Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" MS Scholarship Foundation
America's scholarships for MS since 1997
Internationally known for our work with Multiple Sclerosis
Vision..............
Your vision will become your window to opportunities
Pledge sheet Program instructions and resources
"Celebrating 13 years of Philanthropy"
The Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" MS Scholarship Foundation is starting its11th year and offers annual scholarships to seniors at Catholic Central, Kenowa Hills, Covenant Christian and Northview 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 the fall of 2000. This unique and prestigious program has touched the lives of many people in communities across the world and is constantly raising awareness of this terrible disease.
Why our program was started
The program was developed in 1997 to honor my mom, who courageously fought MS for 38 years.
My wife, also named Mary, has been suffering with the same disease for 20 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 $19,247.05 to date, has been donated for MS 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 and colleges, raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis and being recognized as the most imaginative program anywhere on earth by educators, schools, parents, students and businesses. The Szczepanski MS Scholarship Foundation was honored in 2002 with a Bronze Achievement Award for raising over $3,000.00 for MS. In the past ten years, we have offered 67 scholarships to Michigan seniors.
Our twenty-five scholarship recipients have attended the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Central Michigan, Ferris State, Western Michigan, Grand Valley State, Cedarville University, Oakland University, Oakland Community College, University of Maryland, Northeastern University in Boston, Angelo State University, Hope College, Olivet College, Aquinas College and Grand Rapids Community College.
Our Michigan high school 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 high school 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.
Our national college program
Students from all 50 states are invited to participate annually as we search for the college student who raises the most funds for MS. A $1,000 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.
We are a member of the West Grand Neighborhood Organization, the most enthusiastic group in Grand Rapids. Strength through our community.
We are the newest member of the Friends of the Musketawa Trail, a running, biking, and nature experience.
Corporate sponsors
1st year The Center for Physical Rehabilitation, Inc.
1st year Ace Tattoo
1st year Mr. Burger Restaurants
1st year Comerica Bank
1st year Bow Tie Tavern
3rd year Van's Awards Plus
4th year Tom Jager Agency
4th year Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
4th year Netserv, Inc.
4th year Airway Oxygen, Inc.
8th year Chemical Bank
10th year Mercantile Bank of Michigan 5 year plaque presented 12/25/05
Our program speaks for itself, just ask our national friends who share our cause
Derrick Owens, Sr
Basketball coach, motivational speaker, mentor, educator
REC Turnings
Eric Beuker - Pen Designer / Grand Rapids
Glass Eye Butterfly
Designs by Rosemary Cheslock / Grand Rapids
Debbie Flynn Designs
Custom jewelry creations by Debbie Flynn / Grand Rapids
MiJo Woodcrafts
Mike Johson / Belding, MI
Bellissimo Design by Marissa Iacovoni
Exquisite interior design for your dreams / Chicago
Leslie Saltzstein Wooldridge, MSN, RNCS, GNP
Daughter Jenna Saltzstein - 2002 MS Scholarship recipient
Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
Texas Governor Rick Perry
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley - Grand Rapids Diocese
Reverend Eugene S. Golas
Mother Dolores Hart, Pr. O.S.B. - The Abbey/ Connecticut
American Physical Therapy Association
Lake Michigan Catholic Schools
Michigan Health Occupational Educators Association
University of Notre Dame
First Lady Michelle Obama
Western Michigan University Alumni Association
Independent Bank - Standale
Open 7 days a week for all your banking needs
Tom Jager Agency
Creating the perfect insurance plan for your family
Lakeshore Latino Outreach Center, Inc.
Preusser Jewelers
Michigan's oldest jeweler
Big Boy Restaurants
Pearl Street, home of our benefits, is the #1 store in Michigan
Striders
West Michigan's premier running store / Grandville
The Positive Voices
Rick Tormala - Publisher
Reality Radio - WPRR 1680AM
Tuesdays with Tormala 10AM
Alpine Avenue Golf Center
Home of our annual miniature golf classics
Netserv, Inc.
Website creations and more
Van's Awards Plus
Creating our plaques to honor our students
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
Tom Otterness
International sculptor
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
Homewatch CareGivers
Exceptional care for our loved ones
Wilderness Expressions
The best coffeehouse in Grand Rapids
Brandywine Inn
Great food, fun and friends in Grand Rapids, MI
West Michigan Blues Society
Blues in the schools program and your blues connection
Palmer Service, Inc.
Complete car service
Grand Valley State University
A World Class university
Grand Rapids Community College
Preparing our students for the future
We are linked to these student resources
www.fastweb.com
www.scholarships.com
www.scholarships-ar-us.org
www.collegescholarships.com
Meet our dynamic national Strategy Team
Jackie Villegas
We welcome Jackie to our program as our national scholarship and award's manager. She brings her enthusiasm, leadership and passion to our MS program and shares our mission to raise awareness for this disease. Jackie is dedicated to honoring our great students in math and spelling and our student / athletes in volleyball.
Holli Dolci
We welcome Holli to our national Strategy Team. She brings with her many talents to market our program to current college students in Grand Rapids and the entire country. Holli has incredible leadership skills, and a rich history in business, all critical to our program. In addition, Holli is always there for me.
