Since 1986, Shelly Marcusse has worked with area youth. Her goal was to be an advocate for them when it seemed no one else would or could. In 2005, Marcusse started in her current position as the Wexford-Missaukee Intermediate School District truancy officer. It was compassion, caring and experience working with at-risk youth that Marcusse said led to her being offered the truancy officer's position. During the last school year and before COVID-19, Marcusse said she had about 250 truancy cases. Of those cases, 130 of them warranted intensive intervention, which included assistance from outside agencies such as children protective services, the court system, community mental health and/or a family doctor. It also potentially included home visits, parent meetings and the establishment of behavior plans.