The Holland/Zeeland Promise, an academic scholarship for students with high financial need, proven academic success, and motivation to achieve the goal of a college or technical degree, recently welcomed 15 hardworking local students to its 2023 cohort!
Established in 2010 by a group of business and community leaders with a goal to allow our community’s promising young people to graduate higher education without the burden of student debt, the Holland/Zeeland Promise is administered by CFHZ and is funded by generous community partners. The Promise offers a side-by-side approach, providing support for students’ financial and academic needs and offering resources for their mental and emotional well-being.
Welcome to the 2023 Promise Scholars!
Carina Aguilar
High School: West Ottawa High School
Will attend: Western Michigan University
“With this scholarship, I will pursue my dream of becoming a nurse without having to worry about a financial burden. My parents are extremely proud and excited for this incredible opportunity.”
Galilea Bahena
High School: West Ottawa High School
Will attend: Grand Valley State University
“Thanks to this scholarship, I’ll be able to pursue my career in the immigration law field and make a difference in my community.”
April Bith
High School: West Ottawa High School
Will attend: Wayne State University
“The scholarship will open doors for not only me, but my family too, as I’m a first-generation student. I am both excited and thrilled to start my college adventure.”
Valentin Fauque
High School: Zeeland East High School
Will attend: The University of Michigan
Juan Gomez
High School: West Ottawa High School
School: Michigan State University
“I feel incredibly grateful and honored to be a Promise recipient. It is a humbling experience to have my hard work and dedication recognized in this way.”
Jennifer Gomez-Pedraza
High School: Holland Early College
Will attend: Grand Valley State University
“Being a Promise recipient doesn’t just mean going to college without a financial burden. I hope that when I become a social worker, I can also repay the blessings God has granted me.”
Natalie Goulooze
High School: Holland Early College
Will attend: Michigan State University
“I am so exuberant to earn this opportunity. I am eternally grateful to CFHZ and the donors. They lifted a weight off my chest and allowed me to attend any school of my choosing without having to worry about finances.”
Roger Hernandez
High School: Black River Public Schools
Will attend: University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
“I am incredibly blessed and fortunate to be receiving the Promise Scholarship. I will be able to concentrate on my studies without any financial worries.”
Mohammedfadi Kalahji
High School: Holland High School
Will attend: Grand Valley State University
“I don’t have the right words to thank the people who made this possible, but inside I feel over the moon with joy. As someone who is still learning English, it can be hard to express myself, but I’m just so happy and thankful for this honor.”
Amanda McCleery
High School: Zeeland East High School
Will attend: The Culinary Institute of Michigan, Baker College
“I’ve learned so much through the process of being selected as a Promise scholar and I am immensely grateful for the support I’ve received.”
Lucy McRae-Hernandez
High School: Zeeland East High School
Will attend: Michigan State University
“The Promise Scholarship allows me to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse and for that, I’m so grateful.”
Yesenia Rios
High School: West Ottawa High School (graduated in 2022)
Will attend: Northern Michigan University
“Both my dreams, and those of my parents, are coming true. Thank you!”
Ashley Ruiz
High School: Holland Early College
Will attend: Grand Valley State University
“I will forever cherish this community and the potential they saw in me. I have a lot I want to accomplish, and the Promise Scholarship has given me the boost I need to achieve my goals.”
Isabel Shepard
High School: West Ottawa High School
Will attend: Saginaw Valley State University
Giselle Torres
High School: Holland High School
Will attend: Grand Valley State University
“My end goal is to give back to my community, and with this opportunity that becomes much more certain. Thank you to all the people who helped me get here.”
For more information about the Holland/Zeeland Promise Scholarship Program, please click here. If you, or someone you know, is interested in supporting our area’s brightest students by including the Promise in your charitable priorities, please contact Colleen Hill, VP of Development and Donor Services, via email or by calling 616-994-8853.