Superintendent Scholarship
Recipients

Aaron Kenward appreciates how Utica Community Schools has prepared him for his future by providing Naviance, moral support from teachers, college visits, school counselors and much more. Through these experiences, “mobile technology and computer technology are where my interest has piqued. I hope to use my education to possibly learn and apply the knowledge of computers in real life.” He is the recipient of this year’s Stefan’s Hope Scholarship to study computer engineering Oakland University. His parents are Deborah and Aaron Kenward. He also recognizes guidance counselor Tom Versele as key to his success.

Anthony Berkimer wants to make sure the environment has the law on its side. A passionate advocate for the environment, Anthony is pursuing a chemical engineering at Kalamazoo College on his way to a career in patent law. “I hope to prevent environmental issues before they even occur by working with companies to help patent products that will detect and clean up (chemical) spills.” Anthony has served as the editor-in-chief of the Eisenhower yearbook, president of the school Key Club, and is a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board. His parents are Scott and Andrea Berkimer, and he also recognizes his grandmother Mary Ferrario as an influence on his future.

Brooke Gagnon views solving advanced math and science problems as the door that opens its way to endless possibilities. Her passion for solving these problems has led her to a focus on genetics and the impact she can have on helping others. “I am so curious as to how one tiny strand of our DNA could have such a detrimental effect on our bodies. When I envision my future, I see myself finding cures to unknown genetic conditions and utilizing my passions.” She begins this journey with through a major in biology through Oakland University. She is the daughter of Tracy and Jeff Gagnon.

Cameron Borchet enjoys being in the middle of it all when it comes to building the future. A career in construction management will allow him “to coordinate a team of man, machine, and material in order to construct a building that could outlast my time on Earth.”
He is attending Michigan State University to pursue a career in construction management. His parents are John and Susan Borchert.

Celine Matway is drawn to the field of nursing., want to contribute to each patient’s health, both physically and mentally, helping them through the rough spots and restoring their sense of well-being.” She has made tho most of tho opportunities available to her through UCS: NHS, Key Club, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). National Technical Honor Society and Project Unify. She will continue her work next year at the University of Detroit Mercy. She recognizes both her mother and grandmother – Kathleen Vani and Marie Vani – for her success.

Claudia Pilarski appreciates the knowledge and experiences that being a part of UCS has provided her. “Through trial and error, success and failure, I feel prepared for post-secondary life” and a career that “will leave me feel being fulfilled and excited for the future.”

David Cirenese has a love of innovation and problem-solving. He has used those skills for everything from learning how computer games work to earning a perfect SAT math score of 800. The next problem that will need his innovative ideas: designing and engineering the future of trucks and cars that have a limited impact on the environment. “I wish to incorporate these ideas together to build safe, fuel-efficient cars that can simultaneously keep our world mobile and clean.” He starts this effort at the University of Michigan where he will study engineering. His parents are Andrew and Linda Cirenese.

Drake Castiglia is a valuable member of his school community. “He is compassionate and kind, and he truly cares about his school and home communities and is eager and willing to help in any capacity,” writes his Spanish teacher, Marisol S. Cross. A member of the Superintendent’

Jennifer Weihs is described by those who know her as having the talent and grit to meet any challenge. She has shown this grit through her choices of rigorous Advanced Placement program, her participation and leadership in school clubs and her chosen career. “Dermatology is not for the faint of heart. It involves constant work, a competitive spirit and a strong stomach.” She will major in psychology at the University of Michigan. Her parents are Kimberly Richert-Weihs and Paul Weihs.

Jennifer has been active in the Eisenhower High School band, studied Spanish with the goal of becoming bilingual to study abroad, and taken advantage of rigorous coursework and extra-curricula activities. “Intellectual self-conduct and deep-rooted respect for those around me, which was gained in high school, will be maintained forever in my career.