The official announcement that Debbie Reeves and Keri Levack have been named the winners of National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) Administrators of Excellence Award marks a long-awaited milestone for the Achieve Charter Academy family. After several years of being finalists, the duo finally received the news they had been waiting for, a moment that felt like a crowning achievement after years of shared dedication.
As Debbie humorously put it, "We’re now finally the brides and not the bridesmaids anymore".
Principal Rachael Moore, who has watched their commitment for years, noted that the entire school community is thrilled. "Everybody here, parents and staff, adore them.”
The Face of Achieve Charter Academy
As the face of Achieve, these two women have set the tone for the building since they helped open its doors in 2009 after moving together from Canton Charter Academy. Principal Moore believes their influence is foundational.
"We always say when people walk in, they set the tone of what that building looks like right from the get-go."
This welcoming atmosphere is a deliberate choice.
"If we can start off their morning in a good positive way, then hopefully the rest of their day will go that way," Keri explained. “Even if a student walks in grumpy, we try to turn that around right away.”
A Partnership Built on Balance
Their partnership is defined by an extraordinary longevity that spans 17 years, a bond that has evolved from a professional collaboration into a deep, essential friendship. Their relationship has reached a point of intuitive synergy where they can easily pick up where the other leaves off.
"I would not be here if it wasn't for Deb," Keri Levack shared, emphasizing the depth of their connection. "We have a really good working relationship as well as a friendship".
They attribute their success to a deep understanding of one another's needs. "Because we've worked together for so long, we know when each other are struggling and we kind of jump in to help," Keri noted. "And then we can vent to each other later too".
Going Above and Beyond
This balance is reflected in the staggering 98–99% satisfaction scores their department receives on parent surveys year after year. Their philosophy is rooted in their own experiences as parents at Canton Charter.
"We treat (parents) the way we would want to be treated when we walk in anywhere," Debbie explained. "We've been on both sides of it as a parent and then as an employee".
Beyond administrative duties, they have been affectionately deemed the moms of the school. They use simple gestures, like a basket of chocolate, to build bridges with the faculty.
"That's how we bribe them to come into the office and have a little chat," Keri joked. Debbie added that it provides a necessary comfort zone for a staff that she feels a kinship towards, or may be new.
Community Cheerleaders
They are also the community's biggest cheerleaders, frequently attending local sporting events. For them, it’s about being a part of the students' lives. Keri, a former track athlete herself, finds joy in being present for those who might not have a parent in the stands.
"I remember when teachers would come to a track meet, it meant something," Keri recalled. "You wanted to do really well or your best because you knew they were there.”
A Lasting Legacy
As they look back on nearly two decades, they are proud of the institutional knowledge they provide. While Principal Moore jokes that "if nobody knows, Debbie and Keri know," the duo stays humble.
"Or we could fake it really good," Keri quipped. “Though, I admit, if we don't know the answer, we try to find the answer.”
Ultimately, Debbie hopes their legacy is defined by the human connections they made. She wants to be remembered as being "consistent, kind, and caring".
As Keri put it, “It is such a great reward seeing former ‘stinkers’ grow up into good citizens and adults.”
"We're trying to be different," Debbie said. "Sometimes secretaries get a bad rap. I remember growing up and not necessarily loving to come down to the office. I hope we are remembered for our kindness.”
Together, Debbie Reeves and Keri Levack have created a culture of excellence and warmth that has become the heartbeat of Achieve, proving that a great school starts with the people at the front door.
Congratulations Keri and Debbi on your well-earned win!
About Achieve Charter Academy
Achieve Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Canton, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Achieve Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.