Scholarship Winners

2022 MIR Foundation Scholarship Winners

Mary Katharine Acho Tartoni

Mary Katharine is a freshman at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is graduating from Mercy High School where she was a member of National Honor Society, served as an officer of Student Government, Junior Classical League, Commissioner of Link Crew, and Treasurer of the International Thespian Society. She also played field hockey and tennis, both teams which she captained. Mary Katharine currently volunteers at Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Christine’s Soup Kitchen, and the District 37 Michigan Youth Government Council.

“Work as if everything depends on you. Pray as if everything depends on God.” – St. Ignatius Loyola

Megan Bennett

Megan is a freshman at Hope College and attended Northern Michigan Christian School in elementary, middle school, and high school years. She played volleyball, basketball, and soccer and will be continuing her basketball career in college. She was a member of National Honor Society and Student Council, Homecoming Committee and she was the president of Christ Committee, her school’s chapel team. Megan also had lead and supporting roles in her high school’s theater program all throughout high school. She volunteered in her community and her church during her free time while also holding a position at Ebels Clothing Department and The Bridge Coffee Shop. At Hope, she’ll be majoring in Sociology with a focus in Criminal Justice and is very excited about what the future has in store for her.

“We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage.” – Teddy Roosevelt

Aidan Brennan

Aidan is a freshman at Michigan State University studying communicative sciences and disorders. He graduated from Howell High School and was very involved in the T.I.E.S (Together Including Every Student) program where he worked with students with various disabilities. Aidan also participated in baseball and basketball and served as a captain of the baseball team. He also spends his time doing community service with Gleaners Food Bank and Salvation Army.

“Do what is right, not what is easy nor why is popular.” – Roy T. Bennett

Paige Bruggeman

Paige is a freshman at Rhodes State College studying nursing. She graduated From Marion Local High School and was a member of National Honor Society. During her time in high school, Paige was involved in many activities including softball, cross country, yearbook editor, photographer, ad manager, and was a member of the Marion Catholic Community. Paige currently volunteers with the elderly in the community and has also spent time making care packages for the military.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas A. Edison

Ryan Endlein

Ryan is a senior at Cornerstone University studying Environmental Biology. He was homeschooled through high school and was active in a homeschool band and co-op. Ryan has played the flute for 12 years and has played for the Salvation Army Red Kettle, at church, and at retirement homes. In college, he has worked with his professor to collect data for the Midwest Bat Hub.

“To those devoid of imagination, a blank place on the map is a useless waste; to others, the most valuable part.” – Aldo Leopold

Raegan Esch

Reagan is a freshman at Madonna University studying nursing with future plans to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. She graduated from Fowlerville High School, where she was a captain of the track team and National Honor Society President. She was also an active member of her class council and graduated Valedictorian of her class. Reagan participated in dance, track, and cross country and was main-editor of her school’s yearbook. She loves spending time with her family and friends.

“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.” – Ronald Reagan

Logan Franczkowski

Logan is a junior at Youngstown State University studying middle childhood education with a focus in science and language arts. She graduated from Austintown Fitch High School where she was a member of National Honor Society, Spirt Club, Link Crew, and captain of the track and field team. In college, Logan is continuing her track career, and is part of the honors college. Last year, she set up a small painting session, where everyone was able to come paint pictures for a local nursing home to brighten up their day during quarantine. This year, she has been writing with Pen Pals every other week at Girard Middle School. As Logan pursues her degree, she is a part of Project PASS, which is an organization that volunteers to tutor students from Youngstown City Schools.

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” – Marian Wright Edelman

Serine Jaffal

Serine is a freshman at John Carroll University, as a leadership scholar, studying chemistry and neuroscience. She is a graduate from North Olmsted High School where she was president of Key Club, senior class Vice President, member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, yearbook, and other leadership/service groups. Serine has spent her time in high school volunteering at the local mosque, Islamic Center of Cleveland, and Fairview Hospital, Cleveland Clinic which sparked her love for helping people and medicine, which she plans to pursue in the future.

