‘If an opportunity comes along where someone needs a CDL driver, I’ll be qualified and ready. No matter what career I choose, it’s a valuable credential to have.’ – Freddie Hollerback, 2026 Petoskey High School graduate
Jake Warner hopes to work full-time for the City of Harbor Springs, operating plow trucks and other city machinery.
Thomas Ager, Ayden Cady, Eli Hissong, and Timmy Payton are pursuing linework, which involves driving large vehicles and transporting equipment safely to and from powerline repair sites.
Freddie Hollerback has seen huge trucks haul massive boats in and out of his place of employment, Irish Boat Shop, marveled at the skill it takes, and wanted to learn.
What these local students have in common for their futures is needing a credential that is in extremely high demand: A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class A with airbrake endorsement.
Cohort 1, pictured from left: Eli Hissong, Timmy Payton, Thomas Ager, Jake Warner, Freddie Hollerback, and instructor Chip Coulston.
However, the process can take awhile, and be expensive. It can cost upwards of $6,000 out of pocket to become CDL certified.
In Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, however, an innovative new summer program allowed recent graduates to get paid to take the training – earning their CDL, a wage, and a lifelong skill that will serve them in any career path they choose.
Nine students from four ISD school districts recently completed two, three-week cohorts and are now CDL-certified drivers.
Anya Zarzycki, a 2026 Petoskey High School graduate, enrolled in the program to further skills she had already begun to develop.
“I love driving, and I had the opportunity to drive dump trucks for one of my jobs. I really enjoyed it, so earning my CDL seemed like a natural next step,” said Zarzycki.
Zarzycki, like the 8 other students, took career and technical education classes during high school, which provide a strong foundation for young adults in learning skilled trades. All said their CTE teachers encouraged them to enroll in the summer CDL course.
“I think it will help me start a career that I’ll truly enjoy,” Zarzycki said. “It’s also nice to know I can pursue a great career without taking on college debt for something I might not even enjoy doing.”
Jonny Cosier, a 2026 Boyne City High School graduate, said he enrolled in the program out of a necessity for his dad’s roofing business.
Cohort 2, pictured from left next to instructor Chip Coulston: Jonny Cosier, Ayden Cady, Hadly McCafferty, and Anya Zarzycki.
“My dad owns a roofing company, and we didn’t have anyone with a CDL who could move equipment or handle those kinds of jobs,” said Cosier. “I also knew having a CDL could lead to better pay and create more opportunities, wherever I end up working, so it seemed like a great investment in my future.”
Cosier said the training was not as difficult as he expected it to be, though it takes a lot of practice and repetition.
“I was pretty nervous the first time I climbed into the driver’s seat, but after about five minutes behind the wheel, I realized it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had imagined. From that point on, it was actually a lot of fun,” Cosier said.
Getting this first-of-its-kind program rolling
Hannah Sanderson, Career and Technical Education Consultant for the ISD, began brainstorming about a year ago about how to make a CDL program a reality for students in Charlevoix, Emmet, and northern Antrim counties. In her role, she keeps close tabs on what skills and careers are in high demand, passing that information along to students and helping coordinate programs and offerings to set them up for success.
“I have seen time and again, in vocational careers in particular, the need for workers to have their CDL licenses. We’ve also seen the barriers,” Sanderson said. “It is by no means an easy or a quick feat, especially for someone who is already working full-time. We knew that if we could train students right out of high school and get them their CDLs, it would give them a huge advantage and head start in their careers.”
As she was developing the idea for the program, Sanderson also knew it would be tough on new graduates to forgo pay for three weeks of training, which might limit their ability to participate. Through partnerships with Northwest Michigan Works! and others, students in the program are paid $18 an hour while earning their CDL.
The result was a first-of-its-kind program at the K-12 level in the state of Michigan, offered in two cohorts.
The first group included five students, all of whom passed their licensing exams in mid-July. The second cohort of four students successfully completed the program the first week of August.
All of them had slightly different reasons for wanting to earn their CDL, but they did share one common goal: Earn their CDL by the end of the three weeks.
Jake Warner, a 2026 Harbor Spring High School graduate, grew up on a farm and had some experience pulling trailers, “but nothing like a 40-foot trailer,” he said. “Learning how to back a trailer that size was definitely the biggest challenge. It took a lot of practice, but I’m very confident doing it now.”
