Explorers Experience MasterChef Jr. Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - October 5, 2022October 5, 20220 KALAMAZOO (MICH.) Explorer Mahalia Guidry has her own cake pop business and dreams of becoming an actress. So when the representative of MasterChef Jr. asked if she would like to take part in a segment of the live show, she didn't hesitate. Acting and baking...it was perfect! Mahalia, a 14-year-old entrepreneur
Explorers Soar with Dr. Drew Lanham Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - September 14, 2022September 17, 20220 KALAMAZOO (MICH.) Zydiora "Ziggy" Jones was all giggly as she stood on her tiptoes to take took the microphone in front of nearly 500 people in Kalamazoo's Chenery Auditorium. Nine-year-old Ziggy and other Explorers had just listed to a lecture by ornithologist (bird-watching expert) Dr. J. Drew Lanham and it
Exploring Nature with the Audubon Society Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - July 16, 2022July 16, 20220 The Merze Tate Explorers recently explored the world of birds with the Kalamazoo Audubon Society. Russ Schipper led a team of bird enthusiasts in sharing the amazing world of featured creatures. Explorers learned how to identify the sounds of local birds such as robins, sparrows, and cardinals. In addition, they
Explorers Meet PNC Foundation Leader Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - June 9, 2022June 9, 20220 KALAMAZOO (MICH.) - The Merze Tate Explorers is truly a community youth organization. For more than a decade, the student Explorers have met with hundreds of women who rock in their chosen careers. As Explorer travel writers meet phenomenal women, they enhance their communications skills as journalists. Through article writing,
13th Annual Girls Can! Event to Feature Actress Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - May 5, 2022June 9, 20220 The Merze Tate Explorers will celebrate everything from its graduates to state monologue finalists at its annual Girls Can! celebration. This year the event will feature a keynote address by actress Giovonnie Samuels who is best known for her roles in Freedom Writers and Bring it On! The fundraising reception
Explorer Represents Organization at Apollo Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - May 5, 2022May 5, 20220 Explorer Aija Hodges, a junior from Kalamazoo Central High School, was a state finalist in the National Next Narrative True Colors Monologue Competition. The event was held on May 2, at the Apollo Theatre in New York City. Although Aija did not place nationally, she did a phenomenal job in
Explorer to Compete in New York City Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - April 15, 2022April 15, 20220 Six members of the Merze Tate Explorers held their breath as they awaited the results. The young women in grades 9th-12th, had just competed with nearly 30 other youth in the inaugural virtual True Colors Next Narrative Monologue Competition. Their hard work had paid off as students competed virtually
Girls Can! Magazine Features Bestselling artist Girls Can! Magazine by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 26, 2022February 26, 20220 The Explorers were excited to meet the bestselling illustrator, Brittany "Bea" Jackson. As we explore possibilities, we share the stories of those we meet in our quarterly magazine, social media, and public media projects. In this edition, we celebrate the students who came up with the winning cover design for
Explorers Awarded for Unique Experiences Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - January 26, 2022February 5, 20220 The Merze Tate Explorers used their media skills to share how Sonya Hollins has made an impact on their lives. As Hollins introduces the youth to amazing career and college exploration through media and travel, students say they treasure these experiences that jumpstart them to find their passion. Explorers founder
2022 Starting off Great! Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - January 22, 2022January 22, 20220 Mahalia Guidry learns the functions of the brain during an interactive medical academy organized in partnership with the WMU Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine in Kalamazoo to bring careers to life. *Header image: From left: Sonya Bernard-Hollins, founder of the Merze Tate Explorers, poses with Explorer Brittany Wright and her
