Cook Family Foundation

Thirty-four of the most academically accomplished high school seniors from all ten high schools in the Shiawassee County area recently made a trip to Ann Arbor. (See below for the full listing of all forty-nine nominees, including those nominees unable to attend the trip.)  Photo Credit: Michael D-L Jordan/David Lorne Photographic

Forty-nine of Shiawassee County region’s most academically accomplished high school seniors have been nominated for scholarships to the University of Michigan by the Cook Family Foundation.  One of these students will be selected to receive a four-year, full-tuition, scholarship from the Bruce and Jacqueline Cook Scholarship administered by the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

In order to assist them with their college selection, thirty-four of the nominees recently attended an overnight trip to the University of Michigan. There they had the opportunity to meet with admission officers, to take a tour of the campus and stadium, to choose and attend an actual UM class, and to spend time with students from the Shiawassee County area presently enrolled at the University of Michigan.

“We want to make sure the leaders and the best among local high school students seriously consider the University of Michigan for the next level of education, and decide if it is a good fit for them,” said Foundation Executive Director, Tom Cook.  “We are committed to the academic success of local students, and are committed to building partnerships with our public schools and our oldest public university.”

Each of the nominees will receive at least a $3,000 scholarship to the University of Michigan from the Cook Family Foundation.  The Cook Family Foundation annually provides a scholarship to any student from the greater Shiawassee region admitted to the University of Michigan.  

If they apply and are admitted to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, the following students will be considered for the Bruce and Jacqueline Cook scholarship: from Byron: Thomas Harris, Haydn McDonnell, Taylor Muzer, Alana Riddell, and Mason Stark; from Chesaning: Mackenzie Hall, Haylee Luft, Phoebe Malak, Alexandra Moore, and Hannah Oakes; from Corunna:  Braden Andrejack, Eli Dingens, Jorja Napier, Jude Suchyta, and Logan Vowell, and Joshua Zuckschwerdt; from Durand:  Madeline Bias, Isabelle Cooper, Noah Fryer, Kwin Knapp, Paige McPherson, Haley Munson, and Raegan Taylor; from Laingsburg:  Cameron Ballard, Kendall Danbrook, Kaitlyn Kingsbury, Jaylei Kramer, and Piper (PJ) Seguin; from Morrice:  Aubrey Rogers and Ella Wyzga; from New Lothrop:  Liliana Bruff, Sara Dammann, Maryn Kisser, Jaedyn Kline, and Colton Symons; from Ovid-Elsie: Jamison Custer, Emma Holley, Jacob Kast, Rian Kirby, Mason Ritenburg, Rachel Sptzley, and Carson Wertz; from Owosso:  Elijah Morgan, Quinn Skarich, Camden Yerrick; and from Perry:  Calena Stevens and Brody Webb.

This is the nineteenth year of the Bruce and Jacqueline Cook scholarship, which is funded entirely by its namesakes’ endowment.  Past recipients of the Bruce and Jackie Cook Scholarship have included:  Emily Smith from Chesaning in 2023, Dillan Morell from New Lothrop in 2022, Elizabeth Tolrud from Owosso in 2021, Mason Collard from Owosso and Kyah Ribble from Perry in 2020, Autumn Zwiernik from Laingsburg in 2019, Tyson Moore from Corunna in 2018, Elizabeth Hoornstra from Chesaning in 2017, Mitchell Lawrence from Byron in 2016, Nick Miller from Laingsburg in 2015, Nolan Wendling from New Lothrop in 2014, Emily Feuka from Perry in 2013, Sam Whaley from Perry in 2012, Adam Stewart from Laingsburg in 2011, Valerie Micol from Byron in 2010, Adam Dingens from Corunna in 2009, Randy Piper from Owosso in 2008, Dan Frechtling from Perry in 2007 and Kendra Frye from Owosso in 2006.

In addition to scholarships to help students attend the University of MIchigan in Ann Arbor, the Foundation funds The University of Michigan Shiawassee Advantage.  Any graduating senior with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from any of the ten high schools in the greater Shiawassee region will receive a $3,000 Cook Family Foundation Scholarship if they enroll at any one of the three University of Michigan campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn or Flint).  Additionally, these students will then become eligible for many of the substantial U of M merit-based scholarships, as well as the last-dollar, full-tuition Go Blue Guarantee if they have demonstrated financial need.

