This August I graduated from Central Michigan University with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Museum Studies. I attended Manistee Area Public Schools for the first 12 years of my education and graduated in 2000. West Shore Community College was a nice transition as I earned my AA there before transferring to CMU.

My cultural interests started early on. Cultural or ethnic projects in grade school were always my favorite. This interest stayed alive in high school. I had four years of Spanish with Mrs. Swenson and it always intrigued me when she'd throw in cultural tidbits. One thing that stands out in my mind is the friendliness of the teachers at MHS. They really cared about the success of the students and were people that you could talk to. Hopefully they realize the positive impact they had in my life as well as countless others. I truly believe that my high school experience left me well prepared for my college education.

I'm currently working at Historic White Pine Village for the Mason County Historical Society in Ludington. Recently, I was appointed the Assistant to the Director/Coordinator of Exhibits. It's been nice to see my education pay off, and I'm proud to be an MHS alumni.

Rachel Wagner - Class of 2000