Arriving at Summit Academy North one early June morning, the school was already buzzing with energy. Upbeat music played outside as students and caregivers danced their way through the front doors. For Leann Hedke, it seemed like a typical morning filled with the warmth and excitement for learning she’s cultivated over decades. She had no idea a surprise was waiting for her.
Leann stood at the school entrance, chatting with families and staff alongside Superintendent Jason Hamstra and Assistant Superintendent Alicia Jenkins. With them were a handful of MAPSA team members. As more guests joined the group, Leann was overheard discussing her recent engagement with her state senator, showing she’s still passionately advocating for Michigan’s charter schools in her retirement.
Inside, a regular assembly was underway for the 3rd through 5th grade students. It was a routine part of school life, and nothing about the gathering raised suspicion. That changed a few minutes in, when Dan Quisenberry stepped forward to address the crowd. He spoke about the power of great leadership in education and then turned his words to Leann: honoring her decades of service, tireless advocacy, and the deep care she brings to her work. To loud applause, he presented her with the #MiCharterHero award for the month of June.
Nearly 30 years ago, she co-founded Summit Academy North with a bold vision: to create a school where learning is hands-on, students are supported as individuals, and the environment feels like family. Under her leadership, that dream has become a thriving K-12 community serving more than 1,700 students.
Reflecting on her journey, Leann often speaks about the importance of choice in education and the opportunity charter schools offer to families.
“Every family deserves a choice in their child's education,” she says. “We’ve been able to provide that for thousands of families. It has been an honor to work beside so many talented educators who care deeply about our students.”
After the assembly, Leann led a tour of the elementary school, greeting students and staff with warmth and energy. Her presence lit up every hallway: a reflection of the positive culture she helped build. One of the most touching moments of the day was watching her interact with her granddaughter, who now attends the school, and her daughter, who teaches there. Her legacy isn’t just institutional; it’s personal, woven through the lives of the people who know her best.
That legacy is also visible in the Leann Hedke Early Childhood Center, a building named in her honor. Founded in 2023, the program has already nearly outgrown the space, a testament to the demand for the high-quality preschool education it provides. “It’s been truly rewarding to see the difference early education can make in setting students up for long-term success,” Leann has said.
Beyond the classroom, Leann has extended her impact through the JOeY Foundation, which she founded in memory of her son. Recognizing a need for grief support in schools, she launched an individualized grief response initiative for both students and staff. Each plan is tailored with input from families, and the program includes on-site support groups that help children process loss in a safe, nurturing environment. “Emotional well-being is the foundation for academic success,” she explains. Her work ensures that students are cared for in every way.
In her retirement, Leann continues to give back. She serves on the Downriver School Safety Task Force and sits on the board of Soroptimist International of Downriver, advocating for the safety, education, and empowerment of women and girls in her community.
Leann Hedke’s story is exactly what the #MiCharterHero campaign seeks to highlight: individuals who lead with vision, compassion, and a belief in what’s possible for every child. Leann’s passion and advocacy for all students to be equally funded is a shining example to all those in the charter movement.
Leann is a #MiCharterHero and we celebrate her legacy: in classrooms, in communities, and in the hearts of those she’s touched.
Know a Charter School Hero?
Nominations for the 2025–26 school year #MiCharterHero Awards are open! If you know an educator, leader, or staff member who goes above and beyond for Michigan’s public charter school students, follow this link to nominate them today!