He currently works for the City of Harbor Springs and would like to advance his career there to full time. “Earning my CDL will help me take on more responsibilities and move toward that goal,” said Warner.
Eli Hissong is one of several students planning to go into linework. The 2026 Boyne City High School graduate said his chosen career will require a CDL, and he wanted to get started right away.
“Getting my CDL at a young age opens up a lot of opportunities and helps set me up for a brighter future. My plan is to go to the local Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union hall at the end of the summer, sign the books, and hopefully be hired as a lineworker apprentice,” said Hissong.
East Jordan High School graduate Hadly McCafferty had a practical response to why he enrolled in the program: “The biggest reason was that it was a free opportunity. Not only did I not have to pay for the training, but I was actually getting paid while earning my CDL. It’s another valuable skill that makes me more employable and gives me more opportunities in the future,” said McCafferty.
Getting behind the wheel of the big rigs
Genna Kieliszewski, an ISD-employed driver’s training instructor, tested the students at the end of their training program to determine whether they passed the requirements for CDL licensure. She was impressed with both cohorts of young adults and their commitment.
“The students who came to me were extremely well prepared. They were definitely go-getters. I could tell they had taken the time to study and train, and they did a really nice job,” she said. “I think it’s incredible that we’re one of the first to offer something like this, and I believe a lot of other schools are going to follow because it’s such an amazing opportunity for students. The students have talked about all the different career paths this license opens up for them, and I think that’s really exciting.”
Jim Rummer, Director of Career and Technical Education Director for Char-Em ISD, said the right people were in the right positions to make the program happen. He pointed to Sanderson’s efforts and also the support of Chip Coulston and Genna Kieliszewski, ISD driver’s trainers; Lisa Schut and Tracy Beckley with Northwest Michigan Works, which provided grant funding to pay the students; and ISD staff Karen Giudice and Sue Cherry, who guided students on full-size driving simulators housed at the ISD, originally for bus driver training.
Rummer also thanked business partners Irish Boat Shop, Tri-County Excavating, Howes & Howes Trucking, and Poquette Leasing for providing tractors and trailers to train the students, as well as representatives from Tri-County, Drost Landscaping, and Rieth-Riley Construction, as well as Tim Evans with the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division, for meeting with students to introduce them to employment opportunities available immediately after earning their CDL.
“It has truly been an incredible collaborative effort and I could not be more appreciative of everyone who helped make this inaugural program such a success,” Rummer said. “And at the heart of all of this collaboration, at the end of the day, all of these partners put this effort toward helping young adults enter the workforce with in-demand, real-world skills. That is our daily mission at Char-Em, but it is incredible to know our community will step in and help us support these newest members of our workforce.”
‘Whether you’re 18 or 40, it’s a long process’
Kieliszewski, the students’ testing instructor, said requirements for earning a CDL have gotten tougher in recent years.
“One thing people don’t always realize is just how difficult the process has become,” she said. “Whether you’re 18 or 40, it’s a long process. There’s a lot of memorization, and the tests are challenging.”
Even with classes filled with “go-getters,” she said the steps are numerous and preparation is key to being successful.
“Before students can even begin behind-the-wheel training, they have to pass multiple written tests at the Secretary of State, complete a physical, pass a drug test, finish Entry Level Driver Training, and then learn the vehicle inspection,” Kieliszewski said.
As part of the ISD’s program, the costs of all the components mentioned by Kieliszewski were covered for the students, eliminating one source of worry – but not all the nerves, perhaps.
“On test day, even if you’re fully prepared, it can still be nerve-wracking. Someone is watching everything you do while you’re trying to remember every component of the vehicle, what it’s called, what you’re inspecting, and what you’re looking for,” she explained. “Once you pass the inspection, you move on to the backing and parking skills. After that, you move on to the road test. It’s essentially three major exams in succession.”
Coulston, the driving instructor, said the inspection part of the training can be the most difficult for students.
“Each student brought in strengths. Some brought in driving skills they already obtained, but the inspections were new to all of them,” Coulston said. “Basic control skills were a challenge until getting them actually in the driver’s seat. They did fine on the road; it was the inspections and basic control that they really had to focus on.”
