Shiawassee Scholars Class of 2022

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On May 1, fifty-two eighth grade students officially became Shiawassee Scholars. The Class of 2022 pictured here is from: Byron, Corunna, Durand, Laingsburg, Morrice, New Lothrop, Owosso, Perry and St. Paul schools . By identifying and recognizing academically talented students early, the Shiawassee Scholars program seeks to encourage students to continue to pursue academically challenging activities during their high school years.  The program is a partnership between the Cook Family Foundation and the Shiawassee Regional Education Service District, and since 1999 and has recognized nearly 960 Scholars.

The Shiawassee Scholars Program provides resources and support to academically talented high school students to reach their full potential.  Students are identified in eighth grade by achieving the highest scores in the county on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Shiawassee Scholars participate in several programs, starting with a three-day trip this June to the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor.  Through high school, Scholars have the opportunity to practice their test-taking skills, attend several informational sessions regarding planning for college and career, get assistance with dual enrollment options and accelerated academic programs, and can apply for a scholarship for a summer academic program.

The newest Shiawassee Scholars are, in alphabetical order:

Kendall Anderson, Hannah Beaucamp, Stephen Bender, Aliyah Bentley, Ethan Brunner, Claire Buckley, Abigail Colborn, Ella Coulter, Lucas Cunningham, Kezzie Dietz, Ellie Feldpausch, Abigail Franzmeier, Jade Garske, Grant Goetschy, Isabel Henige, Brock Herrick, Chalea Herron, Zachary Hinojosa, Aaron Jafri, Victor Jones, Caleb Joslin, Ella Kay, Alyssa Kenyon, Harrison Ketchum, Jillian Klaver, Ella Kloeckner, Reece Kramer, Jack Lamb, Kevin Laskowski, Colin Lavery, Adrianna Monear, Dillan Morell, Collin Munro, David Neese, Grace O’Neill, Alexander Popovitch, Carson Reed, Rachel Reed, Alyse Rowley, Zachary Slider, Nichole Steffens, Justin Svarc, Makenzi Tallon, Samantha Thayer, Casmiera Thorman, Kyra Waldner, Lillian Warren, Anya Wasilenski, Jason Weber, Ethan West, Madison Wheeler, and Vanessa Zettle.

For more information about the Shiawassee Scholars contact Renee Doston at the SRESD by calling 989-743-3471  or by emailing her at: Dotson@sresd.org

Foundation Makes Major Grant to Owosso Schools Performing Arts

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The performing arts center at Marshall High School, designed by the same team as working on the Owosso Schools project

The Cook Family Foundation is proud to announce a $1.1 million commitment to the Owosso Public Schools for the completion of an auditorium in the new Owosso High School/Middle School building. “We believe we are at our best as a community when we come together to accomplish big tasks,” said Tom Cook, the Foundation’s Executive Director.  “When I think back over the last 25 years, I can think of no greater collaboration and no more important achievement than the passage of the Owosso Public Schools bond proposal on November 7, 2017.”

That bond measure provides funding for a multi-purpose performance space.  The grant from the Cook Family Foundation will fund enhancements to create a true auditorium for theatrical performances as well as band and choral concerts.

The enhancements include theater rigging and arbor pit, theatrical drapery and orchestra shell, lighting and audio visual equipment, and an orchestra pit with cover. “We believe the arts are a central component of a quality education, and this auditorium will enable excellence in the performing arts in Owosso,” said Tom Cook.

“The arts develop well-rounded individuals who are creative thinkers, communicators, and problem solvers,” notes Andrea Tuttle, Superintendent of the Owosso Public Schools.  “With a true auditorium Owosso students will have daily accessibility to a space that will foster cross-curricular learning to develop communication, technology, and public speaking skills,” notes Tuttle.

The Cook Family Foundation has a long history with the Owosso Schools.  It’s benefactor, Donald Cook, graduated from Owosso High School in 1920, as have several other family members. Two trustees of the Foundation, Jacqueline Cook and Laurie Caszatt Cook, previously served on the Owosso School Board. Trustee Anna Owens currently serves on the Performing Arts Committee.

Previously, the Foundation has provided grants for implementation and teacher training for the International Baccalaureate Program, mini-grants for classrooms, and landscaping.  In addition, the Foundation has provided over 150 scholarships to Owosso High School graduates to attend the University of Michigan.

The $1.1 million grant is extraordinary funding above and beyond the Foundation’s usual grant-making, which last year totaled $719,000.  “We are committed to the Shiawassee County community,” said Tom Cook. “We have no plans to scale back our support for early childhood and other educational endeavors, our Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, or environmental efforts centered around the Shiawassee River and the Saginaw Bay Watershed.”

To learn more about the bond project, contact the Owosso Public Schools

Helping Y Camps Grow

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The State Y of Michigan is part of the Cook Family Foundation’s philanthropic legacy, and we have made several gifts to improve the facilities of YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha on Torch Lake and YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha on Lake Arbutus.  Both camps are over 100 years old and face the challenge of maintaining historic structures. Both camps have strong traditions of single-gender adventure camping, and maintaining these historic values requires updated facilities.

Hayo-Went-Ha Camps has recently launched a capital campaign, and the Cook Family Foundation has joined in with a three-year $150,000 pledge of support.  The first grant is being used to pay for architectural design work for two new health centers at each camp. Additional grants will support upgrades at the Stanley S. Kresge Lodge and T. Grace MacDonald Lodge, the two dining halls that support the Camps’ year-round work.  

The Foundation has supported previous planning efforts to construct the Dow Environmental Education building and make landscaping improvements around Bonbright Lodge.  The Foundation has also supported camper scholarships.

The current capital campaign also includes a strong fundraising effort to build the Camps’ endowment to ensure another 100 years of camping success.

To learn more about the camps visit www.hayowentha.org

This article first appeared in our 2018 Annual Report.  You can read this and other newsletters on our website (here).