Hemlock Public School District is accelerating a district-wide “Pathways in Action” plan that connects elementary art and music, middle- and high-school STEM/robotics, and a new esports program—all tied to career-ready skills and performance opportunities for students. The initiative builds on recent launches in fine arts and esports, and on long-standing regional leadership in robotics and hands-on STEM.
“Pathways in Action is about momentum with purpose,” said Board President Matt Wesener. “Weekly elementary arts instruction, modern esports, and industry-connected STEM are not separate projects—they’re one K–12 promise that every Huskie has access to relevant, inspiring opportunities.”
Elementary Fine Arts, every week | In 2025, Hemlock introduced a new Elementary Art program and strengthened Elementary Music, guaranteeing K–5 students 60 minutes of dedicated art and music instruction each week—a predictable, standards-aligned foundation that prepares students for band, choir, theatre, digital media, and design coursework as they progress. (Hemlock Public School District)
Esports: facilities now and a showcase venue ahead | At the high school, Hemlock opened a state-of-the-art esports room with high-performance PCs and consoles to support teamwork, strategic thinking, and digital literacy. A larger competition space is in development in the Alumni Room, with the Larry Gariglio Theatre slated to host audience events after its re-opening. The district is also recruiting coaching leadership to build a competitive program. (Hemlock Public School District)
Lockwood STEM Center & Robotics excellence | Through the Lockwood STEM Center and its KEEL Innovation expansion, students access CAD, fabrication, coding, and engineering mentors from local industry—experiences that culminate in FIRST Robotics and other applied learning. Hemlock’s Gray Matter Team #5712 captured the 2024 Michigan State Championship, a milestone that anchors K–12 pathways from LEGO and coding to advanced manufacturing and engineering. (lockwoodstemcenter.hemlockps.com)
Regional momentum matters | Hemlock’s work complements a broader Great Lakes Bay arts/STEM ecosystem. Nearby Swan Valley operates an active Fine & Performing Arts Center (with a coordinator and public programming), while Freeland reports district-wide facility improvements via its Sinking Fund, and Merrill has expanded community-facing STEM/robotics nights. St. Charles highlights student tech/robotics demonstrations and has celebrated esports participation—evidence that families across the region value access to arts and STEM.
“We’re aligning classrooms, labs, and stages so kids can see themselves as creators—on canvas, on stage, in code, or in competition,” said Superintendent Don Killingbeck. “From our Elementary Art launch to a dedicated esports facility and championship robotics, Hemlock is putting students first with tangible experiences that open doors to college, careers, and community life.” (Hemlock Public School District)
Families can explore programs and enrollment at hemlockps.com and follow ongoing updates on the district news page and the Lockwood STEM Center site. Community partners interested in mentoring, arts residencies, or esports sponsorships are encouraged to contact the district office. (Hemlock Public School District)