In July of 2025 the Service Above Self Committee met and evaluated applications for a Rotary Scholarship to Washtenaw Community College (WCC) from 34 candidates. These applicants must have a financial need as determined by WCC. Led by our chairman Christopher Lemon and committee members Don Deatrick, Jennifer Richard, Carolina Typaldos, Ella Dunajsky, and Larry Gray. Applications were graded and ranked based on GPA, volunteer experiences, and their essay “Service Above Self”. Scholarships were awarded to six students for a total of $13,500. These are students attending WCC who demonstrate the Rotary trait “Service Above Self” and are current or past graduates of any Ann Arbor high school. Five students received scholarships of $2,500 and one student received a scholarship of $1,000. Veterans are exempt from the high school graduation requirement, and we had no veteran applications to evaluate this year. The Rotary Club awards up to eight scholarships each year, covering up to $2,500 of tuition for two semesters (Fall and Winter only). Students must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA, pursue classes toward the completion of one of the college’s programs and successfully complete 2/3 of the classes on his or her schedule to continue receiving the scholarship the second semester. We would welcome any additional volunteers for next year’s assessments. In closing, I would like to show you brief videos from two of this year’s winners:

Luke Schultz- Graduated Gabriel Richard HS in June 2024, and wants to be a speech pathologist and get a master’s degree. Paying for most of schooling himself. He has part time job. Lots of volunteering including trip to Mexico City. 3.4 GPA at WCC during first year. In high school he was on track and in National Honor Society. He is on the Honor Roll at WCC.

Safiyah Basir– Graduated Huron High in 6-1999. She is a Type 1 diabetic and has done lots of volunteer work in that area, and wants to be PA in Endocrinology. 3.8 GPA at WCC.