“Stand on the battle front of your dreams and fight.” – Mahmoud Darwish

Maya Kerber

Maya is a freshman at Olivet College where she will pursue a degree in criminal justice and social work, as well as play on their soccer team. She graduated from Hopkins High School where she was a three sport athlete and team captain, a member of National Honor Society and was the leader for the Wellness Club. Her volunteer work included the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital Toy Drive, Recycling and Blood Drives around the community.

“Before you can achieve, you must believe in yourself.” – Carli Lloyd

Dunya Kizy

Dunya is a junior at Grand Valley State University starting her second semester at the Kirkhof College of Nursing. She graduated from Mercy High School where she was a part of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, the school newspaper, and the varsity softball team as team captain. At Grand Valley State University, Dunya is an honors mentor, a leader of Rotaract Club, a member of the Student Nurses Association, and has achieved placement on the Dean’s List in the past two years.

“You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” – Maya Angelou

Grace Kizy

Grace is a freshman at Grand Valley State University studying pre-veterinary medicine. She graduated from Mercy High School and was the Reference Editor for the school yearbook. Grace swam on the Mercy varsity swim and dive team for all 4 years. She is also a big animal rights activist and was the leader for animal rights club her junior and senior years.

“I am thankful for all those who said no to me. It is because of them I’m doing it myself.” – Albert Einstein

Joseph Konja

Joe is a sophomore at Wayne State University majoring in both finance and accounting. He graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School, where he was the vice president of his DECA club and a member of the track and field team. Joe enjoys volunteering with several organizations and is currently working as a tax intern with Masco.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

Madison Konja

Madison is a junior at University of Michigan where she is majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience and minoring in Biochemistry on the pre-medical track. She has a passion for reducing the mental health stigma in under served and underrepresented communities and currently holds a 4.0 GPA. During the school year, she works as a research assistant for two Michigan labs to discover the connections between the environment and genetics for mental health disorders. To give back, she volunteers for Crisis Text Hotline as a crisis counselor and she is a Neurology Clinic Assistant at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.

“You never fail until you stop trying.” – Albert Einstein

Tomaz Konja

Tomaz is a freshman at Kent State University pursuing a degree in Architecture. He graduated from Woodhaven High School. Tomaz has worked with his family for a number of years at their store and also worked a summer at the airport assisting elderly and handicap persons get to their gate. Although Tomaz has experimented with all types of activities, such as soccer and track, his true passion has been in design.

“I believe that bad taste is vulgar. It’s like cursing. I think the world can be saved through good design, because what is the most distasteful thing someone can do? Kill someone. So, good taste is the opposite of that.” – Kanye West

Nicholas Kouza

Nicholas is a sophomore at Wayne State University, where he is double majoring in finance and marketing. A graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy, Nicholas served as class vice-president and captain of the varsity football and lacrosse team. He also received many awards including the All-Catholic League Award and was named All-State, All-Regional, and All-Detroit. Nicholas founded and served as president of Labre Ministry at Wayne State University; a group that prepares and hand delivers food to the less fortunate in the City of Detroit. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree, Nicholas plans to pursue a career in Law.

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dalai Lama

George Mika

George is a first-generation college student pursing his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences at Oakland University. He has goals to advance his education further by going to medical school to achieve a doctorate degree in human medicine. George occupies his time with doing various activities involving volunteering, specifically with the community and organizing events that contribute to charity organizations. He has also been recognized on the Dean’s List every semester since he started at Oakland University.

“It is never over until you quit; quitting is never an option.” – Jon Jones

Jayla Moorehead-Curtis

Jayla is a freshman at the University of Cincinnati majoring in law and minoring in social work. She graduated from Philo High School, where she was president of the Key Club. She was also a two year letterman in cheer and track & field. Jayla currently volunteers at Muskingum Arc Housing, where she teaches life skills to developmentally disabled adults.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Ahmad Nasrallah

Ahmad is a freshman at University of Michigan-Dearborn studying technology, as he believes that technology is the future. He graduated from Dearborn High School. Ahmad considers himself being very friendly and outgoing and loves creating as many memories as he can. He received his seal of Biliteracy after completing 4 years of Arabic in high school.

