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S C H O L A R S H I P W I N N E R S
Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Ashley Davis
Ashley is a longtime (20+ years) EGLE employee with the Environmental Support Division in the Deborah A. Stabenow Building. Ashley will be entering her second year at Lansing Community College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Ahmad Disi
Ahmad, of Kalamazoo, will be a Junior at Michigan State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance. Ahmad’s parent is Dania Alsaid, who works for the Materials Management Division in the Kalamazoo District Office.
Ivy McDonald
Ivy, of Saranac, will be a Junior at the University of Michigan pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environment as well as a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology. Ivy’s parent is Tracey McDonald, who works for the Air Quality Division in the Deborah A. Stabenow Building.
Madison McDonald
Madison, of Lansing, will be a freshman at Ferris State University pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy. Madison’s parent is Paul McDonald, who works for the Finance Division in the Deborah A. Stabenow Building.
Jack Parent
Jack, of Marquette, will be a freshman at the University of Michigan pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Jack’s parent is Jay Parent, who works for the Water Resources Division in the Marquette District Office.
Makena Rule
Makena, of Atlantic Mine, will be a freshman at Northern Michigan University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife management. Makena’s parent is Tanya Rule, who works for the Drinking Water and Enivronmental Health Division in the Marquette District Office.
Department of Natural Resources
Lucy Barnard
Lucy will be attending the University of Miami where she is studying oceanography. Lucy’s mother, Joanne Foreman, works in the Executive Division in Lansing.
Anastasia
Steiner-Birdsell
Anastasia is a student at Southern New Hampshire University where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in natural resource management with a minor in science. She is a Finance and Operations Division employee working as a general office assistant at the Cadillac Customer Service Center.
Derek Tonello
Derek attends Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine where he is entering into his second year in the Human Medicine, MD field. Derek’s dad Mark works as a fisheries biologist in the Central Lake Michigan Management Unit.
Avery Vaas
Avery attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she is pursuing a doctorate in plant biology and a certificate in medieval studies. Her father Mark is a resource specialist who works as part of Fisheries Division’s creel program.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ainsley Brezvai
Ainsley, of Hudson, is a sophomore and is attending Sienna Heights University seeking a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med. Ainsley also won the award in 2024. Ainsley’s father, Joseph, works for the Agricultural Development Bureau, Food and Agricultural Business Development Division.
Madison Essex
Madison, of Elsie, is a senior and will be attending Baker College seeking a Bachelor of Science in Business and Veterinary Nursing. Madison works for the Agricultural Development Bureau, Producer Services Division.
Willow Evans
Willow, of St Johns, is a sophomore and will be attending University of Olivet seeking a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Willow works for the Bureau of Food Safety & Animal Health, Animal industry Division.
Isabelle Freeland
Isabelle, of Fruitport, is a senior and will be attending Grand Valley State seeking a Bachelor’s degree in
Art-Education. Isabelle’s mother, Stefanie, works for the Agricultural Development Bureau, Producer Services Division.
Megan Kennedy
Megan, of Rochester Hills, is a freshman and will be attending University of Michigan seeking a Bachelor of Science in the Environment and a Minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Megan works for the Bureau of Environment and Sustainability, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. Megan’s mother Amy also works for Bureau of Environment and Sustainability, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division.
Isla
McCubbin-Green
Isla, of Freeland, is a sophomore and is attending the University of Michigan seeking a dual Bachelor’s degree in computer science and business administration. Isla also won award in 2024. Isla’s mother, Andria, works for the Bureau of Environment and Sustainability, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division.
Hailey Throne
Hailey, of Corunna, is a sophomore and will be attending Saginaw Valley State University seeking a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Hailey also won the award in 2024. Hailey’s mother, Heather, works for the Agricultural Development Bureau, Food and Agricultural Business Development Division.
Taylor Throne
Taylor, of Corunna, is a freshman and will be attending University of Michigan seeking a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine. Hailey’s mother, Heather, works for the Agricultural Development Bureau, Food and Agricultural Business Development Division.