ScholarshipsAll are invited to the Candy Ford Saloon on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. for the Marcia Weld Scholarship Contest to watch eight local youths compete for the first place award of $1,500 and second place award of $500 for each Queen and King.
This year’s contestants are a true display of the kind of talented youth Eaton County possesses. Participants include:
Maisie Baker
Maisie is 17 years old and is from Charlotte.  She is currently a senior at Charlotte High School.  She aspires to attend Olivet College to major in insurance. Some of Maisie’s community service activities include children’s ministries through her church, working at Camp Barakel and running vacation Bible schools.
Victoria Ruhlig
Victoria is 16 years old and is from Charlotte. She is currently a junior at Charlotte High School.  She aspires to attend Michigan State University and study to be a lawyer. Some of Victorias’ community service activities include working in the nursery at Charlotte Assembly of God. She also helps out in various ways with the Charlotte High School FFA program and is a LINK at CHS.
Renae Morton
Renae Morton is 19 years old and is from Charlotte. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 2014 and is currently attending Lansing Community College. She plans to transfer to a four-year university — Michigan State, Wayne State, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Western Michigan or Detroit Mercy — to work towards becoming a physician’s assistant. Some of her community service activities include volunteering for various programs through Olivet Congregational Church, the Red Cross and the Olivet High School band.
Savanna Schmidt
Savanna is 18 years old and is from Charlotte.  She graduated from Charlotte High School in 2015.  She is currently attending Central Michigan University, working towards a degree in information technology. Some of her community service activities include volunteering at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Courthouse Square Association, Relay for Life of Charlotte, and Make a Difference Day at Washington Elementary.
Paige Strang
Paige is 17 years old and is from Olivet.  She graduated from Olivet High School in 2015.  She is currently enrolled at Kellogg Community College to earn an associate’s degree in physical therapy. Some of her community service activities include Olivet FFA, National Honor Society treasurer and president and Eaton County 4-H.
Miles Garn
Miles is 18 years old and is from Charlotte. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 2015. Currently MIles is attending Hillsdale College to study marketing management. Some of his community service activities include National Honor Society, teen Bible study, volunteering at soup kitchens and other youth ministries.
Ethan Thuma
Ethan is 18 years old and is from Charlotte. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 2015. Currently Ethan is attending Western Michigan University, where he will major in aviation flight science and aviation business/administration.  Some of his community service activities include volunteering at First Baptist Church, New Beginnings Pregnancy Center and National Honor Society.
Liam Hickey
Liam is 18 years old and is from Charlotte. He graduated from Olivet High School in 2015 and is currently attending Michigan State University. He plans to major in computer science. Some of his community service activities include volunteering at youth basketball camps, participating in the March of Dimes walks and opportunities through being a Junior Rotarian.