Celebrating Excellence: Honoring Our 2025 JMG Award Winners at the Youth Solutions’ Annual Summer Summit

A highlight of our annual Summer Summit professional development conference was the inspirational awards ceremony, where we honored exceptional Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialists, managers, and network leaders and partners. Together, we celebrate remarkable program achievements from across the state. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as we proudly announced the award winners, giving them the well-deserved recognition for their outstanding contributions.

JAG Six Key Performance Metrics Award Winners

The Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) 6-of-6 National Award is awarded to JAG affiliate programs who have met or surpassed performance standards in six critical areas— graduation rates, employment, full-time placement, positive outcomes, and post-secondary enrollment for students.

These programs have proven they are dedicated to ensuring young people succeed in education and have a path toward family sustaining employment.

For the third year in a row, Youth Solutions led the state of Michigan in achieving the six key performance metrics in all three program models: Multi-Year, Alternative Education, and Out-of-School! 

Regional Winners

All programs in the following regions meeting or exceeding all six of JAG’s key performance metrics criteria.

Affiliate	Program Type
Michigan Works! Region 7B	Out-of-School
Capital Area Michigan Works!	Out-of-School
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation	Multi-Year, Out-of-School
Eau Claire High School	Multi-Year
Northview Next Career Center	Alternative Education
GST Michigan Works!	Multi-Year, Out-of-School
Marquette-Alger Technical Middle College	Out-of-School
Michigan Works! Southeast	Out-of-School
Michigan Works! Southwest	Out-of-School
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium	Out-of-School
Networks Northwest	Alternative Education, Out-of-School, College Success
Oakland Michigan Works!	Out-of-School
SEMCA Michigan Works!	Out-of-School
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!	Out-of-School
West Michigan Works!	Out-of-School
Youth Solutions	Multi-Year

Specialist & Program Winners

Individual programs who meet or exceed all six of JAG’s key performance metrics criteria.

Alternative Programs:

• Nick Smith, Northview Next Career Center

• Josh Todd, Networks Northwest, East Jordan High School, Central Lake High School, Beaver Island Community School

• Lisa Baldyga, Networks Northwest, Northwest Education Services Career Tech Center

• Marc Svatora, Networks Northwest Pellston High School, Harbor Springs High School, Alanson High School

• Cathy Schanski, Petoskey High School, 

• LeAnne Bush, Networks Northwest, Wexford-Missaukee Career Tech Center

• Kim Benz, Networks Northwest, Wexford-Missaukee Career Tech Center

  
  

Multi-Year Programs:

• Anita Graham, Cody High School, a program of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

• LaChelle Williams, Osborn High School, a program of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

• Carolyn Miller, Pershing High School, a program of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

• Anita Jones, Eau Claire High School

• Hunter Morrison, Vassar High School, a program of GST Michigan Works! 

• Corey Sterling, Benton Harbor High School, a program of Youth Solutions

• Jocelynne Braddock, Hartford High School, a program of Youth Solutions

Out of School Programs:

• Ammie Webb, Ogemaw Heights High School, a program of Michigan Works! Region 7B

• Charron Basey, Lansing School District, a program of Capital Area Michigan Works!

• Daynan Brown, Peckham - Eaton County,  a program of Capital Area Michigan Works!

• Reginald Williams, Detroit Youth at Work, a program of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

• Dominque Clay, Flint Service Center, a program of GST Michigan Works!

• Shemeca Thompson, Flint Service Center, a program of GST Michigan Works!

• Rosie Teodosio, Flint Service Center, a program of GST Michigan Works!

• Meredith Harris, Family Literacy Center, a program of GST Michigan Works!

• Joe Davis, Family Literacy Center, a program of GST Michigan Works!

• Torrie DelValle, GST Michigan Works! Owosso Service Center

• John Dickerson, Hillsdale Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! Southeast

• Michael Cain, Jackson Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! Southeast

• Jen Hoffmeyer, Livingston Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! Southeast

• Claire Destrampe, Washtenaw Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! Southeast

• Mya Schulz & Australia Smith, Calhoun County Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! Southwest

• Katie McCuen, Rachel Spalvieri-Kruse, & Chelsie Taylor, Kalamazoo County, a program of Michigan Works! Southwest

• Ann Walker, Mason County Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! West Central

• Jessica Lundy, Mecosta County Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! West Central

• Angela VanSyckle, Newaygo County Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! West Central

• Jeanie Flory, Cheboygan and Presque Isle Counties’ Service Centers, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium 

• Erin O’Rourke, Crawford County Service Center, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium 

• Kim Benz, Cadillac Innovation High School, a program of Networks Northwest

• Beth Michaels, Waterford County Service Center, a program of Oakland Michigan Works! 