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” – Andy Bernard

Krishna Patel

Krishna is a Sophomore at University of Michigan studying social theory and practice. She graduated from Bridgman High School and was involved in National Honor Society, Key Club, Interact Club, and was a member of band for eight years, playing alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone. Krishna was also a member of the varsity tennis team and cheerleading team. She currently volunteers with Circle K at University of Michigan and the CAN program in Washtenaw County, as well as Come and See Farm in Berrien County.

“Courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela

Niyati Patel

Niya is a freshman at University of Michigan studying biology, health and society on the pre-med track. She graduated from Hawken High School where she was a member of several teams and clubs. Niya played on the Hawken junior varsity soccer team and served as the Speech and Debate team captain. She is also involved in Indian Classical dancing. Niya volunteers for the Refugee Response, Shiksha Daan, and the American Red Cross, tutoring students in Cleveland and helps out at local blood drives.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

Juliana Rabban

Juliana is a junior at College for Creative Studies in Detroit where she is studying advertising design and graphic design. She has made the Dean’s List every semester and is currently the treasurer of Ad Club. She is a full time owner of two businesses: Just by Juliana where she offers custom artwork on canvases, shoes, walls and more; and Radi8, which is a clothing brand that embodies happiness and gives back to the communities around us.

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln

Koby Rosiles Guzman

Koby is a freshman at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and recently graduated from Cristo Rey St. Martin High School. He is planning to study and seek experience within the computer science and business fields. Koby was part of the basketball team during his sophomore year and has volunteered with Northern Illinois Food Bank and in a Summer Leadership role with the Corporate Work Study Program at his high school.

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” – Albert Einstein

Sarina Sagmani

Sarina is a junior at Oakland University studying health sciences. She graduated from Walled Lake Central High School where she was a member of National Honor Society, on the board of the CASA Club (Chaldean American Student Association) and had honors all four years of high school. Sarina has volunteered for organizations such as PB&J Outreach to provide food and supplies to the homeless, including churches, shelters and schools.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Paedyn Schulte

Paedyn is attending Douglas J Aveda Institute to study cosmetology. She graduated from Howell High School where she always had a passion for hands-on work. She was part of the construction program where she and her classmates built a house from the ground up. Paedyn was also a member of the link crew where she would meet with 3 freshmen on a weekly basis to give advice and be a helping hand for them to succeed in their upcoming years at Howell High School.

“Life’s a dance you learn as you go sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, don’t worry about what you don’t know.” – John Michael Montgomery

Selena Shamo

Selena is a senior at Oakland University studying health science. She is currently applying to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program and is determined to be an admired PA in the near future. Selena graduated from Walled Lake Central, where she played volleyball. At Oakland University, Selena is part of the Pre-PA Society, Chaldean American Student Association, and holds her place as the social media director for the American Medical Women’s Association. During the pandemic, Selena secured her spot as a Medical Assistant at an urgent care. Her passion for treating and diagnosing patients is rooted in teamwork. Selena’s most memorable volunteering experience was with the PB&J outreach, where she served food and care packages to Detroit’s most vulnerable residents. This past December, Selena volunteered at a COVID-19 vaccine popup clinic, administering vaccines.

“With God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

Gabriel Stacey

Gabe is a freshman at University of Western Michigan’s Lee Honors College studying business and film studies. He graduated from Berkley High School where he was the section leader for the school’s drum-line. Gabe started a clothing brand called Society Disbanded last year when COVID-19 was at its worst and has been working at two other jobs since. Gabe just recently completed his Eagle Scout project and is waiting to attend his court of honor. He is also a part of National Honor Society and he was awarded the Summa Cum Laude award for academics.

“Take advantage, do your best. Don’t stress, you was granted everything inside this planet. Anything you imagine, you possess.” – Kendrick Lamar

Alexander Sterling

Alexander is a freshman at the University of Notre Dame where he is majoring in astrophysics and aeronautics. He graduated from North Farmington High School, where he tutored in National Honor Society, earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, and served with Youth Group on multiple mission trips. At the University of Notre Dame, Alexander serves as the Secretary of the Science Olympiad Club and President of the Chess Club. In his free time, Alexander loves to play tennis and works at Busch’s.

