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Celebrating the Success of Bay Commitment Scholarship Recipients in 2023!

We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the Bay Commitment Scholarship recipients of 2023! The Bay Area Community Foundation (BACF) is proud to recognize 94 graduating seniors from Bay County high schools who have been awarded a $2,000 scholarship to attend either Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). This scholarship program supports first-generation college students who will be pursuing their higher education locally, providing them with valuable opportunities to pursue their academic dreams.

On Tuesday, May 17, 2023, at 7 p.m., the State Theatre was abuzz with excitement as the Bay Commitment Scholarship recipients were honored for their accomplishments. The ceremony featured inspiring messages from esteemed individuals including the presidents of Bay Area Community Foundation, Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. Additionally, Miah Cooper, a past Bay Commitment recipient, graced the stage as the keynote speaker, sharing her journey and the impact of the scholarship program.

Time was also spent paying tribute to Jerome Yantz. Jerome was a founding partner of the Bay Commitment Scholarship Program and made it a life’s mission to support those who worked to better themselves. You can view the tribute video created for Jerome here.

The Bay Commitment Scholarship plays a vital role in supporting local students who are the first in their families to pursue a college education. To be eligible, students must be graduating from a Bay County high school and reside in Bay County. By providing financial assistance, this program enables students to attend Delta College or SVSU and sets them on a path to success. Furthermore, recipients who choose to attend SVSU will also be eligible for a renewable $1,000 scholarship for their second, third and fourth years of study.

Over the past 16 years, the Bay Commitment program has invested more than $3 million in supporting local students pursuing higher education. This incredible support is made possible by the dedication and generosity of donors who recognize the significance of education in our community. Diane Mahoney, President & CEO of Bay Area Community Foundation, expresses deep gratitude to these donors for their invaluable contributions that help students achieve their academic dreams.

We are delighted to introduce the deserving students who have been awarded the Bay Commitment Scholarship in 2023. These young individuals have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to their education. Their names and the high schools they represent are as follows:

Nicholas Allen, Bay City Academy
Ashley Anderson, Pinconning High School
Emily Barkell, John Glenn High School
Madison Bassage, Bay City Central High School
Brianna Bell, Bay City Western High School
Taylor Bell, Bay City Western High School
Emma Blakley, Garber High School
Kyli Braeutigam, Garber High School
Aydriah Brown-Bell, Bay City Central High School
Jason Bryant, Bay City Central High School
Yaridtza Bustamante, Pinconning High School
Jordyn Buza, Pinconning High School
Kylie Cook, John Glenn High School
Isabella Cruz, Garber High School
Kaytlyn Davis, Bay City Western High School
Colin Dean, Bay City Academy
Aiden Evans, Bay Arenac Community High School
Madison Fiebke, Bay City Western High School
Donna Freese, John Glenn High School
Abbe Gardyszewski, Bay City Western High School
Gina Garza, All Saints Central High School
Quintin Gates, Pinconning High School
Laney Gillard, Garber High School
Jacob Gonsler, Bay City Western High School
Alex Greenhoe, Bay City Academy
Kyle Groulx, Pinconning High School
Anjali Gutierrez, Bay City Eastern High School
Shelby Henninger, Bay City Eastern High School
Kathleen Hernden, Bay City Western High School
Evan Irwin, Bay City Central High School
Tina Jiang, John Glenn High School
Abbigail Johnson, Bay City Academy
Jasmine Johnson, Pinconning High School
Miya Johnson, Bay City Western High School
Skylar Johnson, Pinconning High School
Kayla Jones, John Glenn High School
Sawyer Kalinowski, Bay City Central High School
KacieRae Krevinghaus, Pinconning High School
Anna Kuchek, Bay City Central High School
Grace Kuenker, Bay City Western High School
Madison Lantz, Bay City Central High School
Rayna Lapouttre, Bay City Central High School
Conner Lea, Bay City Central High School
Jordyn Leonard, Bay City Western High School
Alexis Linton, Garber High School
Emma McDonald, Bay City Central High School
Emily McLellan, Bay City Western High School
Blake Merino, Pinconning High School
Morgan Meyers, John Glenn High School
Anthony Micho, Bay City Central High School
Jenna Miller, Garber High School
Kieler Moore, Bay City Eastern High School
Chance Owen, Garber High School
Carson Parks, Pinconning High School
Kaitlyn Parrent, Bay City Central High School
Kaleb Passage, Bay City Western High School
Joseph Paten, Bay City Western High School
Joshua Paten, Bay City Western High School
Rose Paul, Bay City Central High School
Austin Penkala, Bay City Western High School
Julia Rajewski, Bay City Western High School
Emma Raymond, Garber High School
Avari Ritcey, Bay City Central High School
Emma Rodriguez, Bay City Central High School
Lily Rodriguez, Bay City Central High School
Isabella Roque, Bay City Central High School
Carver Ruiz, John Glenn High School
Ayden Sansburn, Bay City Central High School
Jacklyn Schafer, John Glenn High School
Andrew  Schultz, Bay City Central
Shay-Lynne Schultz, John Glenn High School
Amber Shea, Bay City Western High School
Zoeyann Siefert, John Glenn High School
Taylor Smith, Bay City Western High School
Cassidy Socia, Garber High School
Layla Somerfield, Garber High School
Kylee Sommerfield, Bay City Western High School
Sophia Steelmon, Bay City Western High School
Shelly Stevens, Bay City Central High School
Jacob Swincicki, John Glenn High School
Quintavion Thomas, Bay City Eastern High School
Violet Thurlow, John Glenn High School
Trieu Trinh, John Glenn High School
Kilynn Turbin, Bay City Academy
Sage Van Wagoner, John Glenn High School
Mackenzie Webb, Bay City Eastern High School
Delaney Weber, Pinconning High School
Elliana Whyte, Bay City Central High School
Rachel Whyte, Pinconning High School
Alexandria Willett, Bay City Western High School
Sean Wiltsie, Garber High School
Mallory Wynne, Garber High School
Samantha Yaklin, Bay City Central High School
Michael Yates, Bay Arenac Community High School

We encourage you to join us in celebrating the success of these remarkable scholarship recipients during Scholarship Week beginning May 22, 2023. The Bay Commitment Scholarship not only provides financial support but also serves as a catalyst for personal growth and community development. To learn more about the Bay Commitment Scholarship program and how you can contribute to its success, please contact Diane Mahoney at Bay Area Community Foundation at 989-893-4438.

Congratulations to the Bay Commitment Scholarship recipients of 2023! Their achievements and determination serve as an inspiration to us all. We express our heartfelt appreciation to our scholarship sponsors and the generous donors who make these opportunities possible. Together, we are empowering the next generation of leaders and building a brighter future for our community.

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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.