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Congratulations 2020 Bay Commitment Recipients

We are so proud of our 83 Bay County graduating high school seniors who are receiving our Bay Commitment Scholarship for first-generation college students. While in times before COVID we would celebrate together at a special reception, we made sure to still honor these students and their hard work. Volunteers delivered bags to each of their doorsteps with a college t-shirt, scholarship certificate, and an invitation to join us live on Facebook on May 19 for a special video premiere. The video features special messages from presidents of Bay Area Community Foundation, Delta College, and Saginaw Valley State University as well as from past scholarship recipient Miah Cooper. Each student is also honored. You can view the video by clicking here.

We have also created a scholarship booklet that highlights each student. Click here to open the PDF.

The Bay Commitment Scholarship provides funds to students who are first-generation college students (the parent with whom the student resides has not obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher) and will attend college locally at either Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University in the fall. Students must be graduating from a Bay County high school and have also been Bay County residents for six years. Recipients who attend SVSU will also be eligible for a renewable $1,000 scholarship provided by SVSU for second, third, and fourth years of study.

“In the past 10 years, over $2 million has been invested in our local students through the Bay Commitment program,” said Diane Fong, Bay Area Community Foundation President & CEO. “This support is possible only because of our dedicated and generous donors who believe that education is a top priority in our community. We are grateful to them for allowing us to help students achieve their academic dreams.”

To learn more about the Bay Commitment Scholarship program and how to support it, please call Diane Fong at Bay Area Community Foundation at 989-893-4438.

Students receiving the Bay Commitment Scholarship this year are:

A’nika Allen, Bay Arenac Community High School
Rylinne Baker, Western High School
Faith Bills, Western High School
Izabella Bourdow, Western High School
Brendan Brill, John Glenn High School
Mariana Burns, Bay Arenac Community High School
Anthony Chippi, Bay City Central High School
Katelynne Darbee, John Glenn High School
Shayla Day, Pinconning Area High School
Christian DeBolt, Garber High School
Walker Derby, Bay Arenac Community High School
Destiny Dietzel, Bay City Central High School
Halee Eckerd, Western High School
MaKenze Eischer-Bridges, John Glenn High School
Allexys Freeman, Bay City Central High School
Makayla Funch, Garber High School
Malikai Garrett, John Glenn High School
James Genow, John Glenn High School
Hailey Godi, John Glenn High School
Rachel Gonsler, Western High School
Elizabeth Good, Bay City Eastern High School
Molly Griffenham, Bay Arenac Community High School
Nichole Griffin, John Glenn High School
Anabella Gutierrez, Bay City Central High School
Dezirae Hayes, Western High School
Mercadies Hill, John Glenn High School
Bridget Hunsinger, Western High School
Ledonna Husband, Bay City Central High School
Taylor Jaynes, Western High School
Jayden Jezewski, Western High School
Emily Kaznowski, John Glenn High School
Keegan Kinsella, Garber High School
Raegan Koch, John Glenn High School
Danielle Langenburg, John Glenn High School
Emma Larive, John Glenn High School
Laura Lavrack, Pinconning Area High School
Melissa Leivo, John Glenn High School
Kyle Lewandowski, Bay City Central High School
Selena Lopez, John Glenn High School
Lauren Luptowski, Western High School
Brooke Lytle, Western High School
Romalus Marshall-Bey, Bay City Eastern High School
Katelyn Matlock, Bay City Central High School
Meri McGinnis, Garber High School
Casey Monville, John Glenn High School
Nadia Morley, Bay City Central High School
Christina Nicholson, Garber High School
Ethan Nowaczyk, Western High School
Miyah Obertein, Pinconning Area High School
Anthony Oswald, John Glenn High School
Jenna Picard, Western High School
Jacob Potter, Bay City Central High School
Hailee Prahl, Bay City Central High School
Madison Pruder, John Glenn High School
Nicholas Quade, Bay City Central High School
Anthony Rajewski, Bay City Central High School
Shayla Rajewski, Western High School
Nicholas Rajewski, Western High School
Kara Reed, Western High School
Bethany Robbins, Western High School
Kennedy Sage, Western High School
Isabella Salazar, Bay City Central High School
Claire Sanchez, Bay City Central High School
Daniel Schalk, Bay City Central High School
Alexis Schwab, Bay Arenac Community High School
Taylor Scott, Western High School
Brady Sheahan, John Glenn High School
Sage Simon, Bay City Central High School
Michael Smith, II, Garber High School
Mykenzie Smith, Bay Arenac Community High School
Paige Smith, Bay City Central High School
Samuel Smith, Bay City Central High School
Kiersten Stein, Bay City Central High School
Trevor Switala, John Glenn High School
Haleigh Tait, Western High School
Richard West, John Glenn High School
Olivia Whyte, Pinconning Area High School
Alexis Wieland, Western High School
Hannah Wojciechowski, Western High School
Trevor Wolleson, John Glenn High School
Madison Woodfin, Garber High School
Rebecca Yager, Bay City Central High School
Karrissa Zerod, John Glenn High School

