Spring/Summer 2025

Through multiple celebration initiatives, we honor the remarkable dedication and achievements of our students who embody educational excellence every day. This spring, in addition to our annual Spirit of Leona ceremony, we introduced a new opportunity for student recognition. Leona's Rising Stars has taken place throughout the school year and celebrates elementary and middle school students who demonstrate kindness, courage and leadership in their schools!


Read more below about each of these recognitions and join us as we congratulate these incredible individuals!

The April 30th Spirit of Leona celebration brought together student recipients, school leaders, mentors and corporate staff for a luncheon full of inspiration and recognition.


The recipients embodied Leona's spirit with their perseverance, compassion, motivation and resilient character. The ceremony offered a platform for these students to share the story they have lived and the one they are continuing to write as they graduate with bright futures ahead.


Congratulations to the 2025 Spirit of Leona recipients!

The Leona's Rising Stars award celebrates kindergarten through eighth grade students who embody kindness, courage and leadership in their daily lives. These exceptional young people serve as positive role models, using their natural leadership abilities and strong relationships to inspire meaningful change within their schools and communities.


Each Rising Star receives a personalized celebration designed by their school to honor their unique contributions. From intimate breakfast gatherings with classmates to spirited all-school assemblies, these celebrations reflect the individual impact each student has made. We are incredibly proud of these remarkable young leaders and the positive influence they bring to everyone around them.


Ka'marieyah Newsome


Northridge Academy


Resilient, Diligent, Empathetic


Carlo Bruner



Hope of Detroit Academy Elementary


Humble, Kind, Optimistic


Zurina Ortiz


Hope of Detroit Academy Middle/High


Dedicated, Inspiring, Educated


Sapphire Wright


Pontiac Academy for Excellence


Resilient, Kindhearted, Outgoing

Celestino Garcia


Saginaw Preparatory Academy


Compassionate, Selfless, Responsible

Abraham Aguilar


César Chávez Academy Middle


Resilient, Compassionate, Inspiring

Kaleela Aubrie Anderson


Discovery Academy


Compassionate, Patient, Intelligent


Tan Rutherford


Joy Preparatory Academy


Brave, Determined, Intelligent


Sa'Riyah Henderson


Francis Reh Academy


Thoughtful, Hardworking, Innovative

Matt Jones


Mildred C. Wells Academy


Humility, Perseverance, Positivity

Aqeel Salahuddin-Williams


East Chicago Urban Enterprise Academy


 Inspiring, Dedicated, Respectful

Lakshmi Marte Angustia


César Chávez Academy Upper Elementary


Resilient, Motivated, Compassionate

Daria Coleman


Academy for Business & Technology Middle/High


Respectful, Responsible, Kind

Natalia Vega Valdez


César Chávez Academy Lower Elementary


Honest, Hardworking, Compassionate

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