Recognizing excellence

Students acknowledged for academic, other accomplishments

MARQUETTE -- Having a strong ethic, being a high academic achiever -- and simply taking an interest in others -- were just a few of the characteristics sought by the many benefactors giving scholarships this year to graduating Marquette Area Public Schools seniors.

The Education Foundation for Marquette Area Public Schools on Tuesday hosted a local scholarship event in the Barb Crill Gymnasium at Marquette Senior High School.

A total of 142 seniors were awarded $113,061 in scholarships this year. Any student who applied and was qualified was awarded a scholarship.

"There are a wide variety of individuals who worked hard to make this program a success," said MAPS Superintendent Zack Sedgwick, who credited the education foundation; MAPS Board of Education; MSHS Principal Jon Young; Marquette Alternative High School Principal Andrew Crunkleton; MAPS administration, custodians and staff; and the MAPS Scholarship Awards Committee.

Education foundation President Linda Winslow particularly recognized the donors.

"They're the people that make this all possible," Winslow said.

Of course, the seniors were recognized as well.

"The local scholarship ceremony is a celebration of your dedication and excellence," Sedgwick said.

In addition to their achievements and academic pursuits being spotlighted, the students' interests also were mentioned, ranging from long walks on the beach, sports and hanging out with friends to "wasting money on scented candles."

However, academically speaking, their time wasn't wasted, and students were awarded a wide variety of scholarships.

The scholarships ranged from the Terry Gill and Pamela Gill Duffey Scholarships, awarded in part to a student who has overcome some type of difficulty; the Joe and Elaine Drobny Art Scholarship; and the Frances "Buzz" Brumm Music Scholarship.

The mission of the education foundation, founded in 1991, is to acquire and distribute financial and other resources for unique programs and activities that supplement and enhance quality education and extend learning opportunities for MAPS students.

Sedgwick said foundation members volunteer "countless hours" to supporting a variety of projects, including the MAPS Makerspace, the One-On-One technology initiative, Shiras Planetarium, the Pendill Wall of Excellence, the 1st to Finish program, teacher grants, alumni events and the scholarship ceremony.

For information on starting a scholarship or donating to an existing one, visit mapseducationfoundation.org.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.