DELTA COUNTY, Mich. (WLUC) – Bay College surprised two Delta County seniors with full ride scholarships Thursday.
Escanaba High School Senior Aubrey Stropich said she thought she was in trouble when staff pulled her out of class Thursday. But when she stepped into the school library, she saw balloons, her family and a giant check.
“I’m, like, actually shaking,” Stropich said. “I don’t know if you can see it, but I am so excited and so thankful.”
The college awarded Stropich with one of only three Elite Scholarships it gives out each year. The two-year scholarship will pay for her tuition, fees and books and can be renewed.
“This is such a big thing for me because when I got the first call I was like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna have to compete and go into a big thing,’” Stropich said. “I didn’t know it was gonna be an immediate, I walk in here and get this. It’s huge to me.”
Stropich’s dad said the award is a financial relief to the family.
Bay College Financial Aid Assistant Director Brooke Jorasz said the college awards about $600,000 in scholarships each year. Jorasz said applying for the Elite Scholarship is by invitation only and applicants must have a 3.8 GPA to qualify.
However, Bay has two other scholarships students can apply for. The Leadership Scholarship requires a 3.0 GPA and the Foundation Scholarship is open to all students, Jorasz said.
Gladstone High School Senior Addie Trombley also got the renewable Elite Scholarship. Bay staff surprised her at the Gladstone Softball game Thursday night.
“I was not expecting this at all,” Trombley said. “It feels so amazing that I was accepted for such a big scholarship.”
Trombley said the scholarship will help her achieve her academic goals.
“This means so much to me because I’ve been working really hard to earn this money for my college education,” she said. “It’s giving me a bigger boost to go towards my nursing degree.”
Jorasz encourages everyone to apply for the Foundation Scholarship. The application is open year-round.
Click here for more information and to apply.
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