Please join us as we congratulate our 2025 award winners! Learn more about the winners below. 

Scholarship


Zachary Allison –  Son of Member Kali Allison
My name is Zachary Allison and I am the son of Kali Allison, who is a Probation Supervisor for the Michigan Department of Corrections. I graduated from Chippewa Valley High School in 2022 and am currently a senior studying Finance at Oakland University. I am the President of the Financial Management Association at Oakland University, which is a student organization in the School of Business Administration. I'm passionate about capital markets, financial analysis, and helping others improve their financial literacy. I appreciate MAGE for financially supporting students who are pursuing their educational and professional goals. 
 


Celia Slocum – Daughter of Thomas Lebo
My name is Celia and I am so happy to be selected as a winner. I recently went back to college, and I am about to apply for the nursing program at Montcalm Community College. I have always wanted to do something in the healthcare field and after going back to work as a phlebotomist after 4 years of being a stay-at-home mom, I decided that nursing was something I wanted to do. Going back to school in my 30’s with 3 growing and active boys has been a whirlwind but I’m excited to keep going and pursue this degree. Thank you so much! 
 


Reed Patrick – Son of Cheryl Allen
My name is Reed Patrick. I’m studying mechanical engineering at Eastern Michigan University. I have a passion for all things mechanical and architectural. And was on honor roll all 4 years of high school.
 


Megan Yohe – Daughter of Matt Yohe
My name is Megan Yohe and I'm from Calumet, Michigan. I am going to Northern Michigan University and graduating with a BSN in nursing this December. I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. 
 


Jenna Yohe – Daughter of Matt Yohe
Hello, my name is Jenna Yohe. I am currently a freshman at Michigan Technological University studying biological sciences. In my free time I love spending time outside, swimming in Lake Superior, and baking. Thank you for your support!
 
 

Amber Waclawski – Daughter of Jodi Kern
My name is Amber Waclawski and I am a 1st year student at Central Michigan University.  I have not declared a major yet, but my passions include nature, science, all things animals and creative art.  I’m excited to share that I have recently become a licensed Falconer through DNR so I’m able to live some of my passions through that process while attending college full time.  This scholarship will greatly assist me with my college costs and I am very grateful. Thank you so much.
 
 

Samuell Dillard II – Son of Jennifer Boose
I’m currently as sophomore at Kuyper College, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sports Management. I’m also a proud member of our college basketball team. Last season, I was honored to be named Freshman of the Year in our league, and I’m excited to be starting this upcoming season with even more motivation.
Academically, I’m maintaining a 3.5 GPA, and I’m committed to continuing to grow both in the classroom and on the court.
I want to sincerely thank you for selecting me as a recipient of this scholarship. Your support is a true blessing, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity it provides. Thank you for believing in me.
 


Ellena Guinn – Daughter of Brandy Guinn
Ellena Guinn is a dedicated and passionate performing artist from Pontiac, Michigan. She is currently attending Michigan State University, where she is studying acting and plans to apply to other prestigious programs. Ellena’s interests include theatre, film, and television performance, and she hopes to build a career as a professional actress working across stage and screen. Winning this scholarship reinforces Ellena’s commitment to her craft and her dream of pursuing acting professionally. She is sincerely grateful for this generous support, which allows her to continue growing as an artist and working toward a future in the performing arts industry.



Steven Peterson – Son of Dean Peterson
My name is Steven Peterson and I am currently working on my MBA. My spouse is active duty military so we move around a lot and I am pursing this degree pathway to broaden my horizons by increasing the odds of finding work that I can move with instead of needing to find a new job every time we move. Ideally, that would be as a civilian in the DoW.



 
Student Debt Reduction



Chase Burford – Son of Cheryl Allen
I graduated from Eastern Michigan university, and have worked as an accountant / financial analyst for the last 4 years. I am a huge football fan and enjoyer of books. In addition to that I just turned 30 and am looking forward to learning new things in life and trying to see new places.

 

Tracie James - Member
My name is Tracie James, and I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, a city that taught me resilience, faith, and determination. I am a proud mother of two and grandmother of nine, each of whom fills my life with love and purpose. Since 2000, I have built a rewarding career with the State of Michigan, where I’ve grown as a professional, leader, and mentor. My life has been shaped by the lessons of hard work I saw in my mother, the deep love of family that grounds me, and the promise I made to my late father to finish college and study American Sign Language in his honor. That promise became my motivation, leading me to earn two associate degrees from Wayne County Community College, one in General Studies and one in ASL. Today, I continue to walk proudly in my purpose, striving to become an erudite interpreter who uplifts the Deaf community and leaves a legacy of faith, service, and perseverance.
 


Serena Powell – Daughter of Thomas Lebo
I’m so happy to be selected as a winner! I went back to college at 24 years old and chose the path of radiology through Baker College. I have always wanted to be in some form of healthcare. I received my associates degree and credentials as a Radiologic Technologist (xrays), and soon after pursed additional education to become certified in CT scans. I’m proud to be able to sign my name as Serena Powell ARRT (RT)(CT) after years of hard work! I’m so thankful for this scholarship opportunity through my Dad (Thomas Lebo) who has worked for the MDOC for over 20 years. Thank you for all that you do, Dad! 
 
 


Greshin McRae – Son of Tamara Carter
My name is Greshin McRae II and I will say I am grateful to receive this scholarship award. I am 34 years young and have reentered college to get my bachelor’s degree. I have returned to school to get my bachelor’s degree in Communication and Psychology. I approximately have 18 credits left until I graduate. With my degree I hope to work in the psychology field and help others cope with the stresses of life. I hope to make a positive impact on the youth one day because they’re the future. Thank you for blessing me with this scholarship. It’s truly appreciated.