ALMA — Twelve students from six high schools in Gratiot and Montcalm counties were the winners of the Alma College Community Engagement (ACE) Scholarship Program award this year. The ACE program recognizes students for their active volunteer service, community engagement, and leadership in their schools and local communities.

Students who won ACE scholarships receive full-tuition scholarships to attend Alma College, beginning in fall 2024.

“We are excited to welcome our group of ACE scholars onto campus this fall,” said Benjamin Peterson, co-director of the Center for College and Community Engagement (3CE). “This year’s recipients are leaders in their schools and communities who have committed to continuing this work while they are in college. They have already achieved so much for their communities, and they will achieve even more as they thrive at Alma College.”

Community engagement is the major component of the ACE Scholars Program. During their four years at Alma College, the scholars will work with diverse community partners on everything from helping serve food to designing and implementing social media campaigns. Last year the ACE Scholars collectively provided well over 2,000 hours of support to communities and organizations in Gratiot, Isabella, and Montcalm counties.

This year’s recipients represent the seventh class of ACE Scholars, bringing the total number of recipients from Gratiot, Isabella and Montcalm counties to 76 students.

Makaila Boatman, a senior at Alma High School, plans to pursue a career as an attorney after college. Her favorite teacher is Kristina Eggenberger, because “she always pushed me to my full potential and never doubted me.” Boatman has received honors as a scholar-athlete and was named academic all-state by the MHSAA. She has given back to her community through volunteer work at local nursing homes. She is the daughter of Tiffany Boatman.

Hannah Bobzien, a senior at St. Louis High School, has given back to her community through the American Youth Soccer Organization and First Baptist Church of St. Louis. Her favorite teacher is Stephen Lawhorne, because he is “super encouraging, no matter what, and was always there.” After college, she intends to pursue a career as a teacher. Bobzien is the daughter of Victoria and Benny Bobzien.

Jenna Cantu, a senior at Ithaca High School, has given back to her community by volunteering at a food shelter, church closet, the Dream Works Resale Shoppe, blood drives, tutoring, Miracle Minute and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. On the honor roll for seven years, Cantu’s favorite teacher is Sheila Casey, because “she pushed me to a better person.” Cantu intends to study operations and supply chain management at Alma College. She is the daughter of Ronnie and Andrea Cantu.

Joseph Dawe, a senior at Ithaca High School, has been involved in his school through Rock the Block youth football and youth wrestling programs. Dawe has received senior academic honors and was named academic all-state by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). His favorite teacher is Jordan Hessbrook, because he “treated everyone with respect and made sure that every one of his students enjoyed his class.” He is the son of Heather and Daryl Dawe.

Emily Helman, a senior at Carson City-Crystal High School, has been inspired by earth science and yearbook teacher Shawn Bollinger to pursue the study of marine biology. “He has been a very good role model and always pushing me to be the best,” Helman said of Bollinger. Helman has been involved in her school through National Honor Society, blood drives, tutoring, Vacation Bible School, Adopt-a-Highway and other programs. She is the daughter of Erica and Gary Helman.

After college, Emma Millard intends to become a middle school orchestra director while participating in advocacy to make classical music more accessible. A senior at Greenville High School, Millard has given back to her community through cello tutoring, assistant-teaching fifth-grade orchestra, refiling music, performing at churches, fundraisers, and concerts, among other ways. One of her favorite teachers is Andrea Martin at Montcalm Community College, because she “introduced me to Alma College’s exceptional education, music, and political science programs while helping me discover my passion for advocacy.” Millard is the daughter of Philip and Jennifer Millard.

Jackson O’Neil, a senior at Ithaca High School, plans to pursue a career in physical therapy or business after college. His favorite teacher is Josh Macha, because he “always pushed students to be the best versions of themselves.” O’Neil has given back to his community through National Honor Society, Special Olympics, Rotary Club, the community closet, food pantry, blood drives and more. O’Neil was involved with the track and field, and basketball teams in high school. He is the son of Sabrina Burton and Pete O’Neil.

Braylon Parmenter, a senior at Carson City-Crystal High School, has given back to his community through National Honor Society, youth group services and youth basketball coaching. His favorite teacher is Michael Porter, because he “made it easier to keep going and make others’ days better, even if his wasn’t.” After college, Parmenter plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology. He is the son of Karen and Chad Parmenter.

Brandon Pass, a senior at Ithaca High School, has been involved in his school through Rock the Block, Habitat for Humanity and FFA. He has been a captain on the football and wrestling teams, and was named all-state for both sports by the MHSAA. His favorite teacher is Sheila Casey, because she “always encouraged me and told me that I could do anything I put my mind to.” Pass is the son of Darryl and Daun Pass.

Hailee Risner, a senior at Ithaca High School, wants to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher after college. She has been named to her school’s honor roll and given back to her community through the Rotary Club. She is the daughter or Patrick and Amanda Shanabrook.

Lily Sierakowski, a senior at Ithaca High School, plans to pursue a career in elementary education after college. She has been involved in her school through National Honor Society, Student Council and FFA. She has received the Jody Schnetzler Memorial Scholarship and been named academic all-state by the MHSAA. Sierakowski’s favorite teacher is Sheila Casey, because she “inspired me to do my best.” Sierakowski is the daughter of Doug and Misty Sierakowski.

Sadrie Smelker, a senior at Fulton High School, plans to pursue a career as a high school English teacher after college. She is inspired by her own English teacher, Jim Goodspeed, who “never stopped inspiring me and fed my interest in the subject of English.” Smelker has been involved in her school through National Honor Society, Above the Influence and the Career Center. She is the daughter of Joe and Kay Marsden.