Adrian, MI – When five Natural Resources students from the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) TECH Center boarded a plane to Calgary, Alberta, they weren’t just carrying luggage—they were carrying the pride of Michigan on their shoulders.
The students earned the prestigious honor of representing Michigan at the 2025 National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Envirothon, an international environmental and natural resource problem-solving competition. Facing off against over 50 teams from across the United States, China and Canada, the Lenawee County students brought not only knowledge and preparation—but also heart, humility, and unwavering team spirit.
Makayla Cunningham, the team’s Wildlife Specialist, called the experience “absolutely amazing and unforgettable,” and expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity made possible by the LISD TECH Center and their teacher and mentor, Dr. Carley Kratz.
“Representing Michigan was an honor—especially for someone like me, who has always had strong school spirit,” said Cunningham. “We even came up with little chants to stay motivated and have fun. It felt incredible to support our state on a national stage.”
The LISD TECH Center team competed in five key subject areas: Soils and Land Use, Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife, and a Current Issues challenge focused on boreal forest management and climate change. Each student took on a specific role:
· Megan Nadeau (JC/LISD Academy, Senior) – Team Captain & Aquatic Ecology Specialist
· Makayla Cunningham (Adrian High School, Junior) – Wildlife Specialist
· Izabella Dusseau (Adrian High School, Junior) – Soils and Land Use Specialist
· Claire Smith (JC/LISD Academy, Senior) and Abbigail Garbers (Hudson High School, Senior) – Forestry Specialists
While some sections of the competition were more challenging than others, the team leaned into each other’s strengths and fostered an environment of support. Cunningham noted that the Soils and Land Use segment proved to be a difficult portion for her, but it became a defining moment of team collaboration.
“Claire and Izabella stepped in to lift the group’s confidence,” she said. “Their encouragement was key to getting us through.”
Aquatic Ecology brought lighter moments, as students identified fish and macroinvertebrates, while Wildlife tested their knowledge through hands-on tasks like identifying skulls and pelts, understanding Latin species names, and how to use bear spray.
Even during the final and most tiring event—Forestry—the team’s determination held strong. “We leaned on each other, and that teamwork made a huge difference,” Cunningham recalled.
One of the team’s proudest accomplishments came during the Oral Presentation challenge, where they proposed real-world solutions to environmental issues. Their poise and synergy impressed the judges.
“We responded instinctively as a team—without even needing to speak to one another,” Cunningham said. “Watching Claire confidently answer a forestry question, and others jump in to help—it was magical.”
Dr. Kratz was deeply moved by the group’s performance and mutual respect. “They may not have won awards,” she said, “but they won at life. They had great teamwork and the most positive attitude of any team there.”
Although the team finished around 40th place, their experience transcended rankings. Through the Envirothon, students strengthened their confidence, communication, and career aspirations.
For Cunningham, the competition reinforced her dream of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator. “I got great advice at the career fair about how to reach that goal,” she said. “I’m more motivated than ever.”
She also credited her team’s involvement in the FFA for helping them excel in the high-pressure presentation. “FFA taught us how to step forward in a discussion without interrupting. That kind of unspoken communication became a valuable part of our teamwork.”
The team’s journey was backed by a strong support system—from Dr. Kratz’s steady guidance to Claire Smith’s father providing airport transportation, and even support from the Lenawee County Conservation District.
“We may not have won any money,” Cunningham reflected, “but we won something even better: lifelong memories.”
For more information about the LISD TECH Center’s Natural Resources program, visit lisd.us