The SJPS Foundation Board of Directors has announced its 2026 Foundation Scholarship Recipients. Each student has been awarded a $5,000 college scholarship to be used for tuition, fees, books and on-campus housing. Each scholarship committee is composed of community members who review each application and determine applicants to interview. Selection is a difficult task as each candidate has strengths and worthy attributes.
Sam Abdelnour, President of the SJPS Foundation commented, “our scholarship program has grown to $50,000 for each graduating class of St. Joseph High School. Awards are funded by individual donors who care deeply about SJPS students and their futures.”
Abdelnour also emphasized that in addition to its scholarship offerings, the Foundation raises funds to enrich the education of students in the St. Joseph Public Schools district. In 2025, the Foundation awarded over $850,000 to the district in support of academic initiatives.
PAUL W. AND ROSE SUCHOVSKY SCHOLARSHIPS
Edward J. Todd, a 1954 St. Joe Alumni wished to honor the memory of his mother and stepfather, Paul and Rose Suchovsky, by establishing this scholarship for St. Joseph High School seniors pursuing a college degree in the field of business, engineering or law. Paul and Rose Suchovsky were business people and entrepreneurs who appreciated the important role business plays in building communities and providing opportunities. Six, $5000 scholarships are awarded annually.
2026 Paul W. and Rose Suchovsky Scholarship Recipients
Emma Riethmeier Juhi Bhatt
Attending: Michigan State University Attending: University of Michigan
Major: Marketing Major: Aerospace Engineering
Parents: Dawn & Pete Riethmeier Parents: Aarti Mutatkar & Manish Bhatt
Nolan Adent
Attending: Xavier University
Major: Finance and Accounting
Parents: Matt Adent & Mona Adent
Pihu Sahai
Attending: University of Michigan
Major: Economics
Parents Namrata Mathur & Tiru Sahai
Saanchi Jain
Attending: Indiana University Bloomington
Major: Business Management
Parents: Pritesh & Rinkle Jain
Sofia Hall
Attending: University of Notre Dame
Major: Civil Engineering
Parents: Tamera & Timothy Hall
YEAGER FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Yeager Family Foundation has established a $5,000 scholarship to help assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to further their education by attending college. As longtime members of the community, the Yeagers would like to recognize students who have displayed a passion for learning, have a desire to succeed, and who want to build on the foundation that they received through the St. Joseph Public Schools.
2026 Yeager Family Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Fiona Rusk
Attending: University of Michigan
Major: Social Theory and Practice
Parents: Emily Maki-Rusk & Simon Rusk
BILL MAROHN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Funded by Dr. Gyl and David Kasewurm
Dr. Gyl Kasewurm wishes to honor her friend and mentor, William (Bill) Marohn, by establishing this scholarship to assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to pursue a college degree. As a man of exceptional character and a highly regarded community leader, Bill has served as a mentor for many friends and colleagues over the course of his lifetime. The Bill Marohn Leadership Scholarship will recognize student leaders who demonstrate impeccable character, kindness and leadership skills.
2026 Bill Marohn Leadership Scholarship Recipient
Charlotte Confer
Attending: Michigan State University
Major: Human Biology on Pre-PA track
Parents: Andrea & Scott Confer
THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
The Abdelnour Family has established a scholarship to assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to further their education by attending college. Sam and Anna Abdelnour have a long history of service to others in the community. Their experience has personally enriched their lives, and they wish to recognize students who exhibit the spirit of volunteerism. The recipient of this scholarship will demonstrate a wide range of community involvement and display sincerity and passion for giving to others.
2026 Spirit of Community Service Scholarship Recipient
Joseph Berry
Attending: Cornell University
Major: Applied Economics and Management
Parents: Jim and Lauri Berry
THE SJPS FOUNDATION HEALTH AND EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
The SJPSF Health & Education Scholarship was established by Jim Darnton and his Family. Diane Darnton, a nurse, was an active school parent when her children Hannah and Luke were students in the St. Joseph Public Schools. She volunteered in the library at E.P. Clarke, and led the Junior Great Books Club with Becky Foster.
A tragic spring break accident left Diane a quadriplegic while the Darnton kids were in high school. Diane’s husband Jim will never forget the outpouring of care for his family from the SJPS Family after this life altering event. Diane has passed away, but the family would like to continue her legacy by assisting a student pursuing a career in healthcare or education.
2026 SJPS Foundation Health and Education Scholarship Recipient
Ava “Rose” Lawrence
Attending: Central Michigan University
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Parents: Canaan Lawrence & Rachel Lawrence
