DAVISON (DTV) – (06/19/24) – Most everyone knows Mr. Ron Fray at Davison High School. He exudes positivity everywhere he goes. And while teaching is a highlight of his life, there are many other layers to him.

“I just get fueled by kids, you know? Just the opportunity.” said Mr. Fray “And this window of our lives is shrinking as we go down the road. It just gets smaller. And so those moments with kids, giving an opportunity to help them find their way, you know, equip them with some of these core values and life lessons to become successful in the end. I think that’s why we teach.”

You never know what’s going to happen when you walk through the door to Mr. Fray’s class. One thing you can be sure about is the undeniable energy that comes from his room. That energy carries outside the classroom to his favorite place, Drummond Island.

“It’s such a special place.” said Fray “I think when you come across the ferry boat, it’s almost like mystical, magical, you’re leaving the world behind over there.”

Over 300 miles north of Davison in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is Fray’s home away from home. A cabin over 30 years in the making.

“My dad thought about building a cabin and I thought, hmmm I kind of like that idea! I thought it would be really special, you know, to have a log home one day”

For as long as he’s been teaching, Fray and his family were building the cabin. Piece by piece they put it together with nothing but the supplies on that very island.

“I collected rocks for the foundation for 15 years. And I said one day, you know, one day!” Fray says while laughing. “And then we got it all done, like, oh my gosh!”

Building a dream cabin on Drummond Island  is just one of Mr. Fray’s many accomplishments. A high school state champion, a college baseball player, varsity football coach, and even a DJ, there’s not much Mr. Fray hasn’t done. But there’s one thing he holds near and dear to his heart. His family. Specifically his 2 daughters.

“One of the happiest things in your life, and it doesn’t take long, I think probably most parents would degree, are your children. So, these are my two daughters.” Fray says while holding a picture up of him and his daughters Chelsea and Carly. “I am so very proud of my daughters. Both became nurses. Nothing is more valuable or more important, in my opinion, to parents when your kids have found their way”

The passion and energy that Fray has for being a father carries over to the classroom.

“Kids asked me one day in the hallway, ‘Mr. Fray, what do you teach?’, I said ‘I teach being happy.’ Be happy! That’s why we start our 5 minutes out in the beginning of the hour not concerned about curriculum. Just exhale, relax, let’s find our peaceful place. And when kids are happy and laughing I know they’re not stressing. That’s helpful for me. And also when they’re happy I think everything else has a better place.”

Davison High School 2024 graduate, Trinity Campbell, says she can always count on Fray to make her day better.

“He sticks out because every time you walk into a room he just brightens your day. Like if I was having a bad day and I’d walk into his class I would always have a good time. And whenever I see him in the hallway he always will acknowledge his students and make sure that people know that he cares and he’s always there for you.”

For DHS 2024 graduate, Diego Serrels, Fray provides not only inspiration, but also friendship.

“He speaks from the heart. He can, you know, have one idea and then just veer off onto one of the most inspirational speeches you’ll ever know. while giving you just really great hand gestures and movements. Fray is one of my best friends.”

As Mr. Fray starts his next chapter on the shores of Drummond Island he thinks back on all the people, moments, and memories. In the end it’s about the relationships you make along the way.

“In relationships and connecting with kids, never really knowing if we have an impact, we sometimes wonder, as teachers do. There was one day when I had switched districts, and there was a knock on my door. And I answered the door, and it was 3 former students from Hamady. And they said, we miss you, Mr. Fray! And I said I miss you too!” Fray recalls fondly while choking up and holding back tears. “And, you know, it was that moment that I realized that I think I had an impact on someone’s life. And they had an impact on me. They helped me along the road. And isn’t that what it’s all about? People helping people.”

DTV would like to thank Mr. Fray for his constant support of us over the years and all of the encouragement and wisdom he has given us. We also appreciate Mr. Fray agreeing to open up to DTV after we asked him to. Fray is retiring at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. We wish him nothing but the best and hope that our paths cross again!

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