2011 Scholarships Recipients

For the third consecutive year, RMHC of Outstate Michigan awarded 10 high school graduates college scholarships. Of the more than 250 applicants from cities all over Michigan, 10 students were selected to each receive $2,000 a year for four years at the college of their choice.

	Melissa Chavez
	Growing up as the daughter of two Mexican immigrants, Melissa did not learn English prior to entering school and reading quickly became a struggle. But throughout elementary school, Chavez entered a language program for native-speaking students and after years of hard work and dedication, she earned a 4.188 grade point average and graduating top of her class at East Kentwood High School. Following her undergraduate studies, Chavez plans to pursue med school and hopes to become a pediatrician.

	Katie DeJonge
	During her time at Fennville High School, DeJonge earned a 3.76 grade point average while participating in student government and Students Helping Students Anonymously as well as serving as the captain of the basketball team. Outside of the classroom, she coached a fifth and sixth grade basketball team, committed 60 hours to Relay for Life and travelled on a mission trip to Australia. After college, DeJonge is determined to attend medical school and aspires to become a pediatric oncologist in order to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

	Daria Gosztyla
	During her time at Bay City Central High School, Daria earned a 3.98 grade point average while also participating in National Honors Society, Cross Country and Choir. Outside of the classroom, Gosztyla volunteered more than 200 hours at YWCA Camp Meadows, a camp for children with special needs 5 to 13 years old. Following her collage, Gosztyla plans to pursue a career that impacts her community.

	Maaliek Harris-Carter
	During his time at Carman Park-Baker Career Academy, Harris-Carter earned a 4.0 grade point average while serving as the editor of his school newsletter and playing junior varsity football. Outside of the classroom, Harris-Carter has provided childcare assistance for Hugs & Luvs and provided support around the office at ATS Consulting. Following his undergraduate studies Harris-Carter, who has entrepreneurial spirit, aspires to pursue a Masters degree in aerospace engineering, a PhD in Physics and start his own business.

	Scott Hoelsema
	During his time at Zion Christian High School, Hoelsema earned a 4.0 grade point average while also serving as president of the student council, a member of the debate team and baseball teams. Outside of the classroom Hoelsema enjoys mentoring. He has been an active member of the Cadet program for more than six years. Today, he serves as a counselor leading fifth and sixth grade boys in activities and other educational projects.

	Caitlin Huffman
	During her time at Pine River High School, Huffman earned a 4.0 grade point average and was the Valedictorian of her class. She also participated in band, cheerleading and National Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, Huffman’s volunteer work has included being a member of the United States Youth Conservation Corps, a summer work program that helps restore, rehabilitate and repair the natural, cultural and historical resources protected as federally preserved places.

 

	Kristi Karns
	During her time at Westphalia High School, Karns earned a 3.658 grade point average while also participating in National Honor Society, volleyball, cheerleading, track and field and the Clinton County 4-H mentoring program. Outside of the classroom, Karns has volunteered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the American Red Cross and helped coach a junior high track team. She has already begun pursing her education in nursing, dual enrolling in courses at Lansing Community College. Following her undergraduate studies, Karns plans to earn a Master’s degree in nursing and also plans to become a certified paramedic.

 

	Jill Mast
	During her time at Centreville High School, Mast earned a 4.06 grade point average while also participating in quiz bowl, volleyball and student government. During her junior year, she dual enrolled at Glen Oaks Community College to begin earning college credit. Outside of the classroom, Mast has discovered a passion for mentoring. Her volunteer work has included FiveStar, an after-school mentoring program for middle school students, and the Centreville Mentoring Program, which pairs elementary students with high school mentors. After college, Mast aspires to provide aid to citizens in third world countries.

 

	Megan Repasy
	During her time at Western High School, Repasy earned a 4.0 grade point average while being a member of the basketball team, serving as the captain of the volleyball team and being participating in “Freshman Focus Mentoring.” Outside of the classroom, she volunteered for the National Leukemia Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Repasy, who has a passion for compassion, aspires to one day volunteer for the Special Olympics in order to help provide special-needs individuals with the opportunity to participate sports.

 

	Myder Vang
	During her time at Western High School, Vang earned a 4.055 grade point average while participating in student council, freshman mentors and serving as the secretary for National Honor Society as well as the vice president of National Technical Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, she volunteered for the March of Dimes, United Way and Consumers Energy Family Day. Vang, a natural problem solver, aspires to one day produce affordable electric cars.