Several Saginaw Public Schools students were recognized Tuesday, May 12, with the 2026 Turnaround Achievement Award, an honor celebrating students across Saginaw County who have demonstrated exceptional growth, resilience, and determination in overcoming personal or academic challenges.
Students honored from Saginaw Public Schools included:
Emarrion Stevens – Saginaw United High School
Emarrion Stevens – Saginaw Career Complex (SCC)
Mi'Angel UpChurch – Saginaw Middle School
Erin Crawford – Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy (SASA)
Mariana Myers – Success Academy
Ja'Varion Buford – Thompson Middle School
Emarrion Stevens was recognized by both Saginaw United High School and the Saginaw Career Complex for the progress he has made academically and personally over the past several years. Staff members noted his increased involvement in school activities, improved academic performance, confidence, and perseverance through challenges.
At Thompson Middle School, Ja'Varion Buford was recognized for becoming a straight-A student while maintaining perfect attendance and participating in both football and basketball.
Saginaw Middle School student Mi'Angel UpChurch was honored for dramatically improving her attendance, classroom performance, and overall attitude during the school year.
At SASA, Erin Crawford was recognized for overcoming early academic struggles while challenging herself through Advanced Placement coursework, dual enrollment opportunities, athletics, and career-focused studies through the Saginaw Career Complex Medical Academy.
Success Academy student Mariana Myers was honored for turning around both her attendance and academic mindset while developing a strong interest in criminal justice studies through SCC programming.
The Turnaround Achievement Award highlights the impact of perseverance, mentorship, support systems, and personal determination. Saginaw Public Schools congratulates all of the students recognized and celebrates the hard work that led to this achievement.