Meet City Year Detroit’s Team Bethune & Team Gompers

City Year Detroit AmeriCorps members serve as Student Success Coaches from the morning bell to the end of the day at ten Detroit Public Schools Community District schools. With attendance, behavior, and coursework as their ABCs, they provide academic coaching and social-emotional mentoring through small-group tutoring and school-wide initiatives. They bring cheer, joy, and fun so that all students feel a sense of belonging. Get to know our extraordinary school teams at Bethune and Gompers Elementary-Middle Schools!

Team Bethune also tutors and mentors students in 3rd through 8th grade and is led by Impact Manager Jonaz Byrd.

Team Bethune is a very high-spirited team. This team is consistent in their support of students, teachers, and each other. I would describe them as empathetic, quirky, and determined. Team Bethune enjoys spending time together with their newfound hobby of crocheting, painting, and playing games very competitively. They do what they can to make this experience fun while being challenged. I am confident in their work because they have leaned into this experience in our school and servicing the community. I am proud of the work they do with teachers and the joy they bring the entire school community.

– Jonaz Byrd, Impact Manager at Bethune Elementary-Middle School

Team Leader Nae Scruggs tutors 7th-grade students in English Language Arts.

Shaurice Brunson tutors 3rd-grade students in English Language Arts.

Tanazja Smith tutors 3rd-grade students in Math.

Gia Strothers tutors 4th-grade students in Math.

Jai Bell tutors 5th-grade students in Math.

Ainsley Chaote tutors 5th-grade students in English Language Arts.

ZaKayala Thomas tutors 6th-grade students in Math.

Mitchell Clearhout tutors 6th-grade students in Math.

Sydney Linus-Aharauka tutors 7th and 8th-grade students in Math.

Team Gompers also tutors and mentors 9th-grade students and is led by Impact Manager Bird Sullivan.

The magic this team creates is something beyond special. It has been an amazing honor watching each one of them become and grow into their respective purpose. Their impact is one that will be cherished and valued for generations to come. As change agents, this group knows no limits and needs no permission when doing what’s necessary when planting the seeds of the future. Gompers Team 23′ is my “GOAT” team!!!

– Bird Sullivan, Impact Manager at Gompers Elementary-Middle School

Trinity Davis tutors 3rd-grade students in Math.

Izzy Foltz tutors 4th and 5th-grade students in English Language Arts.

Aden Hicks tutors 5th-grade students in English Language Arts.

Corine Malone tutors 5th-grade students in Math.

Kyra Woodley tutors 5th-grade students in Math.

Imani Buskin tutors 6th-grade students in English Language Arts.

Kianna Holcomb tutors 7th-grade students in Math.

Dakayla Cook tutors 8th-grade students in Math.

We are proud of each of these City Year AmeriCorps members! Their days and hours are long, but they keep showing up for their students even when it’s hard. Their selflessness in giving back is remarkable. Thank you, Team Bethue and Team Gompers!