The 22nd Annual Winning Futures Award Celebration brought together nearly 300 students, educators, mentors, and program sponsors earlier this month. The annual event honors outstanding mentors and presents scholarship awards to students from across southeast Michigan. Since its founding in 1994, Winning Futures has impacted over 40,000 students and awarded $1.7 million in scholarships.
19 students from Detroit’s Cass Technical High School, Harper Woods High School, Madison High School, Pontiac Academy for Excellence, Warren’s Community High School and Warren Mott High School were awarded scholarships totaling $27,500 for continuing education. The finalists were chosen based on essays submitted and interviews conducted by business and community leaders.
Underclassman were recognized with Luminary Awards at Cornerstone Health + Technology, Madison High School, and Pontiac Academy for Excellence for having perfect attendance and a positive attitude during the program.
The Partner of the Year Award was presented to Greg Kelser, Detroit Pistons’ broadcaster. Each summer Winning Futures partners with Kelser to facilitate a free basketball camp for 100 Detroit youth at Cass Technical High School. The camp serves young athletes off the court and in the classroom with a curriculum that focuses on goal setting, positive attitude, and team work.
The Sam Cupp Impact Award was presented to Frank Venegas, Jr. from Ideal Group for his dedication to the community and his business. Venegas’ companies are headquartered in Southwest Detroit and employs almost 500 people. Similar to Sam Cupp, founder of Winning Futures, Venegas is passionate about working with youth and providing access to education opportunities, internships, and mentoring programs.
The Winning Futures Mentor of the Year Award is presented to volunteers from the programs’ multiple mentoring sites to honor their commitment to mentoring and the difference they make in the lives of those they mentor. As mentors, they are helping students set goals, reach their potential, and discover their strengths. They also encourage academic achievement, career aspirations, and positive choices.
The 2016 Winning Futures Mentors of the Year are:
- James E. Lee, MassMutual Michigan Metro
- Imelda Trevino-Ingman, General Motors
- David Hamilton, Hamilton Chevrolet
- Julie Owens, U.S. District Court
- Carmelita Bambrick, McNaughton-McKay Electric Company
- John Opie, FCA
- Robyn Carroll, Wayne County
“These seven individuals have made a powerful, positive impact on young people through their role as mentors,” said Ken Elkins, COO of Winning Futures. “We are proud to honor them for their ongoing dedication to volunteerism and building a stronger community.”
The Winning Futures Award Celebration was held on June 6, 2016, at Club Venetian in Madison Heights. The event was sponsored by FCA Foundation, Extra Credit Union, Lear Corporation and Lusk & Albertson.
To see more pictures from the event please visit: http://goo.gl/photos/pi57HKY6W82QZeCz6