Coulston said the young adults were eager to learn and they appreciated the opportunity to build a career from the skills they were learning.
“Obtaining their CDL at 18+ years old opens a whole new world to them,” he said. “They have worked hard and have a skill set now that other 18-year-olds don’t have. They were a great group of kids to work with and I think they are all grateful for this program.”
Ayden Cady agrees. The 2026 Boyne City High School graduate is pursuing linework as a career, and he saw this training as an important stepping stone.
“It was exactly what I needed to help get me where I want to be,” said Cady. “It opens up a lot of opportunities. It’ll help me earn a good living, pay the bills, and not have to worry as much financially.”
He said the program was an eye-opening experience into what it takes to be a safe vehicle operator as well.
“Situational awareness is one of the biggest skills we learned. You’re always aware when you’re driving a regular vehicle, but when you’re hauling that much weight behind you, everything changes,” he said. “You have to think much farther ahead, leave yourself more time to stop, and constantly pay attention to what’s happening around you.”
Once he passed the brake tests, parking, and driving portions, he was able to exhale with relief.
“There are so many different components you have to remember,” he noted, “but once everything starts coming together, it’s a really good feeling.”
Student interviews: In their own words about the experience
Cohort 1
– Thomas Ager, Boyne City High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the CDL program?
I want to pursue a career as a lineworker, and earning my CDL is the first step toward that goal. I thought this was a great opportunity to get started.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
Honestly, meeting new people has been one of the best parts. I’ve made some new friends, and Chip has been an awesome instructor. I’ve also really enjoyed learning how to drive the trucks.
How will earning your CDL impact your future?
It’s a huge step toward my career. You really can’t become a lineworker without a CDL, so earning it now puts me on the right path.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
I’d tell them to do it 100 percent. Get your application in and take advantage of the opportunity.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
Todd Shoemaker put a poster up in the Building Trades classroom. I saw it, talked to my lineworker instructor about it, and signed up the very next day. They both encouraged me to go for it.
What has been the biggest challenge to overcome during the training?
The pre-trip inspection has definitely been the biggest challenge. There are about 90 different items you have to know and explain, so it takes a lot of studying and practice.
Was there a moment when you realized you could really do this?
Yes. I had just passed my pre-trip inspection, and that was the moment I realized I could do it. It was a great feeling.
Where do you see yourself one year from now?
Hopefully I’ll have signed the union books and be working toward becoming a lineworker. While I’m waiting for that opportunity, I expect I’ll be working for an excavating or construction company. Once I get called out, I’ll be ready to travel wherever the work takes me, including storm restoration work across the country.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
This is a great program, and it creates incredible opportunities for students like me. I’m very thankful to everyone who helped make it happen, and I hope they continue offering it for future students.
– Eli Hissong, Boyne City High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the program?
I want to become a lineworker, and a Class A CDL is required for that career. I knew it was something I was going to need, so I wanted to get started now.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
Getting to work with a great group of guys and learning more about the truck has been the best part. I’ve really enjoyed both.
How will earning your CDL will impact your future?
Getting my CDL at a young age opens up a lot of opportunities and helps set me up for a brighter future. My plan is to go to the Local Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union hall at the end of the summer, sign the books, and hopefully be hired as a lineworker apprentice.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
I first heard about it from my lineworker instructor, Mr. Green. He and Mr. Shoemaker both encouraged me to apply.
What was the biggest challenge to overcome during the training?
Backing during the alley dock maneuver was definitely the biggest challenge. It took a lot of practice, and I spent extra time working on it with the instructors and using the simulator whenever I could. Eventually it started to click.
Was there a moment when you realized you could really do this?
Yes. At first I kept having to pull forward when backing up, and I was getting frustrated. A couple of the other students who had experience backing trailers gave me some helpful tips. After that, I was able to back the trailer successfully, and it was a huge relief. That’s when I realized I could do this. I knew it would take work, but I also knew I was capable of it.
What skills have you learned that you didn’t expect?