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Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation receives $20,000 Grant to Support Community Foundation Access and Opportunity Grant Program

“We are excited to once again partner with the United Way of Bay County as we work together to provide this opportunity to the education sector.  Following the success of the pilot program, Lifted Voices: Navigating the Challenges Facing ALICE Youth, we will once again primarily focus on the education sector for training in the program.”  Shawna Walraven, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation.

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Nicole Horn

989.893.4438 or email below 

Donor Relations and Communications Officer

At BACF, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission in meaningful and impactful ways. As your main contact for donor-advised funds, I help ensure that each donor’s unique passions are brought to life through their giving—whether this be through designated or agency funds. It is an honor to connect with generous community members, and I am always available to discuss how you can create a lasting impact in our community.  

In addition, I oversee all of BACF’s communications, bringing ideas to life through engaging stories and visuals. While upholding our brand identity, I strive to highlight the remarkable individuals in our community and the collaborative efforts that make Bay and Arenac counties exceptional places to live, work, and thrive.

As a lifelong Bay County resident, I am deeply connected to our people and community. I cherish the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Bay and Arenac counties, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

I Can Help You With:

  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Agency & Designated Funds
  • Business Sponsorships
  • Give Local Bay and BACF Events
  • BACF Website
  • BACF Donor Portal

Things I Do In My Free Time: You’ll often find me at a local coffee shop in Downtown Bay City and frequenting the area’s local arts and music scene. I also love hiking and exploring parks both in our area and throughout northern Michigan.

Madi Syring

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program Officer

I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.

I am dedicated to supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to improve our community. Additionally, I provide capacity-building opportunities by hosting educational workshops, managing Catchafire—a volunteer platform connecting organizations with professional services at no cost—and offering technical assistance and resources to build strength in our nonprofit community.
 

I Can Help You With:

  • Navigating the Competitive Grant Process
  • Finding Funding Alignment
  • Building Organizational Capacity
  • Technical Assistance

Things I Do In My Free Time: Outside of work, you might catch me on the trail with my dog! I love backpacking, hiking, hunting, and kayaking all over Michigan. I’m also an avid reader, so you might find me at a local library or bookshop. 

Rachael Rosas

989.893.4438 or email below

Administrative Officer

As the Administrative Officer at BACF, my responsibilities include maintaining our comprehensive database, accurately documenting gifts, and collaborating with building vendors to maintain the historic Pere Marquette Depot.

I am committed to establishing well-documented processes that contribute to the ongoing success of BACF. My deep appreciation for the Pere Marquette Depot drives me to preserve this historic landmark as a source of price for our community, ensuring its legacy for future generations. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Making a Gift to One of Our Many Funds
  • Updating Your Contact Information
  • Identifying the Most Helpful Staff Member or Resource
  • Answering General Questions about BACF
  • Providing Information About the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy immersing myself in flower gardening and various art projects. I love spending time in nature and attending community events, which help me stay connected and get inspired. 

Frances Moore

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program and Finance Associate

As the Program and Finance Associate at BACF, I support our Scholarship Program and partner with the Director of Finance on financial reporting. I also assist in the management of the Pere Marquette Depot and the 1904 Room event space.

I am honored to play a role in helping individuals achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. I am passionate about making a positive impact and am always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure the success of our programs and the betterment of our community. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Scholarship Applications and Award Process
  • Information about the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space
  • Coordination with Scholarship Committees
  • General Support for BACF Programs and Initiatives

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, camping under the stars, and bike riding through scenic trails.