2025 Scholarship Awards Dinner

On May 15, the Northern Center in Houghton Lake transformed into a radiant space of celebration, as the Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) hosted its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner—an evening that truly embodied the spirit of generosity, hope, and academic achievement.

From the moment guests arrived, it was evident that this night would be something special. Every detail—down to the last floral centerpiece from Roscommon Floral & Growing Up Greenhouse—spoke of care, intentionality, and deep pride in our students and our community. Thanks to the vision and commitment of the RCCF Board and staff, this year’s event didn’t just honor scholarship recipients; it uplifted everyone in the room.

The celebration recognized 45 remarkable students from Houghton Lake High School, Roscommon High School, and Charlton Heston Academy who were awarded a stunning total of 96 scholarships—amounting to $241,145 in funding for their education. These students are dreamers and doers—many already pursuing college degrees and making strides toward bright futures. And behind them stood a community of donors, parents, mentors, and volunteers who have walked with them every step of the way.

RCCF Executive Director Suzanne Luck opened the evening with a heartfelt message that reflected not only the foundation’s past achievements but also its deep-rooted belief in the power of community. From awarding just $10,000 in scholarships in its early years to now supporting nearly a quarter-million dollars in educational funding annually, RCCF has become a beacon of hope and opportunity in Roscommon County.

This year’s event also marked the inaugural awards of four new scholarship funds, generously established by the Akin, Niekamp, and Bertl families, as well as the Lions Club. 

The Northern Center’s outstanding catering and ambiance provided a perfect setting, while beautiful arrangements by Roscommon Floral & Growing Up Greenhouse added warmth and color to the celebration. Behind the scenes, the steadfast work of Suzanne Luck (RCCF Executive Director), Cassandra Freeman (RCCF Business Manager), Heather Marra (RCCF Development Manager), and the RCCF Board brought the evening to life in ways that will be remembered for years. 

But perhaps the most powerful moments came through the quiet expressions of gratitude—the students thanking donors, parents holding back tears of pride, and community members realizing the profound ripple effects of their contributions.

“This isn’t just a dinner,” Luck shared during her remarks, “it’s a celebration of hope, of hard work, and of the incredible things that happen when a community comes together to invest in its future.”

As we reflect on this unforgettable night, one thing is clear: the future of Roscommon County is bright—and it’s being built by the generous hearts, dedicated students, and supportive families who believe in the power of education. Let’s keep building futures—together.

Andrew Schmidt Trades Scholarship

• Abby Brace

Ava Raye Gasper Scholarship

• Tyler Bailey
• Hailey Gasper
• Madelyn Sabandith

Bertl Family Scholarship

• Jack Patchin

Bobbe Morley Memorial Scholarship

• Landon Mann
• Sawyer Griffis

Char Goddard Memorial Scholarship

• Jenna Emery

Clyde F. Shaltz Memorial Scholarship

• Riley Carter

Donald W. & Beverly Nester Memorial Scholarship

• Kendyl Frydrych

Evelyn Fraser Scholarship

• Jack Patchin

Fidelity Chapter #50, Order of the Eastern Star Scholarship

• Matthew Coffey

Ford and Marguerite Silsby Scholarship

• Izzy McCourt

Forest & Rita Hacker Family Sportsmanship Scholarship

• Tyler Bailey
• Madison Rankin

Gerrish-Higgins Roscommon Alumni Association Scholarship

• Elise Cherven
• Joshua Mayes
• Jenna Emery
• Sawyer Griffis
• Izzy McCourt
• Madison Rankin

Harry & Marjorie Walbridge Scholarship

• Kendyl Frydrych
• Owen Barnes
• Izzy McCourt
• Ben Denlinger
• Savannah Cichowski
• Madelyn Sabandith
• Joshua Mayes
• Lauren Fultz
• Jenna Emery
• Mariah Thompson
• Jordan Hendershott

Houghton Lake Class of 1983 Memorial Scholarship

• Madelyn Sabandith

Houghton Lake Rotary Club Memorial Scholarship

• Madelyn Sabandith
• Sidney Horski

Houghton Lake Sports Booster Scholarship

• Melanie Muringer

Jack Danieleski Scholarship

• Hailey Gasper

Karen & Frank Arleth Memorial Scholarship

• Branden Morley

Kelly Dunmire Memorial Scholarship

• Elise Cherven

Kyle Akin Scholarship

• Branden Morley

Lawrence C. Dashner Scholarship

• Abby Brace
• Gabriel Oster
• William Oster
• Elise Cherven
• Shelby Jarski
• Katelyn Spindler
• Abbie Partenio
• Ashley Chmielewski
• Landon Mann
• Mason Green
• Jazmyne Rees

Layton International Scholarship

• Sidney Horski
• Tyler Watson

Lion’s Club Scholarship

• Gabriel Oster
• Shelby Jarski
• Katelyn Spindler

Michael R. Treml Memorial Athletic Scholarship

• Jack Patchin

Mike M. & Patricia M. Ignat Scholarship

• Emily Jordan

Mr. J’s Buckeye Nuts College Scholarship

• Benjamin Mayes

Patriot Scholarship

• Abby Brace

Ralph, Thela, and Kurt Ostling Memorial Scholarship

• Owen Barnes
• Joshua Mayes
• Jenna Emery

Rex & Arlene Gillen Scholarship

• Holley Hendershott
• Tyler Bailey
• Braedon Oster
• Madison Rankin
• MaKena Raden
• Maddison Lattas
• Cole Schilz
• Jasmine Rieger
• Aiden Partenio
• Sidney Horski
• Dedia Palmer
• Hailey Gasper
• Tyler Watson
• Terence Carter Jr.
• Taylor Plutt
• Emily Jordan

Robert J. Kunik Memorial Scholarship

• Sidney Horski

Roscommon Rotary Club General Fund Scholarship

• Sawyer Griffis
• Jack Patchin
• Joshua Mayes
• Landon Mann
• Owen Barnes

Roscommon Soccer Teams Scholarship

• Elise Cherven
• Ben Denlinger

Ruth & Ralph Fisher Scholarship

• Melanie Muringer
• Madison Rankin
• Jasmine Rieger
• Dedia Palmer

Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Homes Scholarship

• Lauren Fultz

Thomas Niekamp Scholarship

• Branden Morley

W.H. & Betty J. Scott Memorial Scholarship

• Jack Patchin

William C. Williams (Class of 1950) Scholarship

• Sawyer Griffis