I can text her now and she will write back. Thanks Holli!!!
Marissa Iacovoni
We welcome Marissa to our team, helping us in the Chicago area to secure our place in the national arena. She is a former recipient of the world renowned Volleyball "Role Model" Award. Marissa is a proven leader, with incredible skills to make sure students from the U.S.A. get involved in our cause. An accomplished model and founder of Bellissimo Design by Marissa Iacovoni in Chicago.
Sabra Kinsley
We welcome Sabra to our organization. I have worked with Sabra over 3 years and she is the most creative,energetic and mature college student I have ever known. Besides being a co-worker, she is one of my dearest friends. Well organized, always thinking ahead makes Sabra a key to any organization but we have her first. She knows what makes college students tick and with her rich experience in the education field, her resume is full of rewarding volunteer opportunities. Sabra is an accomplished poet with many selections published.
Congratulations!
Jenna Saltzstein
We are extremely excited to have Jenna join us on our team. She has the incredible experience of being a recipient of the Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" MS Scholarship in 2002, our first year at Catholic Central High School. Jenna and her family have kept in touch over the years and they are always there for our program as strong supporters. She is finishing her doctorate in Physical Therapy. Jenna's passion for our program, outstanding leadership in the health field while focusing on rehab in neurological disorders, gives us a remarkable edge in our mission for Multiple Sclerosis.
Brittany Lombrana
We are very proud to have Brittany, our 1st national MS Scholarship recipient (outside of Michigan), join us on our MS foundation panel. A graduate of Christoval High School, in Christoval, TX, Brittany, a zoology major, brings to us her incredible enthusiasm, gifted talents in fundraisng, leadership and passion to give back to others. Her experience as a student, at Angelo State University in Texas will be powerful, as we have the greatest students
in the country working with us on our MS mission everyday.
Joya Nunn
We are very excited about Joya, our 2nd national MS Scholarship Foundation recipient and 2010 Michigan recipient, joining us on our national Idea Team. Joya from Oak Park, MI is a key player to keep the interest alive on the eastside of the state which we are very fortunate to have students contact us each year. A graduate of Detroit School of Arts, Joya will be attending the Universiy of Detroit Mercy, pursuing a career in Computer Science. Her creativity, enthusiasm and leadership skills make Joya a brilliant choice.
Thank you Jackie, Holli, Marissa, Sabra, Jenna, Brittany and Joya. You are amazing students and friends!
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! We honor students!
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.
2nd national and state recipient honored
Joya Nunn, senior from the Detroit School of Arts, in Oak Park, MI, is our 2nd recipient outside of Michigan. This past winter we went to the National audience for the second time.
Joya raised the most funds for MS out of 30 seniors nationwide and 6 seniors statewide.
Our recipient will attend the Oakland Community College in the fall.
Congratulations, Joya!!! We are very proud of you!!!!
Volleyball "Role Model" Award
Amanda Bolles, senior from Battle Creek St. Philip Catholic Central High School is our 2009 recipient. She is a true leader, a clutch player and one who plays with heart.
Michigan Volleyball Senior "Leadership" Scholarship
Carly Dickerson, 5 -11 senior outside hitter from Battle Creek St. Philip Catholic Central High School is our 2009 Michigan recipient. Her long resume contains All-City,
All-State honors and 4 Class D State titles. Carly is also an incredible basketball player.
She will be attending Michigan State University in the fall.
Highlands Middle School Spelling Bee
On January 13, 2010, Highlands Middle School, Northview Public Schools, held their 12th Annual Spelling Bee with Kelly Keen, a 5th grade student claiming first place.
Jordan Wagner, a 6th grader finished in second.
Congratulations to everyone who participated and to these two fine students.
Scholastic, the world's leader in educational material proudly sponsored the winner's plaque.
Pythagorean Math Award
On May 23, 2010, Olivia Locke, senior at Catherine McAuley High School in
Portland, Maine, was presented the Pythagorean Math Award at Senior Award Night. Olivia, is attending Bentley College, Waltham, MA and majoring in Business and Accounting.
Congratulations Olivia!!!!!
"Mathematics and Community Service" Award
2nd Annual junior recipients selected at Grand Valley State University. Carlee Hollenbeck and Elizabeth Whaley were honored on April 16, 2010 at the Mathematics Department Awards ceremony.
Congratulations Carlee and Elizabeth!!! We are very proud of you.
Community Education through Public Speaking
55 years of Real Life MS experience
MS Workshops
MS Seminars
Life enrichment skills for MS families
Motivational speeches - Elementary / High School / College
Leadership workshops
Educators for Safe Schools - workshops
Speak Up! (Anti-bullying) www.Bullying.com
Bullying in the workplace seminars
Call for a speaking opportunity you will not forget
Code of Ethics
The Mary J. Szczepanski Foundation may remove annual scholarships from any school which does not follow the rules of integrity and moral values upon which this program is based on. Our philosophy is simple and our philanthropy is for our kids. Two high schools were stripped of their annual scholarships due to a staff member's behavior.
Rick Szczepanski may remove any special awards from any school whose behavior does not reflect the highest standards.
Rick's gifts are unique and should never be taken for granted.