Three Livingston County students are among the five receiving scholarships from the Lake Trust Credit Union Foundation.
Each year, the foundation gives two types of awards: the New Beginnings Scholarship, which offers up to $7,500 to use for tuition, supplies, books and more; and the Michigan Impact Scholarship, in partnership with Cleary University, which awards one student up to four years of tuition at Cleary.
This year’s Livingston County students receiving awards include:
Grace Schneider of Pinckney, who is pursuing dental hygiene to serve patients lacking access to care. A visit to a free health clinic and a caring professional who gave their skill and time to help people without insurance and who couldn’t afford care was an inspiration.
“It felt so good to be assured that my teeth were OK and to have them looked at by a kin professional led me to really want to help others through my daily work, and to give back in the same way,” Schneider said.
She plans to use the Lake Trust Foundation scholarship to attend a local dental hygiene program. When she graduates, she plans to become a full-time dental hygienist in Michigan. “I hope that in my free time I can also provide free services in free clinics, like the woman who helped me that day,” Schneider said.
Austin Nowak of Howell is using his New Beginnings Scholarship to become a journeyman electrician. He will represent the fourth generation of his family to belong to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 252 when he graduates.
“This scholarship will allow me to not have to worry about the financial burdens that come with the apprenticeship, such as cost for tuition, tools, books, and work attire,” Nowak said.
When he completes the program, he’ll have the essential skills necessary to ensure that the work he does is completed to provide safe electricity to last for years to come. And he hopes one day to become a mentor to other apprentices.
Morgan Murphy, who attends Cleary University in Howell, was awarded the Michigan Impact Scholarship, which covers up to four years or tuition at Cleary University. Murphy, who lives in Lansing, said this scholarship is more than a means to complete her education: she’s motivated by a desire to use her gifts to help those who need it. She hopes to use her communication skills for a nonprofit organization in the future.
“This scholarship has generational value and worth to me,” Murphy said. “This ensures that I can get my full education at an esteemed university, and opportunities for my college experience that my parents didn’t have.”
