Madeline (Maddy) Stange, is working toward accomplishing her dream of owning her own bakery through hard work, determination, skills development, and the support of her JMG Specialist, Kim Benz. Maddy is a Jobs for Michigan’s Graduate (JMG) Alumna from Cadillac High School. Her story of setting goals and going after her future beyond imagination is inspiring to other youth in her JMG program.
Maddy’s love for baking was inspired by her grandmothers, who both worked in the food industry as Maddy was growing up. At the young age of 14, Maddy took on the challenge of starting her own baking business, Maddy Cakes, while attending high school full time. As a student and entrepreneur, Maddy demonstrated a love of learning and a level of commitment necessary to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Her drive extended outside of the classroom and into the community. She spent over 120 hours volunteering for various community projects including, reading to students and tutoring first graders at local elementary schools, and participating in Project Christmas and Breakfast with Santa. Spending her summers working at the Cadillac Farmers Market, greeting customers and selling her own custom cupcakes, helped build on the leadership skills she learned in the JMG program.
Maddy’s hard work is paying off! She received seven scholarships toward her college education, including a $1,000 JMG Scholarship awarded by Networks Northwest. This fall, Maddy plans to attend Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island to work toward bachelors degrees in Baking & Pastry Arts and Entrepreneurship.
July is National Culinary Arts Month and we are excited to highlight Maddy and look forward to following her journey of opening her own bakery.