Non-essential offices will be closed on Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday. Regular hours will resume on Monday, April 6.
Public Works crews will begin collecting remaining leaves from the 2025 leaf season starting Monday, April 6 in Zone A. Crews will continue through Zones B and C as time, weather, and workloads allow.
Published on January 27, 2026
On January 26, 2026, the City Commission recognized nine extraordinary students for their achievements and leadership toward racial and social justice. The Social Justice Youth Awards are given annually as part of Kalamazoo’s celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These young leaders exemplify Dr. King’s values through their community service and volunteerism.
The awards are presented by each of the program’s sponsors: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Consumers Energy, Fifth Third Bank, Kalamazoo Non-Violent Opponents of War, Life EMS, Lodge-Dennis, Schupan & Sons, and the Douglass Community Association. Additionally, one award is sponsored by the City of Kalamazoo and presented by Dr. Lewis Walker, a trailblazer for the progression of racial equity in Kalamazoo.
A recording of the awards presentation is available on the City of Kalamazoo’s YouTube Channel.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients! Read about their accomplishments below (listed in order of presentation):
Award presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Iota Sigma Omega
Sharlee Atkinson, a senior at Kalamazoo Central High School, exemplifies youth leadership rooted in service, equity, and community care. As Executive Chair of the Ivylettes, she leads initiatives addressing real community needs, including childcare support for families seeking employment, food distribution efforts, and violence-prevention programming. Sharlee also mentors peers through the Giant Leader Program, builds financial empowerment skills through the Greenleaf Trust Financial Literacy Program, and serves as captain of the school’s cheerleading team. A lifetime member of the Kalamazoo NAACP, Sharlee uses her voice to uplift young people through civic engagement, faith-based service, senior outreach, and community events, demonstrating the powerful role youth play in advancing social justice.
Award presented by Consumers Energy
Dontray Hemphill Jr. is a dedicated advocate for restorative youth justice and community wellbeing in Kalamazoo. Through leadership roles with Bent Not Broken and five years as a Youth Juvenile Justice Fellow with the Lewis Walker Institute, Dontray works to support youth navigating the legal system and promote second chances. His commitment to justice extends beyond advocacy; he volunteers with unhoused residents and helps beautify neighborhoods by caring for vacant properties. Previously recognized with the Dr. Charles Warfield Youth Community Service Award, Dontray continues to lead with compassion and purpose, helping build a more just and vibrant community.
Award presented by Douglass Community Association
Kewan Greene-Hemphill is an intelligent, selfless leader whose academic excellence and community service set a powerful example. A student at Kalamazoo Central High School with a 3.94 GPA, Kewan is active in organizations including Bent Not Broken, Inner City Youth for Change, and Juvenile Justice Fellows, where he volunteers multiple times each week as a tutor. His passion for service extends globally, most notably during a transformative service trip to Tanzania, where volunteering at a school and orphanage deepened his commitment to empathy and justice. A member of the National Honor Society, Kewan plans to pursue a degree in business and continue using his leadership to uplift others
Award presented by Fifth Third Bank
Yadhira Sandoval is a compassionate leader who uses her talents to foster inclusion, mentorship, and cultural pride. Through her work with El Concilio, she mentors elementary students in afterschool programs, providing academic support and encouragement. A dedicated member of Ballet Folklórico, Yadhira helps preserve and celebrate Latinx cultural traditions, while remaining actively involved at Loy Norrix High School through Key Club, Latinx Club, Link Crew, and the Varsity Cheer Team. Her commitment to service, cultural representation, and peer leadership embodies the spirit of social justice and community empowerment.
Award presented by Kalamazoo Non-Violent Opponents of War (KNOW)
Miley Garcia has contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours serving organizations such as the Red Cross, El Concilio, Boys & Girls Club, Girls on the Run, and Jeter’s Leaders. A student at Loy Norrix High School, she is also active in Key Club, Green School, Link Crew, and the Latinx Club, while mentoring younger students across multiple school districts. Through El Concilio and Latinas with a Purpose, Miley tutors children and fosters inclusive spaces for students of all backgrounds. Her leadership includes addressing gender inequality and sexual assault awareness, challenging assumptions, and advocating for equality locally and nationally.
Award presented by Life EMS
Rinzel Arroyo is a compassionate leader dedicated to advancing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity. A student at both Vicksburg High School and the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center, Rinzel co-leads the Multicultural Student Organization, creating safe, welcoming spaces for dialogue and cultural exchange. A talented violist with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra, he uses music as a tool for community connection, including performing at local MLK celebrations. Rinzel also serves as an event and outreach coordinator for HOSA, organizing fundraisers and distributing first aid kits throughout the community. Through research, service, and leadership, Rinzel demonstrates a deep commitment to equity and empowerment.
Award presented by Lodge-Dennis
Savannah Robert is a tireless advocate for equity, student voice, and civic engagement at Loy Norrix High School. As president of the Class of 2026 and co-chair of the Student Senate, she works to improve the student experience and mentor younger leaders. Savannah is also president of the National Honor Society, a founder of Students Demand Action at Loy Norrix, and a leader with Inner City Youth for Change. Her leadership spans diversity initiatives at KAMSC, the Black Student Union, Michigan Youth in Government, and numerous service organizations. Savannah’s passion for justice and fearless advocacy exemplify youth leadership at its strongest.
Award presented by Schupan & Sons
Daviya McCoy is a resilient leader whose strength on and off the basketball court has made a lasting impact. Despite facing personal challenges, she has emerged as a role model, serving as captain of her 17U national basketball team and mentoring teammates through difficult times with compassion and maturity. Daviya emphasizes academic success, teamwork, and personal responsibility, leading by example in every setting. She is deeply involved in her community as President of Jeter’s Leaders and volunteers with local nursing homes, the Kalamazoo Promise Child Care Center, and the Boys & Girls Club, demonstrating leadership grounded in service and care.
Award presented by Dr. Lewis Walker, sponsored by CSM Group
Hosanna Ndikumana is an exceptional servant leader whose compassion, academic excellence, and commitment to inclusion reflect the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A first-generation African student at Western Michigan University, Hosanna maintains a 3.93 GPA while balancing work, leadership, and extensive volunteer service. She supports individuals experiencing homelessness, creates uplifting projects for hospitalized children, and helps coordinate inclusive campus initiatives. As Secretary-Elect of NABA at WMU and an active participant in service organizations, Hosanna fosters equitable access, empowers underrepresented students, and leads with humility and empathy, uplifting every community she serves.