For DonorsFor Applicants

Janice Louise Olach Scholarship

Funded by
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 20, 2024
Winners Announced
Aug 20, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior, trade school student, or four-year undergraduate
State:
Michigan
GPA:
3.0 or higher

Janice Louise Olach was a beloved mother, aunt, grandmother and wife in the Charlevoix and Ellsworth communities of Michigan.

Jan was an incredible teacher, community activist, and volunteer who led an impactful life. She graduated from Charlevoix High School and Michigan State University with a degree in education. She was a director at the Bergman Center and later taught in Germany. Her greatest strength was how deeply she cared for others. She had a heart of gold which inspired the lives of everyone she touched.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Janice Louise Olach by supporting students from her community who are pursuing higher education.

Any high school senior, trade school student, or four-year undergraduate student in Michigan who has at least a 3.0 GPA may apply for this scholarship, but applicants from Charlevoix County and Antrim County are preferred.

To apply, tell us about a hardship or struggle you have faced, and how you overcame it. What impact did this hardship have on your life and what action have you taken to overcome it? How will you use this hardship or struggle to better your life and the lives of others?

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published January 17, 2024
Essay Topic

Discuss a significant personal hardship or struggle you've faced, outlining specific challenges and how this impacted your life. Describe the steps and concrete actions or initiatives you took to overcome the challenge and enhance your life. How did this struggle change you as a person and what did you learn? Explore the lasting impact this hardship or struggle had on you and how you will use what you overcame to reach your future goals and impact others. 

400–600 words

Winning Application

Mikayla Mertes
Grayling High SchoolFREDERIC, MI

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 20, 2024. Winners will be announced on Aug 20, 2024.