ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP, MI - People who have persevered through homelessness, suspensions, foster care and other challenges to continue their education will share their stories on May 4.

The annual "Telling Tales Out of School" storytelling event is a fundraiser for Student Advocacy Center, an organization based in Ypsilanti that provides advocacy and support services to keep students in school. The center focuses on working with youth who have experienced foster care, homelessness, mental illness and the negative impacts of school discipline.

The event takes place May 4 at Washtenaw Community College's Towsley Auditorium, in the Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. Attendees can arrive at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online for $25 for general admission and $10 for high school and college students. At the door, tickets will be $30 for general admission and $10 for students.

"I am so excited about our lineup of stories this year," said Peri Stone-Palmquist, executive director of the Student Advocacy Center, in a press release. "I know I will be inspired by students who graduated despite homelessness, who persevered and secured their education in jail, who wouldn't let a suspension define their opportunities and much more."

Stone-Palmquist said she is particularly excited to tell a story herself this year, along with mother Theresa Bassett and Theresa's son, Charles Bassett-Kennedy.

"I am truly honored to take the stage for the first time with a mother and son I deeply respect," she said. "The three of us worked together to fight for an education for this bright young man. It was easily one of the most difficult advocacy challenges of my career."

This year's storytellers include:

Ramone Williams, a formerly homeless Eastern Michigan University graduate whose story inspired $40,000 in pledges to the school's program that supports homeless college students. Williams, a Flint native, is a spoken word artist who has been auditioning for films in the area.

Max McNally, a senior at Lincoln High School who is interested in community service. He has been active in Student Advocacy Center's Youth Action Michigan program and represented the advocacy center at a national Dignity In Schools conference.

Brittney Barros, a social work major at EMU who is passionate about advocating for at-risk youth. She also is a board member for Student Advocacy Center. Barros' sister Serenity, who will join her on stage, is an eighth-grade wrestler, swimmer and track runner. Both have experience in foster care.

Marquaun Kane, a senior at Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School. He had a difficult upbringing and has experienced the effects of gangs, poverty, and crime first hand. Kane is currently serving a three-year term as an advisor to Gov. Rick Snyder on the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice.

Theresa Bassett, a teacher, social worker and parent. Her son Charles Bassett-Kennedy is high school graduate and former water polo player and orchestra member, who hopes to pursue a career either as an EMT or underwater welder.

Jessica "Decky" Alexander, a professor of applied theatre and the director of Academic Engagement Programs under Engage @ EMU. She will perform the story of one of the advocacy center's Detroit clients, who recently graduated after moving 17 times.

Co-hosts include Gordie Wykes, a Student Advocacy Center mentor, and Patti Smith, a teacher and author.