June 13, 2024

The first cohort of the Saginaw Academy of Excellence (SAE) program, a dual enrollment partnership with Saginaw Public Schools and Delta College, has set the standard high, earning 597 college credits.

“Our SAE students are a joy to work with,” says Dorian Phelps, Downtown Saginaw coordinator. “This program has been a beautiful journey – and, as with all journeys there have been many successful pathways and others where we’ve needed to pause, reconsider, re-tool and reroute. Of the utmost importance is to listen to what our SAE students are telling us and to be responsive to their needs.”

In honor of the first cohort of high school students leaving the SAE program, a celebration was held at the Delta College Downtown Saginaw Center on Wednesday, June 12. Family, friends and educators attended the event and shared reflections of their journeys.

“To quote Nelson Mandela, ‘It always seems impossible, until it’s done,’” shared Dr. Ramont Roberts, superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools. “As you begin your journeys and encounter new challenges, remember that saying and make us proud.”

Eli’sha Thomas, an Arthur Hill graduate, plans to attend Michigan Technology University in the fall to pursue a degree in cybersecurity. He’s grateful for the communication and study skills he had the opportunity to develop and shared that his experience with SAE has been wonderful. For future SAE students, he says, “Get ready for late nights. Get ready to study. Get ready to learn.”

Tamariay Skinner, a Saginaw High graduate, plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall to pursue a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology / biotechnology. She credits her experience with SAE for realizing her interest in biochemistry and moving her career path. For future SAE students, she says, “It may be a lot of work at first, but it pays off in the end. Don’t wait until the last minute to work on assignments and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Congratulations, Class of 2024! We wish you all the best in your continued educational journeys.

Barron Abby – Saginaw High
Siena Asiala – SASA
Leaira Benton – Saginaw High
Justin Bryant-Hughes – Arthur Hill
Raegan Byrd – Arthur Hill
Dontae Cole, Jr. – Arthur Hill
Alexander Curry – SASA
Diego Delgado – Arthur Hill
Aidan Deters – Arthur Hill
Catasha Frazier – Arthur Hill
Britney Henderson – Saginaw High
Jeremiah Huffman – Saginaw High
LaDonna Jones – Saginaw High
La'Niya Jones – SASA
Unmun Kaur – SASA
Marcello Ledesma – Arthur Hill
Violet Mersy-Frank – SASA 
Isabella Miller – SASA
Serenity Montgomery – Saginaw High   
Mallory Peavey – Arthur Hill    
Isabella Robles – SASA
Victoria Schanck – SASA
Eli'sha Thomas – Arthur Hill
Nicholas Thomas ­– Saginaw High
Brooke Toshach – SASA
Tayonna Wilson – Saginaw High