Northeast Michigan JMG Youth Wins Prestigious Exemplary Youth of the Year Award!

Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium congratulates our outstanding Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG)  youth award winners! This recognition is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and leadership of the incredible youth in our region.

The JMG Exemplary Youth of the Year award is a very prestigious title. Selected from among the top Youth of the Year nominees, these individuals represent excellence in leadership, commitment, and achievement. Across all the JMG programs, only 10 youth are selected—out of over 4,500 JMG youth across the state. We are very proud to congratulate Abigale Brown (Cheboygan/Presque Isle) on winning a JMG Exemplary Youth of the Year award!

Meet Abigale Brown, JMG Exemplary Youth of the Year from Mackinaw City High School

Abigale Brown has always been a leader, balancing academics, athletics, and community service while navigating financial barriers to college. With her father working downstate as a police officer, she took on responsibilities at home, supporting her mother and younger sister. Seeking a smaller school environment, she commutes across the Mackinac Bridge daily to attend Mackinaw City High School, where she thrives. Wanting guidance on college and career planning, she joined Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) through Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium: Cheboygan and Presque Isle County Service Center. With the support of her JMG specialist, Jeanie Flory, Abigale strengthened her leadership skills, took charge of community service projects, and mentored her peers. As a two-year National Honor Society president and an active volunteer, she continuously set an example for others. She worked tirelessly to secure scholarships and was accepted into multiple colleges. Now preparing for her next chapter, she embodies perseverance and dedication. Abigale’s journey highlights the power of determination and the impact of JMG in helping youth achieve their dreams. Congratulations, Abigale, on being recognized as an Exemplary Youth of the Year at the 2025 Career Development Conference! We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited for the bright future ahead!

JMG Excellence in Leadership Award Four Northeast Michigan JMG youth received the JMG “Excellence in Youth Leadership” award. This program-level award honors active JMG participants who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the program and their educational and career goals. These youth lead by example and truly embody excellence within their programs. Congratulations to Rory Maciejewski (Alpena), Sam Hoesli (Crawford), Kylie Hickey (Montmorency/Oscoda), and Joshua Jones (Otsego/Montmorency).

Congrats, JMG Youth Career Advisor team! Your hard work and dedication to the youth you are serving is truly shining through. Keep up the amazing work!