Boys Basketball Districts-2026

Boys Basketball Districts-2026

by | Jun 13, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Districts-2026

Written Tuesday June 10th at 12:11 PM

The will be updated very often. I’ll have more information on future podcasts.

District 62 @ Goodrich

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Goodrich

Brandon

Lake Fenton

Linden

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Goodrich, 2. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 3. Pontiac, 4. Lake Fenton, 5. Linden, 6. Brandon.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: JJ Claudio-Pontiac

X FACTOR: Dominic Melaragni-Goodrich

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district to keep an eye on. Pontiac has a new coach in Dion Harris taking over the program. The Phoenix fell to arch rival Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the district finals at Sy Green Gym last season. The Fighting Irish will always be in the conversation when it comes to the district. There is a proven power in Goodrich who is in this district as well and has a legendary coach in Gary Barnes as well. The Martians won 19 games and their district as well last season. Lake Fenton won 14 games. Linden also won 14 games as well and has been improving each season. Brandon has struggled lately but they could improve as well. Overall Goodrich looks to be the favorite but Pontiac, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Lake Fenton, and Linden have solid chances.

 

District 60 @ Harper Woods Chandler Park

HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park

Detroit Edwin Denby Tech

Eastpointe

Detroit East English Village Prep

St. Clair Shores South Lake

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Edwin Denby Tech, 2. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 3. Eastpointe, 4. Detroit East English Village Prep, 5. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 6. Harper Woods.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Andre Cast-Harper Woods

X FACTOR: Delvon Dixson-Detroit Edwin Denby Tech

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district on paper. Harper Woods really struggled last season and it’s possible they could struggle this season despite having one of the top guards in Andre Cast coming back for Coach TaJuan Porter. St. Clair Shores South Lake won 13 games last season. Harper Woods Chandler Park was up and down winning 10 games last season for Coach Bobby Thompson. Detroit East English Village Prep was around 500 winning nine games last season. Detroit Edwin Denby won 15 games along with a district crown for Coach Kevin Woodmore. Eastpointe won 11 games for Coach Darius Wilson last season. The Tars could be the early favorite to win this district but never ever count the Cavaliers out by a second.

 

District 58 @ Detroit Old Redford

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Detroit Jalen Rose Academy

Detroit Lincoln King Academy

Detroit Old Redford

Hazel Park

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Old Redford, 2. Ferndale, 3. Hazel Park, 4. Ferndale University, 5. Detroit Lincoln King Academy, 6. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Drew Wilson-Detroit Old Redford

X FACTOR: Eden Vinyard-Ferndale

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a loaded district on paper. Ferndale is looking to have a bounce back after two early exits in the postseason after winning the Division Two State Crown under Coach and Athletic Director Juan Rickman. Detroit Old Redford won 19 games last season and has former Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield point guard Drew Wilson coming back for Coach Rashad Reeves. Ferndale University looks to be much improved as well and could be a factor for Coach Josh Nicks. Hazel Park won 13 games last season and has one of the top players in CJ Goff coming back for Coach Cecil Goff. Detroit Lincoln King was really competitive last season winning 13 games. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy won 10 games last season. Overall this district could be a two team between Detroit Old Redford and Ferndale but anyone in this district is capable of pulling an upset.

 

District 29 @ Troy Athens

TROY ATHENS

TROY

ROYAL OAK

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Warren Mott

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy Athens, 2. Royal Oak, 3. Troy, 4. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 5. Warren Mott.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: CJ Hairston- Royal Oak

X FACTOR: Caiden Hanburry-Troy Athens

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district on paper. The only difference is Berkley went south and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood enters into this district. Shout-out to Margaret (Troy Athens security lady) who is going to have to deal with this. Troy Athens won the district last season which included wins over Troy and Royal Oak. The Red Hawks could be poised to take the next step under second year coach Mitchell Vercellino. Royal Oak moved up to the Blue and could be a factor under Coach Aaron Smith. Troy looks to be the wildcard but knowing legendary Coach Gary Fralick he will have his team ready. Warren Mott really struggled last season. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood really struggled winning four games last season comes from Division Two. Overall the Red Hawks are the early favorite but Royal Oak and Troy are going to be factors as well.

