Young was nominated for the award by Detroit Merit’s CIS Site Coordinator Melissa Trevino for the crucial and essential support she provided throughout the year. Trevino called Young her “right-hand woman” in supporting students with basic needs, connecting families with community resources, and encouraging attendance.
Through these connections, Young has built bonds with students and families, having ensured they receive a caring and loving experience at Detroit Merit. The care Young has for her students extends beyond school walls, and she even attended a funeral to support a student experiencing a loss.
Young also helped keep students warm during the cold winter months. After noticing students without winter gloves, she asked Trevino about securing mittens. After she purchased gloves from a thrift sale, Trevino formed a connection with a local church who donated leftover materials and shared they’d be eager to donate again in the future.
“She’s trying to meet the family where they are, understand their needs, and then be a bridge to whatever support they need,” Trevino said. “I know I could not do my job without her. She plays such an essential role here in our school. The kids and families love her. She truly goes above and beyond.”
For Young, the recognition feels nice, but she said knowing the impact she makes is the most gratifying.
“Knowing I make a difference for these families makes me overly happy,” Young said. “I’m proud and I’m grateful that I’m able to be of assistance to that magnitude. For me, it’s a divine alignment: being in the right place at the right time.”
Young and Trevino attended CIS Michigan’s “Shoot for the Stars” annual Leadership in Education Dinner where Young accepted her award. The honor, named after David Hecker, included a special presentation from Hecker himself.
The night was even sweeter for Young when the organization called her ticket as the winner of a 50/50 raffle. The win made a memorable night absolutely unforgettable.
Thanks to Young’s efforts and Trevino’s partnership, Detroit Merit students can focus on learning while the school’s loving, caring, and supportive staff make sure they have what they need to succeed.
“She goes above and beyond in every way possible,” Trevino said of Young. “I know she’s not doing it to be recognized because a lot of these things people wouldn’t know about unless you’re up close and personal. I wanted her to be recognized and know how much we appreciate her.”
Keep up the great work, Ms. Young! You’re truly making a difference for Detroit Merit students and families!
About Detroit Merit Charter Academy
Detroit Merit Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Detroit, 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.
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