2010 Scholarship Recipients

Lucas as been an employee of the Great After-School Place in Brookings SD since the summer of 2008 and has been under my supervision since the fall of 2008. Luke has taken some time to decide what kind of education he wants, and has decided on Electroneurodiagnostic Technology. Lucas will be attending Minneapolis Community Technical College in the fall of 2010 and I feel he is a great candidate for your scholarship. (Lucas is a 2007 graduate from Brookings High School, Brookings SD)

During his time with our program, I was able to get a great understanding of his skills working with children, especially children of special needs. His ability to relate to the children is very impressive. He has been able to help develop vital social skills in these children as well as anger/stress management techniques. Building self confidence is important in the age group of children we have and has been a goal of Lucas's. He has obtained this by helping children find areas of interest and encouraging them to continue working towards them. Lucas has gone above and beyond the expectations of his job to help build better lives for the children in our community. I believe his desire to help improve his community doesn't end here; this life skill will follow him throughout his life.

For these reasons, I highly recommend Lucas Stange as a candidate for your scholarship. If you have any questions regarding Lucas or this recommendations, please contact me - Heidi Carstensen

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Michael Griffith, Montrose SD - Nominated by
Robin Jarrett and Cindy Kroon

I am pleased to recommend Michael Griffith for the Loban scholarship. I have known Michael for four years, having been his mathematics instructor for Algebra I and Algebra II, Geometry and Trigonometry.

Michael has worked very hard to earn the grades on his transcript. He takes his school work seriously and has come many times for extra assistance before and after school. In the classroom, and in his personal life, he is a person of integrity. I would trust him with my paycheck, my car, or my daughter. It has been a pleasure having Michael in my classroom.

In my opinion, one of Michael's most outstanding qualities is his delightful personality. He is thoughtful and caring and has a wonderful sense of humor. He is always cheerful and friendly to students and teachers, and goes out of is way to be thoughtful to all. I cannot recall ever seeing Michael in a bad mood. He has a kind word for every person that crosses his path.

Math has not always been easy for Michael, and he works extremely hard to overcome his difficulties. He never gives up on a challenge or problem. I truly admire his determination and celebrate his fantastic effort and attitude, especially when he is challenged by tough coursework.

I am certain that Michael has the ability and determination to be successful. Now all that he needs is the opportunity. I would be happy to provide additional information if necessary. - Cindy Kroon

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As Guidance Counselor at Montrose School, I have known Michael Griffith since he was a second grader. Quite simply put, he is the kindest, most thoughtful and unassuming young person I have ever met. He completely lacks the sense of entitlement that grips so many young people today. He expects nothing from others and is constantly giving of himself to others. In the hallways, where it is ”cool” to be aloof and only be concerned with other students of equal status, Michael makes a huge effort to make eye-contact with and greet other students; paying close attention to those who are often on the outside of the popular groups “looking in”. He seems oblivious to the teenage social boundaries that define many other students and simply stays on his own path; kind, respectful and positive.

I have noticed only some of what he has done quietly on his own path, since he would never tell what he has been doing to make our school and community a better place. I had been working with a freshman boy who was not fitting in and constantly talking about how others didn’t treat him well, never considering how he was treating others. Without being asked, Michael befriended him, asked him to play basketball and lift weights a couple of nights a week after school. He took the time to treat the young man with respect, listen to him and demonstrate how a positive attitude can change his life. Michael has had enough positive influence on this young man that he no longer talks to me about how others treat him, and he is getting along better with his peers. By reaching out to this young man, Michael has been a silent role-model and may never know all the good he has started. Michael also tutors a sixth grader girl three nights per week after school. No one else in grades 7-12 had “time” to do it. He sits beside her and quietly helps her with her homework, and it is clear to see he has had a positive impact on her academic motivation as well as her self- esteem. When I needed help supervising classes of students who were recording their voices for a video presentation, Michael volunteered to come in and troubleshoot computer problems with them while I worked with the others in small groups. His calm, quiet and positive demeanor positively impacts every activity in which he participates. I have just recently noticed these three examples, but I know there are many more examples of how Michael touches others with his kindness every day.

Lastly, on a more sensitive note that Michael would prefer others not know about, Michael has never had a father in his life and lives with his disabled Mother whom he dearly loves. She remarried two years ago, but up until that time, he spent a great deal of time taking care of her when she was sick and unable to get around. Sometimes he missed school because he was worried about her or knew she needed his help. His step-father is also disabled, so Michael still continues with some responsibilities; although it is somewhat easier. He would deny it, because he doesn’t consider it a "big deal”, but it is true. In addition, for several years, his unmarried uncle has been the primary caretaker of his disabled grandfather and Michael helps out there, as well; as it is often too demanding for one person to manage. There have been many times that Michael has stayed home to care for and spend time with family members instead of pursuing his own interests, and I know he is glad to do so.

I could not possibly be convinced that any student is more deserving of an award for kindness, than Michael Griffith. He has never wavered from being positive and kind, even when it would have been easy for him to feel like he had an undue burden to bear, or when he could have been angry that life hadn’t given him a fair share of advantages. Instead, he has gone out of his way to give to others the one thing we all need most…kindness. Michael did not set out to change the world, and he hasn’t even been aware of the impact he has made, but he has changed the lives of many others with his kindness. For all these reasons, I would like to nominate Michael Griffith for the Ashley and Amanda Loban Scholarship. I cannot imagine a more deserving young person, nor have I met one in my twenty-three years as a guidance counselor. It would mean the world to this young man to be recognized for such an honor. Please give Michael Griffith your highest consideration for this scholarship. - Robin Jarrett (Michael plans to attend Dakota State University in Madison, SD)