Twenty-four incoming students win $50,000 Medallion Scholarships

Contact: Jeanne Baron
Photo of high school students, seated and listening to a presentation.

High school students listen during a 2013 Medallion Scholarship competition.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Twenty-four freshmen have won coveted Medallion Scholarships to begin their studies at Western Michigan University this fall.

Medallion Scholarships are the highest merit-based award WMU can bestow on an incoming freshman. Valued at $50,000 each over four years, they constitute one of the largest merit-based awards in American higher education.

Some of this year's incoming scholars received a WMU Presidential Medallion Scholarship, a WMU Foundation Medallion Scholarship or a Dean's Medallion Scholarship, while others received awards that bear the names of their scholarships' donors or the individuals for whom the scholarships were established.

Medallion Scholarship Program

The 2014 recipients were announced in April. The students were selected after competing for the awards in the 31st annual Medallion Scholarship Program competition held during January and February sessions at WMU. Invitations to compete were based on a combination of high grade point averages and ACT scores, and were extended to students who had applied to WMU by Dec. 6, 2013.

A total of 738 seniors from across Michigan and the United States participated in this year's competition. The daylong event included essay writing and a group problem-solving activity for the students as well as activities for the participants' parents.

The 40 top-performing competitors returned to campus and were interviewed as finalists for the Medallion Scholarship, with 24 ultimately being selected to receive the honor.

In addition to the $50,000 monetary award, Medallion Scholars become members of WMU's Lee Honors College. The college, one of the oldest honors programs in the nation, enhances the undergraduate learning experience by providing such benefits as smaller class sizes, individualized academic advising and a freshman mentoring program.

The finalists not awarded Medallion Scholarships were offered a top-tier scholarship worth $6,000 over two years, and all of the remaining competitors were offered a one-time scholarship worth $3,000.

This year's Medallion Scholars have an average ACT score of 31 and a grade point average of 4.23. Eight come from underrepresented or minority groups and three come from states other than Michigan. They will begin their studies at WMU in the fall and are scheduled to graduate during the 2017-18 academic year.

Medallion Scholars for 2014

Alyson Barra from Bark River received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in global and international studies. A graduate of Bark River-Harris Schools in Harris, she is the daughter of Randy and Dawn Gorecki. Valedictorian of her class, Barra maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout high school. She is senior class president and a member of the Bark River-Harris Leo Club, the junior affiliation of Lions Club International, which she served her junior year as president and served this year as senior class representative on the executive board. Barra also is a four-year junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary, which she served this year as historian, and was selected as a delegate to the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girls State in 2013. In addition, she was a member of the Quiz Bowl Team, a charter member of the Math Team, and has been involved in vocal performance, band and track all four years of high school.

Barra is a member of the choir and has participated in Concert Band as well as the Club Jazz Band. A cornet and piano player, she has scored highly in Solo and Ensemble competitions and was a member in 2013 of the District Honor Band, a grouping of the best musicians from the mid-Upper Peninsula. In track, she has placed in multiple regional, cup and other meets as a hurdler and participated in the Upper Peninsula State finals in 2012. Her peer athletes selected her to receive the Unsung Hero award her sophomore year. Barra has been involved in numerous school and community service projects through her membership in the National Honor Society, service as senior class president, work as a member of the Bark River Salem Lutheran Choir and work with the Bark River United Methodist Church school.

Natalie M. Burdick from Dexter received a Harold and Beulah McKee Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in theatre. The Dexter High School graduate is the daughter of Steve and Karen Burdick. A member of the National Honor Society, she earned commended status for the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Competition in 2013. She received her school's Excellence in Biology award in 2012 and Excellence in French award in 2013. Burdick has been involved with dance, theatre and vocal music all four years of high school. She was a member of her school's Off Q improv troupe, performing in 11 shows, and Drama Club, performing in 15 shows, including playing the leading role in seven. She also has had two lead roles with the Young People's Theatre, for which she has served as a volunteer camp leader, and has acted in a production of the Encore Musical Theater Co., a semiprofessional theater that hires professional leads.

