Greenmen Group Gives First Scholarship, Seeks Involvement
(C. Proxmire, Ferndale 115 News, June 13, 2012)
Baxter Hall is an enterprising college student who also works hard at his job doing inside sales for an office supply company. Before beginning Schoolcraft College no one had really encouraged him to apply for scholarships, he said. But he knows the value of education and of paving the way for the even younger people coming up behind him.
That’s why he and other forward-thinking individuals have started The Greenmen Group. After many months of planning and initial fundraising, The Greenmen Group was able to present their first scholarship this month at an awards banquet at O’Mara’s in Berkley. They are also ready to move forward with a mentoring program for juniors and seniors at Ferndale High School.
“This was an idea we’ve had for quite some time, but we were finally able to put everything into motion this year,” Hall said. In addition to small group fundraisers, the Award Dinner will provide seed money towards next year’s scholarship. “Our goal next year is to have 10 students receive $500,” he said.
Mikala Murphy received the first Greenmen Group Award – $500 to help with her education expense. The group reviewed essays from Ferndale High students, and selected Murphy because “Her essay was well written but her story was absolutely incredible and inspirational,” Hall said. Murphy will be attending Northern Michigan and plans to study criminal justice.
Pat McCullough, another founding member, co-presented the award while a room full of people supporting Murphy in her dreams cheered her on towards success.
“We want to remove as many barriers as we can. We hope that the scholarship will not only provide some much needed funds, but also some encouragement for them to continue down their path,” Hall said.
Donations are always welcome, but people can also get involved by giving their time to help teach a younger person about life, business, and success. “We are in the process of creating a mentoring program for 11th and 12th graders at Ferndale High,” he said. “We are also looking for people interested in being mentors for the upcoming school year.
The Greenmen Group is open to all, you don’t have to be a man and you don’t have to be green. The name was chosen to allude to the grassroots nature of the mentorship and scholarship program. The Greenmen Group is a registered nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. Find out more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenmen-Group/108481572528853.