Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation Recognizes 2022 Scholarship Program Recipients

On May 17 at 6 p.m., the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation and its 11 scholarship sponsoring partners will award 23 scholarships totaling $26,000 to area college bound high school seniors and current college students living in Sterling Heights and Macomb County. The ceremony will take place at a special Sterling Heights City Council Meeting in City Council Chambers.

This marks the 24th 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 505 area students totaling $458,000, including the 2022 awards.

The organizations awarding scholarships in 2022 are BAE Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, Macomb County Chiropractic Association, Former Mayor Richard J. Notte Endowment for Government Public Service, Professional Public Management Scholarship, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Endowment, Ronald Himmler Science Scholarship, 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.

2022 Scholarships

· BAE Systems- The Company is awarding two $1,000 scholarships to Sterling Heights area students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics curriculums. The BAE awardees are Deema Bunni and Owen Sharnas.

o Deema Bunniof Sterling Heights graduated in 2021 from the International Academy East and currently attends the University of Michigan as a Pre-Medical Biology major. She has a 4.0 GPA at University of Michigan. Her anticipated date of college graduation is May 2025. She is a member of the Arab American Medical Association and the Chaldean American Student Association.

o Owen Sharnasgraduates from High School this June with a 3.8 GPA and will attend The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina pursuing his Bachelor of Science in accounting. He hopes to work as a forensic accountant for the FBI. He has been active in Varsity Cross Country and Track for all four years of high school. He is a member of the National Honor Society, an Adopt-a-Family leader and has been an active fundraiser for childhood cancers for 11 years, raising over $20,000 to date.

· General Dynamics Land Systems- The Company is awarding two $1,000 scholarships to Sterling Heights area students pursuing undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics disciplines. The GDLS winners are Fadie Arabo and Sameh Ali Khan.

o Fadie Araboof Sterling Heights is graduating this June from the International Academy in Bloomfield Hills with a 4.39 GPA. Fadie served his community as chair of the Sterling Heights Youth Advisory Board, a math tutor, and National Spanish Honors Society board chair. Fadie is fluent in Spanish, Arabic and English. Fadie plans to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor this fall to pursue dental and biology studies toward a career as a dentist or biology professor.

o Sameh Ali Khanof Sterling Heights will graduate this June from Sterling Heights Stevenson High School M.A.D.E. Academy with a 4.11 GPA. Sameh was school Quiz Bowl captain, a member of the National Honor Society and a regular homeless shelter and food drive volunteer. Sameh plans to attend the University of Michigan and its College of Engineering in Ann Arbor to study aerospace engineering.

· Macomb County Chiropractic Association- The Association is awarding five $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a career in chiropractic health care. The MCCA awardees are Steele Butzin, Adriell Desero, Rachel Fiori, Erica Geml and Brianna Mosher.

o Steele Butzinattends Tiffin University in Ohio studying for his Bachelor of Science degree. After completing his undergraduate degree, Steele plans to enter a chiropractic graduate program. His father is a chiropractor in Sterling Heights. He was active in high school varsity football, soccer and bowling. He has a strong volunteer history and is active in his University's track and field team.

o Adriell Deseroattends Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, studying for her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Her graduation date is October 2023. She is a returning recipient of this scholarship. She is active as a Bible study leader and is active in the Motion Palpation Club. She also works part-time as a personal fitness trainer. After graduation with her doctorate, she plans to work together with her local chiropractor, Dr. Justin Berlin.

o Rachel Fioriis a dual enrolled student at Life University in Georgia studying to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Rachel is active in several clubs at her university. She plans to return to Michigan to practice after graduation, perhaps with the local doctors at Bassett Family Chiropractic where she has previously worked as an assistant.

o Erica Gemlis a student at Palmer College of Chiropractic at their Florida campus. She plans to graduate with her Doctorate in Chiropractic in 2025. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with her Bachelor of Science degree. She also works part-time and she participates in a folk ensemble.

o Brianna Mosherattended Eastern Michigan University for her undergraduate studies towards her Doctor of Chiropractic degree studies at D'Youville University in Buffalo, New York, graduating in 2025. She has a year of work experience as a chiropractic assistant at Dr. Howard Manela's office, and she hopes to work with him after she graduates. She has over seven years' experience working with the elderly in long-term care, and she has been very active with youth ministries at The Life Church in Warren, Michigan.

· Mayor Richard J. Notte Scholarship for Public Service- Is awarding one $1,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights college student pursuing a college degree in government public service. This year's winner is Alexa Clampitt.

o Alexa Clampittof Sterling Heights graduated from the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies in 2021 and currently attends Ohio Northern University holding a 4.0 GPA. She is studying philosophy, politics and economics and will earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2025.

· Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship(new) - is awarding one $1,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights area high school senior pursuing a college degree in any curriculum. The MLK Jr. 2022 awardee is Jadelena Trvong.

o Jadelena Trvongof Macomb Township is graduating this June from the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies with a 4.19 GPA. Jadelena is a member of the National Art Honor Society, the National Honor Society and Key Club. Jadelena plans to attend Wayne State University and study biological sciences and attend medical school to become a physician.

