BATTLE CREEK, MI (June 3, 2026) |
Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) is proud to help local students achieve their educational goals and pursue their dreams by awarding thirteen outstanding student members with the 2026 KCCU Scholarship! The scholarship provides $1,000 towards tuition for students attending an accredited college, university, or trade school.
KCCU would like to congratulate these thirteen deserving recipients, who each exemplify a strong work ethic, deep community involvement, and a desire to pave bright, passion-driven futures where they will continue to make a positive impact on the world:
Addyson Holder is a class of 2026 Hackett Catholic Prep graduate. During high school she was involved in varsity tennis, debate club, reading club, earth club, and was a part of the Campus Ministry Leadership Team, Student Leadership team, and National Honor Society. Outside of school Addyson took tennis lessons, worked as a babysitter, volunteered at Vacation Bible School and school sanctioned service opportunities, and spent hundreds of hours aiding Girl Scout leaders during troop meetings, events, and camp. Addyson plans to attend Saint Mary’s College, where she will study to become a doctor focused on obstetrics.
Alora Wright is a class of 2026 Gull Lake High School graduate. During high school she was involved in Scouting America, Mini Whinnies 4-H, and the National Honor Society. She was also a part of the Gull Lake High School Performing Arts Company, and outside of school would assist in various events at the auditorium. Alora plans to attend Central Michigan University and pursue psychology, as well as further her community service through their honors program.
Chloe Najar is a class of 2026 Portage Central High School graduate. During high school she participated in travel and varsity softball, the Multicultural Student Organization, and was on Student Senate. Outside of high school, Chloe volunteered at the Animal Rescue Project for 4 years. Additionally, she volunteered at Girls in Science and Math Opportunities and introduced young girls to math and science fields. Chloe plans to attend Michigan State University, and pursue the best of both of her worlds, animal science.
Cooper Gardner is a class of 2026 Harper Creek High School graduate. During high school he was involved in cross country, track, the National Honor Society, and Student LEADership, where he helped with freshman orientation and assisted in setting up and taking down the cross-country course. Outside of school he was a camp counselor at Elementary Cross Country Camp and volunteered at the Harper Creek Middle School track meets. Cooper plans to attend Michigan State University.
Elizabeth King is a class of 2026 Gull Lake High School graduate. During high school she was the Chapter President for DECA, Executive Board President and Class Secretary for Gull Lake High School Student Senate, a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Spanish National Honor Society, President of the Spanish Club, a student representative for the Human Reproduction/HIV/AIDS Committee, and a social media manager for the business class Instagram account. Outside of high school, Elizabeth assisted the youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and was a tour guide for new students at Gull Lake High School. Elizabeth plans to attend Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business to study finance.
Jennifer O’Connor is a class of 2026 Calhoun Christian School graduate. During high school she played on the varsity volleyball team and was a part of the Girls Athletic Leadership Council. Outside of high school, Jennifer played on the Midwest Select Volleyball Club, the Redline Volleyball Club, and volunteered at Praying Pelican Ministries, South Michigan Food Bank, and Fish Farm Ministries. Jennifer plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to pursue environmental studies and sustainability.
Jonah Kue is a class of 2026 Marshall High School graduate. While in school, he participated in the Marshall Community Foundation, Youth Advisory Council, Student Council, varsity soccer, varsity swim and dive, basketball, and band. Outside of high school, Kue volunteered at various events including but not limited to the Merry Mile Calhoun County Fair Grounds and the Hmong Christian Missionary Alliance Youth HLUB Conference. Jonah plans to attend Kellogg Community College to obtain a degree in nursing.
Madelyn Hensel is a class of 2026 Pennfield High School graduate. During high school she participated in varsity volleyball, varsity cross country, varsity basketball, varsity track and field, the marching band, the concert band, Bible Club, youth group, the National Honors Society, and was in student government. Outside of school she designated several hours to Red Cross blood drives, Phoenix Gives Back/STEM Outreach, Pennfield Athletic Boosters, the youth athletic camps at Pennfield, and the Grace Community Church. Additionally, she attended a weeklong medical mission trip to Guatemala and worked at a hospital in San Lucas. She plans to attend Western Michigan University to obtain a degree in nursing.
Nae’Ary Wilson is a class of 2026 Battle Creek Central graduate. During school she played varsity basketball, flag football, ran track and field, and was involved in the Link Crew, National Honor Society, and TRIO Upward Bound. Outside of school, Nae’Ary assisted students with math homework as an afterschool tutor, worked at school concession stands, and volunteered at the Charitable Union, South Michigan Food Bank, Big Tym Fun, and Fremont International Academy. Nae’Ary plans to attend Michigan State University to become a general dentist.
Raelee Vaughn is a class of 2026 Athens Jr/Sr High School graduate. Throughout high school, Raelee was involved in student government, Spanish club, prom committee, Youth Advisory Council, National Honor Society, and Students Against Destructive Decisions, as well as attended the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center. Furthermore, she mentored children during volleyball camps, supported numerous organizations through the National Honor Society, tutored younger students on various topics, and volunteered at several organizations including an Easter community event, trunk-or-treats, and Red Cross Blood Drives. Raelee plans to attend Michigan Technological University and study biomedical engineering.
Rian Wolf is a class of 2026 Harper Creek High School graduate. During school, she was involved in the high school robotics team, marching band, and basketball team. Rian also volunteered for the middle school robotics team as the drive team coach for four years, where she taught students science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Rian plans on attending Kettering University to further pursue robotics and engineering.
Ryan Pejakovich is a class of 2026 Climax-Scotts High School graduate. While in school, he played varsity football, varsity golf, ran varsity track and field, and participated in varsity powerlifting and the National Honors Society. Outside of school, Ryan volunteered at multiple organizations, including the Versiti blood drive and the Southwest Michigan Food Bank. He also volunteered as a mentor for the elementary football team. Ryan plans on attending Davenport University to participate in the powerlifting team.
Violet Mercadal is a class of 2026 Loy Norrix High School graduate. During school, Violet was involved in the National Honor Society, varsity lacrosse, dance, forensics, musical theatre, and attended the Kalamazoo Academy of Rock. Outside of school, she assisted in running the cat foster program through the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service (KRESA) agency’s Veterinary Science Career and Technical Education. Violet also spent numerous hours volunteering at the Third Christian Reformed Church. Furthermore, she participated in several charity drives to raise funds for the Kalamazoo area Math and Science Center Summer Program, the Loy Norrix Theater, and the Loy Norrix National Honor Society. Violet plans on attending Michigan State University to become a veterinarian.
“Education is essential to strengthening communities and shaping the next generation of leaders,” said Tracy Miller, CEO of Kellogg Community Credit Union. “We applaud these outstanding students for both their academic success and their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. We are honored to contribute to their educational pursuits and wish them continued success in all they achieve moving forward.”
The Kellogg Community Credit Union Scholarship Program was established to assist KCCU members who are planning to attend an accredited college or university or are working towards a certification or degree program in the trades. 2026 marks the thirty-eighth year of KCCU’s scholarship program, and since its inception they have awarded roughly $228,000 to local students. KCCU’s Board of Directors, Management, and Staff congratulate the 2026 scholarship winners, and thank the many other exceptional students who applied.
