Northwestern Area School District came alive with excitement as students, staff, and community members gathered for a special “Welcome to the Wildcat Family” celebration. This unique event marked the beginning of a new partnership with Northern Michigan University (NMU), joining the two schools through a shared Wildcat spirit and a lasting connection.
NMU’s Chief Marketing Officer, Derek Hall, Admissions Counselor Kirsten Menigoz, and NMU alumna Tracey Hofer brought a piece of NMU pride to Mellette, showing support for Northwestern by sharing the Wildcat mascot both schools proudly display.
In a meaningful gesture, NMU gifted Northwestern with a Wildcat mascot costume, replacing the school’s worn-out suit. The new Wildcat, now vibrant and refreshed, made its first appearance at the pep rally, where it was brought to life by Northwestern student Rustin Maas while senior Annie Dvorak donned the NMU mascot costume. The updated costume symbolizes NMU’s support for Northwestern and its desire to keep Wildcat pride alive and thriving for years to come.
NMU shared hype videos and spoke about what it means to be part of the Wildcat family. Every student, from elementary to high school, received a keepsake from NMU as part of the celebration. Elementary students enjoyed Wildcat-themed coloring pages and stickers, while high school students received stocking hats to keep them warm through the winter. Every attendee also received a Wildcat buff, helping the entire community wear their shared Wildcat pride.
NMU chose to adopt Northwestern, recognizing the shared Wildcat identity. About more than a logo, being part of the Wildcat family is about community, shared values, and supporting our students' futures.
Following the rally, NMU hosted an information session for juniors and seniors, providing insight into their programs and what life is like on their campus. The session allowed Northwestern’s upperclassmen to explore potential futures as part of the extended Wildcat family at NMU.
To top off the day, NMU arranged for local favorite the Pickled Pig Food Truck to serve lunch to Northwestern’s entire staff, juniors, and seniors. This gesture reinforced the partnership’s sense of community, making the event memorable for all involved.
This partnership, built on shared values, community spirit, and a mutual Wildcat mascot, is a testament to the support and opportunities NMU is offering to Northwestern. As the relationship grows, both schools look forward to a future filled with continued collaboration and shared success.
For a full story on the event, see Allen Scott’s coverage with Dakota News Now: https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/authors/allen.scott2/