MASSP Board Scholarship Winners 🎓

The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors' Student Scholarships have been awarded to five exceptional students, all dependents of MASSP members.

This year, we received our largest pool of scholarship applicants in the past decade, reflecting the incredible talent and dedication of students across Michigan. Scholarship recipients were selected by the MASSP Scholarship Committee through a rigorous and objective process, based solely on merit (Read full criteria here).

Congratulations to:

Abby Buikema from Mona Shores High School and child of Andrew Buikema, Sparta Middle School Assistant Principal
Sean Finnigan from Dryden High School and child of Mary Finnigan, Dryden Community Schools Superintendent & High School Principal
Clayton Powell from Ovid-Elsie High School and child of Brian Powell, Ovid-Elsie High School Assistant Principal
Jackson Sines from Fraser High School and child of Ryan Sines, Fraser High School Principal
Sophia Stanton from Lakeview High School and child of Robin Stanton, Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center & Middle School Visual and Performing Arts Principal/Director

We are proud to award each of these graduating seniors a $3,000 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.

Please see below for additional information on each of these outstanding soon-to-be graduates!

Abby Buikema, Mona Shores High School

Child of Andrew Buikema, Sparta Middle School Assistant Principal

Describing herself as balanced, compassionate and creative, Abby is committed to becoming the best version of herself while inspiring others to do the same. Others define her as engaged, inclusive, trustworthy, a person of high character and a leader in her community.

"She will not only make the world a better place with her academic contributions, she will also work to make those around her better because of who she is, what she stands for, and her passion for serving," said Bill O’Brien, Superintendent of Mona Shores Public Schools.

"Impacting her fellow students, community, and ultimately the world is the path that Abby walks."

Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, she will attend Michigan State University this fall to study Kinesiology, aiming to become a Physical Therapist.

Sean Finnigan, Dryden High School

Child of Mary Finnigan, Dryden Community Schools Superintendent & HS Principal

Sean will be graduating high school with an Associate Degree already completed and a 4.0 GPA. He describes himself as determined, curious and collaborative. This fall Sean will embark on achieving his next dream at Kettering University, pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering—a path he hopes will allow him to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Described by those who know him as compassionate, driven, thoughtful, and full of integrity, Sean approaches challenges with perseverance and purpose.

"Sean is an outstanding young scholar with limitless potential, and I have no doubt that he will thrive in any academic or professional environment," said Micahel Baysdell, Director of K-12 Relations at Macomb Community College. "His dedication, intellect, and character set him apart as a truly extraordinary student."

Clayton Powell, Ovid-Elsie High School

Child of Brian Powell, Ovid-Elsie High School Assistant Principal

Clayton was dual enrolled and will be graduating with a 4.32 GPA. Driven by a lifelong goal to become a conservation officer, he describes himself as a teammate, resilient and dedicated.

"The thing that makes Clay an amazing student and person is that he values the people around him and goes out of his way to be a leader ... He has a strong sense of responsibility and takes pride in the values and ethics instilled by his family that have taught him to treat others with respect and dignity," said Autum Winsor, Director of Counseling at Ovid-Elsie Area Schools.

Known for his humility, collaborative nature, and inspirational presence, he's also someone who brings energy and humor to a group.

Saginaw Valley State University will be gaining a student athlete this fall; competing in Track and Cross Country while studying Criminal Justice and Biology.

Jackson Sines, Fraser High School

Child of Ryan Sines, Fraser High School Principal

Jackson is described by those around him as appreciative, respectful, hardworking, passionate and a mentor to his peers. Inspired by care received as a child, he is motivated by a desire to help others in the same meaningful way.

Jackson described himself as passionate, authentic and driven. He will be graduating with a 4.33 GPA, ranked third out of 338 and is attending Trine University this fall to pursue his ultimate goal: becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

"He embodies the qualities of a true leader, always willing to lend a helping hand to his classmates and peers," said Mike Demetral, Social Studies Teacher at Fraser High School. "His involvement in Peer to Peer [special education] shows his commitment to supporting fellow students, creating an inclusive and encouraging environment for students of all backgrounds and experiences to excel."

Sophia Stanton, Lakeview High School

Child of Robin Stanton, Macomb MTSC & MSVPA Principal/Director

"She is driven, flexible, willing to learn, takes constructive criticism well and never shies away from a challenge," said Emmanuel Haratsaris, Teacher at Lakeview High School. "More importantly, her compassion, integrity and desire to help others make her not only respected by her teachers, coaches and administrations; but also a role model among her peers."

Born with a limb difference, Symbrachydactyly, Sophia faced adversity. She describes herself as driven, committed and selfless.

Others also added descriptors such as disciplined, intelligent, inspiring, determined and a leader who leads by example.

While dually enrolled, Sophia obtained a graduating GPA of 4.05. She will attend the University of Michigan, where she plans to turn her personal experiences into powerful advocacy and support for others to create a safer, more understanding world.