Two students receive scholarships from the Crystal Scholarship Foundation
April 28, 2022
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (April 28, 2022) – The Crystal Scholarship Foundation (CSF) is continuing to help deserving, local students further their education beyond high school. Now in its second year of awarding scholarships, two students have been chosen to receive up to $5,000: Megan Gydesen and Craig Seger. The scholarship is open to Crystal Mountain employees and their dependents.
Megan is a senior at Bear Lake High School and the daughter of Kelly Gydesen who works at Crystal Spa. In addition to excelling as a student-athlete on the Bear Lake volleyball and softball teams, Megan manages the girls’ basketball team and serves on the Manistee Youth Advocate Council, among other extracurricular activities. Her plan moving forward is to study Neuroscience at the University of Michigan.
"Going to college has always been a dream for me, an expensive one at that, and this scholarship was a chance to help make this dream come true,” Gydesen said. “Growing up, Crystal Mountain was like a second home with fun opportunities at every corner - from being a lifeguard to this very scholarship. I'm excited about all the experiences I will get in college."
The second recipient was a lifeguard at Crystal Mountain for three years. Craig graduated from Benzie Central High School in June of 2021 and is now attending Edgewood College in Madison, Wisc. studying Theatre, Music and Psychology. As a first-year student at the independent liberal arts college, Craig has made the honor roll, track and field team and earned the leading role in the college’s performance “Sister Act.”
“I really enjoyed working at Crystal Mountain,” Seger said. “My coworkers were incredibly kind, we had fun times at work and outside of work and my managers were very understanding about work-life balance. If it wasn’t for them, I may not have known about this scholarship, so I’m grateful for their encouragement to apply and I’m thankful to be a recipient and to use the money to help with tuition.”
Established in 2020 by Crystal Mountain property owners and community leaders, CSF has raised thousands of dollars through generous community donations, as well as the Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational.
“We know how expensive furthering a student’s education can be – we have two kids,” said Kim Pickell, Crystal Mountain property owner and community member. “This scholarship isn’t tailored towards a certain income level, it’s designed for anyone in the Crystal Community who is dedicated to working hard and making a difference, whether it’s through trade school, community college or four-year university.”
The Crystal Scholarship Foundation searches out candidates, through an application and panel interview process, who exemplify solid character, strong work ethic, community service and academic proficiency.
“Our 2021 scholarship recipient, Reagan Thorr of Frankfort, now attends Alma College studying Allied Health Sciences representing the Scots on both the volleyball and basketball teams,” Pickell said. “She continues to demonstrate the four pillars of our scholarship program daily, and in return will receive a scholarship stipend this year.”
Applicants for the 2023 scholarship can start applying the first week of November. Pickell said there is no set number on how many students can receive a scholarship – it is solely based on funds raised and number of deserving candidates selected through the application and panel interview process.
The Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational is one of the biggest fundraisers for the scholarship. This year’s golf event will take place Aug. 12-13 on Betsie Valley and Mountain Ridge courses. The deadline to register is Aug. 1. Registration for a four-person team includes food, music, golf challenges and prizes.
For non-golfers, there will be a watercolor painting class with local artist Lauren Everett Finn, as well as special promotions at Crystal Spa. In addition to funds raised through golf, generous community donations and merchandise sales, Crystal Mountain has pledged to donate $5,000.
For more information about the Crystal Scholarship Foundation or Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational, email crystalscholarshipfoundation@gmail.com.
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