Burdick has been a member of her school's top choir, the Chamber Choir, since her freshman year. She is the soprano section leader and has earned numerous school "best" honors for her singing and sight reading. She has participated in a variety of performing arts-related institutes and competitions. Her accolades include being selected to attend the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, University of Michigan's MPulse Vocal Arts Institute, and 2014 National Thespian Festival. She earned superior ratings at the 2013 Michigan Thespian Festival for monologues and solo musical theatre and was one of only 10 competitors statewide selected to receive the Thespian Scholarship Award. Burdick has been a volunteer camp leader for the Young People's Theater Musical Revue Camp for Children and a volunteer singer at a retirement home. 

Clayton B. Carter from West Bloomfield received a WMU Foundation Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in chemical engineering. A graduate of Walled Lake Northern High School in Commerce Township, he is the son of Bryant and Cathy Carter. A member of the National Honor Society, he was named an Advanced Placement Scholar in 2013. Carter is a four-year member of the football team and under his school's no-set-captains policy, served several times in that leadership role during his high school career. He also was a four-year member of the Ski Team, competing with the varsity squad for three years and serving as team captain this year.

Carter earned academic letters in 2011, 2012 and 2013; was a KLAA Scholar Athlete in both football and skiing in 2012 and 2013; and received the Future Lifesaver Award in 2012. In addition, he has been a member of the Boyne Racing Team for four years, training every weekend in the winter at Boyne Mountain. He is employed as a head lifeguard and counselor at a local summer camp, Summer Adventures. Carter has contributed to raising more than $30,000 for the Ski Team and through his involvement with the National Honor Society, has volunteered as a peer tutor, helped out during Wixom Elementary School's Curriculum Nights and assisted in coaching at summer camps for the Lakes Area Hawks peewee football organization.

Susanne Mary Ellen Crum from Richland received an Emily and Richard Hoffman Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in civil engineering. The Gull Lake High School graduate is the daughter of Annette Crum. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Crum was awarded three scholarships to cover expenses to attend a Women in Engineering Summer at Michigan Technological University and was one of 30 students accepted to a summer engineering camp at Michigan State University, also covered by scholarship. She has been active in sideline and competitive cheerleading, receiving seven varsity letters and the Michigan Coaches Association Second Team All-District title.

She also received three varsity letters during her four years as a member of the tennis team and was voted team captain for the 2013-14 season. Crum volunteered at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, serving as junior counselor for the Summer Science Camp, and participated in the Pittsburgh Project Mission Trip to repair the homes of people who are disabled, elderly or living in poverty. She co-coached the Rocket Cheer Team and volunteered for the Share the Harvest event, Maple Sugar Open House, Gazelle Sports Run Through the Lights and GraceSpring Church Youth Group.

Carly J. Crusius from Tinley Park, Illinois, received a Gwen Frostic Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in occupational therapy. The Tinley Park High School graduate is the daughter of Gina Crusius. A member of the National Honor Society, she is a 2013 Advanced Placement Scholar and Titan Scholar. Crusius is vice president of the senior class and has been on the Student Council for two years, serving this year as president of its Executive Board. She also has been a two-year member of the Science Club, Environmental Club, World Language Club and Drama Club. In addition, Crusius has held class leadership positions during her freshman, sophomore and junior years. A multi-talented musician, she has been involved with band throughout high school. She plays the clarinet, piano and various percussion instruments in the Symphonic Band and also plays piano in the Honors Jazz Band.

Crusius had supporting lead roles in four major theatrical productions during her two years as a member of the Drama Club and spent two years playing indoor soccer as well as a year on the softball team. As a National Honor Society member, she has accumulated more than 700 hours of community service during the past two years, and she plans on continuing to volunteer while at WMU. Much of her service work has been done at Bremen Youth Services, a counseling agency that has an annual summer camp that she has been involved with since age 7. She participates in that organization's Mentee/Mentor program and has volunteered a few summers with its summer program.

Alexandrea Arabia Iranae Davis from Battle Creek received a Gwen Frostic Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in English. The Battle Creek Central High School graduate is the daughter of Ronald Davis and Deborah Davis, both of Battle Creek. A member of the National Honor Society, she was named Student of the Year in 2012 and received the BCCHS Roar Award of Excellence in 2013 for her high grade point average and great behavior. Davis and her sister, Olyvea, another of this year's Medallion Scholars, received second place for a Kiwanis Club art award in 2013. She participated in her school's girls varsity swim team during her sophomore year and has been an avid volunteer.

