Students from all over Berrien County were recognized for their academic and personal success recently during the Berrien County Community Foundation’s 16th annual scholarship ceremony at Lake Michigan College.

Keathley, the 2001 Oehlhaffen Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship recipient, spoke about how the lessons she learned while participating in philanthropy were just as valuable as the scholarship that helped her earn a degree at Ferris State University. Since college, Keathley has gotten married and is raising twin toddlers. She gives back to the community every day as the director for Cass and St. Joseph Counties Department of Health and Human Services.

“We asked Faith to speak at our celebration because she embodies the true spirit of a Berrien Community Foundation scholar,” said Berrien Community Foundation President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “Every year we strive to honor the wishes of the donors and their families who provide these scholarships, and the best way we can do that is to assure that we award students who show the highest degree of academic success and personal character.”

The Berrien Community Foundation will provide $130,000 in college scholarships to Berrien County students for the 2016-17 academic year. The scholarship recipients were honored at a celebration of nearly 200 donors, scholars, review committee members and their guests the ceremony.

In its history, the Berrien County Community Foundation has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships to Berrien County students.

“Many of these scholarships were established to honor a beloved spouse, parent child or loved one, or to encourage a respected profession or reward benevolent actions … Whatever the reason, there was sacrifice and thought involved in providing your scholarship.” said BCCF Vice Chair Mabel Mayfield. “Remember your donors. And, when it is your turn, remember to give back.”

Committees of Berrien Community Foundation volunteers review hundreds of applications to select the scholarship recipients. The committee members score the applications and then decided on the winners.

Scholarship recipients include:

• All God’s Children Community Choir Scholarship: Taryn Butler (Berrien Springs), Aliyah Davis (Berrien Springs), Rana Holmes (Berrien Springs)

• Edna Bender Scholarship: Mason McFarland (Berrien Springs)

• Bryce Boothby Family Scholarship: Jawana Young (Benton Harbor) and Monica Milanowski (Lake Michigan Catholic)

• Jeffrey Evan Demko Scholarship: Brooke Essig (Bridgman)

• Drews Scholar: Addison Wood (Lakeshore)

• Dunn Scholarship: Linda Bentley (Lake Michigan College), Ashlee Thompson (Western Michigan University)

• Jameson Matthew Gargano Memorial Scholarship: Leah Wojahn (Lakeshore)

• Heart of Cook Scholarship: Lillian Arp (New Buffalo), Madison Brandt (Lakeshore), Nicholas Brant ( Watervliet), Samuel Burck (Berrien County Math and Science Center/Niles), Peter Chen (St. Joseph), Larry Lamb (Niles)

• John E.N. & Dede Howard Instrumental Music Scholarship: Jonathan Barnes (Western Michigan University)

• Insurance Management Service Scholarship: Shareif Alexander ( Benton Harbor) • Jon Jollay Scholarship: Emma Tavolacci (Coloma)

• Leonard & Marion Krall Memorial Scholarship: Karlee Liles (Watervliet)

• Sondra J. Kaminski Scholarship: Monica Milanowski (Lake Michigan Catholic)

• Ronald H. Miller Journalism Scholarship: Morgan Coulston ( Berrien Springs)

• Lora Wile-Miller Memorial Scholarship: John Wendland (Lakeshore)

• Terence Joseph Mulvihill Scholarship: Ashley Yuan (New Buffalo)

• Carol A. Oehlhaffen Lake Michigan Catholic Scholar: Dana Ives, Mary Koenig, Sarah McCoy, Monica Milanowski, Samantha Schueneman (all Lake Michigan Catholic)

• Carol A. Oehlhaffen Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship: Momodu Sheriff, Jr. (Bridgman) and Keegan Downey (Lakeshore)

• Cora B. Parkhurst Memorial Scholarship: Ashley Pompey (Berrien Springs)

• Arlene B. Porritt Memorial Scholarship for Curious Kids: Grace James (St. Joseph) • Powered by Honor Community Commitment Scholarship: Sahana Harikrishnan (St. Joseph), Allison Hughes (St. Joseph), Allison Matti (Lakeshore), Alexander Rynkiewicz (Bridgman), Emily Sarra (Bridgman)

• Terry Richcreek Memorial Scholarship: Alexis Elston (Watervliet)

• Welch Family Scholarship: Isabael Becerra (Benton Harbor), Andrea Perez (Lakeshore), Jawana Young (Benton Harbor)

• Wayne K. Wright Scholarship: Samantha Krause (Berrien Springs)

Scholarship applications for next year will be available at high school counseling offices and on the Foundation’s web site in early February 2017.

The Berrien Community Foundation was founded by William Vawter and other local leaders to give community members a way to give back to the community in perpetuity. Its mission is to promote philanthropy, to build a spirit of community, and to enhance the quality of life in Berrien County through the stewardship of permanently endowed and other funds. For more information, visit www.BerrienCommunity.org.