Excellence in Education is a scholarship program run through Grow and Lead, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works towards helping youth, adults, and communities in the U.P. Based in Marquette, it organizes fundraisers to raise money for these scholarships throughout Marquette and Alger Counties. Most years two are given per school, however this year other area schools did not have enough seniors who met the requirements so three Munising students, Angus Horne, Alex Goss, and Cienna Schultz, were chosen to receive the award. Each student will receive a $1,500 scholarship and recognition for being in the top 5% of the class. A ceremony will be held at North Michigan University on April 29 where approximately 350 educators, students, and parents will attend to celebrate the students during a banquet in their honor.

A conversation with Nicole Lasak, Munising High School principal, revealed this gives the students a chance to showcase their most influential teacher. Mrs. Lasak says there is often a deeper meaning and memories attached to the student’s choice and gives the teacher appreciation they don’t often receive. Cienna chose Eric Lynch, Alex chose Heather Nayback, and Angus chose Jim Cotey as their most influential teachers.

Alex Goss, one of the selected, wants to tell future senior students “You can do anything if you put your mind to it. If you want to achieve it, you will.”