For the past four years, she has volunteered backstage as part of the tech crew and stage-building crew for the annual Band Follies talent show. Among other duties, Davis coordinated setting up props and microphones and made sure performances ran smoothly. Her many other service activities at school include serving as a timer and concession stand worker at swim meets and as a manager and statistics keeper for the wrestling team. She also has volunteered with Kids Against Hunger and the River Conservation Clean Up, Salvation Army and CIR Silent Auction.

Olyvea N. Davis from Battle Creek received a Merze Tate Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in chemistry. The Battle Creek Central High School graduate is the daughter of Ronald Davis and Deborah Davis, both of Battle Creek. A member of the National Honor Society, she was a Carson Scholarship Award winner in 2011 and received her school's Student of the Year award in 2012 for maintaining a high grade point average and being a responsible student. She and her sister, Alexandrea, another of this year's Medallion Scholars, received second place for a Kiwanis Club art award in 2013.

A member of the school swimming team her sophomore year, Davis also was a middle school swim team volunteer coach and swim meet volunteer timer. She has volunteered at school events, cleaning the ponds around the Battle Creek area, and also volunteered at community events such as the Community Inclusive Recreation Art Auction at the Country Club and the Kids Against Hunger food-packaging event held at Calhoun Christian School.

Yessica Garcia from Holland received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to explore WMU's offerings before declaring a major. She is a West Ottawa High School graduate. A member of the National Honor Society, Garcia received Academic Excellence awards in English, French, science, social studies and physical wellness. She is a three-year member of the WOHS Dance performance group, which creates its own choreography, and has played recreational soccer for two years. She was a student representative to the Rotary Club's mayor's roundtable and is a member of the leadership team of the Hispanic Youth Leadership Conference.

In addition, Garcia is a member of the Hispanic Organization for Progress and Education, or HOPE, and of Digital Connectors, a youth leadership program for students from low-income families. She also has served as a student leader for Jolene's Secular Evangelization de San Andres, or JESSE, a faith-based youth group, and as a youth program mentor for Adelanto, a leadership-building and service program. Garcia came to the United States when she was 3 years old and is the first in her family to attend high school. It is her dream to go to college.

Stephanie George from Battle Creek received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biochemistry. The Lakeview High School graduate is the daughter of Sheela George. A member of the National Honor Society, she is co-leader of the local chapter's Read to Lead program at Westlake Elementary. George was named an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and was a Conrad Foundation Spirit of Innovation semifinalist. She has been a member of the Lakeview High School Student Government for four years and a Key Club member and volunteer for two years.

She has volunteered with the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Battle Creek for three years, working with veterans with dementia, and with the American Red Cross and Marian Burch Adult Care Center, helping older residents with daily exercises and activities. George also has been a summer intern for the Battle Creek Substance Abuse Council and an intern with the Battle Creek Community Foundation's Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Partnership and has spent a week observing a team of medical staff at Bethany Hospital in Thane, India.

Jessica J. Graves from Lowell received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biomedical sciences. The Lowell Senior High School graduate is the daughter of Paul and Harriet Graves. A member of the National Honor Society, she is a Michigan High School Athletic Association Scholar Athlete finalist. Graves was a member of the cross country, track and equestrian teams all four years of high school and participated in basketball for three years. She has been captain for all three teams, won an individual equestrian state champion award this year and earned several school awards in all three sports. Graves also has been involved for four years in band, serving the Marching Band this year as drum major and previously serving the Symphonic Band as secretary and a section leader.

She was a four-year member of the Future Farmers of America, which she served this year as treasurer. She has participated in school theatrical productions and received a State Proficiency award along with an Outstanding Junior award and Public Speaking Gold award. In addition, Graves has been a member of the Lady Arrows Varsity Club-Leaders of Lowell. She has volunteered with the Lowell Women's Club and her church youth group and 4-H club, which she has served twice as president and once as treasurer.

