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Student Leaders

Proudly sponsored by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, learn about students at all grade levels who put their passions to work, and go “above & beyond” to serve their school, peers and community in surprising ways.

For these two student leaders, it’s all about promoting cultural awareness

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Forest Hills Eastern junior Harpreet Kaur and her brother, eighth-grader Angad Singh, are breaking down stereotypes by sharing their culture.

Enjoying her senior — and only — year at this high school

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Senior Ivy Baker says the best way to enjoy high school, whether there for one year or four, is to be involved.

Budding birder brings energy, passion to job tending school’s bird feeders

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

A Breton Downs Elementary student takes great pride in managing the school’s bird feeders.

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

Sparta Riley Kelley

As part of a national advisory team, this Sparta senior is steering the future editorial direction of PBS student programming.

Friend, athlete, advocate uses abilities to help others

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Wyoming High School senior Gabe Craig isn’t interested in talking about himself, but others know why he deserves the Discover Ability Award.

On state council, junior hopes to ‘make school better for every individual’

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

East Grand Rapids High School junior Taj Osborne has been appointed to the Michigan Department of Education’s Student Advisory Council.

Fifth–grader demonstrates school pride in presentation

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Savanna Barry wanted to encourage her peers to have school pride, so the fifth-grader took it upon herself to spread the message.

Sophomore proves to herself and others: ‘I can do anything’

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

Lee High School sophomore Autumn Johnson succeeds on the track and in the classroom.

Competitor to coach, senior reflects on Odyssey of the Mind

Thornapple Kellogg Alexis Stark

Senior Shelby Robinett recalls her time as an Odyssey of the Mind competitor and the lessons learned while a student coach.

As a female Eagle Scout, trailblazer devotes her project to women

Kentwood Erin Albanese

This East Kentwood student leader is one of the first two Black female Eagle Scouts in Michigan — and she’s dedicated her service project to the girls.

Her motto of ‘always work hard’ leads to early graduation

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Early graduate Andrea Ronzon Contreras plans to join the U.S. Air Force with the goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.

A plan for positivity: This senior is sharing the love

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Symone Gray is instrumental in leading Key Club, color guard and celebrations at Wyoming High School.

A voice for others, he inspires and educates

Lowell Erin Albanese

“When people say I overcome these disadvantages, they are not innate disadvantages within me,” he says, “they are disadvantages placed on me by the world.”