but also the collective heart of the Baraga community. On April 3 and 4, the tournament unfolded with remarkable energy as a record-breaking 15 teams registered to participate. The event, now in its fourth year, was designed to raise funds for the senior class trip, prom, and graduation. Divided into two groups, Di-vision 1 featured college students and younger players, while Division 2, affectionately dubbed the “ibuprofen league,” welcomed older participants without college basketball experience. The lively atmosphere reflected the diversity of ages and backgrounds, all united by a love for the game and a desire to support local students. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.  

by Melissa Newland In a heartfelt ceremony that celebrated academic excellence, leadership, service, and strong moral character, Baraga High School’s (BHS) National Honor Society (NHS) Phoenix Chapter welcomed three new members into its esteemed ranks last week. The induction, held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, gathered students, faculty, friends, and family to honor the achievements and promises of this year’s inductees: Talan Engle, Jesse Jones Jr., and Krimson Klein. The evening began with Chapter Adviser Matthew Frantti warmly greeting the audience before passing the spotlight to the current NHS members. The inductees and their supporters watched as the chapter conducted a solemn candle lighting ceremony, each flame symbolizing one of the four pillars at the heart of NHS: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. The new members then recited the Honor Society Pledge, officially joining the legacy of the Phoenix Chapter. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.  

by Melissa Newland the polished Advanced Freestyle stars, offered a thrilling display of artistry and athleticism, drawing the audience into the spirit of a cross-country adventure. Kaia Dantes, Braylin LaPlante, Leah Maki, Aurora Niemi, Evelyn VandeRee skate to ‘Detroit Rock City’ by Kiss choreographed by Elizabeth Wanhatalo. Local figure skating club spins journey across USA The Meadowbrook Arena was ablaze with color, energy, and excitement this past weekend as the L’Anse-Baraga Figure Skating Club (LBFSC) transformed its annual Spring ice show with this year’s theme of “Road Trip USA” into an unforgettable journey across America, dazzling a full house with every spin, glide, and leap. The club’s talented skaters, ranging from the tiniest Snow Plow Sam beginners to the polished Advanced Freestyle stars, offered a thrilling display of artistry and athleticism, drawing the audience into the spirit of a cross-country adventure with every number during performances on Saturday March 14 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and, despite the pending snowstorm, Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. From the moment the final note of the National Anthem faded during all three  performances, the ice came alive in a spectacle of vivid costumes that shimmered beneath the arena lights. Skaters zipped across the rink in a rainbow of colors, bold reds, brilliant blues, and perfect pinks, each costume carefully chosen to capture the heart of America’s musical landscape. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland Baraga County Career and Technical Education (CTE) students demonstrated exceptional skill and determination at the HOSA Regional Conference held in Marquette the end of February. The event, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, brought together aspiring health professionals from across the region, and Baraga County’s students left a lasting impression with their remarkable achievements and commitment to excellence. HOSA—Future Health Professionals—is dedicated to enhancing the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by offering students opportunities for knowledge, skill, and leadership development. The organization welcomes high school, post-secondary, and middle school students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, fostering both professional growth and personal integrity. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland Though it’s early in her presidency at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC), Melissa Kiesewetter’s vision is clear. She aims to ensure that KBOCC stands as the premier institution of higher learning in the region, meeting the needs of degree-seeking students, supporting the local work force through skill and vocational training, and providing top-quality career and technical education for high school students. She took the helm as President of KBOCC Dec. 8, 2025. Born in central Illinois to a family of educators, farmers, and union leaders, she was inspired early on by her family’s passion for education. While she initially envisioned herself teaching in the K-12 system, it was the vibrant and ever-changing world of higher education that ultimately captured her heart. “I fell in love with the energy and the dynamic environment of higher education,” Kiesewetter said about her choice of career. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.