On May 16, 2023, the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation and its 11 scholarship sponsoring partners awarded 20 scholarships totaling $33,000 to area college bound high school seniors and current college students living in Sterling Heights and Macomb County.
This marks the 25th consecutive year that the Foundation has awarded scholarships to area youth pursuing degrees in higher education or vocation training.
The Foundation began awarding scholarships in 1999 and has awarded scholarships to 525 area students totaling $491,000, including the 2023 awards.
The organizations awarding scholarships in 2023 are BAE Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, Macomb County Chiropractic Association, former Mayor Richard J. Notte endowment for government public service, Mayor Richard J. Notte Vocation Scholarship, Ronald Himmler Science Scholarships, Rotary Club of Sterling Heights, the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Community Council, Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation, Sterling Heights City Manager Public Management Scholarship, Vibe Credit Union and Wujek Calcaterra and Sons.
2023 Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation Scholarship Program Sponsors and Awardees
• BAE Systems – awarded one $1,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics curriculums. The BAE awardee is:
- Anne May of Shelby Township, MI. Ann will graduate from Lutheran High North in June with a 4.25 G.P.A. She plans to study Mechanical Engineering at Oakland University next fall toward a future in working on defense or automotive vehicles. She has been part of the National Honor Society as well as being a multi-sport athlete.
• General Dynamics Land Systems - awarded one $2,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights area student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics disciplines. The GDLS scholarship awardee is:
- Mason Hillman of Sterling Heights, MI. Mason will graduate this June from Henry Ford High School with a 4.12 GPA. He is attending Michigan State university this Fall to study Computer Science and Software Engineering. Mason is a NHS member, captain of the Henry Ford II High School Varsity Soccer Team, Men's Soccer Falcon of the Year, All Conference Academic and All District Academic. He was a freshman tutor and a math tutor all through high school for elementary, middle, and high school students.
• Macomb County Chiropractic Association- awarded five $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing a career in chiropractic health care. The MCCA awardees are:
- Sloan Butzin who graduated from Lutheran High North and currently attends Xavier University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She plans to pursue Chiropractic as a graduate program. Sloan has worked at a local Chiropractic office in Sterling Heights. Her father is a Doctor of Chiropractic, and active in the Macomb County Chiropractic Association.
- Victoria Chisholm of Sterling Heights, MI. She will graduate from Troy Athens High School with a 4.24 GPA this June. Victoria will attend the Lyman Briggs Science Residential College at Michigan State University pursuing a neuroscience degree on a pre-medical path with plans to become a Chiropractic Physician. She has been active in track and field, Environmental Club, Biology Club and National Honor Society.
- Adriell Desero of Shelby Township, MI. She attends Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where she maintains a 3.65 GPA in her graduate program. She is also a Cross Fit coach and volunteers at a nursery for Sacred City Children’s Ministry and at a children’s after-school program for low income families. Adriell plans to do her preceptorship locally for Chiropractic Physician Dr. Justin Berlin before graduating in October and starting her practice.
- Bailey Kamego of Washington Township, MI. He attends Palmer Chiropractic College with plans to graduate with his Doctorate degree in 2025. He previously attended Western Michigan University. Bailey has worked assisting in his father’s Chiropractic office and he plans to establish a Chiropractic and multi-disciplinary natural heath facility in the future.
- Matthew Rayis of Sterling Heights, MI. He graduated from Stevenson High School in 2016, then graduated with honors with a 3.9 GPA from Michigan State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree In Kinesiology. Matthew currently attends a graduate program at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois, where he will receive his Doctorate degree in Chiropractic next December. He has worked at several Chiropractic offices and also works while in school. He has been active with multiple clubs and organizations and has volunteered for several charitable organizations including Friends of Foster Kids, locally.
• Mayor Richard J. Notte Scholarship for Public Service – awarded one $2,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights college student pursuing a college degree in government public service. This year’s recipient is:
- Paige Labadi who will graduate from Stevenson High School in June. She plans to attend Central Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Services where she will pursue Elementary Education, Community Development or Recreation Management. Paige has volunteered and worked for the Sterling Heights Department of Parks and Recreation since 2019. She was also a member of the Varsity Track Team, National Honor Society and the Spanish Club. Paige was also Volleyball Team Captain.
• Mayor Richard J. Notte Vocation Scholarship (new) - awarded one $1,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights area high school senior pursuing a training in a skilled trades vocation. This year’s recipient is:
- Brett Myers who will graduate from Sterling Heights High School in June. He is active in Cross Country, Golf, and he is an Eagle Scout. Brett has contributed numerous hours of community service in Sterling Heights over the past 11 years. He intends to pursue a career as a welder beginning with certification studies at Macomb Community College.
. Ronald Himmler Science Scholarship - awarded three $2,000 scholarships to Sterling Heights High school students pursuing a college or vocational degree in science related fields. The Ronald Himmler awardees are:
- Shaan Bashir who holds a 4.76 G.P.A. at Sterling Heights High School. He also attends the Macomb Math Science and Technology Center. Shaan has taken many Advanced Placement and honors classes, and he is ranked number one in his class academically. He will study Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan. He is active with the National Honor Society, Honors Band, Marching Band, and he holds a Junior Black Belt and is an instructor in Karate.
