Rep. Scholten Honors Medal of Merit Students for Outstanding Community Leadership
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) honored a group of exceptional students from across West Michigan as recipients of the Medal of Merit Award at her third annual ceremony. The students were recognized not only for academic and extracurricular excellence, but for their outstanding commitment to service, civic engagement, and community leadership.
“When I meet students like this, I’m reminded that our future is in very good hands,” said Rep. Scholten. “Whether volunteering, mentoring peers, or stepping up as leaders in and out of the classroom, these students represent the best of West Michigan’s future. They are already showing us what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. I’m proud to represent them and excited to see what they’ll accomplish next.”
Each student was nominated by their school for demonstrating compassion, initiative, and a deep dedication to bettering their communities. Parents, educators, and counselors were also acknowledged for their critical role in supporting the students’ growth and leadership. The students were described by their schools as tenacious, kind, and driven—natural leaders who uplift those around them.
The Medal of Merit ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the importance of service and the strength of the next generation of changemakers. Rep. Scholten encouraged the honorees to continue leading, wherever their paths may take them, and to never underestimate the impact of showing up for others.
The 2025 winners are as follows:
- Audrey McKeiver, West Catholic High School
- Abigail Strand, City High Middle School
- Jacob Barnes, Forest Hills Central High School
- Brenna Tran, Godwin Heights High School
- Wyatt Sall, South Christian High School
- Nathan Oki, West Michigan Aviation Academy
- Dillany Perez, Union High School
- Barrett Vernon, Innovation Central High School
- Brielle Voorhes, Tri-Unity Christian High School
- Katence Brown-Holzgen, Catholic Central High School
- Austin Alcumbrack, Cedar Springs High School
- Luke Dykstra, Covenant Christian High School
- Dana Fradelle, Environmental Middle High School
- Isolde Deal, Ravenna High School
- Abimael Diaz, Grand Rapids Christian High School
- Luke Pouillon, East Grand Rapids High School
- Emilio Hernandez-Martin, Forest Hills Northern High School
- Noah Bartle, Forest Hills Eastern High School
- Kendyl Sweany, Rockford High School
- Sophia Galbavi, Grand Haven High School
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