The Roscommon County Community Foundation is proud to send 4 students from Roscommon Area Public Schools to Summer Camps through our Summer Enrichment Scholarships!
The Kimberly L. Mires Athletic & Music Scholarship was established in 2002 by Charles and Linda Mires in memory of their daughter, Kimberly, who was a gifted saxophonist, a dedicated athlete, and the first girl to win the boys/girls local division of Ford’s Punt, Pass and Kick competition. Linda’s dedication to supporting student athletes on their journey to excellence is truly inspiring. Her passion shines through as she connects with scholarship recipients, learning firsthand how Kim’s scholarship has helped them chase their dreams and achieve their athletic goals. Through the generosity of the Mires Family, young athletes are given the opportunity to grow, persevere, and reach their full potential—a powerful legacy of encouragement and empowerment.
The Big Buck Open Athletic Scholarship was established by Scott Mires, who shares the same family legacy as the Kimberly L. Mires Scholarship. Inspired by a desire to expand training opportunities for high school athletes, Scott’s longstanding commitment ensures students have the resources to sharpen their skills, grow in their sport, and pursue their goals with confidence. Each summer, this fund provides enrichment scholarships to Roscommon High School students in grades 9 through 11 for individual athletic camps.
The Jim “Smitty” Smith Athletic Fund was created by Kris Walker Smith, along with Casey and Jim Smith, to honor the memory of 1988 Roscommon High School graduate Jim Smith. A devoted Lions fan and committed high school athlete and coach, Jim’s legacy lives on by helping students experience the power of sports and lasting memories through summer camp opportunities. It’s truly heartwarming to see Kris Walker Smith honor her husband’s memory through this scholarship. As a proud Roscommon Area Public School alum, she is giving back in a meaningful way by supporting student athletes and fostering their growth. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kris Walker Smith, along with Casey and Jim Smith, for their generosity and dedication to the community.
The Larry Sumerix Memorial Summer Music Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Larry Sumerix, who devoted his life to providing exceptional musical opportunities for students at Roscommon Middle and High Schools. Larry’s passion for music education went far beyond the classroom—he instilled in his students the discipline, artistry, and lifelong love of music that helped shape their futures. This scholarship honors his belief that every student deserves the chance to refine their craft and embrace a lifetime of creativity. Kris Walker Smith was a student of Larry’s and was honored to present this award to Tanner.
The Richard & Margaret Torongo Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Richard “Dick” Torongo, a beloved coach and founder of youth sports programs in Roscommon, and Margaret “Marge” Torongo, a dedicated artist, volunteer, and cofounder of Art in the Park. Their passion for youth and community continues to make a lasting impact. Bill Torongo honors his parents’ legacy by supporting aspiring students as they develop their talents through enriching summer camp experiences. His commitment ensures that young learners have the opportunity to grow, excel, and carry forward a tradition of passion and dedication.
The Roscommon County Community Foundation is proud to announce that Greyson Randall is the 2025 recipient of the Richard & Margaret Torongo Memorial Scholarship!
Greyson, a talented saxophonist and outstanding student at Roscommon Middle School, will be attending the prestigious Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp this summer!
Founded in 1966 and set on 1,600 acres in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a nationally respected summer school of the arts offering programs in music, art, dance, and drama. Thousands of young artists attend each summer, gaining an immersive, life-changing experience in a supportive and creative environment.
Greyson is not only an exceptional saxophonist but also an honor roll student, champion of Battle of the Books, and a key player on his basketball team. He is a natural leader with a passion for learning, creativity, and personal growth. His discipline, teamwork, and drive exemplify the values of this award.
We are truly honored to help facilitate this opportunity for Greyson and are incredibly grateful to the donors who make this possible. Your generosity empowers students to pursue their dreams and expand their horizons through the arts.
Thank you to the Torongo family, and especially Bill Torongo, for presenting this meaningful scholarship to Greyson.
The Roscommon County Community Foundation is proud to announce that Tanner Green has been awarded the Larry Sumerix Memorial Summer Music Scholarship to support his musical journey this summer!
This year, Tanner will attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, a nationally respected summer school of the arts located on 1,600 acres in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest. Since 1966, Blue Lake has welcomed thousands of young artists to its immersive programs in music, art, dance, and drama—offering a life-changing experience in a supportive and creative environment.
Tanner, a dedicated student at Roscommon High School, has been playing the saxophone for five years and is an active member of the school’s jazz band. His impressive accomplishments and personal qualities include:
Self-motivation and strong commitment
Creativity and a passion for learning
Participation in Quiz Bowl
Dedication to jiu-jitsu (he holds a yellow belt!)
Leadership, resilience, and a drive to thrive through challenges
Tanner embodies the spirit of this scholarship through his pursuit of excellence in music and his dedication to continuous personal growth.
Tanner, we’re incredibly proud of your achievements and can’t wait to see how Blue Lake inspires your next chapter in music!
The Roscommon County Community Foundation is excited to announce that Caylee Claussen has been awarded 3 Summer Enrichment Scholarships to support her athletic journey!
Caylee is the proud recipient of:
The Big Buck Open Scholarship —Presented by Linda Mires (left in photo)
The Kimberly L. Mires Athletic & Music Scholarship —Also presented by Linda Mires
The Jim “Smitty” Smith Athletic Fund Scholarship — Presented by Kris Walker Smith (right in photo)
This summer, Caylee will attend the Grand Valley State University Track & Field Camp in Allendale, Michigan, where she’ll train in the Laker Indoor Turf Building alongside top coaches and athletes. This camp, led by Head Coach Jerry Baltes and the Lakers Track & Field staff, offers a fun and enriching experience designed to help young athletes grow, improve, and compete at their highest level.
Caylee is a driven, multi-talented student at Roscommon High School who has consistently demonstrated excellence in all she does. She has:
Qualified for the state finals in high jump
Participated in Roscommon’s musical theater program
Maintained superior academic performance
Dedicated herself to competitive gymnastics
Volunteered at community food bank distributions
Supported and mentored fellow classmates
Shown exceptional leadership, discipline, and character
With a dream of becoming a professional high jumper, Caylee embodies the spirit of these scholarships: growth, perseverance, and the courage to aim high.
Caylee, we’re incredibly proud of your accomplishments and excited to see all you’ll achieve. Your hard work, heart, and ambition make you a true standout in our community!
The Roscommon County Community Foundation is proud to announce that Jewels Lain has been awarded three Summer Enrichment Scholarships to support her athletic development this summer!
Jewels is the proud recipient of:
The Big Buck Open Scholarship —presented by Linda Mires (left in photo)
The Kimberly L. Mires Athletic & Music Scholarship —also presented by Linda Mires
The Jim “Smitty” Smith Athletic Fund Scholarship —presented by Kris Walker Smith (right in photo)
This summer, Jewels will take her game to the next level at not just one—but two elite volleyball camps:
Ferris State University Volleyball Camp, where she’ll receive one-on-one coaching, individual instruction, and a championship-level training experience.
Michigan State University Defensive & Passing Camp at the Legacy Center, led by Head Coach Kristen Kelsay. These high-energy camps are designed to refine skills, sharpen technique, and elevate performance.
Jewels is a standout student-athlete at Roscommon High School who exemplifies leadership, determination, and heart. She:
Participates in volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, and track
Maintains outstanding academic achievement
Serves as a student council member and active school leader
Encourages and supports her teammates with unwavering positivity
Consistently gives 100%, goes above and beyond, and leads by example
Jewels is dedicated to continuing her growth in volleyball and enriching both her life and the lives of those around her. Her passion, commitment, and team-first attitude make her a powerful role model in the Roscommon community.