Hazel Park Promise Zone Celebrates Decade of Helping Students Succeed in College
(Crystal A. Proxmire, March 13, 2023)
Hazel Park, MI – Hazel Park Schools were one of Michigan’s first Promise Zones, an experiment in providing funding for college and resources for college success. It began in 2012, and was celebrated in style on March 6 with a fundraising gala at Regency Banquet Center in Southfield.
Congressperson Haley Stevens was the keynote speaker for the event. Prior to this year, Hazel Park was not in her district, and she said she was looking forward to learning more about the program and taking the info back to Washington DC. “I get, on occasion, the bird’s eye view as your member of Congress. Tomorrow I return to Washington. Tomorrow I return for the Education and Labor Committee markups, where we’re talking about how we can best educate our students. We’re going to talk about this work all of you are a part of. And I thank you sincerely for allowing me to return to the nation’s capitol on your behalf, to brag about who you are, and what this program is.”
Also gracing the stage was a panel of Hazel Park graduates who have each found happiness in the adult world after receiving both scholarships and counseling in the Promise Zone Program.
Cheick Ndiaye is a sophomore at Michigan State where he’s studying economics. Because of the Promise Zone he’s been able to focus on the work of being a student. “I’ve been involved in a lot of activities,” he said. “I strive to grow mentally, physically, and ethically. Investing in the Promise Zone is investing in the future.”
Brittany Perrault is a 2017 Hazel Park graduate who is now a kindergarten teacher at Farmington Public Schools. “I think about how I was supported, and couldn’t have done this without Promise Zone,” she said.
Veronica Stachurski used her scholarship to help toward becoming a Civil Rights Attorney.
Ryan Drew is now a computer programmer after graduating HPHS in 2017 and attending the University of Michigan.
Haley Beverline earned the prestigious Challenge Fellowship at Smithgroup where she works as an architect. “I love my job, it’s pretty awesome,” she said.
Lugh Frank is a machinist at Williams International who is grateful that the Promise Zone supports a multitude of professions, including skilled trades. “My parents picked Hazel Park because they knew about the Promise Zone,” he said.
The fact that students living in the HP district, within the city, get two years of education paid for is a selling point that attracts residents like the Frank family. While the School District and the City of Hazel Park are distinct entities, each with their own elected board, the two work together to make the program a success.
And none of the stories would be the same without the volunteers and donors. City Manager Ed Klobucher introduced fundraising extraordinaire Linda Murado Yono, who is his Executive Assistant.
Yono was honored with the William C. Hitchock Award for her efforts. “Ever since Linda joined my office seven years ago she has helped raise money for the Promise Zone and volunteered to help with Promise Zone events. Calling Linda a master fundraiser is an understatement. In fact, I’m sure many of you are here tonight because you got a call from Linda.”
Klobucher explained that Yono immigrated to the US with her family when she was only three years old, and was the first in her family to graduate college, earning an associates in mental health, plus both a bachelors and a masters degree in social work. “How much did Linda take in tonight in ticket sales and sponsorships?” he said. “Over $39,000.”
Moussa Traore is the Acting Executive Director of the Promise Zone program, where he started out as a counselor helping students navigate the challenges of picking a school, applying for admission, seeking out scholarships and other opportunities, and simply being there for the students to have a positive role model, and someone who cares.
He spoke about the 10 year history of the program and how it’s grown. In the 2020-21 school year, 473 students were impacted by he program, and over $94,000 in scholarships. 72% of students were able to go on to college with the help of the Promise Zone.
To learn more about the HP Promise Zone, including how to donate, visit https://hazelparkpromise.org
For more things to do, visit the Oakland County Times Event Page!
To submit event info email editor@oc115.com .
Thank you to Jim Shaffer & Associates Realtors for sponsoring this section!