A Repeat Recipient: Alana Kuhlen’s Scholarship Story

Photo credit: Anna Kuhlen

Image description: Alana Kuhlen sits in a Ferris wheel, wearing a light-colored shirt and layered necklaces. The background features a clear sky and parts of the amusement park.

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In 2022, we awarded $347,338 in scholarships to 186 students, one of whom was Alana Kuhlen of Benzie County.  A Benzie Central High School graduate and now a sophomore at Northern Michigan University, Alana has received five scholarships through us, totaling $33,200 in awards. 

In 2021, Alana received three of our scholarships:  

• The Recovery Road Scholarship, which is available to students who have lost a parent to drug addiction.  

• The Stan and Martha Scarborough Scholarship for individuals under 24 who have aged out of foster care. 

• The Emily and Frank Smiddy Scholarship that supports Benzie County students who plan to pursue post-secondary education in the sciences or STEM fields.  

Through hard work and determination, Alana was once again awarded the Stan and Martha Scarborough and the Emily and Frank Smiddy Scholarships in 2022. 

“My first reaction to getting the repeated scholarships was awe,” said Alana. “I was just so thankful to receive funding for the second year in a row. These scholarships are helpful and relieve a lot of stress, but they also ensure my focus on school as many people have invested in it.” 

What’s next for Alana? Completing her Associate of Science is the first step in her post-secondary education journey, followed by earning her Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. After that, Alana intends to achieve her Master’s degree and become a speech pathologist for children. 

“One piece of advice that I want high schoolers to know is to apply to everything . . .  and look at all opportunities but also put yourself first. Find somewhere you want to be and go to school there. And any scholarships you barely qualify for, you should apply for.”   

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Writer: Alex Dailey