One thing I didn’t expect was how important communication is with your partner while backing up. When you can’t see everything around the truck, having someone guide you and communicate clearly makes a big difference.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
Learn the parts of the truck as quickly as you can, and then spend as much time as possible practicing your driving. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
I just want to say thank you. This program is giving us opportunities that will help set us up for a much better future, and I really appreciate everyone who made it possible.
– Freddie Hollerback, Petoskey High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the program?
I work at Irish Boat Shop, and I’ve always thought it was really cool watching the drivers haul the big boats with semis. When I heard about the opportunity to earn my CDL at no cost, I knew I had to take advantage of it. Everyone encouraged me to do it because earning a CDL on your own can be very expensive, and I’m really glad I signed up.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
Definitely getting behind the wheel of the trucks. I already had experience driving trucks and trailers, but driving a semi is different and has been a fun challenge. I’ve also enjoyed learning how everything works, especially the air brake system and all of the different components of the truck.
How will earning your CDL will impact your future?
I don’t necessarily plan to become a full-time truck driver, but having a CDL opens up opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have. If an opportunity comes along where someone needs a CDL driver, I’ll be qualified and ready. No matter what career I choose, it’s a valuable credential to have. I will be attending NCMC in the fall studying criminal justice. When eligible, I will be applying for the Michigan State Police Academy.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
I’d tell them to do it without hesitation. It’s an incredible opportunity and something that will always add value to your resume. Once you earn your CDL, it’s another skill you can carry with you throughout your career.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
I first heard about it through my Building Trades class. Jacob Giffin told me about the program, and at first I wasn’t sure if it was for me. After talking with my parents, especially my dad, I realized what a great opportunity it was, so I decided to apply. Looking back, I’m really glad I did.
What was the biggest challenge to overcome during the training?
Learning all of the different components of the truck and everything required for the pre-trip inspection was probably the biggest challenge. There is a lot to learn and memorize, but once you keep practicing it every day, it starts to become second nature.
Was there a moment when you realized you could really do this?
Yes. Once I started putting all of the pieces together and running through everything consistently, I realized it wasn’t as overwhelming as it first seemed. The more I practiced, the more confident I became.
What skills have you learned that you didn’t expect?
I didn’t realize how hands-on the training would be. Learning how to properly connect the trailer, perform thorough pre-trip inspections, and understand all of the truck’s systems was much more detailed than I expected. It gave me a much greater appreciation for what professional drivers do every day.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
Thank you so much for making this program possible. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful I was able to be part of it. I hope more students take advantage of it in the future because it’s something that can benefit you no matter what career path you choose.
– Timmy Payton, Boyne City High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the program?
I want to become a powerline worker, and earning my Class A CDL is one of the first requirements. My goal is to sign the books with the Local Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and hopefully get hired as an apprentice. If that doesn’t happen right away, I plan to attend Alpena Community College’s lineworker program this fall.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
Honestly, just getting behind the wheel of the truck. I didn’t expect we’d be driving so quickly. It was exciting because I’d never had the opportunity to do that before, and then all of a sudden we were out on the road. It’s amazing how much we’ve learned in just a few weeks.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
I’d definitely tell them to do it. Even if you’re not completely sure what career you want, having a CDL is never a bad thing. It’s another valuable skill that can open doors and give you more opportunities.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
My lineworker instructor, Mr. Green, told us about it. He shared the information with our class, and everyone was really interested.
What has been the biggest challenge to overcome during the training?
Backing a trailer has definitely been the biggest challenge because I’d never really done it before. But with a lot of practice on the simulator and in the truck, I’ve improved a lot in a short amount of time.
Was there a moment when you realized you could really do this?
Yes. After our first day of driving, I was frustrated because I wasn’t very good at backing up. I went home, got some rest, came back the next day with a fresh mindset, and everything started to click. That’s when I realized I could do it.
What skills have you learned that you didn’t expect?
Learning how to back up a trailer is something I’ll use for more than just work. Whether it’s a boat trailer, camper, or something else, it’s a practical skill I’ll have for the rest of my life.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
Thank you so much for making this program possible. Opportunities like this don’t come along very often, and it’s been an incredible experience. I hope other schools are able to offer programs like this in the future because it’s a great opportunity for students.
– Jake Warner, Harbor Springs High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the program?
