MSGCU Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – May 11, 2026 – Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) is awarding more than $150,000 in scholarships to 65 Michigan residents. MSGCU reviewed hundreds of applications for its 2026 scholarship program and is proud to award 39 students and four educators with $2,500 scholarships. The credit union is also providing 22 scholarships of $2,000 each to future first responders.

MSGCU’s scholarship program was created over 20 years ago to assist high school students pursuing higher education. It has grown to include scholarships for future teachers, current educators advancing their skills, and those seeking careers in skilled trades and as first responders.

“Scholarships help our recipients advance their education and achieve their goal of earning a degree or certification,” said Steve Brewer, MSGCU President/CEO. “We’re proud to recognize the hard work of our honorees and help them build a strong financial future through these awards.”

MSGCU selects scholarship honorees that demonstrate a commitment to academic success, passion for community service, and the dedication that’s needed to pursue higher education. Recipients also exemplify the unique mission of each scholarship and exhibit personal characteristics that align with the scholarship namesakes. MSGCU starts accepting applications for its scholarship program in January each year.

2026 Scholarship Honorees


The William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship is named after former Board Chairperson, William Cayen, who has a passion for helping students achieve their dreams and follow their passions. William Cayen has served on the MSGCU Board for nearly 60 years and was recently recognized as the 2026 Board Member of the Year by the Michigan Credit Union League. He retired from public education after serving 35 years as a teacher, counselor, and high school principal. The William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship was established in 2019 to help offset the cost of a certificate program in carpentry, electrical, construction, HVAC, machining, or other industrial skilled trades, which are in high demand in Michigan.

The two recipients of the William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship are:

  • Nathaniel Troy, Macomb Community College
  • Savannah Kowalski, Ann Arbor Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center

The Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship is named in honor of the late Rudolph C. Heino. Mr. Heino was a World War II Veteran, served as a dedicated MSGCU Board Member for 28 years, and retired as a principal from the Roseville School District, where he served for 32 years. In 2004, MSGCU established a scholarship program to honor his commitment and tenure of service to both the educational and credit union communities. The Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship recognizes high school seniors committed to inspiring others through service and leadership and upholding the credit union philosophy of people helping people. New this year, one recipient will be designated, “In Memory of Taylor Jade DeRosa,” in recognition of Taylor's legacy of compassion for others.

The 15 recipients of the Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship are:

  • Rebecca Berry (In Memory of Taylor Jade DeRosa Designation), Canton High School
  • Chloe Delaney, Saline High School
  • Madelyn Demura, Chippewa Valley High School
  • Colin Gebby, Dakota High School
  • Sarita Govindaraj, North Farmington High School
  • Emaleigh Heilig, International Academy Oakland
  • Kathryn Ho, Bloomfield Hills High School
  • Drew Hycki, Armada High School
  • Trey LaValley, International Academy Macomb
  • Chloie Lemke, Airport High School
  • Dea Marena, International Academy Bloomfield Hills
  • Luke Mulka, Henry Ford II High School
  • Lila Simpson, Troy Athens High School
  • James Townsel, Divine Child High School
  • Jason Wilson II, Southfield Christian School

The Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship is named in honor of the late Larry F. Swantek, who served on the Board for 32 years. Mr. Swantek retired from teaching in the Lake Shore School District where he served as a teacher, a computer consultant, and an administrator. MSGCU established a scholarship in 2012 to honor his dedication and passion as an educator. The Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship recognizes high school seniors and current college students committed to pursuing a career in education.

The four recipients of the Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship are:

  • Alyssa Gilchrist, Michigan State University
  • Luke Hall, Wayne State University
  • Harper Miesch, Rochester High School
  • Ryan Notar, Eastern Michigan University

The Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship is named in honor of the late Milo J. Perreault, who served on the MSGCU Board for 24 years. His passion for education was demonstrated in his 40-year tenure at Fraser High School where he mentored countless students and became a pillar in the school community. Established in 2015 and renamed to honor Mr. Perreault in 2020, the Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship is designed for educators and administrators to help cover the costs of continuing education while honoring a commitment to advancing their skills.

The four recipients of the Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship are:

  • Alaina Caruso, Walden University
  • Tiffany Gartner, Oakland University
  • Patricia Perry, Oakland University
  • Trent Trout, Ferris State University

The MSGCU High School Excellence Scholarship is designed for high school seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university. The scholarship helps offset the cost of earning a degree while celebrating higher education’s ability to change lives for the better.

The 18 recipients of the MSGCU High School Excellence Scholarship are:

  • Sydney Fischer, Clarkston High School
  • Sydney Fletcher, Pioneer High School
  • Makenzi Funderburg, Farmington High School
  • Ava Ioco, Romeo High School
  • Mark Jones, Rochester High School
  • Brennan LaRusso, Saline High School
  • Kennedi Marsh, Marian High School
  • Madylin Marshall, Saline High School
  • Karina Morfin Munoz, Stoney Creek High School
  • Alessia Morreale, Grosse Pointe North High School
  • Brigitte Nagy, Henry Ford II High School
  • Aubrey Norrod, Armada High School
  • Rene Salinas Carrillo, Detroit Catholic Central High School
  • John Scigaj, West Bloomfield High School
  • Cayla Thomas, Utica Academy for International Studies
  • Ella White, Anchor Bay High School
  • Tristan Wolff, De La Salle High School
  • Evan Wyatt, Dakota High School

In addition to MSGCU’s educational, skilled trades, and continuing education scholarships, the credit union provides the Stephen Thomas First Responder Scholarship. The scholarship is named in honor of the late Stephen E. Thomas, who served on the MSGCU Board for 21 years. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, a retired Sergeant of the Macomb County Sheriff Department, and retired as the Administrator of the Special Investigation Unit for Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association.

This scholarship benefits first responders enrolled in police, fire, and/or paramedic programs at local colleges. MSGCU will provide $44,000 through 22 scholarships, an increase of eight awards this year that includes three new scholarship offerings for paramedic students. Applications occur directly with Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Washtenaw Community College, and Schoolcraft College. Students can apply for this scholarship throughout the year, and more information is available through the program directors of each academy.

Visit msgcu.org/scholarships to learn more about this year’s recipients and the scholarship program.



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