9/28/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State University Alumni Club of West Michigan will host its annual Outstanding Junior Awards luncheon at noon Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Duba's Restaurant in Grand Rapids.
The club recognizes one student of junior status in 17 chosen schools in Kent and Ottawa counties. Each school receives a $200 award.
"I am very excited about this program because it recognizes students for their scholarship and school accomplishments, as well as for their citizenship and volunteerism in their communities," said Merry Malfroid of the MSU Alumni Club of West Michigan.
Candidates must be in at least the top 10 percent of their class and have demonstrated their leadership abilities and volunteer services to the community.
MSU President Peter McPherson, a native of the Grand Rapids area, will address the students and speak to the club along with Gordon Stanley, director, Office of Admissions and Scholarships.
Malfroid said the awards are a way to encourage high school students to begin thinking about college and considering MSU.
"If you make contact with them in their junior year when students are beginning to think about their college choices," Malfroid said, "they will be open to this opportunity to learn more about MSU and hopefully make it their primary choice."
Each winner will receive a plaque and a framed personal letter of congratulations and appreciation from President McPherson at the luncheon.
Following is a list of students to be honored. Each student maintains at least a 3.7 grade point average.
ALLEGAN
Holly Beckers, who attends Allegan High School, is the daughter of Edith and Kelly Beckers. Beckers is a member of many clubs and sports teams, including cross country, volleyball, track and field, National Honor Society, Rotary Interact and French Club.
CALEDONIA
Dannielle Hoodhood, who attends Caledonia High School, is the daughter of Lisa and Michael Fetty. Hoodhood has mentored children in area elementary schools, participated in leadership camp and volunteered her time to Kids Korner and the "Big Buddy" program.
EAST GRAND RAPIDS
Elizabeth Frayer, who attends East Grand Rapids High School, is the daughter of Chuck and Julie Frayer of Grand Rapids. Frayer has participated in swimming, track, cross country, French Club and Varsity Club.
GRAND HAVEN
Charles Bassett, who attends Grand Haven High School, is the son of Barbara and Charles Bassett. Bassett is an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and has participated in National Honor Society, tennis, cross-country, Student Advocacy Committee, Science Olympiad and the Ambassador Club.
GRAND RAPIDS
Sarah Babka, who attends Grand Rapids Central High School, is the daughter of Andrea Babka. Babka has been a member of the National Honor Society, Drama Club, Quiz Bowl, City-Wide Student Council, Multi-Cultural Youth Advisory Board, Principal Advisory Board and Junior Class Advisory Board.
Tricia Datema, who attends Union High School, is the daughter of Deborah and Stephen Datema. Datema has participated in the French Club, tennis, student government, bowling club and soccer.
Charity Jordan, who attends Ottawa Hills High School, is the daughter of Juanita Jordan. Jordan has participated in the T.S. Dance Company, show choir, tennis, track and field, National Honor Society, Black Educational Excellence Program and Rotary Club.
Allen LaBryer, who attends Creston High School, is the son of Yvonne and David LaBryer. LaBryer has participated in wrestling, baseball, Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, Polar Bear Club and the rifle team at Creston.
Ashley Powers, who attends West Catholic High School, is the daughter of Jeff and Mary Powers. Powers has participated in tennis, cheerleading, soccer, Students for Life, Students Against Drunk Driving, Quiz Bowl, student government and National Honor Society.
Luke Retterath, who attends Forest Hills Northern High School, is the son of Bruce and Linda Retterath. Retterath has been involved in track, soccer, National Honor Society, Mock Trial and Leadership in the New Century.
GREENVILLE
Brian Albert, who attends Greenville High School, is the son of John and Sherry Albert. Albert has been involved in football, basketball, track and the Principal's Advisory Council.
HOLLAND
Jeff Carlson, who attends Holland High School, is the son of Bob and Sue Carlson. Carlson has been involved in soccer, basketball, tennis, Peer Assistance Listening and Vocal Dimensions.
KENTWOOD
Amanda Brown, who attends East Kentwood High School, is the daughter of Randy and Mary Brown. Brown has participated in the Multicultural Club, Spanish Club, Young Educators Society, track and field, Shakespeare Club, Reality Check and Students Together Against Racism.
LOWELL
Courtnay Perkins, who attends Lowell High School, is the daughter of Leslie and Robert Perkins. Perkins has participated in cheerleading, National Honor Society, Model United Nations Club and Amnesty International.
ROCKFORD
Beck Tanal, who attends Rockford High School, is the son of Don and Sandy Tanal. Tanal has participated in band, debate, Model United Nations Club, Young Democrats Club, Spanish Club and the Rockford High School food drive.
SPRING LAKE
Bethany Alyssa Hansen, who attends Spring Lake High School, is the daughter of John and Diane Hansen. Hansen has participated in soccer, cheerleading, Spanish Club, Peer Assistant Listening, student council and National Honor Society.
WEST OLIVE
Leah Ebel, who attends West Ottawa High School, is the daughter of Cathy and Ron Ebel. Ebel has participated in cheerleading, golf, concert choir and National Honor Society.
If the students apply to MSU, the MSU Alumni Club of West Michigan will pay their application fee, and they may qualify for an Academic Achievement Scholarship from MSU.