Escanaba senior Taylor Forvilly (right) poses for a photo with 2015 Escanaba High School graduate Rebecca Piron-Campbell on May 20, 2024 at Abrahamson Field in Escanaba. Forvilly is the first ever recipient of the Becca Piron Scholarship, which grants $1,000 to a senior on the Escanaba Softball team. ("The Big Dog" Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

ESCANABA –Her playing days may be over, but Rebecca Piron-Campbell is still connected with the Escanaba Softball program.

The 2015 Escanaba High School graduate, who went on to play college softball at Lansing Community College and Ferris State University, unveiled the first ever Becca Piron Scholarship on Monday. This provides a $1,000 scholarship and a plaque to a senior on Escanaba’s Softball team.

“I always wanted to give back to the community that really started my career both academically and athletically,” Piron-Campbell said. “Since I’m able to do that at this point in time I wanted to give a donation of a plaque and a scholarship.”

This award is also more than being a member of a team that wears orange in their jerseys. Senior submitted an essay in 500 words or less about what they think being a leader is.

Prion-Campbell was blown away by the essays given to her by the Eskymos three seniors; shortstop Anna Boutilier, right fielder Carly McInerney and left fielder Taylor Forvilly.

“When I asked them what they thought being a leader was they all had different stances on it,” Piron-Campbell explained. “The winner, that really hit home with me, was how she talked about being a leader… even when you’re having a hard time with the game you still show up and you still be there for your teammates.”

That particular essay was written by Forvilly. She was honored before the game with the plaque and $1,000 scholarship.

“It gave me a spark,” Forvilly said. “I was like ‘alright, let’s do this.'”

Forvilly plans to attend Bay College and later transfer to Northern Michigan University to study law, because she “likes to argue.”

“I know Becca very well,” said Escanaba coach Andy Fields, the father of one of Piron-Campbell’s high school teammates. “For her to come back and do this for one of our softball players, especially for Taylor, somebody who works hard at academics and at the softball field, a four-year player, is just amazing. It was a great day to be an Eskymo.”