Alumni Spotlight: Michaela’s Journey from Homelessness to Honor Roll

At one point, Michaela didn’t see a way out. 

After a disruptive start to high school, bullying, and the fallout of enrolling in a non-accredited homeschool program, Michaela returned to public school—only to be told her credits wouldn’t count. Overwhelmed by anxiety and the pressure of falling behind, she had an emotional breakdown on her first day back. That’s when her school counselor mentioned Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan (HVAM), and everything started to change. 

“I started with a 0.8 GPA,” Michaela recalled. “I didn’t care about my grades. There was no motivation. But, something about HVAM gave me a wake-up call.” 

Michaela found both structure and compassion through the flexibility of virtual learning—and the guidance of a dedicated mentor, Ms. Henson. With her help, Michaela began to see her potential. She buckled down, committed to her studies, and steadily raised her GPA to 3.33, graduating in May 2024. 

Michaela’s journey wasn’t just about academics—it was about survival. During high school, she faced an unstable home environment and found herself living out of her car. Despite these challenges, she remained focused on her future, even losing 130 pounds in pursuit of her dream to join the Michigan State Police Academy. 

“I used to think I’d never be anything – that I was just stuck in this life with no way out. Ms. Henson believed in me when no one else did. Because of her and HVAM, I’m building a future for myself,” said Michaela. “I’ve come so far and now I know I’m capable of more than I ever imagined.” 

After graduation, Michaela enrolled at Bay College in Escanaba, where she’s now thriving. This past semester, she earned straight A’s while living in college-arranged housing and balancing life as a full-time student. 

Even after high school, HVAM didn’t stop supporting Michaela. When she found herself without a meal plan and unable to afford food, Ms. Henson stepped in to connect Michaela with local resources ensuring she could stay focused on school without going hungry. 

“Ms. Henson helped me so much—even after graduation,” Michaela said. “She guided me through every step of applying to college, finding housing, and even getting food stamps when I needed them. She didn’t have to do that, but she cared.” 

Michaela’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and the power of having someone believe in you. From living in her car to preparing for a career in law enforcement, Michaela’s future is bright—and she’s just getting started. 

Her advice to others facing similar struggles? “Don’t let your fears or your situation define you. Just dive in. You’re capable of more than you think.” 

Learn more about Michaela’s journey here.