By Sue Hendriksma
The Schoolcraft Alumni Association canceled its annual banquet and meeting again this year due to the COVID crisis. But its Executive Committee announced that scholarships supported through member donations were awarded to four 2021 graduates, including specialized scholarships sponsored by the SHS Class of 1982 and the Veterinary Clinic of Schoolcraft.
Annabelle Ledlow was awarded the Veterinary Clinic of Schoolcraft Scholarship. She has known since she was little that she wanted to have a career that involves animals. She will be attending Michigan State University. Annabelle participated in 4H and Future Farmers of America and has also volunteered at a local animal shelter for the past four years. She has ridden for the school’s Equestrian Team and, through Education for Employment, has participated in animal technology and veterinary science classes. She plans to earn a degree in the veterinary nursing program with a double major in horse management. She will then apply to veterinary school to earn her doctorate and specialize in equine rehabilitation.
Maya Pearce received the Schoolcraft Class of 1982 Scholarship. Maya plans to study biochemistry at Michigan State University, then pursue a master’s degree in forensic science. She would like to work in a crime lab and be a vital part of our justice system. Maya has been active in both school and community, serving with pride on the varsity tennis and bowling teams, playing in Concert Band, and serving both as a performer and a crew member in the drama program. Since her kindergarten year, Maya has also been a member of the Girl Scouts program. Her teachers note that her drive and determination and her academic achievement, involvement in the arts, and strength of character will help her achieve her goals.
Kelby Goldschmeding received a Schoolcraft Alumni Association scholarship and plans to study nursing to become a neonatal nurse at a large hospital. She has excelled in her studies and also been a recognized member of the varsity volleyball and softball teams. Kelby hopes to pursue her volleyball career at the college level while completing her nursing studies. She has volunteered for many service organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her teachers note that Kelby is a gifted individual who takes her school and community responsibilities seriously.
Jake Olvitt also received a Schoolcraft Alumni Association Scholarship. Jake will attend Adrian College to pursue a degree in sports management, with a dual major in exercise science. He has played football, baseball and basketball while in high school and has played on a traveling team in baseball for seven years. Jake plans to prepare himself to enter the sports management field as a physical trainer, athletic trainer, athlete development specialist, sports marketing manager, management coordinator, or media manager. One of Jake’s coaches described him as being punctual, extremely hard working, and a proven leader while also being caring, helpful, intelligent, and a humble young man.
The Schoolcraft Alumni Association awards one or more scholarships each year. Including our 2021 recipients, 100 Schoolcraft High School seniors have received scholarships in various amounts since 1988 that total over $55,000. Each year, a list of all scholarship recipients is displayed at our banquet and other events.
Seniors must apply through the school using the Alumni Association’s application criteria, which takes into consideration not only their GPA, but extracurricular activities as well as service projects. Students are required to provide a short essay and also provide a recommendation from another individual, generally a teacher, who knows them well. The Executive Committee determines how much can be awarded in a given year based on donations received over the last year. The Scholarship Committee screens all applicants and determines who receives the awards.