• Jessica Chamseddine, Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, a program of SEMCA Michigan Works!

• Susan Jewell, Luce County Service Center, a program of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! 

• AnnaLisa Tapia, Montcalm County Service Center, a program of West Michigan Works!

• Christine Zeeryp & Jorden Couture, Ottawa County Service Center, a program of West Michigan Works!

• Haley Rhoades, Marquette-Alger Technical Middle College, a program of Marquette-Alger RESA

  
  

College Success Programs:

• Lisa Baldyga, Networks Northwest, Northwestern Michigan College

Recognition of JAG High Performers

Recognized by JAG for having a positive impact on a JAG affiliate.

This year, Youth Solutions selected a few key partners who have impacted JMG beyond the program level, and will leave a lasting impact on JMG regionally or statewide. This year’s High Performer Award winners were also recognized at the recent JAG National Training Seminar (NTS) in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Tracy Tanner, Peckham Inc/Capital Area Michigan Works!

• Daynan Brown, Peckham Inc/Capital Area Michigan Works!

• Michigan Works! Association

JAG Outstanding Specialist of the Year Awards

Recognized for all-around excellence, consistently delivering on the mission and offering best-in-class programs. 

Each year, JAG National invites state affiliates to nominate up to three Outstanding Specialist award winners. Throughout the year, specialists from across the state are nominated by their managers and peers, and three awardees are selected. Congratulations to our three JAG Outstanding Specialists:

• Josh Todd, Networks Northwest 

• Trena Williams-Winston, West Michigan Works! 

• Heather Bates, West Michigan Works!

Outstanding Manager of the Year

The Outstanding Manager of the Year award is given to one JMG Manager each year who exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional leader. An outstanding JMG Manager not only demonstrates dedication, but also motivates, supports, and inspires their team, helping them through their daily work, and allowing them to do what they do best - providing Michigan’s youth the support and experiences that prepare them for their futures. Our Outstanding Manager of the Year was awarded to:

• Ashley Udell, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

  
  

Rising Star Awards

This award is to recognize first year specialists who have performed at an exceptional level, taking initiative, rising to the challenge of being a new specialist and excelling in their role. Five Rising Stars were recognized this year:

• Bethany Stoddart, Peckham, Inc.

• Chad Behl, Peckham Inc/Capital Area Michigan Works! 

• Danielle Corcoran, Networks Northwest

• Ben Leverette, West Michigan Works!

• Mya Schulz, Michigan Works! Southwest

Living Our Values Awards 

Each year, we recognize members of our JMG network who embody our organizational values in their everyday lives: transformational, authentic, inspirational, advocate, and convener. We award specialists specific to each value. Below are the award winners for each category. 

Transformational

Recipients of the Transformational Value Award are recognized for their commitment to creating lasting, positive change in the lives of Michigan’s youth — helping them grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. This year, we were pleased to honor five members of our JMG network for their outstanding transformational efforts:

• Carrie Blanchard, GST Michigan Works! 

• Hollie Papist, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

• Erin O’Rourke, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

• Rachel Spalvieri-Kruse, Michigan Works! Southwest

• Chelsie Taylor, Michigan Works! Southwest

  
  

Authentic

Recipients of the Authentic Value Award are recognized for the honesty, vulnerability, and trust they bring to their work — fostering real relationships and making a meaningful impact on Michigan’s youth. This year, we were pleased to honor the following five leaders for embodying authenticity:

• Ann Walker, Michigan Works! West Central

• Claire DesTrampe, Michigan Works! Southeast

• Steven Lopez, Capital Area Michigan Works! 

• Ammie Webb, Michigan Works! Region 7B

• Kristy Schaefer, Michigan Works! Region 7B

  
  

Inspirational

Recipients of the Inspirational Value Award are recognized for their passion and ability to challenge others to think bigger — igniting hope and possibility for Michigan’s youth. Congratulations to our inspirational winners who are always striving for more:

• Brooke Clancy, Oakland County Michigan Works!

