Elizabeth Wing, a standout senior at Munising High School, has been named one of the 2025 Excellence in Education Scholars — a recognition reserved for the top 5 percent of graduating seniors across Marquette and Alger counties. She is one of three nominees from Munising, alongside classmates Danny Goss and Savannah Lassila.

But Elizabeth’s achievement isn’t just about grades and test scores — it’s also about honoring those who shaped her journey. She selected her mother, longtime elementary teacher Tracy Wing, as her most influential educator.

The award, created by Grow & Lead: Community and Youth Development, was launched in 1994 with a $1 million endowment from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

According to Amy Quinn, president and CEO of Grow & Lead, the initiative was born out of a broader commitment to youth excellence.

“In 1987, the Kellogg Youth Initiative Partnerships began in three Michigan communities, including Marquette and Alger counties,” Quinn said. “Since then, over $2.5 million in scholarships and professional development funds have been awarded. Excellence in Education Week has become a way to publicly recognize our brightest students and the educators who inspire them.”

This year’s ceremony, held April 28 at Northern Michigan University, will celebrate 49 seniors from across the region — each invited to nominate an educator who played a defining role in her or his academic path.

For Elizabeth, choosing Tracy wasn’t easy at first.

“I was scared people would think I just picked my mom,” she said. “But in the end, I wanted people to recognize what a great teacher — and just human being — she is.”

Elizabeth, a graduating senior in the Class of 2025, carries a 4.0 GPA and ranks in the top three of her class based on a combination of GPA and SAT scores.

“There’s nine of us with a 4.0 this year, which is insane,” she said. “That just shows how competitive and driven my classmates are. This award is a reflection of the hard work we’ve all put in.”

Tracy Wing, who began teaching in the Munising district in 1999, was Elizabeth’s second-grade teacher.

“We co-taught with other teachers, so she wasn’t in my room all day, which probably helped,” Tracy said with a laugh. “Sometimes she called me ‘Mrs. Wing,’ sometimes ‘Mom.’ It depended on the moment.”

Tracy’s influence as both a teacher and a parent was deeply felt during one of the family’s most difficult seasons. In 2020, she underwent a bone marrow transplant following a blood cancer diagnosis. Elizabeth remained in Munising while her parents were downstate as Tracy received treatment.

“We couldn’t have gotten through that time without the support of the school and community,” Tracy said. “As a parent, being away from her was incredibly difficult, but we knew she was in good hands.”

Bob Wing, Elizabeth’s father, said the community “completely adopted her” during that time.

“I’d get emails from teachers just checking in on her. It was incredible,” he said. “She carried herself with maturity, never letting it spill over. Even when she was struggling emotionally, she showed up, kept working and never gave up.”

That perseverance shines through in everything Elizabeth does.

She’s the founder and president of the Tribal Youth Council and has led efforts to install the Sault Tribe’s flag in the school gymnasium. She’s traveled to national conferences, advocated for Indigenous representation and recently led her forensics team to victory.

“Elizabeth’s always had a strong work ethic,” Bob said. “She doesn’t mail it in — ever. Whether it’s a sport, a club or a competition, she gives 100 percent.”

Tracy echoed that sentiment: “From second grade on, she’s been someone who steps up to help others. She’s self-motivated, always curious and never afraid to ask questions.”

Elizabeth has already been accepted to the University of Michigan and is awaiting responses from other prestigious schools like Vanderbilt, the University of Chicago and Northwestern. She plans to pursue biology on a premed track.

“This award shows that the work I’ve put in really mattered,” she said. “It gives me the confidence to step into new spaces and feel ready for whatever comes next.”

When asked what she’s most grateful for, Elizabeth didn’t hesitate: “My school community. They show up — for everything. And during the hardest time in my life, they made sure I was OK. That means everything.”

Looking ahead, her parents hope she continues to lead with that same resilience and compassion.

“Do what makes you happy,” Bob said simply.

Tracy added, “She’s always stayed true to herself. That’s what we’re most proud of.”

Editor’s note:

This is the first in a series of articles recognizing Alger County’s 2025 Excellence in Education Scholars.