In the late summer of 2025, a dog was found abandoned and severely malnourished, weighing only 30 pounds, half of what he should have weighed. With the help of local officers, he was brought to the Livingston County Animal Shelter (LCAS), where staff spent two months providing around-the-clock care: daily meals, weight checks, bloodwork, temperature regulation, and careful walks. That dog, Teddy Livingston Castille (also known as T.L.C), was eventually neutered and put up for adoption. He is exactly the kind of animal Howell High School’s Senior Survivor is fighting for this year.
In the past 18 years, a group of seniors at Howell High School have raised money for a nonprofit charity each year, including Community Catalyst (23-24), The Ivy Table (24-25), and this year, LCAS.
Since 2008, Senior Survivor has grown in popularity, raising a total of 1.5 million dollars over 18 years, but the lessons it teaches students have remained at its core.
“It really is about learning. You learn how to interact with people. You learn about disappointment. You learn about not only selling yourself and marketing yourself, but you also learn about how to, you know, fight for a charity and make a difference,” Senior Class Advisor Mr. Aaron Metz said.
Before planning begins for Survivor Week, the selection process involves many conversations among student council members, meetings with potential charities, and careful consideration before a decision is made.
“We’ve sat and met, and really it’s been pretty cool, because even in the selection of Livingston County Animal Shelter, we had a great discussion among the 20 council members,” Mr. Metz said.
This year, those discussions led student council members to LCAS, the county’s only animal shelter. Spencer Catlett, a worker at LCAS, explained that LCAS is a “support system,” and offers animal care, adoption, and community outreach services such as vaccine clinics, food and supply assistance, and more.
“Our mission is to build a better community for pets and people through compassion, protection, education, and collaboration,” Catlett said.
LCAS manages medical care, takes in hundreds of animals every year, reunites families with their pets, and works with local law enforcement.
“The ultimate goal of the LCAS is to provide the information and resources required for animals to live out their happiest, healthiest lives…to see the smiles of people adopting a pet that’s gone from rags to riches or the relief on someone’s face when we can provide them with assistance that helps keep their pet in their home,” Catlett said.
Senior Lily Rozmys, a student council member and Senior Survivor film crew member, has volunteered at LCAS numerous times and sees the selection as a natural fit.
“I’m excited for it. It was definitely one of my top options. They definitely need the money… they don’t even get enough to pay for food for the animals sometimes, so they survive off donations,” Rozmys said.
With the spotlight on LCAS, the hope is to bring in more donations and volunteers to help animals find their forever homes. The community can help beyond donating money, by walking dogs, fostering animals, or donating food and supplies.
“None of this would have been possible if not for our volunteers, our staff, and the resources provided to us by our wonderful community,” Catlett said.
As the 15 senior survivors prepare for the week ahead, their hard work, dedication, and fight for LCAS will help provide care, resources, and second chances for animals in need. With Senior Survivor shining a spotlight on LCAS, awareness may prove just as valuable as the funds raised.
“While having the funds to complete a project is vital, awareness is what brings it to fruition. Happier days for the animals come when the people who care for them are aware of what they need to thrive,” Catlett said.
