By Shannon K. Jones
Staff Reporter
As his senior year of high school approached, Bay Mills tribal member Dale Semasky Jr. realized he wanted something different for his future. After leading a turbulent life as a teenager, Semasky's status as a potential graduate was in question.
“I was rebellious. I got into drugs, smoking, all kinds of things,” said Semasky. “When my parents divorced, I just acted out.”
Semasky decided to make a lifestyle change in the nick of time. He was able to receive his high school diploma earlier this year, along with the rest of his class, but not without extra effort. Semasky enlisted the help of his parents, teachers, principal, and Kim Swanberg, Indian education coordinator for Munising Public Schools.
“We all worked on a schedule where Dale would attend classes before school every day, attend regular classes during the day, and attend night classes each night for more than a year,” said Swanberg. She has been the coordinator for 14 years, serving both Bay Mills and Sault Tribe members in a number of facets. Her responsibilities include monitoring academic progress of students, graduation requirements, and tutoring needs.
When Semasky reached out for her help, Swanberg was glad to give it. “We try to meet the needs of all our students, whether it be cultural, academic, or social,” she said.
As a student at Munising High School, Semasky wasn't very interested in academia until his senior year. “I just realized that I wanted to do something with my life,” he said.
He attributes a great deal of his success to his family and to the support of Swanberg. “She was always there,” he said. Whether Semasky needed someone to talk to or was struggling to meet the graduation requirements, Swanberg never let him down.
“I needed additional credits, she pointed me in the right direction,” said Semasky. “All the way through high school she has been there.”
Semasky. He was awarded a grant from the U.S. Forest Service for firefighting training recently, and is only a few steps from becoming a licensed firefighter.
Now 19, Semasky will attend Bay Mills Community College this fall and has plans to earn a degree. The only thing he questions now is whether he wants to study corrections or wildlife management, his self-doubt has vanished.
The son of Dale Semasky Sr. and Angela LeBlanc, Semasky is looking forward to making his home in Bay Mills this fall.
“I have a lot of family in the area,” he said. “I wouldn't be surprised if I am related to half of the reservation.”
Swanberg can't say enough about Semasky's success.
“Dale graduated with his class and we were all there to witness it. All the struggles, trials, and final victory is what turns a young boy into a man,” said Swanberg. “Dale comes from a good family with great values. Along with that he will go on to college and attain his goals.”
Swanberg also offers a bit of advice for others in a similar situation, “We all make mistakes, learn by them, and when there are consequences for your actions, dare to meet those consequences with grace and dignity. Reach out to others. We are here waiting to help, just ask.”
