On Wednesday, May 13, the American Polish Century Club (APCC) of Sterling Heights held its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner, during which the Scholarship Committre presented this year’s scholarship recipients.

The APCC President Darryl Onderik, who hosted the event, congratulated the 11 recipients, as well as parents and grandparents of the awardees.

“We know that you have worked very hard through your high school careers and have been accepted at excellent universities,” read a letter to the recipients from the Scholarship Committe.  “You have certainly made your parents, grandparents, and the APCC very proud of your accomplishments.”

Ray Okonski, who was essential in establishing the APCC Scholarship Program over 10 years ago, expressed his joy on how well-deserving are the students awarded scholarships.  He complimented them on their merit achievements, all the extra-curriculum activities, and ambitious goals for the future.

The APCC presented each student with $1,300 scholarship (thanks to donations of APCC members, and with great contribution from Ray Okonski, Ralph Klims and George Hempel) and a certificate.

Members of the APCC Scholarship Committee (gentlemen front row center) Steve Smolinski, Ray Okonski and George Hample, with the scholarship recipients. Ladies (front row, l. to r.): Katie Gregory, Claire Diven, Anna Cook, Alyssa Saraceno, Alyssa Fraczek, Brandie Rotties and Rebecca Beller; gentlemen (back row, l. to r.): David Stawinski, Christopher Porzondek’s brother – Nick, John Andrysiak and Joshua McNichol.

The 2015 American Polish Century Club Scholarship Recipients are:
– John Andrysiak – Freshman at University of Michigan; he will pursue degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business;
– Rebecca Beller – Freshman at Michigan State University; she will study Communications with a minor in Public Relations;
– Anna Cook – Senior at University of Michigan; she will graduate with a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition & Neuroscience and a minor in French & Francophone Studies;
– Claire Diven – Sophomore at Michigan State University; she will pursue a career in film and television production, her goal is to one day work on major motion pictures behind the scenes producing and directing;
– Alyssa Fraczek – Freshman at Michigan State University; she will study Pre-Nursing and hope to develop career in the medical field because she enjoys helping others.
– Katie Gregory – Freshman at University of Michigan; she earned a Medical Assistant Diploma from Everest Institute and will continue her education to study Pre-Med in hopes of accepting into Medical School;
– Joshua McNichol – Sophomore at Grand Valley State University; his area of studies is Business and Finance; he plans on becoming a financial advisor;
– Christopher Porzondek – Senior at Michigan State University; he studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program; after he plans on working in industry relevant to his interests; his goal is to work for NASA to help advance space exploration;
– Brandie Rottiers – Freshman at Art Academy of Cincinnati; she plans to become a story book illustrator; she is also interested in art education so she can teach her passion of art.
– Alyssa Saraceno – Sophomore at Macomb Community College; she will obtain an Associate’s Degree in General Studies and then hopes to transfer to Wayne State University to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology;
– David Stawinski – Freshman at Western Michigan University; he will study Aviation Flight Science; his goal is to become a pilot and eventually fly for a major commercial airline.

Congratulations to all APCC Scholarship Recipients and best wishes for the future!

The American Polish Century Club is an ethnic social and cultural organization.  Its purpose is to preserve the Polish culture and promote unity among peoples of Polish descent and their descendants.  The club was incorporated in 1961.  Its headquarters is located at 33204 Maple Lane Road.  The biggest event of APCC is the annual American Polish Festival; this year’s edition is scheduled for 10-12 July.  For more information, visit: www.american-polishcenturyclub.com.