The Power of Bringing People Together

The first time I met Gabriella Duhn was in the aftermath of her son being killed by a hit-and-run driver while he was skateboarding on Sheldon Road back in September of 2020. At the time, Dominic Duhn was a student at Michigan State University and had a bright future ahead of him.

It was a devastating tragedy for the family – and for the community. Being a father of teenagers myself, I could only imagine the grief Gabriella was going through.

Somehow, Gabriella was able to channel that pain into something beautiful. She has spearheaded an effort to build a skateboarding park in Northville, not only getting Northville political leaders to support the idea, but also raising money for the cause. With the help of so many in the community, she was able to raise around $400,000 for the project, which is just amazing when you think about it. And she did it in just two years.

We’ve been reporting on the progress of the skatepark for a couple years now, and it is finally becoming a reality after a groundbreaking ceremony June 13. Please see our story on Page 8

My favorite moment of the ceremony was when Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo was making remarks about Gabriella’s determination. He paused mid-sentence, and the two of them hugged. It was an acknowledgement of a process that, at times, included some tension with Gabriella and township officials butting heads about certain details of the skatepark. Gabriella never relented about what she wanted the park to be, and it was that dogged determination that has turned what many thought was a pipe dream into a reality.

Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks, and the skatepark will be complete this fall. So this is a big shoutout to Gabriella Duhn (and all those who supported her efforts). Future generations of Northville kids (and even some adventurous adults not afraid to ride a skateboard) will benefit, and Dominic’s memory will live on in a very positive way.

Speaking of shoutouts, congratulations to all our recent high school graduates. In this issue, our graduation coverage begins on Page 18. We’ve got lots of great photos from the Northville High graduation ceremony, as well as the senior car parade and Senior All Night Party event.

Thanks to the members of the SANP Committee and all the adults who put together a fantastic last night at NHS for the graduating seniors. I think it’s wonderful how the community comes together to honor the graduates, who really get the rock star treatment. It’s a deserving honor for crossing the finish line.

In this issue, we have listed the members of the Class of 2023 from both Northville High School and Catholic Central High School. Special thanks to Genitti’s for sponsoring NHS and Northville attorney Richard Corriveau (C.C. Class of 1959) for sponsoring Catholic Central. I think it’s important for the community to know the names of our future leaders.

If any members of the Class of 2023 get to read this, go out and change the world in your own individual ways. We can’t wait to see what you all become. And, remember, no matter where your travels take you, Northville will always be your home. You will always be welcome back here. Just don’t forget to bring your skateboard.

Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com.