The SJPS Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce its 2022 Foundation Scholarship Recipients. Each student has been awarded a $5,000 college scholarship to be used for tuition, fees, books and on-campus housing. Chaired by a Foundation Board member, each scholarship committee is composed of three community members who review each application and determine applicants to interview. Selection is a difficult task as each candidate has strengths and worthy attributes. A reception was held recently at the high school for scholarship benefactors, students and their families.
Sam Abdelnour, President of the SJPS Foundation commented, “our scholarship program has grown to $55,000 for each graduating class of St. Joseph High School. Awards are funded by individual donors who care deeply about SJPS students and their futures.” Abdelnour also pointed out that in addition to its scholarship offerings, the Foundation raises funds to enrich the education of students in the St. Joseph Public Schools district. In 2021, the Foundation awarded over $500,000 to the district in support of academic initiatives.
Sam Abdelnour encourages students to give back. “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
PAUL W. AND ROSE SUCHOVSKY SCHOLARSHIPS
Edward J. Todd, a 1954 St. Joe graduate, wishes to honor the memory of his mother and stepfather, Paul and Rose Suchovsky, by establishing this scholarship for St. Joseph High School seniors pursuing a college degree in the field of business, engineering or law. Paul and Rose Suchovsky were business people and entrepreneurs who appreciated the important role business plays in building communities and providing opportunities. Six, $5000 scholarships are awarded annually.
2022 Recipients of the Paul and Rose Suchovsky Scholarship
1. Justin Farrish
Parents: Tim and Kim Farrish
Attending Grand Valley State University and majoring in Finance
2. Hayden Flynn
Parents: Dr. Laura Flynn and Ted Flynn
Attending Cornell University and majoring in Physics and Engineering
3. Jacob Halsey
Parents: Tereck and Emily Halsey
Attending Michigan State University and majoring in Marketing
4. Madison Jackson
Parents: Eric and Tiffany Jackson
Attending University of Georgia and majoring in Business Administration
5. Preston Nichols
Parents: Shawn and Michelle Nichols
Attending Grand Valley State University and majoring in Engineering
6. Seth Walters
Parents: Scott and Lisa Walters
Attending Hope College and majoring in Engineering
L to R: Jacob Halsey, Justin Farrish, Madison Jackson, Ed Todd, Seth Walters, Preston Nichols, Hayden Flynn
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF SCHOLARSHIP
The Believe in Yourself Scholarship was established by the Gerbel and Kodis families in 2014. As St. Joseph High School grads and long time supporters of its schools, they feel strongly about providing this opportunity for St. Joseph High School students. Two scholarships for $5,000 each are awarded annually to students who have displayed a passion for learning, desire to succeed, and who want to build on the foundation that they received through the St. Joseph Public Schools.
2022 recipients of the Believe in Yourself Scholarships
1. Ariana Burgeson
Parents: Cean Burgeson and Tiana Burgeson
Attending Western Michigan University and majoring in Exercise Science
2. Leyla Dumke
Parents: Nevine Khalil and David Dumke
Attending University of Michigan and majoring in International Studies
L to R: Leyla Dumke, Jim Kodis, Ariana Burgeson
YEAGER FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Yeager Family Foundation has established a $5,000 scholarship to help assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to further their education by attending college. As longtime members of the community, the Yeagers feel strongly about providing this opportunity for St. Joseph High School students. The Yeagers would like to recognize students who have displayed a passion for learning, who have a desire to succeed, and who want to build on the foundation that they received through the St. Joseph Public Schools.
2022 Yeager Family Foundation Scholarship recipient:
1. Breckyn Bussey
Parents: Michelle Bussey and Thomas Bussey
Attending Grand Valley State University and majoring in Nursing
L to R: Breckyn Bussey, Chris Yeager
BILL MAROHN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Funded by Dr. Gyl Kasewurm’s Professional Hearing Services
Dr. Gyl Kasewurm wishes to honor her friend and mentor, William (Bill) Marohn, by establishing this scholarship to assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to pursue a college degree. As a man of exceptional character and a highly regarded community leader, Bill has served as a mentor for many friends and colleagues over the course of his lifetime. The Bill Marohn Leadership Scholarship will recognize student leaders who demonstrate impeccable character, kindness and leadership skills.
2022 recipient of the Bill Marohn Leadership Scholarship
1. Jaclyn Cool
Parents: Jeff and Vanessa Cool
Attending Michigan State University and majoring in Biosystems Engineering with an environmental emphasis.
L to R: David Kasewurm, Dr. Gyl Kasewurm, Jaclyn Cool, Bill Marohn
THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
The Abdelnour Family has established a scholarship to assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to further their education by attending college. Sam and Anna Abdelnour have a long history of service to others in the community. Their experience has personally enriched their lives, and they wish to recognize students who exhibit the spirit of volunteerism. The recipient of this scholarship will demonstrate a wide range of community involvement and display sincerity and passion for giving to others.
2022 recipient of the Spirit of Community Service Scholarship
1. Mya Dixon
Parents: Daphne McClellan and James Dixon
Attending Loyola University Chicago and double majoring in Psychology and Chemistry
L to R: Anna Abdelnour, Mya Dixon, Sam Abdelnour