 

District 28 @ Utica Eisenhower

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Romeo

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Rochester, 2. Adams, 3. Stoney Creek, 4. Utica Eisenhower, 5. Romeo, 6. Utica.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Cannon Flynn-Adams

X FACTOR: Logan Pleasant-Rochester

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district but could have some similarities to last season. Rochester has a ton of proven talent coming back along with a strong sub varsity program but the recent transfer of Max Muhl could change things for Coach Nick Evola however program strength is there. Adams has Cannon Flynn and a loaded and proven team for Coach Isiah Novak. Stoney Creek has a proven experienced team but they have a new coach in Marko Tomich taking over that has some questions. Romeo has some questions and has won two district games in the last six years under Coach Marvin Cushinberry. Utica Eisenhower should be improved and has home court for Coach Anthony Muscat. Utica should also be better despite really struggling for Coach David Hinkle last season. Overall it looks like it could be very similar to last season when looking at this district.

 

District 27 @ Lake Orion

LAKE ORION

AVONDALE

CLARKSTON

WATERFORD KETTERING

WATERFORD MOTT

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Avondale, 2. Clarkston, 3. Lake Orion, 4. Waterford Mott, 5. Waterford Kettering.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Nate Giacolone- Lake Orion

X FACTOR: JaKobe Louris-Avondale

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season except moving it north to Lake Orion. Waterford Mott won the district last season but they lost a ton of experience. The Corsairs have DaKari Stephens coming back for Coach Jeff Jayson. Waterford Kettering has a new coach in Rex Walters taking over the program but he will have a tough challenge ahead however the Captains will be much improved and is one of the favorites in the Gold. Clarkston will be in the conversation but they have some questions coming into the season. Lake Orion is guard heavy but the interior will be something to watch for Coach Jose Andrades. Avondale is loaded and with Max Muhl transferring to Auburn Hills it makes them a bit different for Coach Jaret Thomas. Interior play will be the key to watch in this district.

 

District 26 @ West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central

Lakeland

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. West Bloomfield, 3. Walled Lake Central, 4. Lakeland, 5. Walled Lake Northern.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mateen Cleaves Jr.-Orchard Lake St. Marys

X FACTOR: Curtis Britton-West Bloomfield

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very similar district to last season when Orchard Lake St. Marys ran away with the district crown on the black top in the Swamp. The Eaglets will be a different team but they are still loaded for Coach Todd Covert. West Bloomfield will need to defend if they want any chance to win this district and Coach Arnette Jordan knows that. Walled Lake Central will be really interesting. The Vikings won the Lakes Valley crown and 18 games for Coach Chuck Spolsky last season. Walled Lake Northern should be improved under Coach Ryan Negoshian. Lakeland has home court and should be solid for Coach Rob Thompson. Overall I don’t see anyone touching the Eaglets.

 

District 25 @ Oxford

OXFORD

Davison

Grand Blanc

Flint Kearsley

Holly

Lapeer

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison, 3. Oxford, 4. Flint Kearsley, 5. Lapeer, 6. Holly.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brennan Elling-Oxford

X FACTOR: Aiden Tipton-Flint Kearsley

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district. Flint Kearsley comes into this district which makes things very interesting after winning the Flint Metro League Stripes division crown last season for Coach Joe Cockran. Oxford has home court but lost a ton of proven talent from last season but knowing Coach Joe Fedorchik he’ll think of something. Grand Blanc is loaded with proven experience and players with Division One talent for Coach Doreace Martin. Davison looks to be solid as well especially after they struggled early but picked things up at the right time last season for Coach Mike Williams. Lapeer got better as the season rolled along last season for Coach Thomas Chittle. Holly struggled last season but they should be improved for Coach Steve DeHart. Overall this district looks like this is the Bobcats district to lose.

