'Life-changing': The latest cohort of Promise Scholars has been announced

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel

HOLLAND — The latest cohort of Promise Scholars from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area has been announced, with 15 students earning the distinction.

The students in this year’s cohort come from four local high schools — Holland, West Ottawa, Zeeland East and Zeeland West. Along with previous Promise Scholars already enrolled, the program will support 55 students in the 2024-25 academic year.

The Holland/Zeeland Promise is an academic scholarship for students with high financial need, proven academic success and motivation to achieve a college or technical degree. It’s a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it covers the cost of tuition, books and housing after other grants and scholarships have been applied.

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area announced 15 new Promise Scholars for 2024 on Wednesday, May 1.
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area announced 15 new Promise Scholars for 2024 on Wednesday, May 1.

The program was established in 2010 and is funded by community partners and donations.

“It is an honor to steward the Holland/Zeeland Promise and work alongside students, donors, and community partners,” Stacy Timmerman, director of scholarships at CFHZ, wrote in a release. “This program is more than financial assistance, it’s an investment in future leaders and changemakers. We are committed to making education accessible and proud to play a role in helping hardworking students access opportunities for success.”

This year’s Promise Scholars are:

  • Jaquelin Barajas, West Ottawa, attending Michigan State University

  • Holly Byrd, Holland, attending University of Michigan

  • April Fuentes, West Ottawa, attending Wayne State University

  • Steffie Mattias, West Ottawa, attending Grand Valley State University

  • Natalie Pierson, Zeeland East, attending Michigan State University

  • Troy Postema, Zeeland West, attending Grand Valley State University

  • Airiell Paz-Rodriguez, West Ottawa, attending Michigan State University

  • Ricardo Rodriguez, West Ottawa, attending Michigan State University

  • Emily Cruz-Rojano, West Ottawa, attending Calvin University

  • Jaquelin Romero, Holland, attending Central Michigan University

  • Manuel Contreras Soto, West Ottawa, attending Michigan State University

  • Sophia Streur, West Ottawa, attending Hope College

  • Josephine Suarez, Holland, attending Western Michigan University

  • Thy Tran, Holland, attending University of Michigan

  • Cristal Felix-Trejo, Holland, attending University of Michigan

“I owe my gratitude and thanks to CFHZ and the generous donors of the Promise,” Tran wrote in a release. “I never imagined I would have an opportunity to attend college without financial burdens and I feel honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.”

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“The Promise will enable me to continue working towards my goal career in public policy,” wrote Barajas. “This scholarship is not only financial assistance but also a life-changing opportunity for my immigrant parents and me.”

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: 'Life-changing': The latest cohort of Promise Scholars has been announced

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