Muskegon youth earns statewide recognition for commitment to personal goals

People

Jun 1

Written By Staff

Iyanni Shyne | Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!

Students participating in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program through the West Michigan Works! Ascend program were recognized for leadership, career readiness and workforce development skills during Youth Solutions’ statewide Career Development Conference on April 30 at Saginaw Valley State University. Among the award winners is Muskegon County’s Iyanni Shyne, who was named one of only two statewide JMG Youth of the Year honorees in Michigan.

The annual conference brought together 170 students and 27 adults from across Michigan participating in the JMG program to compete in 52 career-focused individual and team events designed to strengthen skills such as interviewing, communication, problem-solving and teamwork. The conference concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing competition winners as well as statewide Youth and Alumni of the Year, Exemplary Youth of the Year recipients and Notable Alumni honorees. Students were nominated by their JMG specialists for leadership, achievement and dedication to personal growth.

Shyne of Muskegon County was named a statewide JMG Youth of the Year, one of only two participants across Michigan to receive the prestigious recognition. The award honors active JMG participants who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the program and their personal goals.

After graduating high school without a clear direction for her future, Iyanni Shyne connected with the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program through West Michigan Works! in Muskegon, an opportunity that helped transform her confidence, career goals and leadership skills. Through JMG, she discovered an interest in marketing during a summer work experience focused on digital engagement and website development, which inspired her to enroll at Muskegon Community College as a first-generation college student pursuing a marketing degree. Now a Dean’s List student, Iyanni has also stepped into leadership roles within JMG, helping plan events, create marketing materials and mentor peers. Once hesitant to speak publicly or try new things, she now confidently leads meetings and presentations while working toward her goal of becoming a digital marketing manager.

“I was someone who felt lost, unworthy and lonely, but through finding hope and community in JMG, I was able to realize that I am worthy and that I’m not alone,” Shyne said. “This award is bigger than me. It represents how important this program is in so many of our communities and the support it provides to young people trying to find their path.”

Skye Hess of the Allegan County Service Center was recognized as a JMG Exemplary Youth of the Year, an honor awarded to 10 outstanding participants – one from each of Michigan’s Prosperity Regions. The West Michigan Prosperity Alliance includes Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola and Ottawa counties.

Additional West Michigan students received JMG Excellence in Youth Leadership awards, recognizing participants who demonstrate strong commitment to the program and their educational and career goals. Recipients included:

Aiden Playter, Montcalm County Service Center
Alex Dominguez, Ottawa County Service Center
Ja’Niya Morgan-Smith, Kent County Service Center
Jacey Darrow, Ionia County Service Center
Michaela Godbey, Barry County Service Center

“We are committed to helping young people build confidence, develop career readiness skills and connect to meaningful educational and employment opportunities,” said Chad Patton, Director of Development and Innovation, West Michigan Works!. “Watching these young people step outside their comfort zones and earn recognition at the state level is incredibly rewarding.”

JMG is the flagship program of Youth Solutions, a nonprofit organization focused on ensuring every young person in Michigan has access to career-connected learning opportunities and graduates with a plan for postsecondary success.

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