Some recording studios are born in the wake of a college education, driven by technique taught on a dry erase board. That’s not the case with Grand Rapids-based Skull Studio. Its sole operator, Matt Ten Clay, learned all he knows by working in the trenches of the Grand Rapids music scene for over 14 years, performing in bands and recording wherever he had the opportunity.

On Oct. 19, Rapid Growth Media and the audience at Wealthy Theatre learned a lot about Grand Rapids Public Schools, but most interestingly, heard an amazing story of resiliency and leadership.