LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU has awarded the 2017 Write to Educate $2,500 college scholarships to two high school seniors who will attend Lansing Community College (LCC) and Baker College’s Owosso campus in the fall.
Laingsburg High School senior Cassidy Ward, daughter of Al and Chris Ward, of Laingsburg, plans to pursue an associate degree at LCC that will prepare her to work in the medical field.
Maple Valley High School senior Elizabeth Rushford, daughter of Mark and Lisa Rushford, of Nashville, will attend Baker College to pursue an associate degree in automotive services technology and a bachelor’s in business administration.
As part of the scholarship program, Ward and Rushford each selected a charity to receive a $500 donation from LAFCU. Ward chose the Greater Lansing Food Bank, and Rushford chose The Salvation Army Owosso.
“Each of these young women are truly leaders not because they were placed in positions of authority, but because they used the positions to help others,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU senior vice president of marketing. “Cassidy and Elizabeth demonstrated the highly effective leadership skills of mentoring, sharing, teaching and giving.”
Write to Educate scholarship recipients were selected based on a one-page essay they submitted describing how they demonstrated leadership ability in and out of school and how they plan to grow as a leader in the future.
“I am excited for college and all the opportunities to expand my leadership activities and skills,” said Ward. “I also plan to expand my role with Special Olympics, getting more involved in organizing, fundraising and possibly assist with coaching some of the activities.”
Rushford also intends to maximize her high school leadership experience in her future business endeavors.
“I plan to own my own automotive repair shop where I can help students gain experience so they can go on to bigger companies or start their own business,” said Rushford. “I also want to start a program for high school girls who are interested in mechanics or other male-dominated jobs.”