2022 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our 2022 class of scholars. Their commitment to excellence their studies, leadership amongst their peers, dedication to their extracurriculars, service to their communities, and demonstration of a "Get To" attitude is outstanding. We hope their continued positive example and accomplishments serve as a reminder of the benefits that a "Get To" perspective can bring to the world!

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Sydney Stapf

West Bloomfield High School>> Cornell University

"So while many people might look at my pastwith pity, I think they should look at it as a blessing. I got to experience so many different lifestyles. I got to meet more people than most do in their childhood. I got to play for many different sports teams, and be a part of many different clubs. And I got to battle through a variety of challenges that made me a stronger person. I continue to try and use this mentality everyday. It may be a cliche to “look on the bright side”, but it truly helps make life more enjoyable."

Carson Brunk

Potterville High School>> Grand Valley State University

"Of course, I wish it hadn’t happened for so many reasons, but for me I “Got To” experience some really special things with my family and learn things about myself that helped me grow as a person. All of these experiences I've had help shape the relationships I’ve built and the messages that I convey to people around me. As a team captain in many sports, a youth sports official and camp counselor, and as a Peer Assistance Leader (PAL) in my school, I am able to pass this attitude of positivity and resilience on toothers. I know that God put these things in my life to help me to become all that he has planned for me.

I really am so grateful and feel so blessed for the things that I “Get To” do each day."

Morgan Shropshire

West Bloomfield High School>> Central Michigan University

"I now realize the struggles I’d experienced in my adolescent years were key to molding me into the person I am today.

Each day, I relish in how grateful I am to have experienced something so unique and empowering as it has truly changed my life in the most beautiful way possible. As my village continues to expand, I will always take these lessons and experiences with me as they are vital to my growth as an individual."

Mackenzie Ford

Gull Lake High School>> Grand Valley State University

"I believe demonstrating a “get to” attitude is grounded in personal choice, positivity, sacrifice, and accountability. I learned that to truly be the best you have to “walk the walk.” I learned the importance of putting your words into action - showing that you mean what you say by acting on your words. By “walking the walk” I was able to not only hold myself to a high standard but also my team.

I realized that I didn't “have to” workout necessarily, but I got to. Each day I had the chance to better myself, and having this mindset changed everything for me. "

Jayden Schmaltz

Lakeshore High School>> Michigan State University

"I value the importance of collaboration and working together with others towards a shared goal. I have no regrets, no remorse, no doubts following this experience in my life. I have learned invaluable lessons that I implement each day and that will last a lifetime. I get to continue to grow and learn. I get to make commitments. I get to make tough choices I am faced with each day. I get to choose the more difficult path. I get to experience challenges and obstacles along the way. I get to overcome them. I get to be a leader, an encourager, a supporter, an example to others. I get to achieve goals. I get to pursue my passions."

Gannon Blair

Divine Child High School>> Michigan State University

"We get to do so much in this life. When Ichose to flip my mindset, life became easier and much more enjoyable. Although my athletic career didn’t go the path I wanted, I still get 5 weeks before basketball leaves my life for good. This time, the goodbyes will be hard, but I get to say those goodbyes. I get to choose how I go out. I will continue to work harder than I have before, and whenever my season is complete, I will be able to look back and enjoy that I was able to do this. I did not have to continue basketball after all of the heartbreaks and setbacks. I “Get to”, and for that, I am grateful. "

Grace DeLong

Muskegon Catholic Central High School>> Saint Mary's College

"Having this mentality has completely changed my perspective on how I am blessed to have the life that I do. It is amazing to imagine that small events can have such a big impact on people’s lives. I am sure when Coach Michelli said those two simple words, she was only trying to prepare us for the basketball game and the season that was ahead of us. However, her words meant so much more to me, and I am sure most of my team, then she knows. Her attitude convinced me to change my perspective and become more positive. I look forward to putting forth my “Get To” attitude for any challenge I may come across in my future, and I hope I can inspire others to implement this perspective into their lives the way that Holly Michelli inspired me to do it in my own life."

