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2007 Jess Birtcher Scholarship Fund Awards

Krystie Rantanen

Krystie Rantanen is from Engadine and is affiliated with Hamill Trucking. She achieved a 3.887 GPA, is Vice President of the Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Explorers, and belonged to the Health Organization Students of America. Krystie is currently attending Northern Michigan University and is striving towards a degree in Forensic Biochemistry with a minor in Criminal Justice. She would like to work for the FBI.

Krystie believes that the biggest challenge for the timber industry is making people understand that they need the timber industry. She feels that this industry is misunderstood by many. She believes that in life, each of us should earn our own money and pay your own way. She has always worked more than one job at a time and knows the value of money. She comes with superior recommendations and is referred to as an honest, hard working, intelligent student with a heart of gold.

 


Terra Payne

Terra Payne is from Gaylord and is affiliated with Timberline Logging. She earned a 3.96 GPA and belonged to the National Honor Society, was Vice-President of her Class of 2006 and is a member of Destination Imagination. She currently attends Alma University, and is seeking her degree in Orthodontics.

Terra has learned through athletics that dedication, leadership and perseverance. She believes that the timber industry’s biggest challenge is restricting the use of foreign markets. Terra comes with superior and excellent recommendations, she is seen as an outstanding leader and positive role model. She loves athletics in general, but especially softball. Her outlook in life is not to say “I wish I would have…..” but instead say “I’m glad I did……..”. 


Melissa Hardcastle

Melissa Hardcastle is from Brooklyn, and is affiliated with Hardwoods of Michigan. She achieved a 3.771 GPA, and held offices such as Student Senate, National Honor Society, and Jackson County ISD Leadership Council. Melissa will be attending Central Michigan University and will be working toward her lifetime goal of Elementary Education.

Melissa’s realization over the past few years of being a role model has set the standard for all extracurricular activities that she has done, including camp counseling, being part of sports teams during her years in high school and being involved in a initiating a successful school wide forum. Melissa comes with superior recommendations regarding her honesty, leadership and warm personality.

 


William Penegor

William Penegor is from Hancock, and is affiliated with J&A Penegor. He achieved a 4.0 GPA, and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Leadership Committee. William has been accepted at Michigan State University and hopes to get accepted into the Ross School of Business next year. His goal is to get his MBA from Harvard University.
 
William believes that the biggest challenge right now in the Midwest is finding and expanding the markets for pulpwood. A significant factor in his growth as a leader came from planning and running the Student Leadership Committee Conference. This conference provides students the opportunity to learn to be better leaders and to set their sights on the future. With hard work and determination, he found himself winning the State finals for Michigan History Day Group Exhibit, with his project on the copper mining strike of 1913.

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