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” – C.S. Lewis

Ivy Stroller

Ivy is a senior at Michigan Technological University studying accounting and data analytics. She has been a member of the Alto Active Achievers 4-H Club for 15 years, where she has enjoyed learning leadership skills as the president and as a mentor to young members. Ivy spends her time volunteering with Christian Aid Ministries’ projects and the Apostolic Christian HarvestCall working on disaster relief projects and food packing for those in need. She is hoping to do accounting work with agriculture and small businesses when she graduates.

“Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.” – Benjamin Franklin

Sabrina Thomas

Sabrina is a freshman at Oakland University studying clinical and diagnostic sciences. She graduated from Mercy High School as magna cum laude and was a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Sabrina was a student government class officer and a Science Club leader. Additionally, she volunteered with many different organizations throughout her time in high school.

“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.” – Thomas Carlyle

Anoosha Vemulapati

Anoosha is a senior at Wayne State University. She is a part of the Rotaract organization on campus, as well as a student ambassador for the Office of Sustainability. Outside of campus, Anoosha uses her Japanese proficiency to volunteer as an English tutor for Japanese students with the Hinoki Foundation. She has done Taekwondo for 6 years and currently holds a black belt.

“You can ask the universe for signs all you want but ultimately we’ll only see what we want to see…when we’re ready to see it.” – Ted Mosby

Lucy Weglarz

Lucy will be a sophomore at University of Minnesota studying bioproducts engineering with a minor in Spanish. She graduated from Wheaton North High School where she served as flute section leader in marching band. Lucy was also in musicals, on the math team, a member of the speech team, as well as serving as an executive board member for Tri-M Music Honor Society. She volunteered for both St. Michael’s Church and St. Petronille’s Church, as well as the middle school band program. Lucy currently plays flute in the university band, and participates in the Society of Women Engineers and Catholic Students United at the U.

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

Rasha Younes

Rasha is a freshman at University of Michigan studying health and human services and majoring in Public Health. She graduated from Edsel Ford High School with a cumulative GPA above a 4.1. Rasha was part of National Honor Society and Key Club for four years, serving as the vice president for three years. She has also taken part in the French National Honor Society for two years.

“So, surely with hardship comes ease.” – Quran 94:5

Scholarship Winners

Mary Katharine Acho Tartoni

Sponsored by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Submitted through: Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C.

Megan Bennett

Sponsored by: Reyes Coca-Cola Submitted through: Ebels General Store

Aidan Brennan

Sponsored by: Harvest Sherwood Food Distributors Submitted through: Plum Market

Paige Bruggeman

Sponsored by: Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) Submitted through: Chickasaw Qwik Stop

Ryan Endlein

Sponsored by: D&B Grocers Wholesale & Distributors Submitted through: Busch’s Fresh Food Market

Raegan Esch

Sponsored by: Markham Oil Submitted through: Markham Oil

Logan Franczkowski

Sponsored by: Conifer Insurance Company Submitted through: All-Star Gaming LLC

Serine Jaffal

Sponsored by: Borden Dairy Submitted through: Adam Meat Corp.

Maya Kerber

Sponsored by: BLDI Environmental Engineering Submitted through: C-D’s Quick Mart

Dunya Kizy

Sponsored by: Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) Submitted through: Partyville Liquor

Grace Kizy

Sponsored by: PepsiCO Beverages Submitted through: Tel Warren Convenience

Joseph Konja

Sponsored by: Monster Energy Submitted through: Ypsi Convenience

Madison Konja

Sponsored by: Casa De Décor – In Memory of Eddie Koza Submitted through: Mike’s Party Store

Tomaz Konja

Sponsored by: Wine Palace & the Denha Family – In Memory of Louis Denha Submitted through: Vreeland Market

Nicholas Kouza

Sponsored by: U.S. Ice Corp. – In Memory of Foad Abbo. Submitted through: Save-A-Lot Rockwood

George Mika

Sponsored by: The Michael J. George Charity Submitted through: Barno’s Liquor

Jayla Moorehead-Curtis

Sponsored by: Oscar W. Larson Co. Submitted through: South 60 Market

Ahmad Nasrallah

Sponsored by: Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation Submitted through: Faygo Beverages, Inc.

