Celebrating our October 2025 #MiCharter Hero Linette Garza

On Halloween day, MAPSA had the pleasure of surprising Linette Garza, the interim school leader at César Chávez Academy Middle School, with the #MICharter Hero award for October 2025. It was an exciting day at middle school. The hallways were filled with staff and students in costume, as well as their school therapy dog Caesar, who was running through the hallways dressed as Superman. What made it even more exciting was that their principal was going to be receiving a surprise award.

During the middle school's lunch, team members from MAPSA, Linette’s family, State Rep. Tyrone Carter, and Superintendent Dr. Juan Martinez all gathered to surprise Ms. Garza with this award. President Dan Quisenberry presented the award, and the students and staff heard speeches from Rep. Carter and Dr. Juan Martinez praising all the hard work Linette has done for her students. Rep. Cater presented Linette with a legislative tribute that said

Let it be known that it is a pleasure and privilege to pay special tribute to Linette Garza as she receives the October 2025 Michigan Charter Hero Award from the Michigan Association of Public School Academies. We are pleased to join with Cesar Chavez Academy District and MAPSA to extend our gratitude and thanks to this dedicated individual for her contributions to excellence in Michigan's education system. So, on behalf of the state of Michigan and on behalf of these students and the people that you care about, thank you.”

Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication

César Chávez Academy is a K-12 charter school in Detroit authorized by Saginaw Valley State University. This school is one of the largest charter schools in Michigan and proudly serves the Hispanic, Latino, and Latina community of Southwest Detroit. Linette has been a part of the César Chávez Academy district for 25 years now, with 23 years spent at the high school. She has had many roles in her time in this district, including being a Teacher, Department Lead, Dean of Students, Assistant School Leader, and her current position as the Interim School Leader.

MANA’s 2025 Adelita Award Recipient

Among her many accomplishments of being an educator, Linette was honored with MANA’s 2025 Adelita Award, which recognized her hard work and service to students, families, staff, and the community. This award is presented by the MANA de Metro Detroit chapter to outstanding Latina leaders who have made a lasting impact on their community through advocacy, education, and leadership.

Being a part of a charter school for me has always been autonomy, the ability to do what is best for the child and the whole child, not just a number. I tell parents all the time, your student is never a number here. We will call you repeatedly, asking you what's going on. Why isn't so-and-so here? What do you need? What do you need from us? Not just negative, it's the positives. It's all of the things of being a student and making them successful, helping them succeed,” Linette Garza said.

Recognizing a Leader that goes Above and Beyond

Linette was chosen for our October 2025 #MiCharter Hero because of her dedication and leadership to César Chávez Academy, a place she calls her second home. Linette values not just her students but her staff and her students' families. She goes out of her way to support her students on the next steps they may choose, whether that be college, the military, a trade, or beyond. Linette is praised by her co-workers, students, and families as someone who is highly approachable, builds strong relationships with staff, students, and families, and embodies the collaborative spirit that makes the school special.

A Well-Deserved Surprise

When asked if we pulled off the surprise, Linette responded, “You pulled off the surprise. What it means to me, I guess, it brings recognition to the students, the staff, and the school. I'm okay with being in the background. I'm okay with nobody noticing. I just want to do what I have to do for them and be able to shine. everything on them because they are the ones that have to shine, not me, it's them.” That is what makes Linette Garza MAPSA’s 2025 #MiCharter Hero.

Nominate Your #MiCharter Hero Today

Nominations are now open for the 2025-2026 #MiCharter Hero award! Do you know a teacher, administrator, or support staff member who is doing an outstanding job for Michigan Charter School? Celebrate their accomplishments and impact by nominating your hero today by following this link!