It was a great opportunity at the perfect time. I had just turned 18, and I knew earning my CDL would help me get the job I wanted. I currently work seasonally for the City of Harbor Springs, and my goal is to become a full-time employee. A CDL is required to operate plow trucks and perform many of the responsibilities that come with that position, so this program is helping me take that next step.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
We’ve had an incredible instructor who has taught us so much throughout the program. It’s also been a great group of students. Everyone has been willing to learn, support each other, and work together. That has made the experience even better.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
I would absolutely encourage them to do it. It’s an incredible opportunity. Not only do you earn your CDL, but the training and testing are paid for, and you’re even paid while you’re learning. That’s something you don’t find very often, and it’s an opportunity that’s well worth taking.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
I first noticed the flyers and posters about the program, and then I learned more through Jim Rummer. Mrs. Richardson also helped me through the enrollment process and made sure I knew the steps I needed to take to get signed up.
What has been the biggest challenge to overcome during the training?
I grew up on a farm, so I had experience pulling trailers, but nothing like a 40-foot trailer. Learning how to back a trailer that size was definitely the biggest challenge. It took a lot of practice, but I’m very confident doing it now.
What skills have you learned that you didn’t expect?
Backing a trailer is probably the biggest one. It was something I struggled with at first, but Chip did a great job teaching us, and now it’s a skill I feel very confident in.
Where do you see yourself one year from now?
I hope to still be working for the City of Harbor Springs, ideally as a full-time employee. Earning my CDL will help me take on more responsibilities and move toward that goal.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
I just want to say thank you to everyone who made this program possible. Everyone involved has been incredibly supportive and welcoming. We had an outstanding instructor, excellent facilities, and everything we needed to be successful. I really appreciate the investment that was made in us, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to be part of this program.
Cohort 2
– Ayden Cady, Boyne City High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the program?
I need a CDL to become a power lineman, so I saw this program as an important stepping stone toward that career. It was exactly what I needed to help me get where I want to be.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
I’d say just being here and learning alongside everyone else. It’s a lot easier when you’re doing it with people you know. I just graduated with several people who are in this class, so that made the experience even better.
How will earning your CDL will impact your future?
It opens up a lot of opportunities. It’ll help me earn a good living, pay the bills, and not have to worry as much financially. Having a CDL gives you a lot more options for where you can work.
Tell us about your plans after completing the program.
I’m planning to sign the union books in Mount Pleasant and apply for a power line apprentice position. While I’m waiting to be selected, I’ll be working at Boyne Landscape Supply.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
I heard about it through my lineman class. Mr. Green was handing out information about different summer programs, and when I saw the CDL program, I knew it was something I should apply for because it’s exactly what I needed.
What was the biggest challenge to overcome during the training?
Backing the truck has definitely been the biggest challenge. You really have to learn how much steering is too much. If you oversteer, you’re often better off starting over. It takes a lot of practice to get it right.
Was there a moment when you realized you could really do this?
Yes. Yesterday, when I passed the brake tests, parking, and driving portions, I finally felt like I had it. There are so many different components you have to remember, but once everything starts coming together, it’s a really good feeling.
What skills have you learned that you didn’t expect?
I’d say situational awareness. You’re always aware when you’re driving a regular vehicle, but when you’re hauling that much weight behind you, everything changes. You have to think much farther ahead, leave yourself more time to stop, and constantly pay attention to what’s happening around you because everything is so much heavier.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
I’d definitely tell them to apply. It’s been a great experience, and it’s an incredible opportunity. Being able to earn your CDL through a program like this at no cost is something you really shouldn’t pass up.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
I’d just like to thank everyone who had a part in making this happen. It takes a lot to put together a program like this, especially with all the costs involved. Thank you to Karen, Jim Rummer, Hannah Sanderson, Chip Coulston, and everyone else who helped make this opportunity possible. It’s really unbelievable because I’ve never seen anything like this before.
– Jonny Cosier, Boyne City High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the program?
My dad owns a roofing company, and we didn’t have anyone with a CDL who could move equipment or handle those kinds of jobs. I also knew that having a CDL could lead to better pay and create more opportunities wherever I end up working, so it seemed like a great investment in my future.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
I already knew everyone in the class before we started, so it was never awkward. It made the experience a lot more enjoyable, and honestly, the training was easier than I expected.