Krishna Patel

Sponsored by: Prairie Farms Dairy Co. Submitted through: Sawyer Market & Deli

Niyati Patel

Sponsored by: Borden Dairy Submitted through: Convenient Food Mart

Juliana Rabban

Sponsored by: Eastown Distributors Submitted through: Save-A-Lot

Koby Rosiles Guzman

Sponsored by: Lipari Foods Submitted through: Lewis Fresh Market

Sarina Sagmani

Sponsored by: PepsiCo Beverages Submitted through: Parkway Foods

Paedyn Schulte

Sponsored by: DTE Energy Submitted through: Booze Barn

Selena Shamo

Sponsored by: Great Lakes Wine & Spirits Submitted through: Wyandott Liquor

Gabriel Stacey

Sponsored by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Submitted through: Holiday Market

Alexander Sterling

Sponsored by: D&B Grocers Wholesale & Distributors Submitted through: Busch’s Fresh Food Market

Ivy Stroller

Sponsored by: Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation Submitted through: Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery

Sabrina Thomas

Sponsored by: DTE Energy Foundation Submitted through: Heathers Liquor Land

Anoosha Vemulapati

Sponsored by: DTE Energy Foundation Submitted through: Midwest Independent Retailers Association

Lucy Weglarz

Sponsored by: Altria Group, Inc. Submitted through: Cermak Fresh Market

Rasha Younes

Sponsored by: Faygo Beverages, Inc. Submitted through: Faygo Beverages, Inc.

Sponsored by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Submitted through: Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C.

Sponsored by: Reyes Coca-Cola
Submitted through: Ebels General Store

Sponsored by: Harvest Sherwood Food Distributors
Submitted through: Plum Market

Sponsored by: Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC)
Submitted through: Chickasaw Qwik Stop

Sponsored by: D&B Grocers Wholesale & Distributors
Submitted through: Busch’s Fresh Food Market

Sponsored by: Markham Oil
Submitted through: Markham Oil

Sponsored by: Conifer Insurance Company
Submitted through: All-Star Gaming LLC

Sponsored by: Borden Dairy
Submitted through: Adam Meat Corp.

Sponsored by: BLDI Environmental Engineering
Submitted through: C-D’s Quick Mart

Sponsored by: Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC)
Submitted through: Partyville Liquor

Sponsored by: PepsiCO Beverages
Submitted through: Tel Warren Convenience

Sponsored by: Monster Energy
Submitted through: Ypsi Convenience

Sponsored by: Casa De Décor – In Memory of Eddie Koza
Submitted through: Mike’s Party Store

Sponsored by: Wine Palace & the Denha Family – In Memory of Louis Denha
Submitted through: Vreeland Market

Sponsored by: U.S. Ice Corp. – In Memory of Foad Abbo.
Submitted through: Save-A-Lot Rockwood

Sponsored by: The Michael J. George Charity
Submitted through: Barno’s Liquor

Sponsored by: Oscar W. Larson Co.
Submitted through: South 60 Market

Sponsored by: Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation
Submitted through: Faygo Beverages, Inc.

Sponsored by: Prairie Farms Dairy Co.
Submitted through: Sawyer Market & Deli

Sponsored by: Borden Dairy
Submitted through: Convenient Food Mart

Sponsored by: Eastown Distributors
Submitted through: Save-A-Lot

Sponsored by: Lipari Foods
Submitted through: Lewis Fresh Market

Sponsored by: PepsiCo Beverages
Submitted through: Parkway Foods

Sponsored by: DTE Energy
Submitted through: Booze Barn

Sponsored by: Great Lakes Wine & Spirits
Submitted through: Wyandott Liquor

Sponsored by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Submitted through: Holiday Market

Sponsored by: D&B Grocers Wholesale & Distributors
Submitted through: Busch’s Fresh Food Market

Sponsored by: Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation
Submitted through: Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery

Sponsored by: DTE Energy Foundation
Submitted through: Heathers Liquor Land

Sponsored by: DTE Energy Foundation
Submitted through: Midwest Independent Retailers Association

Sponsored by: Altria Group, Inc.
Submitted through: Cermak Fresh Market

Sponsored by: Faygo Beverages, Inc.
Submitted through: Faygo Beverages, Inc.