Record Scholarship Applications Highlight Financial Needs in Leelanau County

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

A group of scholarship recipients from Leelanau County gather in celebration.

News Summary

The Ed & Irene Fleis Education Foundation received over 150 scholarship applications, surpassing the available funding for the first time in its history. Only 75 students were awarded scholarships of $1,200 each, emphasizing the increasing financial challenges among students in Leelanau County. A total of $90,000 was distributed, with a new scholarship introduced this year. The foundation has awarded over $840,000 since its inception, reflecting its commitment to supporting higher education within the community.

Leelanau County, MI – For the first time in the nearly three-decade history of the Ed & Irene Fleis Education Foundation, the number of applicants for scholarships exceeded the number of available awards, with over 150 students vying for funding in 2025. Only 75 students were chosen to receive scholarships worth $1,200 each, resulting in a significant gap between applicants and winners.

The recipients were selected through a confidential and independent process conducted by the Maple City/Cedar Lions Club. This year, the foundation distributed a total of $90,000 in scholarships to students from Leelanau County or those with familial ties to the area. These scholarships are intended to assist students pursuing a college or university degree, trade, vocational certificate, or diploma.

The surge in applicants underscores the financial challenges faced by students in Leelanau County, illustrating a growing need for educational support in the community. Since the foundation was established in 2006, it has awarded more than $840,000 in scholarships to nearly 500 students, reflecting its commitment to fostering higher education.

This year also saw the introduction of a new scholarship, the Cassie Thurow Memorial Scholarship, awarded to Madelyne Whitten, who plans to attend Western Michigan University. Additionally, Chloe Apuzzo received a Fleis family scholarship in memory of Jim and Rita Cwengros, and she will be heading to Rutgers University. The foundation is actively looking into ways for other families and businesses to set up their own named scholarships, with details on this initiative expected to be revealed later this year.

Funds for the scholarships are primarily raised through donations, a golf outing, and an online auction. The upcoming golf outing is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, at Sugar Loaf and is open to the general public, providing an opportunity for community members to contribute to the scholarship fund.

This year’s scholarship winners represent various educational institutions, including:

Max Nielsen – Alma College
Kariesue Taghon – Aquinas College
Miriam Hahnenberg – Ave Maria University
Rachel Hiester – Benedictine College
Esme Durbin – Boston College
Madison Damer – Bryant University
Jenna Salas – California State University, Long Beach
Naomi Elenbaas – Calvin University
And many more students across different universities and colleges.

The record number of applications highlights the increasing financial needs among students in the local community. The Ed & Irene Fleis Education Foundation remains dedicated to providing vital resources to support students in achieving their educational goals, a mission that has gained increasing importance as the number of applicants has surged this year.