Bethany H. Hansen from Dexter received a Dean's Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in music education. The Dexter High School graduate is the daughter of Bill and Jennifer Hansen. A National Honor Society member, she is a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist and was selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference in 2011. Hansen is a two-year member of Students Need Accepting Peers and a past vice president of the organization. She has been involved in band, dance and vocal music all four years of high school. During that time, she has been first chair in DHS' top band and has had a high ranking in three statewide honor bands. She is the Marching Band's drum major this year. Hansen has played in the Pit Orchestra and acted in theatrical productions as well as been the lead singer in the Worship Band and a member of DHS' top choir. She played lacrosse for three years and is a past captain of the junior varsity and varsity teams.

Hansen has chaired a National Honor Society blood drive and frequently volunteered for other society projects. For several years, she has volunteered with 30 Hour Famine; participated in summer Service Over Self Mission trips, rebuilding houses in Memphis, Tennessee; and prepared and served food at a local soup kitchen. In addition, she participated in the Service Over Self Leadership Summit and a mission trip to Belize, both in 2013. Hansen has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and has earned numerous awards and certifications. She owns a private flute studio and is fluent in Spanish.

Spencer J. Henning from Kalamazoo received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in physics. A graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center, he is the son of John and Colleen Henning. A National Honor Society member, he been a regular on the KCHS dean's list and KAMSC academic honors roster. In 2012, Henning was chosen to participate in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Art of Science and Medicine camp at Kalamazoo College and this year, he has been a member of a KAMSC research team working on a physics and engineering project employing WMU's Van de Graaff accelerator. His KAMSC activities also resulted in an Outstanding Research Project award his junior year.

At KCHS, Henning has been active the past two years in theatre and throughout high school in the Jeter's Leaders program, a youth leadership and social change program for high school students across the country. He was the first freshman to chair the latter organization's Social Change Committee and has served in numerous other leadership posts. Henning has completed more than 200 community service hours through Jeter's Leaders, in addition to volunteering for community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo, Girls on the Run and Lakeside Academy.

Gregory Thomas Johnson from Lansing received a Dean's Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biochemistry. The Waverly High School graduate is the son of Elizabeth and Jay Johnson of Lansing. A National Honor Society member, he is a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist who was named to the All-Conference Academic list for Ingham County the past three years and has earned three WHS academic letters. Johnson is a Delta Township Young Person of the Year nominee and won the Ingham County Women's Commission Essay Contest his junior year. He has participated in theatre and vocal music throughout high school, acting in several school productions, singing with the Honors Choir and since the 10th grade, serving as the school choir's bass section leader.

He qualified and competed at the State Solo and Ensemble competition last year and has twice attended the MSU Choral Leadership Convention. Johnson also is a four-year member of the boys cross country team, which he has captained since his sophomore year, and participated in track for three years, serving twice as distance captain. He also is a two-year member of the Gay-Straight Alliance and Spanish Honor Society and an active volunteer through his National Honor Society chapter. His community service includes membership on the Teen Advisory Group and volunteering at the Delta Township District Library, for which he was named the top teen volunteer in terms of donated hours for the past two years.

Andrew D. Kathan from Carmel, Indiana, received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in an engineering discipline. The Carmel High School graduate is the son of Linda Kathan. A member of the National Honor Society, he expects to graduate as an Advanced Placement Scholar with honor. Kathan placed second in the Distributive Education Clubs of America Principals of Finance District Competition, received a Certificate of Award for Excellency in Physics 1 and was named a Theatre Student of the Month. He has been a member of the Chess Club as well as active in theatre and vocal music throughout high school.

He is a past president of the Rising Stars Drama Club, was a member of the Comedy Sportz High School League, and reached the International Honor Thespian rank as a member of International Thespian Society Troupe No. 3315. He participated in numerous high school theatre productions and has placed in Indiana State Thespian Conference competitions for performing. Kathan was a member of his high school's nationally ranked show choir, the Carmel Ambassadors. He also participated in choir and was an emcee and soloist for the cabaret and silent auction. He was a member of the Ambassador European Tour, visiting four cities, and was invited to perform this spring with West End Kids and in Disney Land Paris.

Kendall A. Miller from New Baltimore received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in aerospace engineering. A graduate of Anchor Bay High School in Fair Haven, she is the daughter of Wayne and Rebecca Miller. She is a member of the National Honor Society and serves on its board. Her other academic honors include participating in the state Chemistry Olympiad and receiving a Scholastic Varsity Academic letter, a Lamp of Learning award and an Advanced Placement Chemistry Instructor award. Miller is serving this year as a representative on the Student Council and is a two-year member of the yearbook staff, serving this year as editor-in-chief.

