ork Persistence - Aspiration - Attitude - Determination - Hard Work - Persistence - Aspiration
Portage Rotary Club
2020 Scholarship Recipients
“If we value independence, if we are disturbed by the growing conformity of knowledge, of values, of attitudes, which our present system induces, then we may wish to set up conditions of learning which make for uniqueness, for self-direction, and for self-initiated learning.� Carl Rogers
William Anderson William is a Portage Central High School
graduate and is attending University of Michigan. He has named his father, Adam Anderson, as his most influential person.
“My dad has inspired me to be who I am today. He has taught me many life skills and things pertaining to my sport. I’m happy to follow on his footsteps and play golf at the University of Michigan.”
Maizie Brown Maizie is a Portage Central High School graduate
and is attending Hillsdale College. She has named her father, Robert Brown, as her most influential person.
“He’s always been the one who I’ve wanted to make proud no matter what it was or is. His opinion has always mattered most.”
letcher Award Scholarship Winner
Determination - Hard Work - Persistence - Aspiration - Attitude - Determination - Hard Work
Clare Dirksen Clare is a Kalamazoo Christian High School
graduate and is attending Taylor University. She has named her Youth Pastor, Joey DeKoekkoek, as her most influential person.
“Joey has influenced me throughout my high school career. He is a great mentor and never fails to encourage me to become closer to Jesus Christ, my savior.”
Determination - Hard Work - Persistence - Aspiration - Attitude - Determination
Bryan Hagenbarth Bryan is a Mattawan High School graduate and is attending Western Michigan University. He has named his grandmother, Laura Hagenbarth, as his most influential person.
“My grandmother has always been the kind, loving, and caring individual that taught me to be the best person I could be. She instilled in me honesty, kindness, and openness, and I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without cooking, reading at nights, and spending countless hours at her house.”
Determination - Hard Work - Persistence - Aspiration - Attitude - Determination - Hard Work
Bryce Hoff Bryce is a graduate of Portage Central High School and is attending Clemson University. He has named his father, Jud Hoff, as his most influential person.
“My father motivates me to be the best me I can be.”
Ethan Lancaster Ethan is a Portage Central High School
graduate and is attending Western Michigan University. He has named his mother, Jennifer Lancaster, as his most influential person.
“Throughout the years, I have learned nothing in life is guaranteed. Life goes on, day by day, and there are some things that we just can’t control. However, I am blessed to have an exception to this rule in my life. I learned that no matter how hard my day was, or no matter how hard her day was, she would be there for me, ready to pour her blood, sweat, and tears into whatever needs or desires I held in my heart. It’s not far-fetched to say that I would never be in the position I am today without her guidance and continued support. This award, mom, is just as much for you as it is for me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I love you.”
Determination - Hard Work - Persistence - Aspiration - Attitude - Determination - Hard Work
Bradyn Mills Bradyn is a Portage Central High School
graduate and is attending Grand Valley State University. He has named his brother, Payton Mills, as his most influential person.
“In a fast-paced, thrill-seeking, and success-driven culture, Payton’s commitment to intentionality in every moment is astounding; from his drive in his workplace, to his steadfast and servant-like love of his wife, to his striving each day to live out his values, Payton’s an inspiration in every sense of the word.”
Brianna Neuhouser Brianna is a graduate of Portage Northern High
School and will attend is attending Michigan State University. She has named her teacher, Dr. Amanda Thorpe, as her most influential person.
“She has been by my side through everything and lets me truly express myself.”
Determination - Hard Work - Persistence - Aspiration - Attitude - Determination - Hard Work
David Nguyen Le David is a Portage Northern High School
graduate and is attending Western Michigan University. He has named his Spanish teacher, Señor Hill, as his most influential person.
“Señor Hill has played one of the greatest roles throughout my high school career; without his enthusiasm and dedication, I would not have love for Spanish and Portage Northern Interact Club would not be what it is today!”
Audrey Scanlon Audrey is a Portage Central High School
graduate and is attending Grace College. She has named her grandmother, Norma Clack, as her most influential person.
“Every time I see her, I see so much love, compassion, and wisdom in her eyes. She has taught me how important it is to never give up on your goals, always gain more knowledge, and support your family through everything they do. I like to think that with every story, hug, or meal she shares with me, the more I become like her.”
Congratulations
to all 2020
Rotary Scholarship Recipients
Hannah Thomas-Perez Hannah is a graduate of Portage Northern
High School and is attending Hope College. She her named her 2nd grade teacher, Linda Hay, as her most influential person.
“She has inspired me to become just like her one day, a teacher who is constantly making an impact on children’s lives and showing others that there is still good in the world.”
Megan Wright Megan is a graduate of Portage Northern
High School and is attending Grand Valley State University. She has named her mentor/teacher, Heidi Hively, as her most influential person.
“I have known Heidi Hively since I was 12 years old, and during this time she not only has encouraged me to go into education, but also to grow as a human being. I’ll never be able to thank her enough.”
George R. Laure Scholarship Winner David Nguyen Le
The George R. Laure Scholarship was established in 2004 by the Portage Rotary Club to honor Mr. Laure for his many years of devotion to Rotary and its principles. It is to be awarded to any eligible scholarship applicant, with a priority being given to an applicant expressing an interest in a career in nursing (medicine) and attending an area Michigan College to pursue that career.
Kenneth D. Schuring Scholarship Winner Bryan Hagenbarth
The Kenneth D. Schuring Scholarship was established in 2008 by the Portage Rotary Club to honor Mr. Schuring who was a past president of the Rotary Club and gave significant time, talent and treasure, not only to Rotary, but also to the entire Portage Community and its many charitable organizations. It is to be awarded to any eligible scholarship applicant, with a priority being given to community service.
Smith/Fletcher Scholarship Winner Maizie Brown and William Anderson
Named in honor of longtime Portage Central teacher Jean Smith and parent Bob Fletcher for their significant contributions to students in the areas of athletics. The Smith/Fletcher Award is awarded to the most outstanding male and female athletes at Portage Central High School.
Walker/Mulay Scholarship Winner Ethan Lancaster and Audrey Scanlon
Named in honor of longtime Portage Central teachers Bob Walker and Kathy Mulay for their significant contributions to students in the areas of student leadership and the performing arts. The Walker/Mulay Award is awarded to the most outstanding male and female student activity leader at Portage Central High School.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.� Henry B. Adams
Portage Rotary Club 2020 Scholarship Program 300 Library Lane Portage, MI 49002