 

District 24 @ TBA

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

BERKLEY

Birmingham Brother Rice

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Brother Rice, 2. Bloomfield Hills, 3. Groves, 4. Seaholm, 5. Berkley, 6. Southfield Arts and Tech.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Greg Grays-Birmingham Brother Rice

X FACTOR: D’Ron Mason-Bloomfield Hills

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district but not like last season’s district where there was a ton of drama. Birmingham Brother Rice’s Greg Grays won the Warriors the district crown with his heroics against Groves on their home floor. Grays is back for Coach Ricky Palmer. Bloomfield Hills has the guards to win this district for Coach Brian Canfield. Seaholm is the most dangerous team in this district. The Maples improved as the season went along and are expected to take a big jump under Coach Spenser Adams. Groves looks to be the wildcard after losing a ton of experience for Coach Marc West last season. Southfield Arts and Tech is the great unknown and they don’t have a new coach yet. Berkley comes into this district with a new coach in James McCulloh and pretty low expectations. Overall until then this district is covered in orange and black.

 

District 23 @ Hamtramck

OAK PARK

Hamtramck

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

Warren Fitzgerald

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 2. Detroit Renaissance, 3. Hamtramck, 4. Warren Fitzgerald, 5. Detroit Mumford, 6. Oak Park.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Colin Langdon-Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit.

X FACTOR: Jayden Miller-Detroit Renaissance

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be a absolutely brutal district for Oak Park and Coach Durrand Sheppard. The Knights struggled last season and could again this season. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is loaded, Detroit Renaissance is loaded, Hamtramck is loaded, and Warren Fitzgerald is a proven powerhouse. The Cubs have a new coach after Pat Donnely was promoted to Athletic Director in the offseason. Detroit Mumford was up and down last season. Overall this is a brutal district, the early favorite has to be the Cubs followed by the Phoenix, Cosmos, then the Spartans. It’s going to be tough as mentioned for the Knights.

 

District 22 @ Livonia Stevenson

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Franklin

Livonia Stevenson

Redford Thurston

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington, 2. North Farmington, 3. Livonia Stevenson, 4. Livonia Churchill, 5. Livonia Franklin, 6. Redford Thurston.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Myles Smith-Farmington

X FACTOR: Jayden Glinz-North Farmington

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks really interesting on paper. Farmington won the district last season and is loaded again for Coach Byron Johnson. North Farmington wants to get back to where they belong and they are more than capable of doing that under Coach Todd Negoshian. Redford Thurston won 15 games but the schedule hurt them which was a big factor in their loss to Livonia Stevenson in the first round last season. Livonia Stevenson looks to be the wildcard. The Spartans were up and down last season and they have home court. Livonia Churchill won 10 games last season. Livonia Franklin won eight games last season which has been a improvement to what has happened to the Patriots in the past. Overall this district goes through the city of Farmington, maybe Livonia Stevenson but until then this district is either brown and yellow or dark blue and silver.

 

Boys Basketball Districts

https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2026-Districts

EGLE: $3.67 million for renewable energy projects

EGLE: $3.67 million for renewable energy projects

by | Jun 13, 2025 | Environmental

 
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2025
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, JohnstonJ14@Michigan.gov, 517-231-9304

EGLE announces $3.67 million in awards to support six communities hosting renewable energy projects

Latest Renewables Ready Communities Awards will support building enough utility-scale solar and battery storage to power nearly 850,000 Michigan households

LANSING, Michigan —Today, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced the newest round of Renewables Ready Communities Awards (RRCA) to support communities hosting solar power and battery storage projects that will generate enough clean energy to power more than 847,000 Michigan households and businesses.

“Through these awards, EGLE is pleased to support communities that are working toward Michigan’s healthy, sustainable, clean energy future,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “We look forward to the Renewables Ready Communities Awards program continuing to enable local governments to invest where they see needs in public safety, community services, and more.”

