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Meet our 2026 Community Heroes
Heroes don't always wear capes. Sometimes, they're teachers who inspire, veterans who lead by example, volunteers who bring people together, advocates who create opportunities for others, or neighbors who quietly make a difference every day. At Cornerstone, we're proud to celebrate the people who make our communities stronger.
As part of our 2026 Community Heroes Appreciation Week, we invited our members and employees to nominate individuals who go above and beyond within their community. Each recipient received a special surprise as a small token of our appreciation. Meet our 2026 heroes:
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Sgt. Michael Politowicz
Sgt. Michael Politowicz is a retired United States Marine whose commitment to serving others extends far beyond his military career. In 2011, he was wounded in battle and later received a Purple Heart for his bravery. Rather than allowing those injuries to define what was possible for him, Sgt. Politowicz began training and competing in the Wounded Warrior Games. His determination led him to a bronze medal at the 2013 games in Colorado.
By sharing his story with fellow veterans, Sgt. Politowicz also earned the extraordinary honor of having his portrait painted by former President George W. Bush for Portraits of Courage. He was later invited to participate in a challenging bike ride with President Bush at his ranch in Texas. But his story didn't stop there...
After returning to Michigan, he earned his degree from Oakland University and a master's degree from Wayne State University. Today, he works in the Anchor Bay School District and serves as a coach for both the football and lacrosse teams, where he continues to make an impact on young people as they navigate their youth years.
His influence reaches beyond his professional accomplishments. He's a husband, father of two and uncle, and an example of perseverance, service, and commitment to everyone fortunate enough to know him. We were proud to honor him with a donation for his teams.
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Emily Cunningham
Sometimes making a difference starts with something as simple as bringing people together. Emily Cunningham is part of Growing Pontiac, a 100% volunteer-run organization focused on building community and supporting food security in Pontiac and the surrounding areas.
Through community gardens, workshops and volunteer opportunities, Emily's team creates spaces where neighbors can connect, learn, and grow together. Emily's work demonstrates the power of volunteers who give their time and energy to create opportunities for others. We were proud to honor her with a donation for Growing Pontiac's upcoming event.
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Mrs. Michelle Tasich
For 28 years, Mrs. Tasich has dedicated herself to helping students learn, grow, and recognize their own potential. She is a dedicated sixth-grade math teacher, known for putting her students' needs first. She takes the time to connect with each student and finds different approaches to help them learn in ways that work for them. She also works with special education students in her classroom, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and seen.
Through her dedication to teaching and her ability to encourage students to challenge themselves and embrace their talents, Mrs. Tasich has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless young people. We were proud to honor her with supplies for her classroom.
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Whitney Franklin
Whitney Franklin is a community hero because she consistently turns compassion into action. Through her work with the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation, Whitney helps students, seniors, and families learn how to recognize and protect themselves from scams and financial fraud. Her work helps give people the knowledge and confidence they need to protect themselves and their finances.
She's also the founder of Crowned with Purpose, where she creates free pageants, leadership workshops, mentorship opportunities, and community-service experiences designed to help young people build confidence and recognize their worth.
Whitney has a talent for bringing people together. She builds partnerships, organizes charitable events, supports local businesses and creates welcoming spaces where children of different backgrounds and abilities can feel seen and celebrated. And she does all of this while raising three children, pursuing her education, and continuing to grow personally and professionally.
Whitney's impact isn't simply measured by the titles she holds. It's reflected in the opportunities she creates for others and the people she brings together. Her story is a reminder that leadership can be as simple as using your talents, experiences, and voice to open doors for others. We were proud to honor her with flowers and a personal donation.
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Jackie Zychowicz
Twenty years ago, Jackie Zychowicz experienced a stroke that left her with aphasia, a condition that can make communicating difficult. She traveled to the University of Michigan and Northwestern University for intensive therapy, and after completing her treatment at Northwestern, she was encouraged to find a support group. When Jackie returned home, she discovered there wasn't one available in her area.
So, along with her husband Frank and speech therapist Melody, Jackie founded The DaZy Aphasia Centre of Northwest Ohio, creating a free support and therapy resource for people living with aphasia. Today, the organization has two groups, one at the University of Toledo and another at Bowling Green State University. The groups also provide a valuable opportunity for speech-language students at both universities to work with people living with aphasia before entering the field professionally.
Jackie has also traveled to various groups to share presentations and educate others about aphasia. Her determination to create the resource she couldn't find has made a meaningful difference for countless people and families throughout Ohio. We were proud to honor her with flowers and a personal donation.
