Tractors, ATVs and golf carts, oh my: Michigan seniors arrive at school in style on Tractor Day

CARLETON, Mich. (AP) — Chase Harvell rolled into the Airport High School parking lot Friday in southeastern Michigan one final time before next week’s graduation.

Harvell was driving a family vehicle, just as he had countless times before.

This set of wheels, though, topped out at around 25 mph (40 kph).

Harvell and dozens of his fellow seniors eschewed their cars and trucks and arrived in tractors, ATVs, golf carts and more.

It was all part of Tractor Day, a celebration that dates back to the 1980s at the school in Carleton, Michigan, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Detroit. Most students arrived by 7:30 a.m., but the fun was to continue throughout the day with games, music and lunch catered by a local restaurant.

The annual event is not only a fun going-away celebration for seniors but also serves to honor the area’s agricultural heritage.

“We’re just a farm school,” Harvell said. “It’s a tradition. Everyone’s done it before us. We just carry it on.”

The fourth-generation farmer on Friday was behind the wheel of a Case 305 Magnum, the same tractor used to till the soil where he and his family grow soybeans and corn. And the one his older brother drove to Tractor Day three years ago.

Myah Hoppert arrived bright and early in a John Deere 8300 that could practically drive itself to school at this point. The same tractor carried Hoppert’s two sisters and eight of their cousins to Airport High during past Tractor Days.

“Last day with all my friends,” said Hoppert, who plans to study nursing at Monroe County Community College next year.

Friday was “one final hurrah,” said Austin Neddo, who may hold the distinction of having the most vintage ride. He arrived in a restored 1940 Farmall A, a tractor once owned by Neddo's great-great-grandfather.

As class treasurer, Jocelyn Kleman helped organize Friday’s festivities, which she described as “our last recess.” She expected that 150 of the roughly 180 seniors were taking part in Tractor Day.

Kleman and two friends rode in on an off-road vehicle known as a “side-by-side.” She had looked forward to this day for four years, after, like other Airport students, only being able to watch the end-of-year revelry through classroom windows.

“You could just see how much fun the seniors are having,” said Kleman, who plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall. “What a nostalgic event this really is.

“And how much the seniors look forward to it each year.”

A Sherp N-1200 turns as a school bus passes during Tractor Day for graduating seniors at Airport High School Friday, May 22, 2026, in Carleton, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

A senior wears a class shirt during Tractor Day for graduating seniors at Airport High School Friday, May 22, 2026, in Carleton, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Liv Tilley, left, Chloie Lemke, right, ride in a front loader driven by Jonathan Tarczynski during Tractor Day for graduating seniors at Airport High School Friday, May 22, 2026, in Carleton, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Gavin McFadden arrives on his Ford 5000 tractor during Tractor Day for graduating seniors at Airport High School Friday, May 22, 2026, in Carleton, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Austin Neddo drives a 1940 Farmall A tractor with his father Shay during Tractor Day for graduating seniors at Airport High School Friday, May 22, 2026, in Carleton, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

NEW YORK (AP) — Everlane, the retailer that bucked the fast-fashion industry by promising affordable ethically sourced and sustainable clothing, is being acquired by the king of fast-fashion Shein, founded in China.

A letter to Everlane employees from CEO Alfred Chang confirming the deal was obtained by The Associated Press on Friday.

Everlane, based in San Francisco, didn't disclose a purchase price. Shein declined to comment. Everlane's majority owner L Catterton couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

Everlane was founded in 2011 by Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer with a mission to produce eco friendly and affordable clothing. The company publicized regular audits of its pay and working conditions, as well as the brand's environmental impact. The online retailer opened its first physical store in 2017.

But the company in recent years has been embroiled in controversies surrounding treatment of its workers, according to media reports.

Everlane, which was joined by other eco-friendly brands like Allbirds, also found that offering a more transparent look at its factories wasn't enough for consumers, according to independent retail analyst Bruce Winder. Winder said shoppers were also seeking more affordable prices, and “the novelty wore off.” He cited Allbirds. After sales of the once highly popular shoe tumbled, it rebranded itself “NewBird AI,” and is now focused on artificial intelligence and cloud-computing services.

L Catterton began acquiring significant stakes in Everlane in September 2020. becoming its majority owner. It also owns a significant stake in brands Boll & Branch, Etro and Birkenstock.

Preysman officially stepped down in 2022.

The online retailer Shein was founded in China in 2012 and become extremely popular with teens and young shoppers with $15 trendy dresses and sandals, A majority of items are mass produced and stitched together by workers in a web of factories in China. It has moved its headquarters in Singapore.

“Like many brands, we’ve faced increasing pressure in a rapidly changing retail landscape,” Chang wrote in the letter. “This partnership allows us to remain independent, and gives us the stability and resources to make a larger impact, without compromising on the quality and standards that make Everlane, Everlane.”

Chang, who became CEO in 2024, wrote that the deal will enable the business to invest more in its product, innovation and staff. He emphasized that Everlane will remain an independent brand, staying true to its “sustainability” commitments.

Chang said he will continue as CEO and its leadership will remain in place.

The takeover bid arrives at a time when Everlane is struggling. Sales are down and debt has mounted, according to Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. The company needs new ownership to survive, and Shein can provide that financial stability, he said.

Shein can establish a presence outside of fast fashion through Everlane, Saunders said, as growth within the industry becomes more difficult. Tariffs and other trade restrictions under the Trump administration have upended imports of the inexpensive clothing that dominates fast fashion.

Winder noted that Shein also has an opportunity to redefine its brand by creating a portfolio of eco-friendly brands like Everlane.

But Everlane and Shein are an odd couple, analysts noted.

Shein is unlikely to completely retool Everlane's supply network, Saunders said, but even being associated with the Shein group may be “somewhat jarring for core Everlane customers. ”

“Ultimately, the deal likely saves Everlane,” he said. “But that salvation comes at a price.”

Chang seemed to allude in his memo to some of the negative responses on social media when rumors of the deal were swirling, stating that the “past week has been a hard one. Seeing our company in the media, and in that light, was painful.”

FILE - Clothes by Chinese company Shein are seen in the BHV (Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville) department store, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)