The RRCA program offers flexible funding to local governments for community improvements and additional services like road and bridge repairs, public safety, park enhancements, and building upgrades. This program incentivizes communities to host large-scale renewable energy projects such as wind, solar, and storage by providing awards that supplement existing tax revenue and community benefits.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s fiscal year 2024 budget included $30 million to fund the RRCA’s initial rounds, and EGLE is awaiting state legislative action to release another $129.1 million in funding the federal government issued in October 2024. Once legislative authorization is given, these funds, which require no state match, can be used to scale up the RRCA, launch a pilot to build renewable energy projects on brownfields, strengthen support for local governments through EGLE’s Renewable Energy Academy, support clean energy-related workforce development, and develop a comprehensive strategy to meet the state’s goal of 60% renewable energy by 2035.

So far, EGLE has awarded more than $24.2 million out of its initial $30 million budget allocation to 35 counties, cities, and townships across the state’s two peninsulas that are hosting enough for solar and battery storage projects to power more than 5 million households.

The newest awards

The current round of awards totals $3.67 million and supports six local units of government. Here are the awardees and the renewable energy projects for which they approved siting:

  • $1.67 million to Colfax Township in Huron County for the Century Oaks Storage battery project ($1 million) and the Huron County Silver Creek Solar project ($670,000).
  • $748,500 to Sands Township in Marquette County for the Superior Solar project.
  • $675,000 to Fayette Township in Hillsdale County for the Heartwood Solar project.
  • $297,500 to Johnstown Township in Barry County for the Spring Creek Solar project.
  • $245,000 to Quincy Township in Branch County for the Cold Creek Solar project.
  • $35,000 to Butler Township in Branch County for the Cold Creek Solar project.

Half of each award is disbursed upon the start of energy project construction, and the other half upon operation. Most of the projects are expected to begin operation in 2026.

Sands Township will use its award for upgrades to Strawberry Lake Park, a nature trail at Sands Township Park, and renovation to its office complex including a gathering space for community use.

“Sands Township is honored to receive a Renewables Ready Community Award in recognition of our support for the Superior Solar Project,” said Township Supervisor Darlene Walch. “The projects are consistent with Sands Township’s Master Plan, and this award offers a significant financial boost, enabling us to provide these improvements to our residents sooner than anticipated.”

In Quincy Township, Supervisor Kurt Barve said his community’s RRCA funds will go toward a new building for the township cemetery.

“Quincy Township is honored to have received the Renewables Ready Communities Award from EGLE,” he said. “These funds will make a major improvement for our cemetery operations.”

The RRCA’s first round was announced in October 2024, the second round in December 2024, the third round in January 2025, and the fourth round in April 2025.

Lee Township in Calhoun County received just over $4 million in the April round for approvals of the Sunfish Solar 1 and 2 projects. Jen Bomba, community development director for Calhoun County, said most of the township’s award will support roads during and after construction.

“The funding being made available through the RRCA program is essential in order for rural communities like Lee Township to properly support large-scale renewable energy developments,” Bomba said.

An interactive map on the RRCA webpage displays all the Michigan municipalities with renewable energy projects eligible for the RRCA. Information on the map includes project size, intended use of award funds, and a dashboard summarizing statistics about the award.

Deploying renewable energy at scale is essential to averting the worst impacts of climate change by meeting the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan goals. The RRCA is a key tool to meeting the 60% renewable energy, 100% clean energy, and 2,500 MW storage standards set under the state’s landmark 2023 clean energy laws. Clean energy resources like those supported with this program are helping Michigan achieve a diverse, affordable, and sustainable energy portfolio.

Ongoing funding opportunity

For more information, including eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and awardee obligations, visit EGLE’s RRCA webpage.
Summer Safety Tips to keep Animals Happy and Healthy

Summer Safety Tips to keep Animals Happy and Healthy

by | Jun 11, 2025 | Agriculture

bob new header
For immediate release: June 11, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Offers Summer Safety Tips to Help Owners Keep Their Animals Happy and Healthy

Make this summer paws-itively excellent for your pets and livestock by following a few easy tips

LANSING, Mich. — As Michiganders begin to enjoy the warmth of the summer season, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is sharing some of the best ways to keep animals healthy and safe.