· Ronald Himmler Science Scholarship- Is awarding three $2,000 scholarships to Sterling Heights High school students pursuing a college or vocational degree in a science related field. The Himmler 2022 science scholarship winners are Lily Medley, Mas Salman and Reagan Spear.

o Lily Medleywill graduate this June with a 4.08 GPA from Henry Ford II High School. She will study biology at Grand Valley State University. Lily intends to become an embryologist or genetic counselor. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Students Against Drunk Driving, lacrosse team, and also tutors and works as a hostess part time.

o Mas Salmanhas a 4.06 GPA at Henry Ford High School and graduates this June. Mas will attend the pre-medical program at Oakland University and then intends to go to medical school to become a pediatrician. She has competed in the HOSA medical club, actively participates in the National Honor Society and has volunteered in tutoring as well as in school and church activities. She also works part time.

o Reagan Spearhas a 4.18 GPA as a senior at Henry Ford II High School. She plans to attend the University of Michigan's Literature, Science and the Arts program majoring in biology. Reagan is the co-president of her high school's National Honor Society. She is on the Girls Varsity Tennis team and active in the Key Club. She competes in HOSA, a health career-based club, and her future career goal is to become an optometrist.

· Rotary Club of Sterling Heights- Is awarding two $1,000 scholarships to Sterling Heights residents who are either high school seniors or college students. The Rotary awardees are Shaelyn Minor and Autrina Saeidiare,

o Shaelyn Minorwill graduate from Henry Ford II High School in June with a 3.96 GPA. She will study nursing at Hope College planning to become a labor and delivery nurse or a midwife. She has been involved with dance at the Mary Skiba School of Dance. She is a member of the student council, the yearbook staff, Stagecraft, Freshmen Mentor program, Leadership group and National Honor Society, and she has completed over 70 hours of community service.

o Autrina Saeidiwill graduate from Stevenson High School in June with a 3.89 GPA. She will attend Michigan State University majoring in political science/pre-law. She is a swim instructor and lifeguard. She has been involved with the National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council, volunteering at a thrift store, Varsity Tennis, Varsity Swim, Club Swim, and piano competitions. Autrina intends to study law to pursue a career as an attorney so she can use her voice to better humanity.

· Selfridge ANG/Base Community- The council is awarding one $1,000 scholarship to children of military personnel attached to Selfridge Air National Guard Base attending college or vocational training. The SANG BCC scholarship awardee is Alexander Kitto.

o Alexander Kittofrom Shelby Township attends Lutheran High School North and is graduating with a 3.8 GPA. His father is employed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and Alexander is applying to the Michigan Air National Guard based at Selfridge. He has been involved in football, track, and wrestling for multiple years in high school. He will attend Michigan State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and then medical school.

· Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation-Is awarding three $1,000 scholarships to Sterling Heights area students pursuing college degrees or vocational training. The SHACF awardees are Nathan Boos, Filopatir Gabriel and Paige Westergard.

o Nathan Booswill graduate in May from the Boos Homeschool with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University this fall. He has been an active part of travel soccer elite teams, taken first place in several speech competitions and participated in local musicals. He has volunteered in local nursing homes, with Vacation Bible Schools and has even participated in a week-long mission trip to Brazil. Nathan has developed leadership skills through the Student Statesmanship Institute in the House of Representatives and Senate, and as a youth ministry worship leader at Faith Lutheran and Woodside in Troy.

o Filopatir Gabrielwill graduate from Henry Ford II High School with a 4.13 GPA. He will attend the University of Michigan and aspires to a career as a cardio-thoracic surgeon. He is active in the National Honor Society, the Spanish N.H.S. and also maintains a part-time job. Filo is also active in his church, teaching hymns and the Coptic language in Sunday School.

o Paige Westergardis a senior at Regina High School with a 4.10 GPA and a member of the Varsity Bowling Team. Paige will attend Sienna Heights University this fall to major in biology, with a minor in art and continue her bowling career. She is an active community volunteer working with multiple organizations. After Sienna Heights, Paige looks to attend Optometry school and open her own private practice.

· Sterling Heights City Manager Public Management Scholarship- One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Sterling Heights area high school senior or current college student who is pursuing a degree in in public administration. The 2022 scholarship winner is Max Rehn.

o Max Rehnwill graduate from Stevenson High School with a 3.95 GPA. He has been involved in marching band, track, Varsity Swim, Key Club, student council, Varsity Cross Country, National Honor Society and French Club. Max is an Eagle Scout, a certified lifeguard and holds a part-time job. Max will major in international studies at Michigan State University's James Madison program. He has served as a volunteer election poll worker and has participated in food drives and community beautification programs.

· Vibe Credit Union- Is awarding one $1,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights area student graduating high school and pursuing an education at a university, college, or technical school. Vibe Credit Union's 2022 scholarship awardee is Christian Allen.

o Christian Allenwill graduate from Henry Ford II High School with a 3.93 GPA. He runs his own business, CJA Designs, manufacturing and marketing jewelry. He will study business at the University of Pennsylvania with intentions for a career in corporate finance. He serves as DECA president at his school, a small business organization. He is also part of the National Honor Society. Christian has earned varsity letters in golf, swimming and power lifting. He also takes German language courses at Oakland University.

· Wujek Calcaterra and Sons Scholarship (new) -is awarding one $1,000 scholarship to a Sterling Heights area high school senior pursuing a college degree in any curriculum. This year's Wujek-Calcaterra scholarship award winner is Sarah Friedmann.

o Sarah Friedmannof Sterling Heights will graduate this June from Bishop Foley Catholic High School with a 4.43 GPA. Sarah was a Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation splash pad attendant, Ice Rink attendant, and building monitor. She was her school Drama Club president and also Key Club president. Sarah plans to attend the Catholic University of America and pursue a degree in studio art, digital art and design.

"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 11 scholarship 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 professional goals."