2024 Spark Award honoree Kelli McCloud is an advisor whose impact and influence spans three decades
The DRDFS Spark Award is presented each year to the individual who best embodies the DRDFS’ founding principle of igniting that spark of inspiration and motivation in students that gets them excited about their education and passionate about what it means for their future.
That’s something 2024 Spark Award recipient Kelli McCloud has been doing for nearly three decades. Kelli, who has taught at Adlai E. Stevenson High School for her entire career and has been a DRDFS advisor for the last 11 years,
has always been driven to make sure that no student misses out on an opportunity. She is passionate about helping young people, especially those who, as she says “just need a little extra guidance or access to resources” to achieve big things.
So, when DRDFS came to Stevenson, she was the perfect choice.
“I was an AVID college coordinator, so I was a natural fit to be the DRDFS liaison. I honestly didn’t know anything about DRDFS when they first came in, but I immediately loved the work that they were doing for students.”
It’s a testament to the extraordinary work that Kelli has done for her students over the years that the Spark Award presentation ceremony was filled with firsthand testimonials from grateful students.
“I appreciate how intentional and involved Ms. McCloud is with us”
“She is the best thing to happen to us”
“Ms. McCloud is one of the best supporters for my education. She constantly builds me up and has guided me. I’m so thankful to have her as my advisor.”
For Kelli, those words are extraordinarily meaningful. “To hear those things your students are saying about you is so humbling. You don’t get into this profession for accolades and attention—my bucket is full when students succeed. But to receive a prestigious award like this is so special and so unexpected.”
Notably, this is the first time the Spark Award has been awarded to an advisor, a testament to Kelli’s impact and influence on so many young people. It’s clear that with DRDFS, Kelli is an institutional partner that shares her passion for changing young lives. “My job is really easy because of the people who run this program. I could talk all day about all the wonderful things DRDFS does.”
She also points out how much DRDFS has grown and evolved over the years, crediting the generosity of donors for making that growth possible. “DRDFS has more resources today than ever, and that’s a credit to donors, whose contributions are so important. I’ve seen firsthand the impact those resources make in the lives of students and families.”
For Kelli, the most rewarding part of working with DRDFS is assisting students who didn’t even realize that those opportunities were available to them—and then taking those opportunities and running with them. “It’s not just about them realizing that they have expanded their horizons—but that the sky’s the limit.”
“Watching them reach that potential and achieve incredible educational, personal, and professional goals is why teachers do what we do.”
In her acceptance speech, Kelli spoke eloquently about why her relationship with DRDFS has been so positive—and about the impact the program has had on her students.
“I am constantly telling my students to never shut a door. Don’t ever say no to something because you never know what it will turn into. Don’t let a test score or financial limitations dictate what you can do or where you can go. Reach out and be willing to seek and accept help. Everyone needs a hand up.”
“DRDFS is a program that opens doors for students they wouldn’t have even known were there. It’s about access and opportunity, but also about providing the kind of guidance and support that doesn’t go away when they graduate from high school.”
She noted that when DRDFS students graduate from high school, it’s not just “good luck and goodbye.” When they go to college, they have a network of coaches and a robust support system, from professional mentors to alums 
and fellow students, as well as internship opportunities, and even financial support.
“DRDFS really cares about these students and that shows. And that creates lasting connections. There are so many DRDFS program alumni who are still a part of this program. They stay connected and they are still helping and making an impact.”
“These students are going to college and they are going to graduate. They have great careers and rich and fulfilling lives ahead of them. And it’s all because so many people who believe in this program and have continued supporting this program and putting money into something even when they don’t personally see the reward. I’m here to tell you, the reward is great.”
“I grew up without a clue of what I wanted to do, or where I wanted to go in life, until I had the opportunity to join Dollars for Scholars my sophomore year of high school. From visiting campuses, to SAT prep, the guidance I received from the program changed my entire outlook.
“From college tours to financial aid, Dollars for Scholars has greatly impacted my path to higher education. As a first generation college student, deciding where I would want to continue my education and figuring out how I would get there was a difficult process. My family and I lacked the time and transportation necessary to visit schools, and this limited me in figuring out my future.
“When joining Dollars for Scholars, I was eager to visit colleges and earn scholarship money. Being able to look at all the different schools with other students I could relate to was so reassuring. Dollars for Scholars was able to answer my questions about the ins & outs of post-secondary education, as well assist me with applications. This extra help was so motivating.
“Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars is a life-changing program. Before high school, I was going down a path that if most kids took, they’d end up either dropping out of school or going to jail. Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars helped inspire me to get on a better path by showing me how to prepare for college. Hearing other students’ stories made me feel like I could be successful both in high school and post-secondary education.