“With the warm weather, more opportunities arise for travel, gatherings and outdoor activities. As we make these plans, it is important not to overlook the needs of our animals,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From ensuring they have proper identification and are fully vaccinated to making sure they are cool and comfortable, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe throughout the summer.”

Keep animals safe this summer by following these seven easy tips:

  • Travel Smart: Make sure animals have everything they need to travel safely

Be sure your animals have all the documentation, vaccinations, tests and treatments they need to reach their destination. Vaccinations are central to animals’ preventative care as the vaccines can protect them against common diseases, such as rabies, leptospirosis and distemper. Talk to your veterinarian to ensure your animals have everything they need to be ready to go! More information can also be found on MDARD’s Animal ID and Movement page and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website.

  •  Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean, fresh water

Just like people, animals can quickly get parched in hot temperatures. No matter the species, animals should have access to an abundant supply of cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration.

  • Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding animals people foods

While it may be tempting to toss your animals a few crispy nuggets from the grill, they cannot enjoy all the same foods and treats as we do. Salty, fatty, and/or highly seasoned foods (like chips, nuts and meat fat) can cause digestive upset. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to animals; and bones can cause injury and illness.

  • Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies

An animal’s age, breed, type of coat, and health history can all play a role in their ability to tolerate the heat. Keep an eye on them for signs of heat stress—like increased panting or drooling and being more lethargic. If they are showing these signs, it is time to immediately move them to a cooler area.

  • Look Before They Splash: Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water

HABs form due to a rapid growth of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, which are naturally found in lakes, rivers and ponds. To prevent illness in animals, keep them out of areas with scums or discolored water, rinse them off after contact with any lake water, and bring clean, fresh water for them to drink. If an animal becomes sick after contact with a suspected HAB, call your veterinarian right away.

Also, animal illness due to HABs is reportable to MDARD. To report cases, submit a Reportable Disease Form or call 800-292-3939. To report any suspicious looking algae, email algaebloom@michigan.gov.

  • Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification

With all the fun outdoor activities, it can be easy for animals to sneak away and become lost. Make sure they have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with your current contact information, ensuring a better chance they can be returned home.

  • Small Circle of Friends: Keep animals away from wildlife, ill animals and animals of unknown health status

Any animal, domestic or wild, has the potential to carry disease. Even if an animal looks healthy, it could still be ill and pass unwanted germs to your animals. Protect your animals by keeping them away from any unfamiliar creatures.

These tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy throughout the summer. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health now or throughout the year, please talk to your veterinarian.
DNR approves $3.8 million in grants for recreational boating

DNR approves $3.8 million in grants for recreational boating

by | Jun 10, 2025 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Boating access siteJune 10, 2025
Contact: Curt Wemple, 231-444-8029

DNR approves $3.8 million in grants for recreational boating improvements and development

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today $3.8 million in Waterways Grant Program funding to 12 communities throughout the state to boost recreational boating.

This year, projects in Alger, Baraga, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Huron, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason and Sanilac counties were approved for projects that include marina renovation, dock replacements, seawall improvements, fuel tank replacement and engineering studies.

“Michigan is surrounded by 20% of the world’s fresh water and defined by our lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastlines,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “There’s nothing more quintessentially Michigan than getting out on the water for a day fishing, boating or just having fun. These Waterways grants will open Michigan’s great outdoors to more Michigan families and make our state a better place to live, work and play. Let’s keep working together to protect Michigan’s treasured natural resources and pass them on to future generations.”

The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s Waterways Grant Program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state. Today, the system includes more than 1,200 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes.

“Michigan is home to great boating and fantastic freshwater recreation opportunities,” said Kristen Kosick, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “We have residents who live on the water, those who travel all over the state to boat and visitors who come here from around the world because it’s the Great Lakes State. Our beautiful state offers outdoor recreation opportunities and picturesque views not found anywhere else, so it’s critical that the DNR helps invest in and fund Michigan’s harbors and boating access sites for the benefit of all.”

