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Tuesday, May 22, 2012
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Gem Theater in Detroit

Heroes at Sunrise, formerly Heroes Night, celebrates individuals, businesses and organizations whose community involvement and contributions have positively impacted the lives of children and families in Michigan. The honorees have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the welfare of the children of our state.

This year's event honored Heroes in High School Turnaround:

For Funder Leadership: The General Motors Foundation for their unprecedented $27 million investment in high school turnaround.

For Nonprofit Leadership: Mike Tenbusch - United Way for Southeastern Michigan

For School Leadership: The Cody and Osborn Small School Academy Principals

Heroes at Sunrise also provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of children’s issues within the business community and general public while raising funds to support the work of Michigan’s Children as the only statewide and independent voice in Michigan for children and families.

“Ensuring bright futures for Michigan’s children is a responsibility that expands beyond government and human service organizations. It is a role for everyone who cares about the future welfare of our state,” Mr. Kresnak said. “We invite everyone to join us in charting a course for change.”

Small School Academies on the Cody Campus
• Principal Johnathon Matthews, Academy of Public Leadership at Cody
• Principal Mary Kovari, Detroit Institute of Technology at Cody
• Principal Michelle Parker, Medicine and Community Health Academy at Cody
• Principal Charlene Mallory, Cody College Preparatory Upper School of Teaching and Learning
• Principal Lisa Robinson, Academy of Critical Thinkers at Cody

Small School Academies on the Osborn Campus
• Principal Calvin Patillo, Osborn College Preparatory Academy
• Principal Felicia Cook, Evergreen Academy of Alternative Energy and Design at Osborn
• Principal Tanya Bowman, Collegiate Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Osborn
• Principal Antionette Pearson, Osborn Upper School of Global Communications and Culture

Our Sponsors

Special thanks to The Phillip Wm. Fisher Fund and the MGM Grand Casino.

Link to Donation Page

GSRP Talking Points

The Governor has proposed an unprecedented increase in the state's public preschool program -- the Great Start Readiness Program -- for four-year-olds at-risk of being unprepared for school. Specifically, the Governor is asking for a $130 million increase in GSRP funding over the next two years, starting with a $65 million increase for fiscal year 2014. However, some legislators are questionning GSRP, specifically around who it serves, parental engagement, and Head Start. Check out our GSRP Q&A with legislators' frequently asked questions about the program.

Past Events

Michigan’s Children’s Heroes at Sunrise is an annual event that celebrates individuals and corporations who, through their involvement in the community, support children, families and our organization, Michigan’s Children. The concern, interest and actions of the honorees demonstrate their genuine commitment to the children of our state. Read more.

Since 2000, Michigan’s Children has held a special legislative recognition benefit called Much Ado About Something Wonderful. Each year this recognition event brings together the governmental affairs community and distinguished legislators who help us strive toward our vision of making Michigan the best state in America to be a child. Read more.

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