Scholarship 25

Joey Brown is a Mechanical Engineering student at Michigan State University with a bold aspiration to work for a private space company, engineering next-generation rocket engines to help humanity achieve its goal of becoming a multi-planetary species. Just one week after starting at MSU in September 2024, Joey was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He spent weeks in the hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatments, demonstrating remarkable strength and perseverance throughout his ordeal.

Joey takes great pride in his contributions to AML cancer research, both during and after his treatment. By donating various bio-samples, he has helped advance scientific efforts to improve treatments and reduce the stress, pain, and helplessness experienced by future patients and their families. Joey acknowledges the importance of those who came before him, whose contributions made his own journey more manageable. With a forward-looking spirit, he is committed to continuing to make a positive impact through his studies and future career.

Lucas Harbaugh is a 2025 graduate of Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, Michigan. He is set to attend Kettering University in the Fall of 2025, where he will pursue a degree in Business Management. During his high school years, Lucas was an active member of the National Honor Society, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service. He also participated in environmental clubs, contributing to initiatives that promoted sustainability and environmental awareness, and engaged in various community service projects, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact in his community. An avid athlete and gamer, Lucas enjoys playing tennis and esports, and he looks forward to participating in both recreationally at Kettering University. In the Spring of 2024, Lucas faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. With resilience and determination, he overcame this obstacle and is now a proud cancer survivor. Thriving and optimistic, Lucas is eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead as he embarks on his college journey and beyond.

Trevor Van Skiver is a sophomore at Hope College, majoring in Microbiology with aspirations to attend Medical School and pursue a career in medicine. A 2023 graduate of Forest Hills Central High School, Trevor achieved an outstanding 4.1 GPA, showcasing his academic excellence.

In his free time, Trevor enjoys rowing, playing guitar, skiing, and woodworking. A passionate athlete, he served as captain of his rowing team, leading his varsity 4+ boat to a historic third-place finish at Scholastic Nationals—the best in his school’s history. Trevor also channels his energy into triathlons, running for Make-A-Wish and co-founding the “Dream Team,” an endurance team supporting the organization’s mission.

Trevor’s personal journey fuels his commitment to giving back. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age two, he battled the disease for over three years. Though cancer took much of his childhood, it instilled in him a profound sense of purpose and resilience. Inspired by the support he received, Trevor is driven to pursue a medical career to provide hope and care to those facing life-threatening illnesses, reflecting the compassion and strength he gained from his own experiences.

Keleigh Hoffer is a Doctor of Physical Therapy student with a big heart and a strong drive. Graduating from Forest Hills Northern High School in 2020, she was a member of the National Honor Society, a varsity swim team captain, and an honor roll student. She volunteered with Rays of Hope for Haiti, Kids Food Basket, and local events, and organized bone marrow drives for Be The Match after her dad’s leukemia diagnosis at 17, a moment that “changed her life forever.”

At Northern Michigan University, Keleigh earned a BS in Sports Science, minored in Psychology, and swam on the GLIAC championship team, earning the “Most Improved” award as a freshman. She also led as volunteer coordinator for the Pre-Physical Therapy Club. Her dad’s battle with cancer taught her that “blood cancers impact the entire family.”

Keleigh’s empathy fuels her goal to help patients and families as a physical therapist, using her sports science and psychology skills. She strives to be the person who “notices and reaches out,” believing “a smile can make a world of difference” for someone in tough times.

Brooklynn Becker is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Calvin University, where she is entering her junior year this Fall. After graduating from Grandville High School in 2021, she earned her Associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in 2023, maintaining an impressive 3.69 overall GPA. Brooklynn excelled academically, earning recognition on the Dean’s List multiple times at both GRCC and Calvin University, as well as the President’s List at GRCC.

In her free time, Brooklynn enjoys singing, drawing, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with friends and family. Throughout high school, she was actively involved in the “Be NICE” and “Conservation and Culture” clubs, reflecting her passion for community engagement. Brooklynn continues to give back as a youth group leader at her church, where she mentors teens and young adults. Her commitment to service extends to her advocacy for blood and bone marrow donation, inspired by personal experiences with cancer in her family. Following her father’s diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in 2019 and the loss of an aunt and uncle to other cancers, Brooklynn has developed a deep appreciation for mental health support during challenging times, which has fueled her interest in Psychology.