Blazing Star Solar, in partnership with the Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF), is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Blazing Star Solar scholarship.
The scholarship aims to support promising students in pursuing higher education while fostering careers in STEM and trade programs. Through this initiative, Blazing Star Solar and the ACCF continue their commitment to investing in the future leaders of tomorrow. Hannah Rairigh, Alexi Wallace, and Olivia Stein are three exceptional Wayland area students who have been selected for their outstanding achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to academic excellence.
“I plan to study acoustics engineering at Purdue University,” said Hannah Rairigh, a rising senior at Wayland High School. “Music is my first-ever memory, and it is how I connect to others. Through music, I’m able to feel emotions that I would otherwise never experience. It is my dream to be able to share these feelings with others and connect with people through music and sound.”
“My planned field of study is majoring in biochemistry and double minoring in behavioral sciences and psychology at Michigan State University. I want to pursue this degree and career to help people in any way possible,” said Alexi Wallace, Senior at Wayland High School.
“I plan on double majoring in environment and communications because I want to combine my interests in public relations and education with the environment and wildlife,” said Olivia Stein. “I intend to pursue a career in environmental education with my degrees and educate people in zoos, nature centers, state/national parks, or similar institutions to raise awareness about problems with the environment and teach people about what they’re seeing around them.”
Established in 1965, the ACCF pairs donors’ charitable intentions with the needs of Allegan County, striving to positively impact the community through financial stewardship, education, and community partnerships.
“We’re excited to partner with Apex to extend this scholarship opportunity to Wayland students,” said ACCF Program Officer Vicki Knuckles. “Together, we are leveraging our strengths to create impactful opportunities for Wayland students.”
The scholarship recipients were chosen through a competitive selection process based on academic performance, a specific grading scale, and personal essays. Each recipient
demonstrated exceptional promise and a strong commitment to their academic and personal goals.
“The Allegan County Community Foundation’s scholarship work is nothing short of incredible” said Apex Clean Energy Development Manager Colin Kummerfeldt. “We are honored to support Wayland area students as they take their next steps in furthering their education.”
These scholarships were funded through Apex Clean Energy’s Community Grant Program, which is dedicated to making a positive difference in communities by supporting organizations that build safe and healthy communities, enhance community and economic development, foster environmental sustainability, and promote education.
For more information about the scholarship program, please visit alleganfoundation.org/scholarships/. To learn more about Blazing Star Solar, visit www.blazingstarsolar.com.