Throughout high school, she has been on the cheerleading steam and a member of the Marching Band and Anchor Bay Color Guard. She also has been a semifinalist in forensics competitions at the state level as well as a member of the No Bull Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Fusion, Winterguard and the Huron Valley Open Winterguard. Miller frequently volunteers for local libraries, has been a tutor for students in a range of grades and has organized multiple group projects for her National Honor Society chapter.

Edward A. Mulford from Freeland received a Richard and Carolyn Chormann Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering. The Midland High School graduate is the son of Luis and Rosalinde Mulford. He participated in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, which requires multiple outside-of-school essays and community service. Mulford has attended engineering programs at Michigan Technological University and the University of Michigan and consistently placed on the MHS honor roll. He was the project team leader for the A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math. He is a four-year member of the Business Professionals of America chapter, which he has served as president, vice president and Parliamentary Procedures Team vice president.

Mulford also has been involved in visual art throughout high school. His independent artwork includes woodcarving, 3D computer designs and acrylic painting. He was a member of the cross country team this year, is a former member and treasurer of the German Language Club, co-founded the International Club, and is a member of the Key Club. He has served as a tutor, a school ambassador to help introduce freshmen to high school life and a community ambassador for the Environmental Club. Mulford traveled to Taiwan for two weeks as a student delegate and visited Europe with his German class. He has been active in his local Boy Scout troop, holding leadership positions and placing in competitions.

Sarah M. Piper from Vicksburg received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biomedical sciences. She graduated from Vicksburg High School and the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center. She is a member of the Orra Bishop National Honor Society and was recognized by the society for outstanding leadership in 2013. She is a member of the KAMSC Student Senate and has appeared on the center's high honors roll as well as honor rolls at VHS.

Piper was a member of the Ski Club, the Bulldogs Indoor Track Team and was a cast member in a school production of "Stage Door." A member of the varsity cross country team, she served as team manager in 2010. She also was a member of the varsity track and field team, competing in a variety of events, serving as assistant team captain in 2011, serving as team captain in 2012 and winning Most Improved Athlete honors in 2011. Piper has volunteered as a Bronson Hospital outpatient surgery escort and with Kalamazoo Girls on the Run, Relay for Life and the Kalamazoo Marathon.

Brendan J. Sapato from Frankfort, Illinois, received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in interior design. The Lincoln-Way East High School graduate is the son of Bernard and Christine Sapato. A member of the National Society of High School Scholars, he also was named a national Advanced Placement Scholar and received his state's Scholastic Art Gold Key Award along with numerous district and local academic awards. Sapato is president of the National Honor Society and all four years of high school, has been elected by the student body as a class representative in addition to serving on the Student Council, including as a member of the Executive Board and as parliamentarian.

Sapato has been active throughout his high school career in theatre, the Art Club and choir. His art pieces have been displayed in shows and have received awards at local and national competitions. He has performed vocal music not only with the choir, but also with the Madrigals and Acafellaz, an all-male a cappella group. Sapato has been a member of the Speech Team, Environmental Action Club, Key Club, Teens Against Tobacco Use, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the Orchesis Dance Team, which he has served as treasurer. He also has been a member of synchronized skating teams for the past eight years and plans to skate on WMU's team in the fall. He has been a peer mediator and volunteered at numerous school events and with the Mokena Park District.

Ryan M. Snoeyink from Hudsonville received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to pursue two aviation-related majors. The Unity Christian High School graduate is the son of Brett and Beth Snoeyink. He has maintained a near-4.0 grade point average and been on the honor roll every semester. Snoeyink completed his first solo flight this past November after just 10 hours of instruction and plans to obtain his private pilot's license in June. He has played musical instruments since he was in first grade.

In high school, he played the saxophone in the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Marching Band and Pep Band. He also plays piano and drums and organizes music for the Unity Christian Praise Band and is a member and performer with the Encounter Praise Band at his church. He was a member of the freshman and junior varsity baseball team, playing first base and outfield. He is a four-year volunteer with Compassionate Heart, which serves young people with special needs. He and his family also have served as a mentor family with the Georgetown Friendship Group for adults with special needs.

