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CENTRAL LAKE - Approaching the starting line of a four-year term on Central Lake's Board of Education, four contenders jockey for one of two positions. The field consists of one veteran returning to run for the very position he has held for nearly a decade and three up-and-comings that offer everything from a background in environmental research to a wealth of passion brought only through motherhood. This week the Antrim County News takes a look at the various candidates for school board. Elections are scheduled for May 6.

Gretchen Hicks

With a growing desire to be heard, to have a voice in education, Hicks also possesses the humility to listen. She has become more concerned in recent years about the future of education, and with good reason as she is the mother of two at Central Lake Schools. With one in fourth grade and the other in ninth, Hicks seeks a hands-on position with the school that is molding her children.

"I want to be part of the process," she said. "It's a good time for me to join the school board."

Born and raised in Traverse City, Hicks has spent the past nine years living in Eastport with her husband and two kids. She has been highly involved in school sports, working with elementary students in the classroom and helping on field trips.

Neil Rogers

A veteran on the board with reasons to return, Rogers joined Central Lake's school board in 2000 and is returning after serving the last two and a half years as the board's president. Before that, Rogers had resigned to coach high school football but was quickly asked to return to the board. He has coached "every level of every sport," at some point in his long involvement with Central Lake's youth.

Employed at East Jordan Iron Works for the past 21 years, 15 of which as supervisor, Rogers brings his leadership skills back to the table. He plans to address budgets and shortages by looking for ways to provide the best education for the money, as well as help students meet academic requirements issued last year. Rogers is the father of two, one of whom is a junior at Central Lake.

Amy Dawson Talbot

After finding out the number of parents on the school board with children in the elementary school may be dwindling, Talbot responded with action and stepped up to take advantage of current elections. Talbot, who could be seen as part of the next generation of active parents to sit on the board at Central Lake, is currently with the PTO and a mother of two. Seizing "a good opportunity," Talbot hopes to have direct input into the educational experiences children are offered at Central Lake.

"It's nice to know there are still opportunities despite a lot of cut backs," she said. "I'd like to make sure there's not too many cut backs."

Talbot grew up in Center Lake, Michigan, now living in Central Lake with her husband and two kids. Her daughter is currently in elementary and her son is soon to follow.

Sarah Thayer

Perhaps a rookie to school boards, Thayer is new to little else. With an extensive background in environmental research, volunteer work and caring for her husband and four children, Thayer brings the experience of one well beyond her years.

"I have a PhD in Fisheries and Wildlife from MSU," she said. "I spent many years working with Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division as a boat assistant on a fisheries research vessel."

Offering managerial, budgeting and communication skills to the board, coupled with her "deep-rooted love of education," Thayer hopes for the opportunity to learn how Central Lake's Board of Education operates before injecting any new ideas.

Her interests lie in curriculum, "reaffirming the need for health, nutrition and exercise" in relation to learning and helping all students to succeed in life regardless of their goal type.

Thayer added, "For the next nine years, I will always have at least one child in elementary and one child in middle or high school, which means I will always be in touch with the needs and concerns of both schools."

Editors note: Other school board election candidates will be profiled in future editions of the Antrim County News.

Chris Tredway can be reached at ctredway@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.