Recent DLS graduate Collin Bailey is headed to Michigan State University, where he plans to pursue mechanical engineering studies. But not before he has a full summer playing lacrosse for the Club 313 team, where he is a captain and team leader.

Bailey, who graduated summa cum laude, took a full course load of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes during his four years. His AP work included U.S. History, English Language and Composition, Microeconomics, American Government, Calculus AB, Computer Science Principles, and Environmental Science.

His favorite classes were all the engineering offerings, including Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Engineering Design; not surprisingly, the DLS Engineering teacher, Mr. Ron Barger, was his favorite faculty member. “He really got me interested in engineering,” Bailey said. 

Science teacher Mrs. Katherine Zelmanski-Maitoza, who had Bailey in class for both Honors Physics and AP Environmental Science, has high praise for Collin and his abilities. 

“Although physics and environmental science are quite different, Collin has been at the top of both classes,” she said. “He understood the overall theory in physics and breezed through the calculations. He is also able to stay on top of the quick pace of an AP class.”

Bailey was a member of the National Honor Society, the Robotics Club, the Ski Club, and E-Sports. In school volunteer activities also included working with the Students Against Environmental Vandalism (SAVE), and assisting with the monthly recycling activities. He also worked at the DLS Open Houses during his high school career.

Outside of school, he regularly volunteered at his church, and was a tutor for fifth graders at St. Germaine. 

Mike Jolly, the “Father of DLS Lacrosse,” worked closely with Bailey last winter. 

“He is an athlete who is extremely strong-minded about his sport and his goals,” Jolly said. “His reputation as an academic accompanied him, but I was even more impressed by his determination. He unselfishly accepted the roles assigned to him by his coaches, worked very hard in the off-season,  and achieved the status of starter on our defense. Like many of his teammates,  he is ‘living his dream,’ but that dream was much more than wishful thinking. I admire Collin for his perseverance and optimism.”

Bailey is the DLS nominee for the CHSL Mike Jolly Award, given to the graduating senior who best displays scholarship and athletic leadership. The CHSL will be presenting the awards on June 3, 2023.

He advises incoming freshmen to “not stress too much. Ask your teachers when you don’t understand something. They are happy to help.”

Bailey attended Iroquois Middle School, in the Chippewa Valley School System, before following in his older brother’s footsteps to DLS. Jack Bailey, Class of 2022, is also at Michigan State  - and studying mechanical engineering! 

He lives in Macomb Township with his parents David and Cheryl, and is a member of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish.