The Champions of Wayne program is receiving some star power to help offset the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on fundraising efforts.
The innovative program at Wayne Memorial High School has repeatedly produced head-turning scholastic results and has caught the attention of educators across the country, according to Executive Director Deborah Vigliarolo.
In addition to educators, the program has become a cause for actors and Wayne graduates Antoine McKay and Gregory Jbara who will make special appearances Nov. 14 at the virtual VIP movie screening of “Unclaimed” in which McKay stars. Jbara is well known for his continuing role on the TV series Blue Bloods. with Tom Selleck.
To help offset some of the funding losses of the program, the program, John Goci, owner of US 12 Bar and Grill, will donate 50 percent of all food sales from any guest to the Champions of Wayne program until Nov. 14. Goci, a former Wayne Westland Board of Education member, said all guests need to do is request the donation be made at the time of service.
“I love the program. Bill Gray who was one of the founders of the program was a mentor to my little brother, Scott, and helped guide him to become the great father and businessman he is today. I figured since we have a new menu and wanted to get some feedback and help out the Champions of Wayne at the same time, why not help local kids thrive,” Goci said.
The program offers a financial reward to students who reach specific scholastic and grade-level goals.
Champions of Wayne combines mentoring, incentives, and goal-setting to bolster culture and scholastic achievement. Beginning as a grassroots program in 2009 with a trophy and a #2 pencil, Champions of Wayne has grown to a 501c3 nonprofit and serves as a beacon to other schools in the state.
Once measured as a below-average high school, Wayne Memorial has now been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of America's best high schools for two consecutive years and has recent graduates attending colleges including Stanford, Harvard, Georgetown as well as record admissions to Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
“We've seen two out of three students improve their academic achievements and reach a potential they never felt possible,” said Vigliarolo.
“Champions of Wayne has been an integral part of the changes to Wayne Memorial,” said school principal James Anderson. “The program has been a cornerstone in shaping the student-oriented culture at Wayne Memorial.”
For complete information on Champions of Wayne and ways to help, visit www.championsofwayne.org