How will earning your CDL will impact your future?
It definitely increases the number of job opportunities available to me. It also gives me a different perspective on the kinds of careers I can pursue.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
I was in the welding program in East Jordan when I first heard about it. As soon as I learned about the opportunity, I applied right away.
What was the biggest challenge to overcome during the training?
Probably getting here on time! I haven’t been doing a great job of waking up to my alarms lately.
Was there a moment when you realized you could really do this?
Yes. I was pretty nervous the first time I climbed into the driver’s seat, but after about five minutes behind the wheel, I realized it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had imagined. From that point on, it was actually a lot of fun.
What skills have you learned that you didn’t expect?
One thing I didn’t expect was learning how to help other people through the process. There were a lot of times when I was sitting in the passenger seat talking with classmates while they were driving. It gave me the chance to encourage them and learn from seeing things from their perspective.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
I’d definitely recommend it. It’s not overly difficult, it doesn’t take up a huge amount of your time, and having a CDL is a valuable life skill that can open a lot of doors.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
I’d just like to thank everyone who made this program possible. They went above and beyond by providing lunches, paying us while we trained, and giving us an opportunity that people normally have to pay thousands of dollars for. I really appreciate everything they did for us.
– Hadly McCafferty, East Jordan High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the program?
The biggest reason was that it was a free opportunity. Not only did I not have to pay for the training, but I was actually getting paid while earning my CDL. I also knew it would be a valuable skill to have.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
The biggest surprise was realizing that driving and maneuvering a semi-truck – especially backing it up – was a little more challenging than I expected. It definitely took some practice.
How will earning your CDL will impact your future?
It’s another valuable skill that makes me more employable and gives me more opportunities in the future.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
I first heard about the program from either Mr. Wilson or Mr. Muladore at school.
What was the biggest challenge to overcome during the training?
Learning the pre-trip inspection has probably been the biggest challenge. There are a lot of details to remember, and you have to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Was there a moment when you realized you could really do this?
Yes. Once I became comfortable with backing up the truck, everything else started to come together, and it felt much easier from that point on.
What skills have you learned that you didn’t expect?
I can’t say there were any skills that completely surprised me, but the program definitely gave me confidence in operating a commercial vehicle and reinforced the importance of paying attention to details.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
I’d tell them it’s a great opportunity. You’re not paying anything for the training—in fact, you’re getting paid while you earn your CDL. Most people have to spend thousands of dollars to get this certification, so it’s an opportunity that’s hard to pass up.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
I’d just like to say thank you. This program gives students an incredible opportunity to earn a valuable credential without the financial burden, and I really appreciate everyone who made it possible.
– Anya Zarzycki, Petoskey High School, 2026 graduate
Why did you enroll in the program?
I love driving, and I had the opportunity to drive dump trucks for one of my jobs. I really enjoyed it, so earning my CDL seemed like a natural next step.
What was a surprise to you, or most enjoyable?
The simulator was definitely one of the highlights. I even managed to flip a semi on it – that was pretty memorable! It was a fun way to learn and build confidence before getting behind the wheel of a real truck.
How will earning your CDL will impact your future?
I think it will help me start a career that I’ll truly enjoy. It’s also nice to know I can pursue a great career without taking on college debt for something I might not even enjoy doing.
How did you first hear about this opportunity?
My CTE teacher, Mr. Giffin, encouraged me to apply. I trusted his advice, so I went for it.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome during the training?
Definitely backing up. Backing a semi-truck is a lot harder than it looks, and it takes plenty of practice.
Was there a moment when you realized you could really do this?
I think that moment will come when I officially pass the CDL test. That’s when it’ll really sink in.
What skills have you learned that you didn’t expect?
I’ve definitely become much better at backing up a trailer. It’s a skill I didn’t realize would take so much practice, but I’ve improved a lot throughout the program.
What would you tell another student who is thinking about taking this program next year?
Study more than you think you need to. It might seem easier than you expect at first, but putting in the extra time to study really pays off.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people and organizations that made this opportunity possible?
Just thank you. This has been an amazing opportunity, and I’ve had a lot of fun. I really appreciate everyone who made this program possible.