Welcome !
Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" Scholarship FoundationR
A World Class Organization Since 1997
Focused on Education, Awareness and a Cure for Multiple Sclerosis
Vision..............
Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.
Carl Jung
PLEDGE SHEET PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS
"Celebrating 11 Years of Philanthropy"
The Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" Scholarship Foundation is in its ninth year and offers annual scholarships to seniors at Catholic Central, Kenowa Hills, Covenant Christian, and Comstock Park High Schools in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area for using their creativity and raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis. The inaugural year of the program was 2000 and involved seniors at West Catholic High School. This unique and prestigious program has touched the lives of many people in communities across our state and is constantly raising awareness of this terrible disease.
Why the Program Was Started
The program was developed in 1997 to honor my mom, who lived with MS for 38 years. My wife, also named Mary, has been suffering with the same disease for 18 years now.
How Our Program Works
One or two $500.00 scholarships are awarded annually at each high school involved to seniors who raise the most funds for MS. Each high school program is set up differently according to their needs. A beautiful engraved plaque is also presented to each winner to commemorate his/her accomplishment. All money raised by the students, over $18,090.68 to date, has been donated for MS research. All funds raised starting in the winter of 2007-2008, will be donated to the Accelerated Cure Project for much needed research.
We've Seen Success
The Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" MS Scholarship Foundation has built its own reputation of community awareness, education in the high schools, raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis and being recognized as the most imaginative program in Michigan by educators, parents, students and businesses. The Szczepanski Scholarship Foundation was honored in 2002 with a Bronze Achievement Award for raising over $3,000.00 for MS.
Our nineteen scholarship recipients are attending the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Ferris State, Western Michigan, Grand Valley State, Cedarville University, Oakland University, the University of Maryland, Hope College, Olivet College and Grand Rapids Community College.
Our Michigan Program
All Michigan High Schools are invited to participate annually as we search for the senior who raises the most funds for MS. A $500.00 college scholarship and plaque will be awarded and he/she will be honored as our Michigan recipient.
Our National Program
Students from all 50 states are invited to participate annually as we search for the senior who raises the most funds for MS. A $500.00 college scholarship and plaque will be awarded and he/she will be honored as our National recipient.
Partners for Multiple Sclerosis
We are very proud to form a partnership with Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis in Waltham, Massachusetts. This cutting - edge, nonproft organization is dedicated to curing MS by determining its causes. www.acceleratedcure.org
Local Connections
We are a proud member of the Creston Neighborhood Association, a nonprofit organization serving the northeast Grand Rapids community.
We are a proud listing on grnow.com, a very creative website focused on local entrepreneurs, events, and opportunities serving our local area.
We are a new member of the South West Neighborhood Association (SWAN), a nonprofit organization building strong communities.
Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Students Earn Awards!
Gifted and Talented Award
In our commitment to honor our area students for their achievements, we salute a great gifted and talented student.
Our first recipient of the "Passion for Math" Award presented to a Grand Rapids area middle school student is Myka Hall. Myka is honored for her extraordinary talent in mathematics and will receive an 8 x 10 marble plaque donated by Michigan Aerospace Corporation in Ann Arbor, MI.
Congratulations Myka, we are very proud of you.
We are arranging a presentation with State Representatives Glenn Steil, Jr and Dave Hildenbrand along with Myka's parents and her mentors.
Volleyball "Role Model" Award
Kristin Zull from Battle Creek St. Philip Catholic Central High School is our 2007 recipient.
Kristin is a 4 year varsity starter, 4 year All-State, 4 year All-Area, 4 year All-Region, 3 year All-City, MVP of her League, Miss Volleyball Candidate with 3 state titles and 1 runners-up.
Kristin received an engraved plaque and a volleyball autographed by Karch Kiraly, Mike Lambert, Misty May and Kerri Walsh.
Highlands Middle School Spelling Bee
On January 15th, Highlands Middle School, Northview Public Schools, held their 10th Annual Spelling Bee with Isabelle Riina, a 5th grade student claiming first place with the word "apostrophe".
Taylor Turnbull, a 6th grader finished in second.
