“The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s benevolent philanthropy has always been exceptionally prominent in the community I’ve grown up in, and that has left quite an impression on me. [They have] impacted me by displaying a level of selflessness, generosity, and humanitarianism that inspires me to carry and exercise these altruistic values into the next chapter of my life.”
These are the words of Calvin Frifeldt, recent SLHS graduate and recipient of two GHACF scholarships, at our annual Scholarship Event on July 12. Scholarship fund holders and the students who received their scholarships gathered at the Spring Lake High School for conversation, refreshments, and reflection. In a change from previous years, we invited all 2017 scholarship recipients so they could meet their donors.
“This means a lot to me. Going to college was going to be hard for my family to pay for and I really appreciate having this.”
– Sarah Sanders, GHHS
“Thank you for your generosity, benevolence, unwavering graciousness, and faith in the next generation. This was hard work and a long road, but we’ve made it.”
– Ashleigh Higgs, SLHS
“This scholarship helps to motivate me to pursue my goals of becoming a lawyer, and for that I am grateful.”
– Calvin Frifeldt, SLHS
“Thank you to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation for facilitating scholarships, [and creating] a program that makes it easy to get scholarships.”
– Joseph Van Linn, SLHS
This year, we awarded a total of 210 scholarships, worth $413,125, to students in Northwest Ottawa County.
“We are incredibly fortunate in our community to have such generous and passionate donors and outstanding and deserving scholarship recipients,” said Kim McLaughlin, Education Initiatives Officer at GHACF. “I am so glad the foundation could provide an opportunity for them to meet face-to-face and hear each other’s stories. Such a wonderful celebration for all!”
Click the photos below to enlarge, and see more photos on our Facebook album. Watch videos of the students’ speeches HERE and HERE.
