Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients

EVELYN APPIER recently graduated from Central High School with a 4.0 GPA. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Arts Academic Community. She has enjoyed participating in 4-H livestock showing, choir, and figure skating. She was co-captain of her synchronized skating team for the past 2 years. Evelyn also attended the Health Sciences program at the Career Tech Center, where she completed over 70 hours of work experience at Cherry Bend Animal Hospital. She will be attending Michigan State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in zoology on a pre-veterinary doctoral track.

EVELYN BURTT recently graduated from high school and will be attending Northwestern University this fall. She plans to major in neuroscience on the pre-med track and is considering a minor in Spanish. Throughout high school, Evelyn was actively involved in Cross Country for four years and demonstrated strong leadership as president of both Model United Nations and Key Club. Outside of academics, she enjoys running and spending time with friends. This summer, she is continuing her work as a server and volunteering with Kids on the Go. Evelyn looks forward to pursuing her academic and professional goals in the medical field at Northwestern University.

JACK MATCHETT recently graduated from Central High School. During his junior and senior years, he attended the Agriscience program at Northwest Education Services Career Tech. While there, he was actively involved in FFA and earned multiple state awards in public speaking and agricultural sales. Jack has enjoyed developing his leadership skills and passion for agriculture through his involvement in Career Tech and FFA. This fall, Jack will attend the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology to study Agricultural Industries. He plans to pursue a career in agricultural sales and contribute to Michigan’s agricultural industry.

ABBY NIESSINK was born and raised in Leelanau County, and loves where she is from. She originally started her academic journey at Northwestern Michigan College, where she received her associate’s degree in Science and Liberal Arts. She then went on to finish her undergraduate education at Grand Valley State University, where she majored in Allied Health Sciences, and minored in both psychology and biology. Now, she is enrolled in the Physician Assistant Studies Graduate Program at GVSU, where she plans to graduate in December. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time in nature, walking her dogs, and being with friends and family, who have been her biggest supporters throughout her education.