For assistance applying to UM, or for more information on scholarships, contact the Foundation.

The Cook Family Foundation continues to support the best and brightest students to attend the University of Michigan. From ten high schools in the greater Shiawassee area, 54 students have been awarded scholarships to the University of Michigan. This year the scholarships awarded by the Foundation, the University of Michigan, and others totaled over $1,259,000.

Emily Smith of Chesaning Union High School was awarded the Bruce and Jacqueline Cook Scholarship, one of the highest accolades in the greater Shiawassee County region. This scholarship, has been funded separately by Bruce and Jacqueline Cook, provides four years of tuition to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, with a value in excess of $65,000.

Emily Smith was the 19th recipient of the Bruce and Jacqueline Cook Scholarship.  She is the daughter of Brad and Melica Smith and Allen and Amy Maier. Emily is the co-valedictorian of her class at Chesaning Union High School.  She was also on the president’s list at delta college where she was dually enrolled.  She was the president of the national honor society, the drive coach of the robotics team, the founder of the Student Voice Team, and the Saginaw Youth Ambassador.  Emily was also asked to join the behavior support network in Saginaw County which is actively working towards better mental health support, resources and education for the community.  Emily is enrolled in the College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts with plans to major in chemistry, biology, or psychology–with plans to work in the criminal investigation field- primarily criminal psychology.

The 2023 Bruce and Jacqueline Cook four-year, full-tuition scholarship winner is Emily Smith of Chesaning High School, flanked by (from left) Tom Cook Executive Director of the Cook Family Foumdation, and the event’s featured speaker, Carol Hutchins, retired University of Michigan softball team coach. Photo Credit: DLP Photographic

In recognition of the Foundation’s benefactor, the Donald Cook Scholarship was awarded to seven students this year:  Tanner Cummings (Owosso), Zachary David (Durand), Abigail Dryer (Owosso), Cassidy Flick (Perry), Payton Gutting (Morrice), Mya LaMay (Owosso) and Marisa Rose (Owosso). The Donald Cook Scholarship, endowed by the Cook Family Foundation, is awarded by the University of Michigan to a student attending the College of LS&A and is worth $20,000.  Donald Cook was a 1924 graduate of the University of Michigan who established the Foundation with his wife Florence-etta in 1978.  

The 2023 Donald Cook Scholarship recipients are (from left): Marisa Rose (Owosso), Abigail Dryer, Cassidy Flick (Perry), Payton Gutting , Tanner Cummings (Owosso), Mya LaMay (Owosso), and Zacary David. Executive Director, Tom Cook (Center). Photo Credit: DLP Photographic

Tanner Cummings of Owosso High School is the son of April Cummings-Holley.  He is a Shiawassee Scholar, a three-year Academic Achievement Award winner, and has participated in Track and Field, Robotics, Drama, the Jazz Band and was a Marching Band Squad Leader.  Tanner plans to major in political science and minor in economics to eventually become a  labor/employment lawyer.

Zachary David of Durand High School is the son of Chad and Nickole David.  He was a member of the National Honor Society and was on the All-A Honor Roll, a recipient of the school’s Honor Pin and lettered in academics.  Zach is the recipient of a University of Michigan HAIL Scholarship and has a future goal of becoming an Actuarial Scientist or work in the field of General Mathematics.

Abigail Dryer of Owosso High School is the daughter of Jessica McClung and Bryan and Mackenzie Dryer.  She is a Shiawassee Scholar, the Student Government Treasurer, and the class president and Salutatorian.  Abigail has participated in the National Honors Society in both the Symphony and Marching Band, Madrigals Choir, Drama Club, Competitive Dance, and is an assistant dance teacher at Spirit Expressions Studio of Dance.  She is a Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts volunteer and is very active in her church, Gracepointe Wesleyan Church. Abigail is the recipient of a University of Michigan Regents Merit award, and is planning to major in Psychology. 

Cassidy Flick of Perry High School is the daughter of Barbara Flick.  She is a Shiawassee Scholar and recipient of Honor Roll, Academic, Attendance and Teacher’s Choice Awards.  Cassidy was also a participant in the Shiawassee Regional Service District’s Teacher Cadet Program, National Honor Society, Varsity Volleyball and coached youth volleyball.  Cassidy is a recipient of U of M’s HAIL Scholarship and has plans for a future in upper elementary or secondary education, specializing in math and computer science.

