Allison Drabek is determined to become a nurse. And for her, it is personal. The Avondale High School senior developed lupus a few years ago. She credits her nurses for helping her through that difficult time.

Allison Drabek (center with certificate) Jeff Drabek, Christie Scoggin, Tyler Drabek, Allison Drabek, Pat Scoggin and Bridget Drabek
“It was a life-changing experience,” recalls Drabek. “I never forgot how kind they were to me when I was so sick. Now I want to get my degree in nursing from Oakland University (OU) so I can help others.
This spring, Drabek’s dream of becoming a nurse took a major leap closer to realization when she was named the 2019 recipient of the Huntington Ford Scholarship. The scholarship will provide full-tuition support for four years.
“When I got the call from my high school counselor, I was just in shock,” says Drabek. “I was at a restaurant with my family. When I told them, we all cried happy tears. I feel so lucky and grateful.”

Avondale Student Awarded Huntington Ford Scholarship
Drabek is the eighth recipient of the Huntington Ford Scholarship, which is awarded annually to an incoming OU freshman from Avondale, Rochester, Rochester Adams or Stoney Creek high schools. Established by donors Pat and Christie Scoggin, applicants are evaluated based on financial need, academic performance and extracurricular involvement. The full-tuition scholarship is renewable for a student who continues to demonstrate financial need, completes full-time credits during each fall and winter semester, and maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA.
For the Scoggins, recipients of the Huntington Ford Scholarship are like a second family. They stay in touch over the years and proudly recount the students’ many successes.
“This is not just about giving a scholarship,” says Christie Scoggin. “We want to hear from the students throughout their journey. When they achieve, when they struggle, we are here for them. All of these students matter to us.”
The Scoggins met Drabek and her family at Avondale High School on May 20, 2019 for the first time. Laughter and hugs were part of that first gathering. The Scoggins told Drabek she will love OU, and that other Huntington Ford scholars will be there to help her adjust to college life. They also encouraged Drabek to “do great things, and down the road when someone needs help, then pay it forward any way you can.”
Funding the Huntington Ford Scholarship is how the Scoggins live out their lifelong goal of helping others.
“We wanted to do something positive and meaningful for the community we love,” says Pat Scoggin. “Creating this scholarship and reading about these amazing young people has been a joy for us. We are so proud of them and all they have accomplished. They are extended members of our family.”