Scholarships from Westland Rotary will make attending college this fall easier for some Wayne-Westland graduates.
“This is always a great day in Rotary,” said Rotarian Mark McConnell, a Westland district court judge who presented club scholarships at a recent luncheon at Joy Manor in Westland. Family members and educators joined the winners, sharing their pride at reaching this milestone.
• Caroline Mahalak, a John Glenn High graduate and daughter of Gerard and Jocelyn Mahalak. She’ll study engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
• Ashlyn Barnes, a Wayne Memorial High graduate and daughter of Michael Barnes and Rhonda Jones. She’ll study psychology at Western Michigan University.
• Brianna Nolasco, a John Glenn High and William D. Ford Career Technical Center graduate and daughter of Maria Nolasco. She’ll study film at Wayne State University.
• Summer Madison, a John Glenn High graduate and daughter of Ron and Sally Madison. She’ll study occupational therapy at Eastern Michigan University. She received her scholarship through Rotarian Don Douglass in memory of his late wife Arlene, a Wayne-Westland elementary teacher.
• Desmond Wheeler, a Tinkham Alternative High School graduate and son of Felicia Benson. He’ll study culinary arts at Schoolcraft College.
• Dazon Adams-Chambers, a Tinkham Alternative High School graduate and son of Madelyn Chambers. He’ll study at Henry Ford Community College in pursuit of a nursing career.
“This is one of Westland Rotary’s proudest days,” said club President Lou Toarmina who also thanked the educators at the luncheon for their efforts on behalf of young people.
“You make young people’s lives better,” Toarmina said.
In presenting the scholarships, McConnell gave overviews of each teen’s school activities, such as clubs and sports, as well as their jobs and accomplishments. David Ingham, John Glenn principal and a Rotarian, noted the class of 2015 really stands out as special.
“They’re just a great group of kids,” Ingham said.
Parents, grandparents and educators shared their pride in the students and best wishes for their futures. They also thanked the club for its ongoing support of young people through fundraising for scholarships.