Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is proud to announce Makeba Lawson, custodian at Central Campus, as the district’s first-ever Orange Spot Champion of the Year, a new and prestigious honor celebrating one staff member whose consistent positivity, kindness, and dedication make an extraordinary impact on the entire organization.
This milestone marks the next chapter of Saginaw ISD’s nationally recognized Orange Spot Recognition Program, which earned the 2024 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Golden Achievement Award for excellence in strategic communication, culture building, and engagement. Rooted in the principles of The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor, the Orange Spot program recognizes staff members who bring positivity to their work, strengthen relationships, and foster an environment where both students and colleagues thrive.
The Orange Spot Champion of the Year award, which will now be presented annually, builds on that mission by honoring the individual who receives the most Orange Spot nominations in a school year. For 2024–2025, Lawson earned that distinction, receiving more nominations than any other staff member. Her contagious optimism, daily acts of kindness, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her a bright spot across Central Campus and beyond.
Facilities Program Director Tony Moryl said of Lawson, her impact extends far beyond her custodial responsibilities. “Makeba exemplifies what it means to care about the people and places around her,” Moryl shared. “Her dedication to maintaining our facilities is unmatched, but it’s the warmth, positivity, and genuine kindness she brings to her work every day that sets her apart. She makes our spaces shine and our people feel valued.”
Lawson, who has served Saginaw ISD since 2021, said, “I am truly honored to be recognized as the Orange Spot Champion of the Year.” Lawson shared. “This achievement would not have been possible without the support, encouragement, and trust of so many teammates. Every day, I come to work wanting to make a difference, and knowing I’m surrounded by people who believe in me makes that possible. This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to keep growing as part of this incredible team. I’m deeply grateful to be part of the Saginaw ISD family, and I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way. This isn’t just my win, it’s ours. Here’s to continuing to grow, give, and make an impact.”
Throughout the year, Lawson has been celebrated by staff across the district. She was named January’s Orange Spot winner for “embodying kindness” through her words and actions, and her colleagues consistently praise her willingness to help, her warm smile, and the pride she takes in her work. Executive Director of Special Education Dave Krantz described her as someone who “always represents positivity” and “continuously gives her best effort,” while the Transitions Center School staff shared their appreciation for how she “keeps the building looking and smelling clean.”
Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier said Lawson’s award captures the spirit of the Orange Spot program and what Saginaw ISD stands for. “Orange Spot has transformed how we celebrate our people, and Makeba embodies everything this recognition represents,” he said. “Her positive spirit fills our Central Campus each day and makes it a better place for everyone who walks through the doors.”
The creation of the Orange Spot Champion of the Year award underscores Saginaw ISD’s ongoing investment in celebrating the people who make a difference every day. As Dr. Collier noted, “Recognition is more than a moment; it’s part of how we build a culture where people feel valued and inspired. Honoring Makeba as our very first Champion of the Year is the perfect way to begin this new tradition.”
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, four public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
MEDIA CONTACT
Coty Kuschinsky - Saginaw ISD Chief of Staff and Communications Director