Local units of government and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grant assistance for recreational boating improvements and development at grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites. The grant-in-aid program provides matching funding to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of required funds.

Visit the Waterways Program Grants webpage to see the full list of 2025 Waterways Grants/description of projects.

The grants are funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived primarily from boat registration fees and a portion of Michigan’s gas tax that supports the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.

The application period for the next round of Waterways Grant Program funding is due April 1, 2026.

Learn more about the grant program and application materials at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Boating: Boaters prepare for an afternoon on the water. Photo credit: Tyler Leipprandt and Michigan Sky Media LLC for the DNR.
Pizza with a purpose: 13th Annual Pizza Party fundraiser

Pizza with a purpose: 13th Annual Pizza Party fundraiser

by | Jun 10, 2025 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2025

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Pizza with a purpose: 13th Annual Pizza Party fundraiser to help foster youth achieve their college dreams coming to Capitol lawn

Savor a slice and support a scholar — June 18 event
aids college-bound foster youth

LANSING — A $10 lunch could help transform a young person’s future.

The 13th Annual Fostering Futures Scholarship Pizza Party will take place on the Michigan Capitol lawn on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy pizza, dessert, entertainment and a meaningful opportunity to support college-bound students who have experienced foster care.

Hosted by the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS) in partnership with the Treasury Black History Committee, this year’s event will also honor Juneteenth with a celebration of freedom, resilience and opportunity. All proceeds benefit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, which provides financial support to eligible students attending Michigan colleges and universities.

“For just $10, attendees get lunch and help fund educational opportunities for young people who often face incredible odds,” said Robin Lott, bureau director of Michigan’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “It’s a simple way to make a big impact.”

Rebecca Yager, a student at Delta College in Saginaw County, counts herself among the many foster youth whose lives have been transformed by Fostering Futures Scholarship. The Bay City Central High School graduate’s story is a testament to the power of education in shaping futures.

“Being awarded this scholarship has been life-changing,” Yager said. “It’s about more than financial support — it’s about knowing someone believes in your potential. I encourage everyone to donate, not just for the tax break but to give foster youth the opportunity to succeed.”

The scholarship fund, managed by the Michigan Department of Treasury and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), has supported hundreds of students like Yager, covering expenses such as tuition, housing and textbooks.

The Capitol lawn event will include live performances, guest speakers, community vendors, games, and raffle prizes. Attendees are encouraged to preregister online to ensure enough pizza is on hand.

Also returning is The Pillow Effect, a project of the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI), which will be collecting new standard pillows and pillowcases for youth entering foster care. Donations will benefit counties across Michigan, including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee.

In addition, in celebration of their 25th anniversary, Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) will match up to $25,529 of donations made to the Fostering Futures Scholarship.

Approximately 10,000 youth are currently in Michigan’s foster care system. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth enroll in college after high school, and only 3% earn a degree. The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, established in 2012, has raised more than $1.4 million through events and contributions.

Event sponsors are Hungry Howie’s, Park West Foundation, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Michigan College Access Network, LAFCU, Güd Marketing, Michigan First Credit Union, WKAR PBS, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, WLNS-TV 6, and MSU Federal Credit Union, with support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and MYOI.

Can’t attend, but want to make a difference?

Donate or register online using a credit card, or to make a donation by check, complete and submit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form along with a check made payable to the State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship.

Contributions made by Dec. 31 are eligible for a tax deduction on federal and state income tax forms in the year they are made. MET’s Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is an IRC Section 170(c) organization, making all donations tax deductible.

Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET is the state’s Section 529 prepaid tuition program that allows for the purchase of future college tuition credits based on today’s rates. MET, Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) and MI 529 Advisor Plan (MAP), Michigan’s three Section 529 college savings programs, offer Michigan taxpayers a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses.

More information about MET is available at SETwithMET.com or 800-MET-4-KID (800-638-4543). Additional information about the Fostering Futures Scholarship is available on MiLEAP’s website.