CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI (May 2, 2025) |
Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) is awarding more than $130,000 in scholarships to 57 Michigan residents. The credit union is providing 10 additional scholarships starting this year in recognition of its milestone 70th anniversary, which was celebrated in 2024.
MSGCU reviewed hundreds of applications for its 2025 scholarship program and is proud to award 39 students and four educators with $2,500 scholarships. The credit union also funds $2,000 scholarships for 14 future first responders from local community colleges. MSGCU’s scholarship program was created over 20 years ago to assist high school students pursuing higher education. It has grown to include scholarships for future teachers, current educators advancing their skills, and those seeking careers in skilled trades and as first responders. The credit union’s scholarship program illustrates its commitment to helping local students build a strong financial future.
“Supporting students, educators, and first responders with scholarships alleviates some of the financial pressure they’re facing from high education costs and reduces their student loan debt in the future,” said Steve Brewer, MSGCU President/CEO. “We want to help individuals completing a degree program, industry certification, or first responder training achieve their career goals, and MSGCU is proud to be a part of their academic journey.”
MSGCU selects scholarship honorees that demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for community service, and the dedication that’s needed to pursue higher education. Recipients also exemplify the unique mission of each scholarship and exhibit personal characteristics that align with the scholarship namesakes. MSGCU starts accepting applications for its scholarship program in January each year.
2025 Scholarship Honorees
The William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship is named after current Board Vice Chairperson, William Cayen, who has a passion for helping students achieve their dreams and follow their passions. William Cayen has served on the MSGCU Board for more than 50 years. He retired from public education after serving 35 years as a teacher, counselor, and high school principal. The William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship was established in 2019 to help offset the cost of a certificate program in carpentry, electrical, construction, HVAC, machining, or other industrial skilled trades, which are in high demand in Michigan.
The two recipients of the William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship are:
- Kallan Kriewall, Macomb Community College
- Rosa Sciortino, Ann Arbor Electrical Joint Training Center
The Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship is named in honor of the late Rudolph C. Heino. Mr. Heino was a World War II Veteran, served as a dedicated MSGCU Board Member for 28 years, and retired as a principal from the Roseville School District, where he served for 32 years. In 2004, MSGCU established a scholarship program to honor his commitment and tenure of service to both the educational and credit union communities. 10 additional recipients will be awarded annually starting this year, an increase from five to 15. The Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship recognizes high school seniors committed to inspiring others through service and leadership and upholding the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
The 15 recipients of the Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship are:
- Luke Bowman, Anchor Bay High School
- Ava Bunao, Troy Athens High School
- Marissa Ford, Grosse Pointe North High School
- Hayden Howard, Detroit Country Day High School
- Ela Khasnabis Upton, Washtenaw International High School
- Rony Korab, Churchill High School
- Yanagloria Lopetey-Gayle, Canton High School
- Uma Ludwig, Centerline High School
- Olivia Lynn, Romeo High School
- Rohit Mahesh, Salem High School
- Monica Marena, International Academy East High School
- Broden Sasina, North Farmington High School
- Camber Smith, Novi High School
- Sophia Snell, Berkley High School
- Brayden Vanatta, Algonac High School
The Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship is named in honor of the late Lawrence F. Swantek, who served on the Board for 32 years. Mr. Swantek retired from teaching in the Lake Shore School District where he served as a teacher, a computer consultant, and an administrator. MSGCU established a scholarship in 2012 to honor his dedication and passion as an educator. The Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship recognizes high school seniors and current college students committed to pursuing the field of education as a career.
The four recipients of the Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship are:
- Dylan Delaney, Saline High School
- Ryan Parrish, Utica High School
- Owen Davis, Oakland University
- Kirk Wohlfield, Bowling Green State University
The Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship is named in honor of the late Milo J. Perreault, who served on the MSGCU Board for 24 years. His passion for education was demonstrated in his 40-year tenure at Fraser High School where he mentored countless students and became a pillar in the school community. Established in 2015 and renamed to honor Mr. Perreault in 2020, the Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship is designed for educators and administrators to help cover the costs of continuing education while honoring a commitment to advancing their skills.
The four recipients of the Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship are:
- Rachel Forsyth, Wayne State University
- Kellie Reimer, Spring Arbor University
- Alexis Timm, Eastern Michigan University
- Michelle Vanhala, Central Michigan University
The MSGCU High School Excellence Scholarship is designed for high school seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university. The scholarship helps offset the cost of earning a degree while celebrating higher education’s ability to change lives for the better.
The 18 recipients of the MSGCU High School Excellence Scholarship are:
- Kayla Brezenski, Royal Oak High School
- James Burleson V, Romeo High School
- Fadi Dardar, Troy High School
- Nico Di Ponio, Austin Catholic High School
- Hao Do, Cousino High School
- Madeline Douglas, Utica Academy for International Studies
- Ahnika Gaydos, Stoney Creek High School
- Rayyan Islam, Centerline High School
- Lauren King, Seaholm High School
- Nolan Knapp, Lamphere High School
- Taye Levenson, Bloomfield Hills High School
- Danielle Pachuta, Rochester High School
- Alexander Ponomarev, Troy High School
- Lucas Pratt, Armada High School
- Anika Sadek, Saline High School
- Parsva Shah, Stevenson High School Utica
- Mya Thiel, Algonac High School
- Isabella Wesley, Richmond High School
In addition to MSGCU’s educational, skilled trades, and continuing education scholarships, the credit union provides the Stephen Thomas First Responder Scholarship. The scholarship is named in honor of the late Stephen E. Thomas, who served on the MSGCU Board for 21 years. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, a retired Sergeant of the Macomb County Sheriff Department, and retired as the Administrator of the Special Investigation Unit for Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association. A total of $28,000 in scholarships will be awarded to cadets enrolled in the fire and/or police academies at Macomb Community, Oakland Community, Washtenaw Community, and Schoolcraft Colleges.
Visit msgcu.org/scholarships to learn more about the scholarship program and this year’s recipients.