Thomas T. Steele from Scotts received a Gwen Frostic Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in mechanical engineering. A graduate of Calhoun Christian School in Battle Creek and the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center, he is the son of Jeff and Sara Steele. As a transfer student from Lakeview High School, he attended the Endeavor Charter Academy as well as BCAMSC, earning academic awards at both schools. Steele has been attending BCAMSC throughout high school while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. He served one year on the Calhoun Christian Student Council, participating as a BCAMSC Council member, and has been involved in theater for three years.

In addition, Steele has participated in four productions of His Players, an inter-denominational Christian theatre group for kids and youths. He also has done the camera recordings and assisted with team statistics for both the girls and boys varsity basketball teams the past two years. His community service has included volunteering at Camp Barakel, taking part in class mission trips and volunteering with a BCAMSC group that sent used eyeglasses to Africans with vision problems.

Kari J. Timmer from Kalamazoo received a Harold and Grace Upjohn Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in nursing. A graduate of Plymouth Christian High School in Grand Rapids, she is the daughter of Steve and Joanne Timmer. She is vice president of the student body this year and was president of her class as a freshman. Timmer received her school's Citizenship Award for Exemplary Conduct during her sophomore and junior years and has been named Student of the Month during the past three years.

She has received numerous Science Olympiad awards at several regional competitions throughout her high school career. Timmer was senior editor for the school newspaper and received an award for most dedicated journalist on the newspaper staff her junior year. She also was a member of the choir for three years. Her community service has included mentoring special needs students, co-organizing a volunteer group called Kalteens4life and volunteering at the Gospel Mission.

Brook I. VanBruggen from Mattawan received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to explore WMU's offerings before declaring a major. The Mattawan High School graduate is the daughter of Douglas VanBruggen of Mattawan and Christine VanBruggen of Kalamazoo. A member of the National Society of High School Scholars, she was dual enrolled for both high school and college credit at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. VanBruggen joined the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society through KVCC and was named to the college's Academic Honors List three times. One of her interests is graphic design, a field she began studying in middle school, and she was mentored by an artist from Galesburg who worked with her in the areas of oil painting and woodworking.

Throughout high school, VanBruggen volunteered as part of the tech team for her church youth group, helping with lighting, designing and building sets. She also has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. During summers, she has attended mission trips with her church throughout the Unites States, helping to refurbish homes for the poor or disabled. Her most recent trip took her to Jamaica, where she worked at a deaf village affiliated with the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf. Another focus for her has been human trafficking, and she has been involved in helping to raise awareness about the issue by participating in events at her church.

Stephani L. Walters from Macomb Twp. received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biochemistry. She graduated from L'Anse Creuse High School North. She is vice president of the Math, Science and Technology Leadership Council and participates in the MST program at the Frederick V. Pankow Center. Walters has been invited to her school's Celebration of Excellence, an academic banquet and celebration for students with high grade point averages, all four years of high school.

During that time, she has earned MST Achievement Awards annually in math, science and technology. Walters is treasurer of her school's chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, the national high school mathematics honor society, and secretary of the Go Green Club. She was a member of the junior varsity tennis team for two years and has been involved in Michigan Childhood Cancer Foundation activities. In addition, she is a frequent tutor in the community, not only in math subjects, but also in chemistry, physics and biology.

Caitlin A. Wiley from Fenton received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in political science. The Fenton High School graduate is the daughter of John and Diane Wiley. She attended the 2013 Rotary Youth Leadership Conference and is president of the National Honor Society. Wiley has earned High Scholastic Honors Academic Letters for the past three years and has enrolled in numerous International Baccalaureate as well as Advanced Placement classes. She is senior class president and has been on the Student Council for three years, serving twice as her class representative.

Wiley has participated in band all four years of high school. She has been the Marching Band's drum major for the past two years and played the trumpet in the Jazz Band this year. In addition, she is a four-year member of the varsity girls Ski Team and is the team's captain this year. She also participated for a year in swimming and tennis. Wiley has traveled to Europe and Canada as well as extensively in the United States.

For more information about the Medallion Scholarship Program, visit wmich.edu/medallion or contact WMU's Christopher Voss at christopher.voss@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2051.