Category Archives: Muskegon Community Foundation

This is number one! The Muskegon Community Foundation Grant is probably the most significant scholarship source that an Oakridge student has available to him or her. Make sure to apply. And be prepared for the interview process. You can get some big money here.

07/15/2012 · 6:28 pm

Nick Huisingh – 2012 Muskegon Community Foundation Scholarship

Nick Huisingh ($4000) – West Shore Cardiology Consultants, PC Scholarship

Nick Huisingh will be attending Grand Valley State University in the Fall of 2012 where he will pursue a degree in biomedical science. Upon graduation from GVSU Nick plans to further his education at GVSU with a degree in Physician’s Assistantship. After becoming a PA he plans to begin his career in a less fortunate area. Once financially stable he would like to return to Muskegon where he plans to continue his medical career and start two scholarships; one through the Muskegon Community Foundation and another through Oakridge High School. Each of these scholarships will be for high school students like himself, who are independent or homeless, while at the same time maintaining a high standard for school work and community involvement.

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Filed under Muskegon Community Foundation, Uncategorized

07/13/2012 · 9:18 pm

Rich McCarthy and the Foundation Scholarship in his memory

Go here for a copy of the Rich McCarthy scholarship application. Due Friday May 9.

Richard (Rich) McCarthy – (April 10, 1947 to May 26, 2003)

Mr. McCarthy was a graduate of Northern Michigan University where he was an outstanding football player. He taught Physical Education here at Oakridge for 32 years and he not only loved every day of teaching, he also loved every student that crossed his path. He tried to make learning fun and always tried to incorporate important life lessons, like the importance of respect for one another, honesty, integrity and humor.

Sports were always an important part of Mr. McCarthy’s life. Known to his players as “Coach Mac”, he coached football at Oakridge, Orchard View and Reeths-Puffer. He also coached girls track for Reeths-Puffer where it was his greatest joy to be able to coach all three of his daughters, Kristin, Kelly and Erin. Mr. McCarthy battled chronic illness (kidney failure) for most of his life and through it all, his courage, good humor and wisdom were an inspiration to those who knew him.

He was married to his wife, Nancy for 33 years. He was a master at living his life “one day at a time” and enjoying every moment and every person that crossed his path. If he were here today, he would tell you to laugh often, always try your best, be kind to everyone and “never, ever, ever” give up.

Rich would be proud to know that his legacy lives on through scholarships to deserving Oakridge students.

Tribute above written by Nancy McCarthy

Please go here to find the winner of the 2012 Rich McCarthy Scholarship

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Filed under Muskegon Community Foundation

04/03/2012 · 9:54 am

Important Info on the Muskegon Community Foundation Scholarship

Interviews are HUGE in the selection of Foundation Grant Winners.

Go here to sign up for and learn more about the Muskegon Community Foundation Scholarship.

The 2013 Muskegon Community Foundation Scholarship will soon available to Oakridge graduating seniors. The above video features Rachel Stewart ($4000), Autumn Woods ($5000), and Nyssa Swanson ($500), all recipients of the Muskegon Community Foundation Grant in 2010. They will provide an insight to their successful interviewing process. This video also features a lengthy interview with Marcy Joy, the Program Officer for the Muskegon Community Foundation. She is in charge of it All – so if you get an interview it would be to your advantage to watch this movie!

Facts on the Muskegon Community Foundation Grant
In 2010 515 people applied for the Foundation Grant.
In 2010 176 High School seniors were interviewed.
In 2010 approximately 110 of those interviewed received scholarships.
The Foundation promised $775,000 to 2010 graduates.

Tips on the Interviewing process…
Interviews are conducted by teams of one or two community volunteers.
Interviewers have read your application and will refer to it.
Sometimes they do a second interview with you.
The Foundation will gladly reschedule interviews around your time.

The most important part of the interview – according to all three gals and Marci Joy deals with the question – What do you intend to bring back to your community after you graduate from college? While the question deals theoretically with ANY community – if you can tailor your answer to Muskegon it would probably be to your advantage to do so.

Those who have donated their time and their money to help young people get a good start in college want to be reminded that you care about your community and your neighborhood and that no matter the university you attend or the degree that you pursue, you will return the goodwill to your fellow citizens. In essence those who will be interviewing you – see this donation and you as an investment in the world. They want to be reassured that you will return in kind.

Make sure in your interview to articulate your ideas for future community involvement. Make sure the interviewers feel your compassion and your gratitude. Be clear in laying out your goals for the future.

Good luck guys!