Service Project Scholarship Applications Open to Area Seniors Through Clarkston Family Farm

Service Project Scholarship Applications Open to Area Seniors Through Clarkston Family Farm

(Staff Report, Feb. 6, 2024)

Clarkston, MI – The friends and family of Wally Niezguski, with the Clarkston Family Farm (CFF), are pleased to announce the second annual Wally’s Service Project Scholarship contest.

This project commemorates the life and legacy of Wally Niezguski, a long-term organic gardener, nature lover, and avid supporter of the CFF.

According to Dr. Larry Kodosky, CFF volunteer and contest coordinator, “Our 2024 contest encourages young people to become active in their home communities by asking them to design a service project or event that benefits the whole community, a specific community population (e.g., the food insecure, the handicapped, the elderly), or the local environment.”

The contest is open to high school seniors in the Avondale, Brandon, Clarkston, Pontiac, Lake Orion, Oxford, and Waterford School Districts planning to attend college or vocational school. Homeschool high school seniors in any of these school districts are also eligible to participate.

The scholarship awardees will be encouraged to present their service project/event proposal to the appropriate local government or organizations for implementation consideration. Contestants will describe their original work service project or event in 450 – 550 words.

A complete description of the contest guidelines is available at the contest’s website.

The deadline for submissions is April 12, 2024.

The scholarship committee will award two cash prizes: $1100 first place, and $500 second place. The scholarship awardees will be notified May 15 – 22, 2024.

Any contest questions can be directed to the Scholarship Committee at wallyscholessay@gmail.com.

Chelsea O’Brien, Executive Director of the CFF noted, “Being a part of this endeavor is an honor and a privilege. Our 2nd annual scholarship contest is a wonderful way to encourage youth to think more deeply about their connection and contribution to their communities. We feel strongly that our work at the Clarkston Family Farm is elevated by collaborations such as these, and engaging youth about the value of community through various creative means like this scholarship contest can be very powerful. The team at our non-profit educational farm for kids is delighted to support this endeavor and also excited to offer complimentary tickets to our winners at the Farm’s June Garden Party where they will be publicly acknowledged. “

Apply at https://clarkstonfamilyfarm.regfox.com/wallys-scholarship-contest