Community Service

Hannah Bawkon

Hannah, whose father (Randall Bawkon) is a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Utica Fire Department, graduated from Utica High School in 2005, and will return to Michigan State University as a junior in the fall.

As a high school student Hannah maintained a 3.9 GPA while taking advanced placement courses, participating in many sports activities and clubs, worked part time, and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Hannah has been active in the school choir, school plays, sang the National Anthem at the high school basketball games, was on the JV Dance Team, and was the lead female performer in the school musical "Into the Woods." She choreographed a 1st place routine for the 9th grade cheer team, took piano lessons, was on the soccer team, was a cheerleader, and has been presented numerous awards for outstanding academics. Hannah was on the honor roll every semester, received an Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, received the President's Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, received the Young Authors Award, Presidential Athletic Award, and an Athletic Award for cheerleading and soccer. Additionally, Hannah placed 2nd and 3rd in Michigan Music Association Competitions.

Her community activities include several projects for neighborhood nursing/dementia residents, fundraisers for the Key Club and the National Honors Society, and working in a nursing home.

Hannah currently has a 4.0 GPA at Michigan State and has been awarded certificates from the College of Criminal Law, College of Geography, and Michigan State University for academic achievement.

Majoring in Kinesiology, Hannah says the 'Carl Parsell Scholarship will help her to help others.'

Anne Bronkema

Anne whose father (Michael Bronkema) is a part time Olive Township Fire Fighter lives in Holland and graduated with a 3.92 grade point average.

Her community involvement includes volunteering in her church nursery, working with her church youth pastor, participating in church music programs, and co-teaching a group of junior high school girls on a weekly basis.

She played softball with the West Michigan Home School P.A.T.H. Softball League for three years, and currently works as an assistant counselor at the Geneva Camp and Retreat Center in Holland.

Anne plans to attend Kuyper College in the fall.

Andrea Sexsmith

Andrea, whose father (Leon Sexsmith) is employed by the Flat Rock Police Department, graduated from Woodhaven High School with a 3.4 grade point average.

Andrea has received numerous awards and honors for her academics, sports, and in marching band. Woodhaven High School staff identified Andrea as a "leader" with 'great individual talent' who is 'respected by her teammates.' She has been described as an "excellent person" who 'will assist with whatever task is at hand'; including fund raising, encouraging other team players, or sponsoring team events. Andrea's Varsity Softball Coach noted Andrea has served as Team Captain for three years 'demonstrating a strong desire to win while consoling team members when they are having a rough day.'

Andrea's application to the Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund included many letters of recommendation describing her as an 'exceptional leader, sincere, energetic, dependable, loyal, trustworthy, hard working, honest, and goal oriented.' Community involvement includes volunteering at her church and with the Taylor Shrine Club, in addition to working as a 5th grade camp counselor.

This fall Andrea will attend Indiana Tech University where she will major in Business Administration, Sports Management.

Adam Williams

Jackson, MI - Lumen Christi High School Class of 2007 graduate Adam Williams, is the only young man of four students who are named as Scholars in the 2007 Carl Parsell Memorial Fund Scholarship Program.

Adam, whose father (Brian Williams) is employed by the City of Jackson, graduated from Lumen Christie High School with a 3.5 grade point average.

While many students may chose an 'easier' route to raise their GPA by taking less difficult classes, Adam challenged himself by taking Honors and Advanced Placement courses to prepare for college. Adam made the honor roll every semester. Those who know Adam describe him as a "self-driven individual" who will "succeed in whatever he set out to do."

Adam participated in numerous school activities, including four years on the Golf Team, three years on the Tennis Team, and two years on the Bowling Team. He has been a member of the Drama Club, a member of the Under the Oaks Club, and a member of the LAN Computer Club. Additionally, he was selected to represent his school and participated in the Model U.N. Conference.

Congratulations to our 2007 Scholarship Recipients!

A great big thank you to our Scholarship Selections Committee...

On behalf of the 2007 scholarship recipients, MAFF would like to extend a sincere thank you to Patrick Baidel, Chief John Childs, Jim Craft, Joyce Parsell, David Parsell, and David Tanzman for their devotion to the Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund. This program would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of these individuals.