CHEBOYGAN – Seventeen (17) students from Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City are receiving scholarships through the Straits Area Community Foundation (SACF) this year.
“Students from the Straits Area have received $29,450 in scholarships in 2020,” said Community Foundation Program Director Laurie Nugent. “Most of these awards are for the 2020-2021 academic year, and include 22 individual awards.”
“The Scholarship Review Committees have their work cut out for them every year, but this year was especially unique as we adapted to doing reviews a bit differently than past years,” said Nugent. “These students have so many demands placed on them in a very competitive atmosphere, and for many, the way their first semester of college looks will be much different than planned. The benefit of receiving a scholarship – no matter the size – can have a real impact on their future and helping them with their education.”
The Foundation’s Executive Director Patrick Heraghty says that behind each fund entrusted to the Community Foundation, including scholarship funds, is a legacy for the donor and a gift of promise to the next generation.
“It is only because people who care about our communities and those who live here chose to give back, that the Foundation was able to award these scholarships this year,” said Heraghty. “What an incredible gift it is for these students to be cared for in this way by generous people they may never even meet.”
One of the unique aspects of the SACF scholarship program is that many of its scholarships are not just determined by academic achievement. Each scholarship reflects the intentions of the donor, and in some cases, that means the emphasis is placed on student interests such as farming, a trade such as welding or plumbing, the arts, or healthcare. All graduating seniors are encouraged to apply for scholarships, regardless of whether they plan to attend a trade certification program, community college or a four-year university.
2020 SACF Scholarship Recipients