Rochester High School Student Scholarship Winner Wants to Help Others

Inspired by ‘Flint Water Crisis Hero’ Cousin, Rochester High School Student Scholarship Winner Wants to Help Others

Marie Numan has a strong passion for helping others. The Rochester High School student, who will attend Oakland University (OU) this fall, is this year’s recipient of the Huntington Ford Scholarship, a full-tuition award sponsored by dealership owners Pat and Christie Scoggin.

Numan’s kind and caring personality is evident in her volunteer work at Beaumont Hospital in Troy and in her co-op job at a dental office in Rochester. She aspires to become a pharmacist and has gleaned inspiration from her cousin, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, whose efforts to raise awareness of the Flint Water Crisis have drawn national acclaim.

“Many know her as the ‘Flint Water Crisis hero,’ but she has always been such an empathetic, caring, positive and overall amazing person,” Numan said of her cousin.

She credits Dr. Hanna-Attisha for showing her “the art of comforting.”

“The medical field seems like the perfect opportunity for me to express my love and devotion for helping others,” she added. “Upon completion of my studies, I plan to use the skills I have learned through my experiences to give back to my community.”

Rochester High School Mathematics teacher, Andrea Shick, has recognized Numan’s resilience in the face of adversity.

‘Marie has learned to adjust to the challenges life can bring, yet be reflective and broaden her perspectives,” Shick said.

Numan also excels academically, taking several Advanced Placement classes and holding membership in the National Honor Society and French National Honor Society.

She is the seventh recipient of the Huntington Ford Scholarship, which is awarded annually to an incoming OU freshman from Rochester, Rochester Adams, Stoney Creek or Avondale High School. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, academic performance and extracurricular involvement.

“Christie and I are very inspired by Marie’s motivation to help others lead happier, healthier lives,” said Pat Scoggin. “We look forward to seeing her pursue her goals as a student at Oakland University this fall.”