Melissa Butler Student of the Year 2024

O’Laya Rodgers, Madison High School

O'Laya was the first student to show interest in the Student Voices for Healthy Choices (SVHC) program at Madison High School. For this future pediatrician nurse, the words "health" and "student voice" naturally resonated with her. Due to cancer, O’Laya missed her Junior year. She's been back to school since last Fall and is doing her best, despite the pain, despite trips to the hospital, to catch up on her credits, and her journey as a high schooler. The focus has been to empower O'Laya to engage in various non-academic programs - in parallel to the credit recovery program - offered by the school and CIS of Michigan. She's part of the WOT (Women of Tomorrow) program, the mentoring program between MHS and Madison Elementary School, the SVHC program, and the newly-formed BeKindToYourMind 4H Club. She is a voice for herself, her peers, and the community when discussing the limits to health access. She's always ready to help. She'll always check up on you, be it staff or students, and ask you how you're feeling. She's the perfect mentor for the elementary kids at MES. To quote O'Laya when she applied for the mentoring program, "I would be a great mentor because I will always be someone to count on for everything". And she means it! 

O'Laya represented her school at the onsite training at Oakland University facilitated by NYLC last November. It comes so naturally for her to help out. At school, if she crosses the path of a peer who seems down or upset, she checks on them. She even checks on educators, asking recently the very busy district nurse if she was ok. Her kindness, empathy, and tenacity earned her the Student of the Year title.

About Melissa Butler

Melissa Butler was an incredible CIS of Michigan Student Support Coordinator from August 2019 until her passing in October 2021. During her time with CIS of Michigan, Melissa left a lasting legacy that centered on recognizing and supporting the potential of every student she encountered. Melissa inspired all those around her, including her Battle Creek colleagues (family) and every student she served at Verona Elementary School. 

Melissa brought people together - whether through beautification projects for her school or by ensuring her case-managed students had access to caring adults through onsite mentoring programs, reading buddies, tutoring support, or attendance incentives through her relationship with the local McDonald's. Melissa was a true champion for students, and she used community partnerships and resources to build hope and allow students to see success on their terms.

Since her passing, Communities In Schools of Michigan established the Melissa Butler Student of the Year award to honor her memory and commitment to the students she served and loved. In her memory, please consider a donation to fightEHE.org or the American Cancer Society

 David Hecker Advocate of the Year 2024

Jessica Wallace, Ferndale Public Schools

After a heartfelt nomination by CIS Student Support Coordinator Myles Green, Communities In Schools of Michigan has named Jessica Wallace as the recipient of the David Hecker Advocate of the Year Award.

“Having had the privilege of knowing Jessie for the past two years, her impact has become increasingly evident over time,” said Green. “A champion for children, Jessie exemplifies the ethos of being #allinforkids. Her dedication transcends the confines of her role, as she tirelessly extends herself to support the students within our school community.”

Jessie has pioneered initiatives that stretch far beyond her position, demonstrating a rare commitment to fostering a positive educational environment. From conceptualizing inclusive events to uniting school staff, families, and students, Jessie’s efforts resonate deeply within the community.

Countless hours are dedicated to meticulously planning and executing engaging events that enrich the lives of students and their families. Jessie’s innate ability to forge meaningful connections is unparalleled, earning her the title of relationship-building virtuoso. Beyond supporting students academically, she extends her care to encompass their families, siblings, and broader support networks.

In the realm of education, Jessie’s impact is undeniable. She embodies the spirit of the “David Hecker Advocate of the Year” award, redefining advocacy through her unconventional yet profoundly effective approach. She is a beacon of inspiration within the Ferndale High School community. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of students make her a deserving recipient of Advocate of the Year.

About David Hecker

David has advocated tirelessly for the students of Michigan through his work as CIS of Michigan Board Chair for the past 12 years, and as President of AFT-Michigan for 20+ years. David's work to support Michigan's kids is inspiring, and as a retirement gift from his "day job," the CIS Board honored him with the naming of this award. We will continue to honor his work with every new honoree and winner of the David Hecker Advocate of the Year award.

Communities In Schools of Michigan Honoree of the Year 2024

The Skillman Foundation

The Skillman Foundation is a grantmaking organization established in 1960 by Rose Skillman. They support youth and their advocates to transform the education system to meet the needs and aspirations of Detroit youth. Across its history, the Foundation has granted out more than $750 million and has served as a vocal advocate to strengthen K-12 education, afterschool programming, child-centered neighborhoods, youth and community leadership, and racial equity and justice. The Skillman Foundation invests in people and policy. They support Detroit youth, educators, and community members to influence education policy and systems change. 

The Skillman Foundation enacts racial equity within their practices and pursues the understanding and advancement of racial justice to change the odds for Detroit youth. They define racial equity as a level playing field for Black, Brown, and all people of color within current systems and structures. They define racial justice as shifting power to those most negatively impacted so that they may redesign systems and structures to benefit all.  

About the CIS of Michigan Honoree of the Year Award

Each year, Communities In Schools of Michigan chooses an Honoree of the Year who demonstrates their dedication to supporting Michigan's schools and children to shine a light and recognize the pivotal role individuals play in shaping the future of our communities. Their commitment must transcend mere advocacy; and embody a profound belief in the transformative power of education. Honoring them serves not only as acknowledgment of their remarkable contributions but also as a beacon of hope, reminding us of a person's profound impact in building a brighter tomorrow for our children.

Special Performance - 2023 Miss Michigan

Maya Schuhknecht

Career Ambition: To use my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design as a creative within the sports industry, where I can make active steps towards becoming an Art Director and empowering other women in sports!

Platform: Art For All

Talent: Speed Painting / "Salute"

Interesting Facts: The arts are not only important but a necessity in life. The arts provide a creative outlet for people, allowing them to express themselves, process their emotions, and even heal from trauma. It is my personal mission to educate and advocate for the arts across the state of Michigan.

Student Performance - The Poetry Girls

The Poetry Girls

The Poetry Girls began as an after-school enrichment at Burton Glen Charter Academy. Facilitated by Student Support Coordinator, Dezha Peterson, Dezha Peterson, the Poetry Girls have been able to build skills such as teamwork, empathy, communication, and compassion. Dezha is a writer for FlintSide and has traveled throughout the United States performing original spoken word poetry for over ten years. She has been able to share her talent with the students while teaching them valuable skills. Each week, sessions are led by writing prompts and students are able to freely write. These students have worked very hard to put their thoughts into writing. They are gifted, and outspoken, and they appreciate this opportunity to share their talents and be heard.