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 the 2025 cohort!
The Promise is a program of CFHZ and is funded by generous community partners. It was established in 2010 by a group of business and community leaders with a goal to allow our community’s promising young people the opportunity to realize their dreams through education. Vital to the Promise’s success is its side-by-side approach, which offers academic support along with resources for students’ mental and emotional well-being.
Meet the 2025 Promise Scholars
Javier Carrillo
High School: Holland High
Attending: Western Michigan University
“This scholarship has given me the opportunity to continue my education and achieve my goal of becoming a mechanical engineer. I give thanks to God, my parents, and all who have supported me throughout my educational career.”
Sofia Castellanos
High School: Black River
Attending: Michigan State University
“I am incredibly grateful for the Promise Scholarship and the opportunities it has provided. With this support, I am committed to pursuing my dream of becoming a physician and making a positive impact in my community.”
Fatima Correa Morales
High school: West Ottawa
Attending: Michigan State University
“I’m empowered with the realization that despite the challenges I face, I’m surrounded by a community that believes I can succeed in higher education. As a result, I have been inspired to share the inspiring stories of others through broadcasting, and building a community where youth feel seen and supported.”
Trai Leigh Delaney
High school: Holland High Early College
Attending: Hope College
“The Promise, to me, means endless possibilities as I continue my education to become a pediatric nurse. I have always loved helping others.”
Alan Juarez Velazquez
High school: Holland High
Attending: University of Michigan
“Receiving the Promise is a dream come true for both me and my family. I plan on earning a degree in chemistry and hope to give back to the community and help many others.”
Emily Latt
High school: Zeeland East
Attending: University of Michigan
“I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship. The Promise donors and supporters have opened numerous doors for me.”
Lilizbel Lorenzo Legon
High school: Holland High
Attending: Grand Rapids Community College
“The Promise represents opportunity, growth, and the ability to achieve my dreams without obstacles. As a first-generation immigrant, this support is a significant step toward building a better future. My dream of becoming a clinical psychologist is within reach.”
Taliyah Murphy
High school: West Ottawa
Attending: University of Michigan
“From a very young age I knew that being educated was going to bring me far in life. I am so honored that I have received the Promise Scholarship!”
Stephanie Rangel
High school: West Ottawa
Attending: Michigan State University
“The Promise enables me to dream bigger than I ever have as I pursue post-secondary education as a first-generation student. I thank God for this blessing and the Promise program for this amazing opportunity.”
Dulce Sol Salazar
High school: West Ottawa
Attending: Hope College
“Thank you for the incredible opportunity to continue my education at Hope College, where I am pursuing a degree in political science. Your generosity and belief in my potential mean the world to me, and I will strive to make the most of this opportunity.”
Janetzi Sanchez Marquez
High school: Holland High
Attending: Michigan State University
“I am beyond thankful for the opportunity that CFHZ and their donors have given me. It is an honor to be a recipient of the Promise Scholarship.”
Sydni Smith
High school: Black River
Attending: Michigan State University
“Being able to go to college and make my family proud has been one of my biggest goals, and with the Promise I can achieve this goal. Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me.”
Briana Solis
High school: West Ottawa
Attending: Hope College
“I am eternally grateful that I’ve been given this opportunity. This will allow me to pursue my dreams and goals without worrying about debt after college.”
Hanna Tenorio
High school: West Ottawa
Attending: University of Michigan
“The Promise will allow me to pursue my dreams of studying biochemistry and going into the medical field. This is the payoff of many years of hard work and dedication, and I’m excited to begin my college journey as a Promise scholar!”
Justyce Von Ins-Kole
High school: Black River
Attending: Central Michigan University
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to thrive under the Promise Scholarship! With it I’ll be able to fully dedicate myself to my studies and be the best in my field.”