Spring/Summer 2023
Honoring a Legendary Leader
Leona Celebrates the Life of Dr. Coats
The life of our founder and CEO Dr. Bill Coats, was well celebrated with a beautiful mix of Leona employees, his family members, colleagues, friends and students.

We were reminded of how he brought people together and cultivated relationships through the reflections from people in Dr. Coats' life. Student performances enhanced the celebration as we experienced songs performed by The Leona Group Choir, comprised of over sixty students from seven Leona schools, a violin sectional, dance routines and a drum line showcase.

Please enjoy the videos linked below, and many thanks to those who attended and celebrated the life and legacy of our legendary leader!
Special Thanks
Reflections

Lawrence Garcia
Dan Quisenberry
Juan Martinez Ph.D.
Thomas Goodley
Alma Donnelly
Kris Geeraerts
Cody Lown
Ronald Booth
Dave Meloche
Wendy Willis 
Carmen Willingham
Kate Scheid Weber
Michele Kaye
Performance Coordination

Arthur Ray
Gloria Bailey
Carmen Willingham
Damona Reed
Latrisha Corona
Joel Johnson
Crystal Mills
Melanie Burgos
Letanya Dandridge
Prentis Jackson
Maria Pia Bucco
Andrew Wright
Courtney Jackson
Malik Jackson
Spirit of Leona
On Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023, the Spirit of Leona Award was presented to seven seniors during a celebration at the corporate office. Spirit of Leona honors students who exemplify the ideals and values of The Leona Group. The award seeks to recognize students who have, despite obstacles, persevered and demonstrated outstanding character and determination in their lives and during their time at school. Congratulations to our 2023 recipients! We are excited to see all that they will accomplish in the future.
Making a Difference
On Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023, we also celebrated our Making a Difference Award recipients. School leaders had the opportunity to nominate one staff member, either instructional or non-instructional, who goes above and beyond to improve life chances. These honorees create positive relationships with young people which help them take control of their future. We are proud to have you in our schools and thank you for all you have done to positively impact thousands of students over the years. Congratulations to our 2022-2023 Making a Difference Award recipients!
Teacher Hall of Fame
On Thursday, May 11th, 2023, school leaders and corporate staff gathered to honor 24 teachers inducted into The Leona Group Teacher Hall of Fame. School leaders, assistant leaders and instructional coaches are asked to submit nominations monthly. These nominations are based on the school leadership teams' observations within their classroom and throughout their school. It is up to them to honor a teacher that they feel embodies the spirit of their school's mission and they are featured in a company-wide newsletter each month. Congratulations to the class of 2022-2023 Teacher Hall of Fame inductees! Thank you for everything you do to improve life chances for all our students.
Hope of Detroit Academy Students on the capitol steps getting ready for CDAC - Lansing, MI
George Crockett Academy dance team before their performance at the capitol - Lansing, MI
Charter Day
at the Capitol
Another highlight this year included Charter Day at the Capitol (CDAC) hosted by MAPSA on May 10, 2023 during Charter Schools Week. This event brings together various charter school leaders, educators, students, parents, board members, and advocates to stand up and celebrate why we love our charter schools. Providing a direct connection to the decision-makers in our state, CDAC gives us the platform to showcase why we are passionate about the charter school movement.

Hope of Detroit Academy was featured as a showcase school demonstrating all things STEAM-focused. George Crockett Academy's dance team performed a beautiful routine. These schools, alongside the numerous others around us, showed everyone why it is so important to have charter schools as an option for quality education in our various communities.
Leona in the News!
Our school's featured in their local community news!
SPA Team Volunteers at East Side Soup Kitchen
The Saginaw Preparatory Academy team volunteered in the community by dedicating their time during the holiday season to the East Side Soup Kitchen.
SAFE Student Receives
'Black History Makers of Today' Scholarship
Student, Keenan Nichols, from Smith Academy for Excellence (SAFE) in Fort Wayne, IN receives McDonald's 'Black History Makers of Today' Scholarship that invests in future leaders. Congratulations!
GCA Students Break Barriers and Build Relationships with Officers in the Community
George Crockett Academy (GCA) students take part in the Core City CrossFit Kids program and participate in the Detroit Police Chief's Walk a Mile Wednesday.
CCAUE Violinists on
PBS News Hour
César Chávez Upper Elementary Students embrace opportunities at school through a partnership with the Sphinx Organization in an effort to diversify classical music.
CCA High School Scholar Recognized for Achievements
Agustin Garcia Lopez, graduating from César Chávez Academy High School (CCAHS) was recognized by WXYZ's 2023 Brightest and Best as well as being selected as the Senior of the Year by the Detroit College Access Network (DCAN).
EMU Hosts Exclusive Event at DPSA Featuring U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) hosted an exclusive panel discussion at Detroit Public Safety Academy with panelists from the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security as well as over 140 students in attendance.
How has The Leona Group impacted you?