Alexandria French

Gull Lake High School>> University of Michigan

" The academic setting is where I first found the meaning of a “get to” mindset, but I soon after applied that mindset to all aspects of my life. I get to play soccer on one of the most competitive high school teams in the area, one that has won two state championships.
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If there is one thing that I’ve learned, it’s that life is too short to not be thankful for what you get to do, and so at the end of the day, I am nothing but thankful."

Macy Mueller

Hillsdale High School>> Western Michigan University

"Throughout life, you will need to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. For me, I have learned that my strengths can compliment your weaknesses and your strengths can compliment my weaknesses. Together, as a team, people can create opportunities for success in so many ways, some apparent and some not so apparent. The sense of pride that I feel helping others be their best selves will follow me to college and to my career. I get to help others be successful, I get to find a way to make the improbable, possible, I get to…. for the rest of my life! "

Brandon Haygood

Berrien Springs High School>> Lake Michigan College

"The aspect that kept me going was my get-toattitude; the idea that I was put in the position to help change someone's life that was near and dear to my heart. That positive mindset is what motivated me every day from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed at night."

Brianna Tennes

Lansing Catholic High School>> University of Notre Dame

"The Get To philosophy originally stronglyresonated with me because of my track experience, but I have realized that as a result of COVID, I have come to appreciate the many things I took for granted before, like simply being able to physically go to school or run errands. While I previously groaned when my alarm went off on a Monday morning, or complained when my mom would ask me to pick up some groceries, now that they are something that I get to do, my attitude towards life as a whole has completely changed for the better. "

Haley Newland

Bad Axe High School>> University of Michigan

"During lockdown I got to do many different things I might not have had time for before and it helped me recognize more things about myself. I learned how to look for the positives beneath the negatives and really appreciate what I have. I get to do so many different things in my life, and when I lost them during lockdown, I understood just how much I had. Now I walk through life grateful for even the little things I get to do and experience."

Sara Tweed

Cranbrook High School>> University of Michigan

"To this day, I use sports as my escape from reality. Year-round, I devote my time and energy to different sports so that I can productively use my energy and stay motivated. Seasons come and go, but to me, the feeling of being able to enjoy something that I love with my teammates can be the greatest power in the face of adversity. I would like to think that my efforts, especially in the past, challenging year, demonstrate a "Get To" attitude that would make Ben Jones proud. "

Ty Ruddy

Whiteford High School‍>> Hillsdale College

"I cannot give ten to get where I want to go, but I never fail to present, with all effort, the nine I can. The ripples of my heart defect perpetuate, but my heart belongs, still, solely to the Lord. Now by the grace of God, I "Get To" make the most of the second chance I was given. With the best I have to give, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ” -Philippians 3:14."

Anna Constable

Berrien Springs High School>> Bethel University

"Even though it was not always a positive experience, I stayed determined and hopeful. Having gratitude was the most significant influence in me staying motivated...

...it is thankfully a challenge that I was able to conquer. I try to continue that same mindset in all aspects of my life. I believe that being thankful, and recognizing the opportunities and blessings that are in front of you, is more valuable and important than dwelling on things you do not have. "

Sydney Masserant

Jefferson High School>> Michigan State University

"The simple wording, “ I get to”, has brought suchan extreme amount of positivity to my life and has such a strong meaning behind it that makes it more than just three words spoken aloud. Everyday I wake up knowing that accidents happen, and not knowing when they do, to appreciate and be extremely grateful for all the blessings we are given. To be able to “get to '' live life and perform and attend the various activities throughout our time here on Earth is a beautiful thing. I am so immensely blessed to have overcome the struggles that came with my injury, and know that through it all came a whole new perspective on life and how we should be enjoying every moment and every breath we take."

Victoria Wurzel

Berrien Springs High School‍>> Lake Michigan College

"I can see how God allowed this to happen to me so I could help others. I “get to” show others that they are not alone. I “get to” share my experiences with those of similar pains in order to help them see that there is hope."