Program

Cocktail Hour
Welcome
Student-led Podcast
Dinner
2025 Melissa Butler Student of the Year
- Jayda Reynolds
2025 David Hecker Advocate of the Year
- Mariama Wurie
Fund the Mission
Card Game (50/50 Raffle)
2025 Honorees
- Senator Sarah Anthony
- Jackson National Life Insurance Company
Raffle Items Draw
Dessert

2025 Melissa Butler Student of the Year - Jayda Reynolds

About Jayda Reynolds

Jayda Reynolds is a dedicated junior at University High School in Ferndale Public Schools. Jayda is a shining example of resilience and leadership. She is truly an inspiration to all who know her and is proudly recognized as this year’s Melissa Butler Student of the Year.

Throughout the year, Jayda has met every challenge with strength, grace, and unwavering determination. She excels academically, serves on student council, and is a respected leader in her school community.

Her Student Support Coordinator, Gabrielle Gooden, along with the entire CIS of Michigan team, are incredibly proud of Jayda and the remarkable example she sets each and every day. She is a true champion for her peers, her school, and her future.

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.

2025 David Hecker Advocate of the Year - Mariama Wurie

About Marima Wurie

Mariama Wurie serves as the Family & Community Engagement Coordinator at Battle Creek Public Schools and is a steadfast advocate for students, families, and educators. A vital partner to Communities In Schools of Michigan, she acts as a bridge between the district and CIS, championing our work with the superintendent and school board while ensuring that Student Support Coordinators have the tools and backing they need to thrive.

Mariama is known for her responsiveness, leadership, and genuine care. She listens actively to the needs of CIS staff and takes meaningful steps to remove barriers for students—whether it’s facilitating urgent training, navigating district resources, or leveraging her network to bring additional supports into schools. Her efforts extend beyond advocacy; she builds community, cultivates belonging, and leads with heart.

Through initiatives like “One District, One Love,” Mariama continues to strengthen the connection between students and their schools. Her approachability, passion, and unwavering dedication make her a true community builder and a deserving recipient of the David Hecker Advocate of the Year award.

About David Hecker

David has advocated tirelessly for the students of Michigan through his work as CIS of Michigan Board Chair for the past 13 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.

2025 Leadership in Education Honoree - Senator Sarah Anthony

About Senator Anthony

Senator Sarah Anthony has dedicated her career to advancing equity and expanding opportunity for all Michiganders. With a steadfast commitment to Michigan’s children, she has been a powerful advocate for educational justice and access. Over the course of her 20-year career in public service, Senator Anthony has broken barriers and made history—becoming the first African American woman elected to represent mid-Michigan in both the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. In 2023, she achieved another historic milestone as the first Black woman to chair the influential Senate Appropriations Committee.

Her leadership has had a profound impact across the state. Senator Anthony played a pivotal role in securing public funding for Communities In Schools (CIS) of Michigan, enabling the organization to expand its reach to more schools, increase staff compensation, and support even more students on their path to success.

CIS of Michigan proudly honors Senator Sarah Anthony for her unwavering dedication and trailblazing service on behalf of Michigan’s students

2025 Leadership in Education Honoree - Jackson National Life Insurance Company

Jackson National Life Insurance Company

About Jackson

Jackson is deeply committed to making a lasting impact in the communities where its associates live and work—especially in the Lansing area. Through a strong culture of service, Jackson associates generously contribute their time, talents, and resources by volunteering, serving on boards, and supporting meaningful causes.

Dozens of Jackson employees have actively supported Communities In Schools (CIS) of Michigan through events such as the annual Lansing Backpack Giveaway, Literacy Days, and the Leadership in Education Dinner. Since 2020, Jackson has contributed over $125,000 to advance CIS of Michigan’s mission, helping ensure students across the state have the resources they need to thrive. CIS of Michigan is also honored to have Kirstyn Waldron, Jackson’s Corporate Philanthropy Manager, serve as a valued member of its Board of Directors.

In recognition of their unwavering partnership and dedication to student success, CIS of Michigan proudly honors Jackson for their outstanding contributions and commitment to community.

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.