On Thursday, March 12th, 340 guests gathered in The Great Hall to celebrate the students of The ROCK Center for Youth Development. As guests arrived, they were greeted by students who attend The ROCK Out-of-School Time and Discover You™ programs. Attendees heard their stories of growth, mentorship, and possibility. 

The theme of the 2026 Annual Dinner was “Flourish,” celebrating the growth and possibility of each young person in our programs. To flourish means to nurture the seeds of hope planted in the hearts of youth and to witness them bloom into strength, confidence, and resilience. It is the natural progression of a legacy built on compassion, vision, and unwavering belief in the potential of every teen. 

The night honored all of the students in our program, including the 2026 ROCKin’ Teen of the Year, Donald, who was selected for his resilience and heart in the program. Dow Credit Union was recognized as Friend of The ROCK, and Molly Kennedy was recognized as friend of Discover You™.

Dr. Lydia Watson, President and CEO of MyMichigan Health, delivered a keynote address at the close of the evening. Her message that “transformation is possible when young people are surrounded by people who believe in them,” drives to the heart of our mission at The ROCK and Discover You™. Dr. Watson reminds us of the important role of these programs in supporting teens as they grow. “Belief is the fertilizer. Relationships are the sunlight. Opportunity is the water. And the result? Lives that bloom with purpose, direction, strength, and hope,” she shared. “Flourish is not the finish line. It is the proof of momentum.”

Throughout the evening, attendees heard stories from current students in The ROCK and Discover You™ programs, along with reflections from alumni who are now out in the community making a meaningful impact. Woven through every story was the same seed of hope: growth made possible because a caring community believed in them, stood beside them, and equipped them with the skills they needed to flourish. That impact doesn’t end when students walk out of our program doors.

Your generosity helps plant seeds of confidence, resilience, and purpose that continue to guide them long after they graduate, shaping futures, building leaders, and creating ripple effects of hope throughout our community. “The ROCK and Discover You™ exist so that young people don’t just get by — they grow, they stretch, they strengthen, and they flourish,” said Tara Welch, President and CEO of The ROCK Center for Youth Development. “Thanks to our partners, staff, mentors, and supporters like you, students are developing the skills they need to thrive when life is steady and to struggle well when life is hard.”

This year, we’ve teamed up with MemoryFox to capture feedback and highlight the impact of the evening. Use the link below code to share your photos from the night, tell us what inspired you, or let us know what you’d love to see at next year’s event!