District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) - Union High School held its second annual Redhawk Expo on Thursday, January 29, turning the school into a marketplace of scholar creativity and entrepreneurial ambition.

Coordinated by Union’s Youth Advocates Nehemiah Dix and Michala Carter, the event featured current and former scholars showcasing skills in baking, cooking, digital art, music, and more.

“This event is designed to celebrate and showcase student talents, skills, and entrepreneurship,” Dix said. “It’s always an exciting opportunity to see our students shine and support their creativity and hard work.”

Throughout the expo, scholars performed live music while digital art tables and multiple bake stands filled the space, offering scholar-created prints and a variety of homemade treats. Together, these displays provided attendees with a firsthand look at how scholars' hobbies and creative interests can be transformed into real-world ventures.

Representatives from GRCC’s Business and Culinary Programs were on hand to talk with scholars about educational pathways and how to translate those creative interests into legitimate careers. Their presence reinforced one of the expo’s central goals: connecting scholar passions to future opportunities.

In addition to learning from GRCC, scholars who signed up for vendor booths received support from school staff in preparing flyers, business cards, menus, and other materials. This behind-the-scenes guidance helped them gain practical experience in presentation and branding, complementing the career guidance provided by GRCC.

One scholar baker said her business began simply because baking “sounded fun” when she was young, and she appreciated the chance to showcase it on a larger scale. At the expo, she sold cupcakes, cookies, cheesecake, and flan.

Two other scholars, inspired by anime, comics, and animation, sold prints of their digital drawings. For both, the expo was a stepping stone to their future goals: one plans to pursue an Associate of Fine Arts degree at GRCC, while the other hopes to produce art not typically seen in museums.

By turning passions into real experiences, the Redhawks Expo inspires students to imagine how their skills and ideas can grow into meaningful careers.