Celebrating Inclusion

Evan Bursch’s Impact at Mill Creek and Beyond

This past January, several Mill Creek 7th grade classes wrote Nice Job Notes to Dexter Community Schools faculty and staff, expressing gratitude for their positive impact. One Food & Nutrition staff member at Mill Creek received an outpouring of appreciation for his kindness, positivity, and friendly interactions with students. Here are just a few of the glowing compliments he received:

“I would like to acknowledge him for making every day fun and always greeting us at community time and lunch. He makes the whole [Gradient] team, and probably the whole school, happy. I just want to show my gratitude to one of my favorite staff members.”

“Thank you for making all the great food for me and my friends. You are the best person Mill Creek could have gotten for Food and Nutrition staff.”

“I want to thank you for always being here in the lunchroom, serving us food, and making sure we have good nutrition. Whenever you are in the halls, I love seeing and talking to you because you always brighten my day.”

Dexter is fortunate to have such a remarkable employee, and we are even more proud that he is a Dexter graduate.

Evan Bursch, a 2021 Dexter High School graduate, was a dedicated student-athlete, participating in cross country and track and field while cheering on Dreadnaught athletic events. After high school, he attended WISD’s Dexter Young Adult Out-Center Program, where he developed the job skills that led to his current role in the DCS Food & Nutrition Department. Recently, he returned to DHS as a guest speaker during Inclusion Week to share his journey of living with autism.

One in thirty-six people in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For Evan, consistency is key, and he values a structured daily routine. He dislikes when people make assumptions about him based on his diagnosis. Evan shared that when he feels overwhelmed, he finds support by talking with his family, teachers, and social worker.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Evan highlighted his athletic involvement in his “All About Evan” presentation. In high school, he competed in cross country and track & field. Today, he participates in Eastern Michigan University’s Best Buddies Unified Sports programs, playing basketball, soccer, and cheering—with basketball being his favorite. He continues to run 5Ks, including Dexter’s Holiday Hustle, and credits sports with helping him stay connected. “I meet a lot of new friends and connect with others through sports, Special Olympics, and the Unified Program,” he shared.

Evan is also a Best Buddy Champion with the University of Michigan Best Buddies and serves on Michigan’s Leadership Advisory Board. He is the U-M Best Buddies ambassador to Hail Impact!, which connects charitable partners with Michigan student-athletes to make a meaningful community impact. Last summer, he attended the Best Buddies Leadership Conference at Indiana University, staying in the dorms and helping spread awareness about inclusion. (Interested in learning more about the Best Buddies program? Anyone is welcome to join!)

Two years after completing the WISD Young Adult Out-Center job training program, Evan now works five days a week in the Mill Creek cafeteria. “My WISD school team and family helped me get my job,” he says. He prepares and serves student lunches alongside three co-workers, learning hands-on skills that allow him to work independently. However, he also advocates for himself when he needs assistance. “If you don’t advocate for yourself, you don’t get the help you need,” he says. The Nice Job Notes he received are a testament to his exceptional contributions.

Friendship is central to Evan’s life, as reflected in his final presentation slide titled “Inclusion Means Friendship!” The slide

included the statement, “Without inclusion, friendship, and opportunities, we would be bored at home.” This deeply resonated with his teacher Leah Vance, who leads the Dexter Young Adult Out-Center program for WISD. “After high school,” Vance explains, “students may lose contact with former friends or their community, so staying connected is crucial.”

Evan’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of inclusion, perseverance, and community support. His dedication to his job, passion for sports, and advocacy for awareness make him an invaluable part of Dexter Community Schools. The heartfelt Nice Job Notes reflect the positivity and kindness he brings to Mill Creek every day. His journey reminds us to celebrate the unique contributions of every individual, and we are proud to have him as part of our school family!