Thank you to the Sterling Heights Community Foundation, which this year sponsored scholarship programs that invested $16,000 in Utica Community Schools graduates and alumni.

Earning scholarships this year were:

• Mason Hillman of Sterling Heights, MI. Mason will graduate this June from Henry Ford High School with a 4.12 GPA. He is attending Michigan State University this Fall to study Computer Science and Software Engineering. Mason is a NHS member, captain of the Henry Ford II High School Varsity Soccer Team, Men's Soccer Falcon of the Year, All Conference Academic and All District Academic. He was a freshman tutor and a math tutor all through high school for elementary, middle, and high school students. General Dynamics Land System $2,000 scholarship.
• Matthew Rayis of Sterling Heights, MI. He graduated from Stevenson High School in 2016, then graduated with honors with a 3.9 GPA from Michigan State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree In Kinesiology. Matthew currently attends a graduate program at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois, where he will receive his Doctorate degree in Chiropractic next December. He has worked at several Chiropractic offices and also works while in school. He has been active with multiple clubs and organizations and has volunteered for several charitable organizations including Friends of Foster Kids, locally. Macomb County Chiropractic Association $2,000 scholarship.
• Paige Labadi who will graduate from Stevenson High School in June. She plans to attend Central Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Services where she will pursue Elementary Education, Community Development or Recreation Management. Paige has volunteered and worked for the Sterling Heights Department of Parks and Recreation since 2019. She was also a member of the Varsity Track Team, National Honor Society and the Spanish Club. Paige was also Volleyball Team Captain. Mayor Richard J. Notte Scholarship for Public Service $2,000 scholarship.
• Shayan Matin who holds a 4.28 G.P.A. at Stevenson High School. He is involved with the Spanish National Honor Society, Quiz bowl, and AYSO Soccer. He also works at a pharmacy. Shayan will attend the University of Michigan next fall pursuing a science degree to ultimately pursue a career in Gene Therapy. The Ronald Himmler Science $2,000 Scholarship.
• Yousif Abdal attends Henry Ford II High School and has a 4.09 G.P.A. He will graduate in June and will attend the University of Michigan where he will study Cellular and Molecular Biology. Abdal has worked as a Nursing Assistant in Orthopedics at Beaumont Troy Hospital. He has also worked at Urban Air. He is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA Future Health Professionals, the Indian American Student Association, and he is a church summer camp volunteer. Abdal intends to earn a PhD in Biotechnology.  The Ronald Himmler Science $2,000 Scholarship.
• Alexandria Sparks who attends Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights, MI, and will graduate this June with a 3.93 GPA. She is very active with school extra-curricular activities. Allie has been a Varsity Wrestler for 4 years, an All-State Wrestler, on the Varsity Swim Team, an Eagle Scout, Red Cross Certified Lifeguard, AP Biology Club member and more. She works and has a lengthy list of community service involvement, including science-based service projects and many Rotary Club projects. She will attend Rochester College. The Rotary Club of Sterling Heights $1,000 scholarship.
• Andrew Modrak will graduate in June from Henry Ford II High School in Sterling Heights, MI, this June. He is an Eagle Scout, Thunder Chickens Robotics Club competitor, Blood Drive Coordinator, Varsity Tennis player, Distinguished Leader Award winner, and a member of charitable voluntary Interact Club at his High School. He plans to pursue Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University. The Rotary Club of Sterling Heights $1,000 scholarship.
• Alyna Sawka of Sterling Heights, MI. She will graduate from Henry Ford II High School in June. She plans to study Engineering or Business Finance at Michigan State University in the fall. Alyna is active with the National Honor Society and Varsity Swim Team along with other volunteer efforts.  The Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation $2,000 scholarship.
• Max Rehn of Sterling Heights, MI. He is attending Michigan State University in the James Madison College of International Relations. He is on the Dean's list with a 3.5 GPA and has a graduation date of June 2026. Max plans to work in government, politics, or international relations to serve his community and help the environment. He graduated from Sterling Heights Stevenson High School in June 2022 with a 3.95 GPA. While at Stevenson, Max was in the Marching Band, Student Council, on the Track Team, Varsity Cross Country, the Varsity Swim Team and National Honor Society. Max is an Eagle Scout and is American Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED certified for professional rescuers and first aid.  The Sterling Heights City Manager Public Management $1,000 Scholarship.
• Cameron Williams of Sterling Heights, MI. He will graduate this June from Stevenson High School with a 3.72 GPA. He is involved in many activities including the Varsity Swim Team and the Distributive Education Clubs of America. Cameron plans to pursue a Public Relations degree at Wayne State University beginning this fall. His application stood out because of his strong and positive attitude. He does not let his Asperger's syndrome define or slow him down.  He has shown incredible perseverance and determination in reaching all of his goals. The Vibe Credit Union $2,000 scholarship.

“The Foundation applauds the continued annual scholarship contributions of our 11 scholarship partners to support Sterling Heights area high school seniors and current college students pursue a college or vocational degree,” said Karl G. Oskoian, Executive Director and President Emeritus of the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation. “Community leaders, like our 11scholarship partners, make a difference in the lives of not only the students but the community at large. We are fortunate to have individuals and companies, like our scholarship partners, come forward annually and make a difference in the lives of so many outstanding students by helping them pursue their education and professional goals.”