Community Foundation announces scholarship winners

STERLING HEIGHTS — More than a dozen high school graduates and college students have some extra funds to help them on their college or vocational journeys thanks to the organized efforts of the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation.

During a May 16 presentation before the Sterling Heights City Council, the Community Foundation announced the winners of 20 scholarships that collectively add up to $33,000.   

The nonprofit Community Foundation, founded in 1991, says it has given $491,000 worth of scholarships to 525 students over 25 years, since 1999.

“We are fortunate to have individuals and companies like our scholarship partners who come forward annually and make a difference in the lives of so many outstanding students by helping them pursue their professional goals,” Community Foundation Executive Director Karl Oskoian said at the council meeting.

He later talked about the competition and standards that recipients must meet.

“Every year, the foundation receives hundreds of scholarship applications,” he said. “The scholarships awarded are based upon our response to specific requirements, which include academic performance, leadership, community service, career plans and need.”

Among the awarded scholarships, a $1,000 BAE Systems scholarship went to Shelby Township resident Anne May. A $2,000 General Dynamics Land Systems scholarship went to Sterling Heights resident Mason Hillman.

A total of five $2,000 Macomb County Chiropractic Association scholarships went to Sloan Butzin, Sterling Heights resident Victoria Chisholm, Shelby Township resident Adriell Desero, Washington Township resident Bailey Kamego and Sterling Heights resident Matthew Rayis.

Shaan Bashir, Shayan Matin and Abdal Yousif each received one of three $2,000 Ronald Himmler Science Scholarships. Gillian Gordon got the $1,000 Selfridge Air National Guard/Base Community Council scholarship.

Two $2,000 Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation scholarships were awarded, one each, to Sterling Heights residents Emily Mandziuk and Alyna Sawka. Two $1,000 Rotary Club of Sterling Heights scholarships were awarded – one went to Sterling Heights resident Andrew Modrak and the other to Sterling Heights resident Alexandria Sparks.

A $2,000 Mayor Richard J. Notte Scholarship for Public Service went to Paige Labadi. And a new $1,000 Mayor Richard J. Notte Vocation Scholarship was awarded to Brett Myers. And a $1,000 Sterling Heights City Manager Public Management Scholarship went to Sterling Heights resident Max Rehn.

The $2,000 Vibe Credit Union scholarship went to Sterling Heights resident Cameron Williams. Lastly, a $1,000 Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons Scholarship went to Sterling Heights resident Tanisha McClendon.

After the recipients were honored, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said he enjoys hearing about all the students’ accomplishments and future plans.

“Many of us have been up here a long time, long enough to see many of the folks like you come, get through college, get a career, and start making a difference in their community,” he said. “You guys are already doing that, and it’s very meaningful to us.”

Learn more about the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation by visiting sterling-heights.net/communityfoundation.