Congratulations to everyone who participated and to these two fine students as they move to the Regionals at Highlands Middle School on February 26, 2008 from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
Scholastic, the world's leader in educational material proudly sponsored the winner's plaque.
"Mathematics and Community Service" Award
1st Annual junior recipient selected at Grand Valley State University. Sara Sorrell, a mathematics major who intends to be an elementary teacher, was honored on April 4, 2008 at the Mathematics Department Awards ceremony.
Congratulations!!!! Sara We are very proud of you.
Our National Friends Who Share Our Cause
Marlene and Billy VerPlanck
World Class Singer and Composer Duo
Melissa Rose Ziemer
Chicago's Best Entertainer
Tracy Grammer
International Singer and Producer
Karisa Wilson
Grand Rapids Singer and Songwriter
Shad Risk - Defensive Tackle
Dale Westrick - Offensive Tackle
Grand Valley State University
2002 NCAA Division II National Champions
Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame members
Maria C. Lesetz
Certified Life Coach and Motivational Speaker
Accelerated Cure Project for MS
A Cutting Edge 501 c 3 Non profit Organization in Waltham, MA
Harry Lucas and The Lowdown
Grand Rapids, Michigan's Best Blues Band
The Kelly Richey Band
The Best in Blues from the Midwest
The Tommy Castro Band
International Blues Artist
Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers
Simply the Best in the Blues
Moms in Touch International
Supporting Moms, Families and Schools
Phase III Graphics
Taking Care of Your Printing Ideas
West Michigan Blues Society
Blues in the Schools Program and Your Blues Connection
Palmer Service, Inc.
Complete Car Service
Combined Products
Promotional Products
Dillenbeck's Coffeehouse
Dave Zokoe and His Crew Will Treat Your Tastebuds
Grand Valley State University
A World Class University
We are Linked to These Student Resources
www.collegescholarships.com
www.fastweb.com
www.scholarships.com
www.scholarships-ar-us.org
Our Projects and Events
5th Annual Pythagorean Math Award at Catherine McAuley High School in Portland, Maine for 2008-2009
6th Annual Volleyball "Role Model" Award at Battle Creek St. Philip High School
13 Time Class D State Champions
World renowned
11th Annual Highlands Middle School Spelling Bee Competition with the winner's plaque sponsored by Scholastic, Inc
2nd Annual Volleyball Senior "Leadership" Scholarship at Comstock Park High School
2nd Annual Mathematics and Community Service Award at Grand Valley State University
1st Annual "Passion for Math" Award
Sponsored by Rick Szczepanski
Community Involvement
1st Annual Mini Golf 4 Multiple Sclerosis
Saturday August 2, 2008
Alpine Avenue Golf Center
RSVP 791-2069
Very successful
"The Bully at Work" workshop at Walker Ice & Fitness Center
May 24, 2008 12:00 - 1:00pm Room A
Walker, MI RSVP 791-2069
A partner with www.Bullying.org
Very successful
2007 Corporate Scholarship Sponsors
2nd year Farm Bureau Insurance
7th year NETserv, Inc
7th year Mercantile Bank of Michigan
5 year plaque presented 12/25/05
3rd year Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
3rd year Airway Oxygen, Inc.
2008 Corporate Scholarship Sponsors
4th year Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
4th year Airway Oxygen, Inc.
8th year Mercantile Bank of Michigan
Community Education Through Public Speaking
52 Years of Real Life MS Experience and 32 Years of Integrity
MS Workshops
MS Seminars
Life Enrichment Skills for MS Families
Motivational Speeches - High Schools/Colleges
Leadership Workshops
Educators for Safe Schools - Workshops
Speak Up! (Anti-bullying) www.Bullying.com
Bullying in the Workplace Seminars
Nationally Known Philanthropy
Excellence in Mathematics / Tutoring
Call for a speaking opportunity you will not forget
Our Program Speaks for Itself
"The Mary J. Szcepanski Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to not only help a good cause
but better oneself in the same deed. The faith of multitudes is enhanced by this legacy."
- Diana Tesmer (formerly Diana Schuelke)
- 2001 Recipient of the Mary J. Szczepanski Scholarship
- Software Engineer at General Motors
- Graduate Student at the University of Michigan