KCCU Awards $2,000 Scholarships to 13 Local Seniors

The Kellogg Community Credit Union has invested in the future of 13 local graduating seniors, awarding each student a $2,000 scholarship toward their higher education goals. The recipients represent schools across the Battle Creek area and were selected based on their academic achievements and community involvement.

The scholarship funds can be used toward tuition at any accredited college, university, or trade school, giving students flexibility as they pursue diverse career paths.

Meet the 2026 Recipients

• Addyson Holder (Hackett Catholic Prep) - Plans to attend Saint Mary's College to study obstetrics. Involved in varsity tennis, debate club, reading club, earth club, campus ministry leadership, student leadership, and National Honor Society.

• Alora Wright (Gull Lake High School) - Plans to attend Central Michigan University to study psychology. Participated in Scouting America, Mini Whinnies 4-H, National Honor Society, and Gull Lake Performing Arts Company.

• Chloe Najar (Portage Central High School) - Plans to attend Michigan State University to study animal science. Played travel and varsity softball, member of Multicultural Student Organization and student senate, volunteered at Animal Rescue Project.

• Cooper Gardner (Harper Creek High School) - Plans to attend Michigan State University. Involved in cross country, track, National Honor Society, and student leadership.

• Elizabeth King (Gull Lake High School) - Plans to attend Indiana University's Kelley School of Business to study finance. Chapter president for DECA, executive board president and class secretary for student senate, president of Spanish Club.

• Jennifer O'Connor (Calhoun Christian School) - Plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to study environmental studies and sustainability. Played varsity volleyball and part of Girls Athletic Leadership Council.

• Jonah Kue (Marshall High School) - Plans to attend Kellogg Community College to study nursing. Participated in Marshall Community Foundation, youth advisory council, student council, varsity soccer, varsity swim and dive, basketball, and band.

• Madelyn Hensel (Pennfield High School) - Plans to attend Western Michigan University to study nursing. Participated in varsity volleyball, cross country, basketball, track and field, marching band, concert band, Bible Club, youth group, and National Honor Society.

• Nae'Ary Wilson (Battle Creek Central) - Plans to attend Michigan State University to become a general dentist. Played varsity basketball, flag football, ran track and field, involved in Link Crew, National Honor Society, and TRIO Upward Bound.

• Raelee Vaughn (Athens Jr./Sr. High School) - Plans to attend Michigan Technological University to study biomedical engineering. Involved in student government, Spanish club, prom committee, youth advisory council, National Honor Society, and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

• Rian Wolf (Harper Creek High School) - Plans to attend Kettering University to study robotics and engineering. Involved in high school robotics team, marching band, and basketball team.

• Ryan Pejakovich (Climax-Scotts High School) - Plans to attend Davenport University and participate in powerlifting team. Played varsity football, golf, track and field, powerlifting, and part of National Honor Society.

• Violet Mercadal (Loy Norrix High School) - Plans to attend Michigan State University to become a veterinarian. Involved in National Honor Society, varsity lacrosse, dance, forensics, musical theatre, and Kalamazoo Academy of Rock.

Why This Matters for Battle Creek

These scholarships represent more than financial support. They recognize the hard work, dedication, and community spirit of our local students. From future nurses and veterinarians to engineers and business leaders, these young people are preparing to make meaningful contributions to our region and beyond.

KCCU's commitment to education continues to strengthen our community by helping local families afford higher education while keeping talented young people connected to the Battle Creek area.

Congratulations to all 13 scholarship recipients!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible for KCCU scholarships?
A: Graduating seniors from local high schools who demonstrate academic achievement and community involvement are eligible to apply for KCCU's annual scholarship program.

Q: How much are the KCCU scholarships worth?
A: Each recipient receives $2,000 toward tuition at an accredited college, university, or trade school.

Q: Which schools were represented in the 2026 scholarship recipients?
A: The 13 recipients came from Hackett Catholic Prep, Gull Lake High School, Portage Central High School, Harper Creek High School, Calhoun Christian School, Marshall High School, Pennfield High School, Battle Creek Central, Athens Jr./Sr. High School, Climax-Scotts High School, and Loy Norrix High School.