Fall 2024

Improving Life Chances:

Leona Kickoff Celebration 

In the fast-paced world of education, it's easy to become immersed in the whirlwind of activity and excitement. At The Leona Group (TLG), we are dedicated to enthusiastically honoring and celebrating our team! This fall, we had the pleasure of hosting over 900 team members from 22 academies across the midwest at our first kickoff celebration since 2017. The day was designed to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by those in attendance and was celebrated through their display of school spirit, making for an unforgettable event. 

Held in beautiful downtown Detroit, The Huntington Place provided stunning views and space to host not only our main sessions but also an area for our vendors to set up, spaces to eat and rooms to host professional development sessions.

After breakfast, guests made their way through a vendor shop consisting of 30 different vendors, where they could meet various professionals, from insurance providers to curriculum resource companies and more.

Entering the main session held in the Grand Riverview Ballroom, the energy was electric. Schools flooded in with their spirit wear and cheers to represent their academy. Georgia Rodgers, chief executive officer, welcomed everyone, highlighting the soul of the work we do, the relationships we build and how we improve life chances for children. 

Mingcoria Minter, executive vice president, and Jean Chlebek, vice president of academics, emceed the event in tandem, highlighting awards and recognitions such as Service Milestones and Teacher Hall of Fame. We proudly acknowledged over 60 staff members wh previously attended an academy within our system of schools.

The hype squad, comprised of various TLG corporate employees, celebrated each school while highlighting great things happening within each building.

Paul Terry, risk manager, recognized the Love Helps initiative recipients, followed by Ashley Minter, social work support coordinator, and Georgia Rodgers, who presented the 2023-24 Making a Difference awardees.

Making a Difference Awardees 2024

After lunch, everyone attended one of the 20 professional development sessions offered. Whether you wanted to learn about cybersecurity, retirement planning, self-care and wellness or new learning strategies for the classroom, there was a session available to fit the interest and role of each attendee. Networking and comradery were found in each room, with like-minded people working together.

Once the break-out sessions concluded, everyone found their way back to the main ballroom, where schools got to show off their spirit again. Gifts were raffled and medals were presented for the school spirit award. César Chávez Academy Lower Elementary (CCALE) and Detroit Public Safety Academy (DPSA) shared third place receiving bronze medals for all team members. Academy for Business & Technology Middle High (ABTMH) and Saginaw Preparatory Academy (SPA) received silver medals, coming in at second place, and Mildred C. Wells Academy (MCWA) took home the gold, winning first place in our first-ever school spirit competition.

MCWA - First Place Winners!

As the day drew to a close, it was clear that this event was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to the incredible talent within our company and the soul of our work. At The Leona Group, we are not just co-workers; we are a family. Kickoff 2024 reminded us of the importance of our work, the importance of celebrating our people and it set the stage for a fulfilling school year ahead.

Watch the TLG Kickoff 2024 video below!

Kickoff Event Photo Gallery

Leona in the News!

Our school's featured in their local community news!

ABT M/H Says Good Morning

Academy for Business & Technology Middle/High says "Good Morning Detroit!" in multiple languages on WXYZ ABC Channel 7.


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CCA High Leads the Way

César Chávez Academy High sets their students up for success after graduation.


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ECUEA's Excellence in Academic Gains

East Chicago Urban Enterprise Academy is honored for their progress in improving student achievement, and was awarded nearly $117,000.


Read More from Indiana's Department of Education


Read More from Fordham Institute

JPA Says Good Morning

The Joy Prep Jaguars make their WXYZ ABC Channel 7 debut to say, "Good Morning Detroit"!


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Focus on Northridge

WNEM News 5 visits Northridge to hear about their approach and committment to excellence.


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PAE Says Good Morning

Start your day with a smile from Pontiac Academy for Excellence, as they say "Good Morning Detroit!" on WXYZ ABC Channel 7.


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Focus on SPA

Sit down with students and staff to hear what is so special about Saginaw Preparatory Academy.


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Celebrating Two Decades of Service in Saginaw

Saginaw Preparatory Academy celebrates 20 years of service with a parade!


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