- Shayan Matin who holds a 4.28 G.P.A. at Stevenson High School. He is involved with the Spanish National Honor Society, Quiz bowl, and AYSO Soccer. He also works at a pharmacy. Shayan will attend the University of Michigan next fall pursuing a science degree to ultimately pursue a career in Gene Therapy.
- Abdal Yousif attends Henry Ford II High School and has a 4.09 G.P.A. He will graduate in June and will attend the University of Michigan where he will study Cellular and Molecular Biology. Abdal has worked as a Nursing Assistant in Orthopedics at Beaumont Troy Hospital. He has also worked at Urban Air. He is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA Future Health Professionals, the Indian American Student Association, and he is a church summer camp volunteer. Abdal intends to earn a PhD in Biotechnology.
• Rotary Club of Sterling Heights – awarded two $1,000 scholarships to Sterling Heights residents who are either high school seniors or college students. The Rotary awardees are:
- Alexandria Sparks who attends Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights, MI, and will graduate this June with a 3.93 GPA. She is very active with school extra-curricular activities. Allie has been a Varsity Wrestler for 4 years, an All-State Wrestler, on the Varsity Swim Team, an Eagle Scout, Red Cross Certified Lifeguard, AP Biology Club member and more. She works and has a lengthy list of community service involvement, including science-based service projects and many Rotary Club projects. She will attend Rochester College.
- Andrew Modrak will graduate in June from Henry Ford II High School in Sterling Heights, MI, this June. He is an Eagle Scout, Thunder Chickens Robotics Club competitor, Blood Drive Coordinator, Varsity Tennis player, Distinguished Leader Award winner, and a member of charitable voluntary Interact Club at his High School. He plans to pursue Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University.
• Selfridge ANG/Base Community Council – awarded one $1,000 scholarship a to son/daughter of military personnel based at SANG Base attending college or vocational training. The SANG awardee is:
- Gillian Gordon who graduated from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School and St. Clair Community College. She will attend Grand Valley State University pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, graduating in 2025. Gillian plans to work in the medical field and to seek a commission in the Air National Guard. Her family is affiliated with the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Mt. Clemens, MI. She has been active in soccer, volleyball, flag football, coaching at the Michigan National Guard Youth Camp, and volunteering at Selfridge Base events. She works two jobs while also attending classes.
• Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation – awarded two $2,000 scholarships to Sterling Heights area students pursuing college degrees or vocational training. The SHACF awardees are:
- Emily Mandziuk of Sterling Heights, MI. She graduates from Bishop Foley Catholic this year with a 4.47 G.P.A. She plans to study Speech Pathology. Emily has volunteered as president of Key Club, as a softball coach and at Play Place for Autism Children and Camp Hope. She was on cross country track for four years, serving as captain for her last two years and played varsity ice hockey and softball.
- Alyna Sawka of Sterling Heights, MI. She will graduate from Henry Ford II High School in June. She plans to study Engineering or Business Finance at Michigan State University in the fall. Alyna is active with the National Honor Society and Varsity Swim Team along with other volunteer efforts.
• Sterling Heights City Manager Public Management Scholarship – awarded one $1,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights area high school senior or current college student who is pursuing a degree in in public administration. The 2023 scholarship winner is:
- Max Rehn of Sterling Heights, MI. He is attending Michigan State University in the James Madison College of International Relations. He is on the Dean's list with a 3.5 GPA and has a graduation date of June 2026. Max plans to work in government, politics, or international relations to serve his community and help the environment. He graduated from Sterling Heights Stevenson High School in June 2022 with a 3.95 GPA. While at Stevenson, Max was in the Marching Band, Student Council, on the Track Team, Varsity Cross Country, the Varsity Swim Team and National Honor Society. Max is an Eagle Scout and is American Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED certified for professional rescuers and first aid.
. Vibe Credit Union – awarded one $2,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights area student graduating high school and pursuing their education at a university, college, or technical school. Vibe Credit Union’s 2023 scholarship awardee is:
- Cameron Williams of Sterling Heights, MI. He will graduate this June from Stevenson High School with a 3.72 GPA. He is involved in many activities including the Varsity Swim Team and the Distributive Education Clubs of America. Cameron plans to pursue a Public Relations degree at Wayne State University beginning this fall. His application stood out because of his strong and positive attitude. He does not let his Asperger's syndrome define or slow him down. He has shown incredible perseverance and determination in reaching all of his goals.
. Wujek Calcaterra and Sons Scholarship – awarded one $1,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights area high school senior pursuing a college degree in any curriculum. Wujek-Calcaterra’s scholarship awardee is:
- Tanisha McClendon of Sterling Heights, MI. She will graduate from Sterling Heights High School in June with a 3.7 G.P.A. She plans to study Psychology at Oakland University next fall. Tanisha has been part of the National Honor Society Executive Board as well as being a mentor for the Freshman Mentor Program.
“The Foundation applauds the continued annual scholarship contributions of our 11 scholarship partners to support Sterling Heights area high school seniors and current college students pursue a college or vocational degree,” said Karl G. Oskoian, Executive Director and President Emeritus of the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation. “Community leaders, like our 11scholarship partners, make a difference in the lives of not only the students but the community at large. We are fortunate to have individuals and companies, like our scholarship partners, come forward annually and make a difference in the lives of so many outstanding students by helping them pursue their education and professional goals.”