by Melissa Newland Families, teachers and friends gathered at Philip LaTendresse Elementary School to celebrate a joyful milestone as Baraga Area Schools honored its 47 kindergarten graduates in a ceremony filled with music, smiles and proud applause. The celebration took place on Friday, May 29, and began with the kindergarten students making their entrance, giving families a treasured photo opportunity before the program officially started. Dean of Students Tim Routheaux then led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, joined by the young graduates and the audience, setting a proud and patriotic tone for the morning. One of the most memorable parts of the ceremony came during the students’ musical performances. The children delighted the crowd with the Baraga Vikings Song, the uplifting “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars and a spirited rendition of the kindergarten graduation song, “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift. Their voices and enthusiasm filled the room, drawing smiles and applause from proud loved ones. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.  

by Melissa Newland Amid applause, proud smiles, and heartfelt tears, L’Anse High School honored 31 graduates Thursday evening in a commencement ceremony that celebrated not only academic achievement, but also perseverance, family support, and the strength of community. Inside the L’Anse Area School gymnasium, relatives, friends, educators, and neighbors gathered to watch the Class of 2026 mark the end of one chapter and step confidently into the next. The ceremony began at 7 p.m. on May 21 with a sense of celebration that was matched by an undercurrent of emotion, as school leaders reflected on the graduates’ long journey to the stage. The evening quickly became a tribute to years of growth, hard work, and shared memories, as the school community came together to recognize a class that had left a lasting impression. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland L’Anse Area School (LAS) recently recognized students who were awarded medals for the 2025-26 school year for Honor’s Convocation. The presentation was held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the LAS gymnasium, starting off with the processional “Celebration March” by Bob Cotter, played by the 7-12 grade band and directed by Aaron Poniatowski. Valedictorian Grace Peltola and Salutatorian Lola Cichosz led the procession. Superintendent Christopher Davidson then gave the welcome and introduced himself as the speaker. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland This past weekend, the vibrant sounds of drumbeats and the swirl of colorful regalia filled the Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga as the 2nd Annual Children’s Powwow returned, inviting families and community members for a day of tradition, celebration, and unity. The event, open to the public, offered a unique opportunity for all ages to experience the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples through song, dance, and feast. Cultural education is at the heart of the powwow, with children learning traditional dances and songs firsthand. Families and young participants are actively involved in every aspect of the event, encouraging engagement rather than passive observation. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

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.