Our 2026 Winning Futures Scholarship Celebration was a reminder of what can happen when students are surrounded by people who believe in them.
Held at Club Venetian in Madison Heights, the annual event brought together students, families, mentors, educators, donors, and community partners to celebrate perseverance, growth, and achievement. Throughout the evening, one message stood out: success is rarely achieved alone.
“Every scholarship recipient, graduate, and mentor we recognize tonight represents the extraordinary impact that can happen when young people are surrounded by adults who believe in them,” said Kristina Marshall, President and CEO of Winning Futures. “Our students have worked incredibly hard to overcome challenges, pursue their goals, and create opportunities for themselves. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and grateful to the mentors, donors, schools, and community partners who help make these success stories possible.”
Investing in Students’ Futures
During the celebration, we awarded a total of $61,000 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education and career training opportunities.
We also announced $50,000 in emergency funds available to our students who are attending college, trade school, or an apprenticeship. The emergency fund helps students overcome unexpected financial challenges while they pursue a degree, certificate, or credential.
Nine graduating high school students and six continuing education students, all in our Workforce Prep Mentoring Program, received the 2026 Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship. Each received a $4,000 award to support their educational journey:
- Luvana Begum, Wayne State University, Warren Mott High School
- Cristian Carattini, Pontiac Academy for Excellence
- Mitchell Childs, Pontiac Academy for Excellence
- Mary Khamoro, Community High School
- Giovanni Lewis, University of Michigan, Cass Technical High School
- Christina Miller, Harper Woods High School
- Jessica Murphy, Wayne State University, Harper Woods High School
- Brianna Reaves, Cass Technical High School
- Sarah Sabur, Cass Technical High School
- Noelle Smith, Michigan State University, Cass Technical High School
- Hayden Taylor, Communication & Media Arts High School
- Tiffany Tran, Michigan State University, Warren Mott High School
- Justin Webb, Communication & Media Arts High School
- Lina Yousef, Oakland University, Community High School
- Mardiya Zubair, Warren Mott High School
Sarah Sabur also received the $1,000 Melvin Akins Memorial Scholarship.
Established by Kevin and Lauren Sutton in memory of Winning Futures alumnus Melvin Akins, the scholarship recognizes students who embody Melvin’s positive attitude, determination, resilience, and commitment to overcoming challenges while pursuing their goals.
Celebrating Continuing Education Graduates
We also recognized our students who completed degrees, certificates, or similar credentials. Their accomplishments serve as powerful examples for younger students currently participating in the program and demonstrate what is possible when determination is combined with guidance and support.
Graduates honored during the event included:
- Nazifa Kadir, University of Michigan, Cass Technical High School
- Laila Mohammed, Wayne State University, Cass Technical High School
- Shanaz Munni, Wayne State University, Warren Mott High School
- Hussam Omairat, Oakland University, Warren Mott High School
- Hiro Pleasant, University of Michigan, Mumford High School
- Jayla Sanders, Tennessee State University, Cass Technical High School
- Sha’Niya Simmons, Wayne State University, Cass Technical High School
- Khamani Thomas, Tuskegee University, Cass Technical High School
Honoring Mentoring Champions
Our student’s success is made possible by hundreds of volunteer Career Mentors who generously invest their time, experience, and encouragement. Their willingness to show up consistently, listen, encourage, and guide students has helped shape countless futures.
Fifteen-Year Mentor Anniversary Honoree
- Amanda Rymsizewski, Province
Ten-Year Mentor Anniversary Honoree
- Valencia White, International UAW
Five-Year Mentor Anniversary Honorees
- Charles Ellias, Charles Michael Designs
- Sarah Gregory, Detroit Regional Partnership
- Brian Harris, NanoXplore Inc.
- Ashley Johnson, Black Innovation Alliance
- Matt Joshua, E-MAD LLC
- Ashley Mabbitt, McLaren Health Plan
- Michael McBride, Fiat Chrysler
- Angela Oleksiak, Samaritas
- Ashely Parker-Ozier, Plante Moran
- Paloma Shah, Deloitte
- Tomika Snodgrass, Confident Heart Coach
- Ashley Steele, Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Recognizing an Outstanding Educational Partner
Veda Thomas, College and Career Coordinator at Pontiac Academy for Excellence, received our Educator Impact Award.
For 13 years, Thomas has been a dedicated advocate for students and a valued partner in helping us deliver meaningful experiences that prepare young people for future success. Her commitment has helped countless students access opportunities, build confidence, and pursue their goals.
The Power of One Caring Adult
Every student recognized during the Scholarship Celebration has a unique story. Some are first-generation college students. Some have overcome significant obstacles. Some discovered career paths they had never previously considered. What many of them have in common is the support of a volunteer Career Mentor who helped them believe they could achieve more than they imagined.
That is the heart of what we do.
As the evening concluded, the accomplishments celebrated were impressive. But perhaps even more inspiring were the possibilities that lie ahead for every student whose journey is just beginning.
Learn more about our Workforce Prep Mentoring Program and being a volunteer Career Mentor.