Recipient Julia Rosander recognized during annual holiday parade
The Annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade in Pontiac had special meaning this year for Avondale High School senior, Julia Rosander. Rosander presided over the parade as a Junior Grand Marshall along with three other high school students who were finalists in the Fran Anderson Making a Difference Scholarship contest. To be considered for the scholarship, students submitted an essay describing how they have “Made a Difference” in their community. The top four submissions were chosen as finalists and invited to be honored at the parade.
Avondale High School senior Julia Rosander displays her award after being named the winner of the Fran Anderson Making a Difference scholarship
The scholarship, named for Mrs. Anderson for her tireless commitment to the community and contributions to civic, social, political, education, and youth organizations, is sponsored by Genisys Credit Union. During a special presentation before the parade, Rosander was announced as the winner of the scholarship and presented with a $1000 check.
“A major goal throughout my high school career has been to actively make a positive difference in my community,” said Rosander. “As a member of the Avondale High School Leadership Class, I have gained an exposure to community needs and the direct experience necessary to tackle problems that often plague the underserved.”
The Avondale High School Leadership Class is designed to help students build leadership skills through hands-on community service. The student-driven activities are researched and selected by the class – chosen because the students feel here is opportunity to make a difference through their efforts. Students develop and execute a plan that addresses the need they’ve identified, developing organizational and problem solving skills along the way. Avondale Leadership students have volunteered for organizations including Grace Centers of Hope, American House Retirement Community and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“One of the most fulfilling community service events that I created was Caroling for Kaleigh,” said Rosander. The event required her to recruit and lead a group of forty volunteers to carol and collect money toward the purchase of a handicap accessible van for a young community member. “It was uplifting to the community while providing a needed service. The joy I felt as both an organizer and participant acted to reaffirm my desire to help my community,” she added.
Rosander is an honor student with a rigorous Advanced Placement curriculum. She has participated in Leadership Class for four years, serves as the National Honor Society secretary, is also a member of National Art Honor Society, and is a youth ambassador for Rochester Area Neighborhood House. Upon graduation she plans to attend a big-ten school and study bio-medicine.
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