Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) is excited to announce its 2020 Scholarship Honorees. This year, a group of 33 high school students, college students, educators, and students studying a skilled trade will each receive a $2,500 scholarship to further their educational journey.
“As a credit union humbly rooted in education and service, it is our honour to promote valuable lifelong learning among aspiring college students and dedicated educators,” said MSGCU President/CEO Peter Gates.
MSGCU received a record number of scholarship applications from more than 95 high schools as well as other academic institutions in Michigan. The caliber of the applicants and their accomplishments was inspiring.
After careful review and consideration of 400 applications, MSGCU is pleased to award scholarships to 27 students and 6 educators. Scholarship honorees attend 17 local high schools and 7 colleges.
Totalling $106,500 in awards for students, educators and first responders, the scholarship program is just one-way MSGCU shows its commitment to education. Additionally, MSGCU is proud to provide more than $45,000 in classroom grants for local teachers, donate time and resources to local non-profits making a difference in the community, and provide free educational programs to local schools.
2020 Scholarship Honorees
The William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship honours longtime MSGCU Board Member Dr. William Cayen. Known for his passion of helping students during his time as an educator, the scholarship benefits students pursuing a career in skilled trades.
The two recipients of the William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship are:
- Trevonne Beacham, Oakland Community College
- Dante LaRocca, Macomb Community College
The Rudolph Heino High School Scholarship was created in honour of Rudolph Heino, a longtime MSGCU Board Member who strongly upheld the “people helping people” philosophy. The scholarship recognizes high school seniors committed to inspiring others through service and leadership.
The five recipients of the Rudolph Heino High School Scholarship are:
- Bhavini Agrawal, Troy Athens High School
- Riana Cureton, Dakota High School
- Jerry Juratli, Groves High School
- Raeleen Sobetski, Utica High School
- Joseph Sorgi III, Henry Ford II High School
The Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship was created in honour of Larry Swantek, a retired MSGCU Board Member and an educator of more than 25 years. He embraced his role as an educator and influenced thousands of students both in and out of the classroom. The 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:
- Morgan Carolan, Stoney Creek High School
- Madeline Oles, Central Michigan University
- Emily Stefanich, Central Michigan University
- Emma Zagaiski, Armada High School
The Educational Solutions 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 Educational Solutions Scholarship are:
- Justin Babbitt, Fraser High School
- Tarron Carter, Southfield Christian High School
- Kaylee Chan, Utica Academy for International Studies
- Aicha Chehmani, Detroit Country Day School High School
- Amanda Jeffers, Chippewa Valley High School
- Cameron Jajonie, International Academy Bloomfield Hills High School
- Walter Kearney, Cass Technical High School
- Nathaniel Layson, Utica Academy for International Studies
- Patrick Mackezyk, Chippewa Valley High School
- Jacey Needham, Royal Oak High School
- Ashley Newell, Dakota High School
- Aarushi Parmar, International Academy Bloomfield Hills High School
- Julia Plotkowski, Chippewa Valley High School
- Cameron Smale, Utica High School
- Rachel Stiteler, Southfield Christian High School
- Meghan VanDamme, Roseville High School
- Aaron Warrow, Berkley High School
- Devin Woodruff, Groves High School
The Educator Advantage Scholarship is designed for educators and administrators to help cover the costs of continuing education while honouring a commitment to advancing our educators’ skills.
The four recipients of the Educator Advantage Scholarship are:
- Mike Allore, Andrews University
- Michelle Cureton, Wayne State University
- Rachel Distelrath, Eastern Michigan University
- Kate Hojnacki, Western Michigan University
Visit www.msgcu.org/scholars to learn more about the MSGCU scholarship program.