Thanks to YOU, Our Students Felt Seen, Valued, and Celebrated

2.2 min readBy Rhonda EvansPublished On: June 26th, 2025Categories: News/Media

Hello Life Remodel-ers,

I LOVE this time of the year and what it means for our young people. We all remember when we were kids, the anticipation of summer fun, sleeping in a little later, and the feeling of accomplishment as we completed one school year and are preparing for the challenge of the next. It’s a time of the year for our young students to take a bow!

Life Remodeled joined forces with our neighbors at Durfee Elementary-Middle School to host one of our favorite annual traditions, Field Day! This high-energy celebration marked the end of the school year, but this wasn’t just a day of fun and games. Field Day serves a deeper purpose: to recognize and reward students for their academic progress and strong attendance during the final stretch of the school year. In Detroit, chronic absenteeism (missing 18+ school days annually) remains a significant barrier for many students. During the 2023-2024 school year, 65.8% of DPSCD students were chronically absent, and specifically at Durfee, 82% of students were chronically absent. From transportation struggles to economic hardships, the challenges are real. That’s why events like Field Day are so important. They provide not just motivation to show up, but a powerful reminder that showing up matters. For students striving to improve in math and reading, and for those who made an effort to attend the effort to be in class consistently, Field Day was a joyful affirmation of their hard work and commitment.

See more photos of Field Day here.

From laser tag and bounce houses to music, face-painting, and even a food truck, the atmosphere buzzed with encouragement… and the excitement that summer break was starting! It was more than a celebration, it was a statement: Your education is worth celebrating, your progress is worth noticing, and your future is worth investing in.

Because of your support, Life Remodeled is able to create moments like this– moments that deepen our connection with Detroit Public Schools and show students and families that they are surrounded by a community that believes in them. Events like Field Day help students see that academic achievement isn’t just important– it’s transformational. 78% of Durfee students are currently enrolled in a youth program through the Durfee Innovation Society, and, together, we’re building confidence, inspiring consistency and reinforcing the message that education is a key component to fostering confident students, healthy households, and thriving neighborhoods.

Together w/ You,

Diallo Smith