Payton Gutting of Morrice High School.  Payton is here with her parents, Glen and Brandy and her brother, Austin.  Payton is a Shiawassee Scholar, and the Salutatorian of her class.  She has logged nearly 70 hours of community service, was the Team Captain of Varsity Volleyball, participated in Track and Field and held the positions of National Honor Society Vice President and Student Council Senior Class Treasurer.  Payton is enrolled in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts to study Pre-Law as a Psychology major.

Mya LaMay of Owosso High School is the daughter of Rusty and Jennifer LaMay. Mya has received scholastic writing awards, and has volunteered with the Steam Railroading Institute– working on the North Pole Express for several years. Mya was also  a competitive swimmer for 11 years–holding the position of Team Captain the last year, and is currently the lead instructor for the Shiawassee Family YMCA daycare. Mya plans to become a doctor in Pathology. 

Marisa Rose of Owosso High School is the daughter of Scott and Becky Rose.  She is a Shiawassee Scholar and the Valedictorian of her class. Marisa is also the recipient of a University of Michigan Regents Merit Scholarship. She has been the  two-year President and one-year Treasurer of the Youth Advisory Council, the club founder and President of the Genes in Diseases and Symptoms Club, the four-year Treasurer of the Class Council, and participant in the National Honor Society, Madrigals and A Capella Choir(s), the Drama Club, the Softball teams (travel and Varsity), and a MiRcore volunteer and more!  Marisa is planning to major in biology with a minor in statistics with plans to become a genetic researcher to help people battling life-altering diseases.

Another special event was the awarding of the second Kuhlman Family Scholarship, funded by UM alumni, Dr. Paul and Kit Kuhlman.  The second recipient is Jonah Smith, the son of Paul and Stacy Smith. Jonah attends Perry High School where he is the National Honor Society President and marching band drum major. He is enrolled at the College of Engineering to study Biomedical Engineering. The Kuhlman Scholarship is administered by the Cook Family Foundation, but funded by the Kuhlman Family.

The second Kuhlman Family Scholarship winner is Jonah Smith, from Perry High School (center), is shown with (from left) his father, Paul Smith, Paul Kuhlman, Kit Kuhlman, and his mother, Stacy Smith. Photo Credit: DLP Photograpphic

Of the 54 scholarship recipients from the ten area high schools honored, seven are valedictorians,  three are salutatorians of their class, and twenty-one of them are Shiawassee Scholars. Scholarship winners include, from Byron Area High School: Ruby Rittman and Madeline Stark; from Chesaning Union High School, Hannah Cooper, Joshua Sicard, Emily Smith, and Eric Waswick; from Corunna High School: Sydnie Gillett, Laurie Platner, and Isaiah Shook; from Durand Area High School: Mackenzi Aslin, Zachary David, Ethan Garner, Brandon HoptonCiera Justice, Nikitas Kalafatis, David Martin, K’Shawn Phillips, Jillian Reddy, Alaina Rouse, Simon Salaev (2019 Graduate), Hannah Sharkey, Keenan Shephard, Jaxon Smith, Mason Wells, and Molly Winson; from Laingsburg High School:  Haley Cronk, Josephine Keenan, Kathryn Magyar, Sydney Morrill, Casmir Palazzolo, Olivia Rodriguez, and Ian Smith; from Morrice High School:  Savannah Dansby and Payton Gutting Adrianna; from New Lothrop High School:  Tyler Kohlman: from Ovid-Elsie Area High School:  Ryan Gavenda; from Owosso High School:  Claire Agnew, Tanner Cummings, Abigail Dryer, James Elford, Samantha Harris, Fletcher Johnson, Mya LaMay, Liam McGraw, Elizabeth Rood, Marisa Rose, Barbara Shepard, Sydney Somers, John (Jay) Tuttle IV, and Rylie Yeiter; from Perry High School:  Cassidy Flick, Victoria Kilgore, Jonah Smith, and David Zheng.

With these awards, the Foundation has now helped more than 900 students attend the University of Michigan.