About Alma
About Alma
ALMA — Nineteen students from eight high schools in Gratiot, Montcalm and Isabella counties were the winners of the Alma College Community Engagement (ACE) Scholarship Program award this year. The
ALMA — Nineteen students from eight high schools in Gratiot, Montcalm and Isabella counties were the winners of the Alma College Community Engagement (ACE) Scholarship Program award this year. The ACE program recognizes students for their active volunteer service, community engagement, and leadership in their schools and local communities.
Students who won ACE scholarships receive full-tuition scholarships to attend Alma College, beginning in fall 2025.
“We’re thrilled to have this year’s cohort of ACE scholars joining us on campus this fall,” said Carla Jensen, director of the Center for College and Community Engagement (3CE). “These students have already made meaningful contributions in their schools and hometowns, and they’re bringing that same dedication to Alma College. Their impact is already evident, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and lead during their time here.”
Community engagement is the major component of the ACE Scholars Program. During their time at Alma College, the scholars will work with diverse community partners on everything from helping serve food to designing and implementing social media campaigns. Last year the ACE Scholars collectively provided more than 2,700 hours of support to communities and organizations in Gratiot, Isabella, and Montcalm counties.
This year’s recipients represent the eighth class of ACE Scholars, bringing the total number of recipients to 95 students.
Kassidy Hofstetter, a senior at Alma High School, plans to pursue a career as an entrepreneur after college. Her favorite teacher is Lisa Parsons, because she exemplified “how to be resilient in times of distress.” Hofstetter was named to the All-A honor roll in her junior and senior years and was named all-conference in soccer as a junior. Her parents are Kristie Blaney and Samuel Hofstetter of Alma.
Shai Curtiss, a senior at Shepherd High School, is the daughter of Zanita and Andrew Curtiss of Blanchard. Her favorite teacher is Travis Balzer, because he “always challenged (her) to think further.” In 2024, Curtiss was named recipient of the Outstanding Economic Student Award and National Honor Society Award, as well as being named all-state in wrestling.
Jackson Conn, a senior at Ithaca High School, is involved with the National Honor Society, Dream Works Resale Shoppe, National Honor Society, the Gratiot Commission on Aging, and other community groups. His favorite teacher is Jonathan Bourgault, because he “says what he means.” Conn is the son of Jamey and Heather Conn of Ithaca and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Lloyd Stoneman, a senior at Ithaca High School, plans to pursue a career in nursing. He is the son of Morgan and Ryan Stoneman of Ithaca. His favorite teacher is Josh Macha, both a teacher and a coach during Stoneman’s time at Ithaca. Stoneman is involved in community through Deerfield AFC and Ithaca Michigan Youth Football.
Caylin Petersen, a senior at Greenville High School, is involved in her community through Show Choir, Youth Spring Soccer League, the sisterhood project and more. The daughter of Kimberlee and Corey Petersen of Greenville, she plans to pursue a career as elementary school teacher. Her favorite teacher is Larissa Paras, because “she is so involved in her students’ lives.”
Taylor Recker, a senior at Mount Pleasant High School, is involved with her community through 4H, Toys for Tots, the Special Olympics and more. She has been named to the National Technical Honor Society and her school’s honor roll. Her parents are Kelley and Josh Recker of Rosebush and upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in elementary education.
Dante Snook is a home-schooled student who plans to pursue a career in foreign affairs upon graduation. His parents are Erin and Brandan Snook, of Alma. He is an Eagle Scout and also involved in local theater.
Allisaundra Snook is a home-schooled student who plans to pursue a career in archaeology upon graduation. She is the daughter of Erin Snook of Alma. She is interested in poetry and other forms of writing.
Lauren Gilbert, a senior at Mount Pleasant High School, is the daughter of Renee and Paul Gilbert of Mount Pleasant. She plans to pursue careers in nursing and dance upon graduation. She has been involved in her school’s Student Senate and CNA Health Science Club, and helped run 8th Grade Exchange and the Senior Farewell Tour. Her favorite teacher is Mindy Wischmeyer.
Jackson Vance, a senior at Mount Pleasant High School, is the son of Theresa and Jeff Vance of Mount Pleasant. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a career in business and finance. His favorite teacher is Kaleb House, because he shows his students the “great skills a leader needs to have.” Vance has been a scholar-athlete in bowling and baseball all four years of high school.
Victoria Clark, a senior at Alma High School, has been involved in the Police Athletic League, Youth for Christ, food kitchen and more. Her favorite teacher is Todd Brasher, because he “always pushed (her) to do as well as possible.” Upon graduation, Clark plans to pursue a career in nursing or business. She is the daughter of Theresa Stovall and George Clark of Alma.
Kiyana Schafer, a senior at Mount Pleasant High School, has been involved in Partners Empowering All Kids (PEAK) and the Community Clean-Up Event. Schafer’s favorite teacher is Megan Williams because “she always made (her) smile.” Upon graduation, Schafer plans to pursue a career in marketing. She is the daughter of Lindsay Schafer of Mount Pleasant.
Sarah Reeves, a senior at Vestaburg High School, has been involved in Honors Band, Career Center, Peer to Peer and other groups. Their favorite teacher is Duane Weed, because he taught them “the real challenges of work and life and how to work around them.” Upon graduation, they plan to pursue a career in animal biology or software programming. They are the daughter of Beckie and Michael Reeves of Edmore.
Megan Cogswell, a senior at Lakeview High School, has been involved in 4H, National Honor Society and the Prevention Club. She is the daughter of Cynthia and Joel Palethorpe of Lakeview. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in homeland security. Her favorite teacher is Jason Jakubowski.
Nicholas Mikesell, a senior at Ithaca High School, is the son of Lisa and Brian Mikesell of Ithaca. His favorite teacher is Jonathan Bourgault, because “he taught us many things about college.” Mikesell has been involved with the Gratiot Commission on Aging and the Special Olympics.
Elizabeth Gepford, a senior at Shepherd High School, has been involved with HopeWell Ranch’s Unbridled Potential program, the First Church of Christ in Mount Pleasant and her school’s student council. Gepford has been named to the National Honor Society and plans to pursue a career in medicine. She is the daughter of Gina and Stephen Gepford of Mount Pleasant.
Kennadi Cooley, a senior at Mount Pleasant High School, has been involved in numerous drives at her school; including food, hats and gloves and hygiene. She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and plans to pursue a career in nursing. Her favorite teacher is Denise Arnold, because she “motivates you to learn new things.” Cooley is the daughter of Kim Cooley, of Mount Pleasant.
Athena Brown, a senior at Coleman Jr./Sr. High School, has been involved in National Honor Society and her school’s student council. She has won awards in quiz bowl, music and the school talent show. Brown’s favorite teacher is Alex Fox, because he helped her “think more critically and intellectually.” Brown is the daughter of Windy Govitz and Peter Brown of Coleman.
Branyelina Gonzalez Vazquez, a senior at Alma High School, has been involved in Bible Club and Youth for Christ. Her favorite teacher is Kelsey Hasso, because her “dedication to every student made class meaningful.” Gonzalez Vazquez, the daughter of Leticia Vazquez Sanchez and Miguel Angel Gonzalez, plans to pursue a career in nursing.
ALMA – More than 80 Alma College students were recently awarded the President’s Award for the 2024-25 academic year. Juniors, sophomores and first-year students who have been at Alma College
614 W. Superior St.
Alma, Michigan 48801
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