Meet Salomon Shabani, Exemplary Youth of the Year from Waverly High School, a program of Capital Area Michigan Works!

Salomon Shabani’s journey is one of extraordinary perseverance, resilience, and hope. Originally from Africa, Salomon spent eight years living in a refugee camp before coming to the United States five years ago. After first settling in Pennsylvania, he relocated to Lansing during his senior year of high school in search of new opportunities. Instead, he faced overwhelming challenges—arriving with no support system beyond his father, limited financial resources, and the weight of adjusting to a completely new culture and language.

At the time, Salomon’s circumstances were incredibly difficult. A job opportunity that brought his family to Lansing fell through, leaving them without stable housing or income. With a strained relationship at home and no access to basic necessities, Salomon often found himself working long hours and even sleeping at his workplace just to get by. The stress of survival began to take a toll on every aspect of his life, including school. At one point, he shared that he was ready to give up.

Everything began to change when Salomon connected with Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) and his specialist, Chad Behl. What started as a simple check-in quickly became a turning point. Chad noticed Salomon was struggling and stepped in to provide not only guidance, but critical, life-changing support—helping him access housing, secure basic necessities like clothing and hygiene items, and navigate resources he didn’t know were available. With Peckham’s support, Salomon was able to find stable housing and begin focusing on his education again.

As his basic needs were met, Salomon began to rebuild his life. He secured his first job at Meijer, later transitioning to Kroger, and embraced every opportunity to grow through JMG. He participated in employer tours, career-readiness activities, and community service, consistently showing up with a willingness to learn and a determination to move forward. Even without reliable transportation, Salomon remained committed—once telling his specialist he would bike to work if that’s what it took.

Beyond his work ethic, Salomon’s character shines through in his interactions with others. Despite the hardships he has faced, he brings a positive spirit and a desire to see those around him succeed. JMG became more than a program, it became a place where he felt a sense of belonging during a time when he otherwise felt alone. Through these connections, he began to build confidence, develop social awareness, and envision a future for himself.

“Salomon shows up to everything he can and wants everyone around him to be happy,” Behl shared. “His perseverance is incredible—he’s overcome so much and continues to push forward every day.”

Today, Salomon is no longer defined by the instability he once faced. He has secured housing, gained employment experience, improved his attendance and academic performance, graduated high school, and most importantly, rediscovered a sense of purpose. He now looks ahead with optimism and determination, rather than the hopelessness that once weighed on him.

Salomon’s story is a powerful reflection of the impact of JMG—meeting students where they are, removing barriers, and helping them build a path toward a brighter future. 

Congratulations, Salomon, on being recognized as the South Central Michigan Exemplary Youth of the Year at the 2026 Career Development Conference! We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited for the bright future ahead!