.jpg)
At Richfield Academy in Flint, Riley O’Dell is not just a social work intern. She is someone students trust, someone families recognize, and someone who has been part of the school community for most of her life.
Last week, MAPSA surprised Riley during a school assembly with the MiCharter Hero Award, recognizing charter school educators and staff who make a lasting difference in students’ lives.
MAPSA President Dan Quisenberry then presented Riley with the MiCharter Hero Award, honoring her years of service and commitment to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. The celebration included a tribute presented on behalf of State Representative Cynthia Neeley, delivered by staff member Sharon Reeves, recognizing Riley’s dedication to students and the Richfield Academy community.
Afterwards school board members and legislative staff in attendance also toured the school, seeing firsthand the programs and supports Richfield Academy has built to serve its students and families.
The moment captured what makes schools like Richfield special. Students cheered loudly when Riley’s name was announced. Staff members smiled proudly. Riley’s parents and fiancé stood nearby, beaming with pride as the school community celebrated her work.
Riley’s connection to Richfield Academy began long before her career in social work.
Her mother worked at the school, and Riley often spent time there growing up. Coming from a family of educators, she quickly fell in love with the environment.
I’ve pretty much been in the school since I was about seven,” Riley said.
When she was 13, Riley began volunteering at Richfield to earn hours for her equestrian team. What started as a volunteer opportunity quickly turned into a long-term commitment to the school community.
When she turned 18, Riley began working with students in the hallways, often reading with them while her bunny rested in a basket nearby. Moments like that may seem small, but they help young readers build confidence and begin to associate reading with encouragement and connection.
Over time, Riley expanded her work with animals. A few years ago she launched the horse program she had always hoped to bring to the school.
One of her favorite memories still makes her laugh.
I would come around the corner of the playground with my horse and all the kids would suddenly see it,” Riley said. “They would just explode with excitement.”
For many students, especially those dealing with stress or trauma, moments like these create powerful connections and help them feel safe at school.
Riley now serves as a social work intern and animal therapy coordinator at Richfield Academy while continuing her graduate studies in social work.
Her work is part of a broader approach the school takes to supporting students and families.
During a recent tour for legislators and community leaders, visitors saw firsthand how Richfield Academy focuses on the whole child. The school serves students from pre-K through eighth grade and offers programs designed to remove barriers to learning.
The school also operates a wellness room where students can regulate emotions, reset, or meet with social work interns like Riley. Animal therapy visits are part of that support system. Riley and other staff members bring animals such as goats, service dogs, rabbits, and horses to help students calm down and refocus when they are struggling.
Programs like this reflect the kind of personalized support that charter schools can design for their students. For some children, connecting with an animal or taking a few quiet minutes in the wellness room can turn a difficult day into a day ready for learning.
Richfield Academy also recognizes that learning does not happen in isolation.
A large percentage of the school’s students come from economically disadvantaged households, and the school has built systems to support families facing real challenges.
One example is the school’s community resource house, which provides basic needs such as food, diapers, clothing, and other essentials for families in need. The resource house helps ensure that students have what they need outside the classroom so they can focus on learning inside it.
The school also partners with the University of Michigan’s Regional Alliance For Healthy Schools to operate a health clinic inside the building. The clinic provides healthcare services for students and families, including vaccinations, sports physicals, and help accessing prescriptions.
When students have access to food, healthcare, and emotional support, they are far more likely to succeed academically.
Richfield, authorized by Bay Mills Community College CSO, also serves a growing multilingual population, including students from Cuba and Venezuela. The school recently expanded its own multilingual program so students can receive more hours of support.
These kinds of flexible, student-centered programs are possible because charter schools can design solutions that meet the specific needs of their communities.
You can learn more about Michigan charter schools and their impact here:
https://charterschools.org/why-charter-schools/
For Riley, the reason she keeps coming back to Richfield is simple.
The students,” she said. “There’s something about them that’s just so special. Every student impacts you as much as you impact them.”
That connection shows in the way students interact with her. During the assembly, many rushed to hug her or share stories about their favorite animal visits.
Moments like this remind us that behind every successful school are the people who show up every day for students.
People like Riley.
Through programs that support student wellness, literacy development, and emotional well-being, Riley helps ensure that Richfield Academy students are ready to learn and ready to succeed.
That is exactly the kind of leadership the MiCharter Hero Award was created to recognize.
It is also an important reminder for policymakers. Schools like Richfield are building programs that support literacy, personalized learning, and wraparound services for students and families. Ensuring charter schools receive equitable funding helps make this work possible for the students who need it most.
-1.jpg)
-1.jpg)
No Comments Yet
Let us know what you think