Meet Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients

CADEN KOWAL attended Central High School for the past four years. He was a member of the National Honors Society, a two-sport varsity athlete, and was elected captain of the Central tennis team. Some of his favorite activities include playing Spikeball, making friends, weightlifting, and spending time outside. Additionally, he is the founder of the Awaken Bible Study group at Central and he attends multiple youth groups around Traverse City. He will be attending Michigan State University this fall and plans to double major in management and marketing.

MALLORY LOWE graduated from Leland Public School. She was president of the National Art Honor Society, vice-president and treasurer of Student Council, and actively involved in the National Honor Society. She was a four-year, three-sport athlete, playing basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Mallory earned an AP Scholar award from College Board and truly enjoyed volunteering for the Grand Traverse Area Regional Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council for four years. She plans on attending the University of Michigan in the fall.

FLORA ZICKERT graduated from Benzie Central High School as the Class of 2024 salutatorian. Throughout high school, she was active in athletics, playing basketball, volleyball, and running track. She also participated in the National Honor Society, Link Crew, Student Council, yearbook, and she was
a biology student mentor. In the fall, she will be attending Butler University in Indianapolis, where she will pursue a biology degree. Flora hopes to attend an accredited optometry school to become an eye doctor. She is grateful to have grown up in Northern Michigan and is thankful for the people who have supported her along the way.

GENEVIEVE BRAMER currently attends Northern Michigan University, with plans to student teach in the Grand Traverse area next spring. She intends to graduate in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary math education. After graduation, she plans to teach math at the middle school level in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. Genevieve hopes to create a positive and upbeat classroom atmosphere where students are consistently engaged and excited about learning mathematics.

WALKER RATAJCZAK is a 2023 Saint Francis High School graduate who currently attends Northwestern Michigan College. He is seeking a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University through the NMC University Center. After graduating, he plans to attend law school in hopes of becoming a criminal lawyer. Walker is currently a member of the NMC jazz band. He enjoys playing guitar and bass, as well as skateboarding. Walker is also active in his faith through his church, Holy Rosary.