Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors' Student Scholarships have been awarded to five exceptional students – all are children of MASSP members. We are proud to award each of these graduating seniors a $2,500 scholarship toward their college, university or vocational training institution in the fall. Each of these young adults demonstrated exemplary academic achievement, as well as participation in school extracurriculars and community volunteerism.
Congratulations MASSP Board of Directors' Scholarship Winners from Class of 2024!
- Dylan Distelrath from St Clair High School and child of Todd Distelrath, Chippewa Valley High School Principal
- Lily Finnigan from Dryden High School and child of Mary Finnigan, Dryden Jr/Sr High School Principal
- Anna Kerhoulas from Port Huron Northern High School and child of Theo Kerhoulas, Port Huron Area School District Superintendent
- Darrah Mackenzie from Armada High School and child of Michael Mackenzie, Anchor Bay High School Principal
- Hope Overweg from Springport High School and child of Tanya Newland, Springport Middle School Principal
Please see below for additional information on each of these outstanding soon-to-be graduates!
Dylan Distelrath, St Clair High School
Dylan is the son of Todd Distelrath, Principal at Chippewa Valley High School. Dylan is ranked in the top ten in his class with a GPA of 4.13 and is dually enrolled at St. Clair County Community College. Three words he said best describe him are: determination, passionate and open-minded. A goal of his is to complete his doctorate in Physical Therapy and move to Eugene, Oregon where he hopes to work with the United States Track and Field program as a therapist for elite runners.
Dylan participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, including: cross country (coach's captain), indoor track and field (club captain), outdoor track & field (coach's captain), St Clair County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee (executive board), National Honor Society (committee chairperson) and Student Council (executive board). Additionally, he volunteered in a variety of ways in his community.
His letters of support explain how he is a critical thinker, reliable, dedicated, thoughtful, kind, generous and a role model for other students and athletes.
"More importantly, he is a wonderful young person who chose to challenge himself with a full load of college classes as a high school student and excelled as a student and a classmate, said Dr. Elizabeth Jacoby, Professor at St. Clair County Community College. "It is my indelible wish that each student who walked into my classroom harbored such amazing attributes."
Lily Finnigan, Dryden High School
Lily is the daughter of Mary Finnigan, Principal at Dryden Jr./Sr. High School. Lily holds a 4.0 GPA, is dually enrolled at Macomb Community College, and is her high school's 2024 Class President. Lily described herself as caring, dedicated and disciplined. She aspires to attain degrees in exercise science, nutrition, and chiropractic medicine; enabling her to assist individuals to live their healthiest and happiest lives while making a positive impact on the well-being of those around her.
Lily participated in both athletics and school academic leadership programs, including: cross country (captain), volleyball, bowling (captain), track and field, Student Council (vice president), National Honor Society (treasurer), Students Against Destructive Decisions, newspaper reporter, Lapeer County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee, yearbook and drama club.
Throughout her letters of support, Lily is described as: well-rounded, resilient, enthusiastic, supportive, positive, disciplined, and as someone with a great work ethic.
"Her selflessness and dedication to making a difference are truly inspiring," Kory Lohrmann, Dryden High School Cross Country Coach said. "As a team captain, she has displayed exceptional leadership skills, motivating her teammates and fostering a positive and supportive environment. Her ability to lead by example and encourage her teammates to reach their full potential has been instrumental in our team's success."
Anna Kerhoulas, Port Huron Northern High School
Anna is the daughter of Theo Kerhoulas, Superintendent of Port Huron Area School District. Anna is ranked in the top 10 of her class at Port Huron Northern with a GPA of 4.5. She has taken advanced courses and is dually enrolled at Saint Clair County Community College. Three words she used to describe herself are: leadership, charisma and determination. A goal of hers is to obtain a college education, upholding her family's value of lifelong learning.
At school, Anna participated and held leadership roles (captain, president, leader, vice president & more) in: volleyball, Student Council, concert choir, LEAD, theater, diversity club, District Reproductive Health Advisory Committee and Make a Difference Club. Additionally, she was involved in tennis and National Honor Society, while also having multiple jobs.
Empathetic, strong, reliable, diligent, committed, enthusiastic and humorous are just a few words used to describe Anna in her letters of support.
"Anna's personal character is equally as impressive as her academic and athletic achievements," said Jacquline Jamison, PHNHS Varsity Volleyball Coach. "When speaking one-on-one she demonstrates empathetic listening skills, as well as a powerful intellect. Anna cares about those around her and is always ready to lend a helping hand or word of encouragement."
Darrah Mackenzie, Armada High School
Darrah is the daughter of Michael Mackenzie, Principal at Anchor Bay High School. Ranked in the top of her class, Darrah has a GPA of 4.23 with multiple collegiate dual enrollments including Macomb Community College and Ferris State University. She uses three characteristics to describe herself, which include being a hard worker, adaptive and empathetic. Darrah's dream is to become an orthodontist; helping others build a positive self image and having a lasting impact on their lives.
Darrah participated in her church as a youth and music leader, ACEP basketball as a coach, PAL summer camp as a counselor, and PAL Leadership Team as president. Additionally, she was involved in Student Council, basketball (captain), National Honors Society (vice president), track, cross country (captain), softball and hiking club.
In her letters of support, Darrah is described as creative, energetic, accepting, reliable, supportive, and compassionate.
"She exhibits poise and leadership as both a student and an athlete," Armada Middle School Teacher, Thomas Austin said. "Darrah expects the best from herself and those around her. As a result, she consistently encourages, coaches and supports others. Darrah leads through her actions, as much as her words."
Hope Overweg, Springport High School
(Ella) Hope is the daughter of Tanya Newland, Principal at Springport Middle School. Hope is the Salutatorian of her class and will be graduating with a 4.0 with dual enrollment at Jackson College. Involved, organized and positive are three words she uses to describe herself. Hope aspires to become an early elementary teacher, aiming to create a safe environment where students feel valued and can grow into their best selves.
Throughout high school, Hope has been involved in multiple extracurriculars, including : basketball, volleyball, track (throwing captain), golf, Student Council, National Honor Society, Quizbowl, theater, solo and ensemble, and FFA (president/treasurer). She was the section leader for marching band, pep band, concert band and festival band. Hope also volunteered at her church youth group as a manager, nursery and worker.
Individuals who wrote letters of recommendation for Hope described her as motivated, intellectual, curious, mature, honest, responsible, trustworthy and fun.
"Ella is an outstanding student with impeccable integrity. As I have watched Ella grow over the years, I am so impressed with her drive, motivation and determination," SHS School Counselor, Patricia Huff said. "No matter what challenges or obstacles she faced she always stood strong, learning and growing through the trials of life. I believe the attribute that best describes Ella is perseverance."
Scholarship Qualifications
In order for a student to be considered for the scholarship she/he/they must be a graduating senior at a Michigan public high school or private high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0; be a dependent of an MASSP member in good standing at the professional membership level or above for at least three years; and be enrolled as a full-time student at a public community/junior college, four-year degree-granting institution, or vocational training institution that grants a degree, certification or license. Priority was given on the basis of academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and school and community service. Scholarship determinations were made by the MASSP Scholarship Committee strictly on the merit of the applicant's performance against the criteria. The selection and award of scholarships is an objective and nondiscriminatory process.