• Elizabeth Curry, Peckham Inc/Capital Area Michigan Works! 

• Vanessa Wolgamott, Michigan Works! West Central

• SaTanna Warren, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Southwest Michigan

• Jocelynne Braddock, Youth Solutions 

  
  

Advocates

Recipients of the Advocates Value Award are recognized for their courageous advocacy and commitment to expanding opportunities and building a brighter future for Michigan’s youth. To those who always find a way to make it happen — congratulations to our five outstanding advocate winners:

• Sandra Gray, Michigan Works! Region 7B

• Sarah Britton, Peckham, Inc.

• Kim Benz, Networks Northwest

• Seth Gruenberg, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

• Jessica Lundy, Michigan Works! West Central

Conveners

Recipients of the Conveners Value Award are recognized for their ability to bring people together, build strong partnerships, and align efforts that create greater opportunities for Michigan’s youth. Congratulations to our five outstanding conveners:

• Heidi Cate, Integrity Educational Services

• Haley Rhoades, Marquette-Alger RESA

• Beth Michaels, Oakland County Michigan Works! 

• Benika Longmire, Muskegon High School

• Victoria Cameron, Michigan Works! West Central

ADDITIONAL AWARDS

As Youth Solutions and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates continue to grow, so does our tradition of recognizing excellence. This year, we’re proud to honor both returning and newly introduced awards that celebrate the outstanding individuals and teams whose unique contributions empower JMG programs and the youth we serve.

JMG JAGForce Jedi Award

This is being awarded to individuals that demonstrated excellence through data. The Force is strong in these ones! Congratulations to our JMG JAGForce Jedi Award winner:

• Haley Rhoades, Marquette-Alger RESA

• Nick Smith, Northview Next Career Center

 JMG Team of Teams Award

This team has demonstrated that in addition to being agile leaders within their own programs, they also step up to support each other in a multitude of ways to support the goal of positively impacting the youth in their community.  Congratulations to our JMG Team of Teams Award winner:

• Capital Area Michigan Works! Featuring Peckham Inc & Lansing School District

JMG Community Service

The JMG Community Service Award celebrates programs that exemplify the true spirit of service—going far beyond expectations to create lasting impact. These honorees have inspired change, uplifted their communities, and led with compassion and purpose.  Congratulations to our JMG JMG Community Service Award winners: 

• Hartford High School- Jocelynne Braddock 

• Crawford County- Erin O’Rourke

• Marquette Alger Technical Middle College- Chris Canchola and Haley Rhoades

JMG Team MVP

This award is given to a teammate who has gone above and beyond to support their team’s success and impact on youth — demonstrating resilience, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, even in the face of challenges. Congratulations to our JMG Team MVP winner:

• Reginald Williams, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

Guiding Light Award

This award honors managers who drive program excellence and mentor new specialists. Congratulations to our Guiding Light Award winners:

• Julie Moore, West Michigan Works! 

• Kristyn Nichelson, Michigan Works! Southeast

JMG Influencer Award

This award recognizes those individuals who utilize social media for good by celebrating their youth and sharing the JMG story. Congratulations JMG Influencer Award winners:

• Charron Basey, Lansing School District/Capital Area Michigan Works!  

• Josh Todd, Networks Northwest 

• Daynan Brown, Peckham Inc/Capital Area Michigan Works! 

• Kim Benz, Networks Northwest 

• John Dickerson, Michigan Works! Southeast

JMG Statewide Impact Award

This award recognizes network leaders and partners whose efforts have created a statewide impact, furthering the mission of JMG. Congratulations to our JMG Statewide Impact Award Winner:

• Michigan Works! Association

JMG Transformational Partner Award

This award recognizes network leaders and partners who have made a meaningful regional impact by advancing the mission of JMG. Congratulations to our JMG Transformational Partner Award Winners:

• Laura Percival, MiSTEM Northeast

• Mike Smith, UP Construction Council

  
  

We couldn't be prouder of each and every one of our JMG partners and the incredible things they continue to achieve. To see more highlights from the Summer Summit, follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Follow our Youth Solutions Facebook page as well!