During the last week of school, the Detroit Lions Academy held its 2021 virtual graduation for it’s graduating class. The ceremony included Detroit Lions players, past and present, who continue to show up in a major way for our students, as well as the Detroit Lions Charities Inspire Change team. There were tears from parents, students and Principal King, laughter, words of encouragement by the players, grateful students and more tears.
This year’s scholarships to 8th grade graduates mark the third year the Inspire Change program, funded by players, has granted scholarships to students. This year’s winners wrote compelling essays expressing examples of demonstrated leadership skills, improved grades, and why this scholarship is important. Four amazing students, Jamil Harper, Arianna Cantie, Jaubari Sutgrey and Ariyanna Williams received $5,000 promise scholarships to be redeemed upon graduation from a DPSCD high school, maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA. Three Runners Up, Jasmine Washington, Dae’Zhane Calvo and Tamia Howell each receive a $500 scholarship.
This past school year, the Detroit Lions stayed closer-than-normal to students, ensuring they remained inspired and motivated during this unprecedented time. The Lions’ players and philanthropic team remained committed to assisting with needs at the school and offering moral support to Principal King during one of the most difficult periods in recent history. The Detroit Lions also funded supports for homeless students and families in need. We thank our 2020 Champions of Education who are still proving they are champions each and every day. Go Lions!!
The Detroit Public Schools Foundation also raises funds and administers the Detroit College Promise (DCP) scholarship which was created by Dr. Nat Pernick to offset students’ education-related expenses, including tuition, books, housing, meal plans and/or technology essentials. The DCP scholarship program awards scholarships annually based upon the donations received for this program. We are almost at our goal of $85K with $11K more to go! Please help us and donate here.