The 17B Coordinating Council of the Michigan Education Association (MEA) recently awarded a pair of $250 scholarships to two local students. This year’s recipients were Gracelynn Schafer, Escanaba High School, and Landen Daigneau, Menominee High School.

Gracelynn Schafer, a senior at Escanaba High School, carries a 3.94 GPA and has challenged herself academically through AP coursework and dual enrollment at Bay College. A member of the National Honor Society, Silver Linings, and Film Club, Gracelynn is also active in her community through her role as a Key Club officer while maintaining part-time employment. Inspired by her own educational experiences and by educators — including her mother — who encouraged her to push beyond perceived limitations, Gracelynn plans to complete the Early Middle College program through Bay College before continuing on to Central Michigan University to pursue a degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Social Studies.

Landen Daigneau, a senior at Menominee High School, has earned honor roll recognition throughout high school while also completing dual-enrollment coursework through Bay College, where he has consistently earned Dean’s List honors. Carrying a 3.92 GPA, Landen is a member of the National Honor Society and has been active in student leadership, Youth Advisory Committee activities, and community service initiatives. A three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and track, he has earned multiple academic and athletic honors, including Academic All-State recognition. Landen plans to attend Michigan Technological University to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and a future career in sports medicine.

The 17B Council is the MEA’s local Union affiliate. To be eligible for the monetary award, which is funded through local fundraising efforts, a student must be the child or dependent of an active MEA Union member in good standing. Gracelynn is the daughter of Margie Schafer, a member of the Escanaba Education Association. Landen’s mother, Mary Fay Daigneau, is a member of the Menominee City Education Association.