The David Barns Scholarship

2023 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Cassie Verellen
Imlay City High School

Central Michigan University
Major: Actuarial Sciences

Hi! My name is Cassie Verellen and I am a 2023 graduate of Imlay City High School. Over my four years of high school, I actively participated in many extracurriculars. I played Varsity Volleyball and Soccer for three years and was named Captain this year for both. I took on the Secretary role in Class Council, Student Council, and National Honor Society. I was also one of the Captains for the Imlay City Dance Team and held principal roles in the past two musicals Imlay City performed. Because of my strive for academic challenge, I took many AP and Dual Enrollment classes, graduating with 28 college credits. I graduated as Salutatorian of Imlay City and was also awarded the only “Outstanding Senior Award” for the class of 2023. Volunteering, whether it be at my church helping with Vacation Bible School or working the Blood Drives held at the high school, helped me realize that I want to make a difference in the world. As I pursue a degree in Actuarial Sciences at Central Michigan University, I hope to use my skills to statistically find a way to make insurance more affordable. My occupational goal is possible because of the aid that the David Barns Scholarship provides. I can’t thank the Barns family enough for choosing me to represent their foundation. I am excited to build a relationship with them and to include them on my journey throughout college and beyond.

2023 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Levi Greenhaw
Lapeer High School

Lawrence Technological University
Major:

2022 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Olivia Livingston
Imlay City High School

Western Michigan University
Major: Public Relations

Hello! My name is Olivia Livingston and I am a 2022 graduate from Imlay City High School. Throughout my high school career, I have always strived for success and pushed myself to be the best I can be in and out of the classroom. I was involved in many extracurricular activities including  two varsity sports (basketball and softball), National Honors Society and Spartan Nation. In addition, I took great pride in representing my class as class president. I finished 7th in my class, by earning straight A’s all four years as a student-athlete at Imlay City. I also volunteered my time helping the younger generation learn the importance of teamwork and being active through basketball camps during the summer. I plan to study public relations at Western Michigan University in the fall. I am so excited for college to expand my network and meet life-long best friends. More importantly, I’m looking forward to starting a new adventure on my own! I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to meet the Barn’s family, and be a part of David’s Faith & Hope for Life Foundation to continue David’s legacy!

2022 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Gabe Gipe
Clarkston High School

Grand Valley State University
Major: Electrical Engineering

Hello! My name is Gabe Gipe and I am a 2022 graduate from Clarkston High School. I am truly honored to receive this scholarship. During high school, I participated in lots of sports, clubs, and other extracurriculars. I wrestled for the varsity team all four years and was team captain senior year and took 8th at the MHSAA State Tournament.  I was in the top 25 of my class while maintaining  a 4.301 GPA. I was a part of the National Honor Society. I took multiple AP classes where I earned college credit from the AP exams. I have been involved in Boy Scouts my whole life and earned the rank of Eagle in April of 2021. I was an active member of my church’s youth group and served on the leadership team for three years. I was also an usher every Sunday at St. Daniel Parish.  I love to be outside and go camping and backpacking. I am a very active person and love to try new things. I am currently attending Grand Valley State University where I am studying electrical engineering. I am beyond blessed to receive this scholarship from such amazing people like the Barns family and I am very excited to be a part of such a great foundation!

2021 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Alex Long
Flushing High School

Spring Arbor University
Major: Health and Exercise Science

My name is Alex Long and I am a 2021 graduate of Flushing High School. Throughout high school, I have been involved in numerous groups and activities including National Honors Society, Varsity Club, Student Council, Rotary Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. I graduated fifth in my class and achieved High Honors. I played varsity soccer my freshman and sophomore years and started on the varsity basketball team all four years. In basketball, I was team captain for two years, named team MVP two times, and have my name in the record books. Flushing basketball will always be a huge part of who I am, which is why I started a summer weightlifting program for the team. I continue to show up to help them strive for greatness and one day I hope to come back and coach. I will continue my academic and athletic careers at Spring Arbor University, where I will study Health and Exercise Science to later go on and pursue a career in Physical Therapy. I am very passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. I am beyond excited to be able to work with the David’s Faith and Hope For Life Foundation and help carry on David’s legacy!

2021 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Hayden Hiller
Goodrich High School

Michigan State University
Major: Finance

Hello! My name is Hayden Hiller, and I am a graduate of Goodrich High School. I am honored and grateful to be the recipient of the David Barns Scholarship. Throughout high school, I strived to be successful inside and outside of the classroom because I wanted to be the best overall person I could be. I graduated 5th in my senior class and I achieved this by maintaining all “A’s” since grade school and enrolling in all the AP classes Goodrich High School offered. I was involved in many extracurricular activities, volunteering opportunities, and was appointed to various leadership roles. I was honored to be a player and captain for Coach Gary Barns’ two time Metro League Champion Basketball Teams, and a favorable contender for the 2020 state championship if it weren’t for COVID-19. Coach Barns has been a role model, mentor, and a father-figure of mine; and I’ve established a life-long relationship with the Barns family. I will cherish this relationship forever. Being committed and dedicated to the Goodrich basketball pandemic year has taught me resilience, determination, and perseverance within a world of negativity and uncertainty. Having Coach Gary Barns in my corner has made all the difference in the world. Thank you Coach for everything! I was awarded the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan’s (BCAM) 2021 Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete Award. In addition, I was honored to be awarded with the Flint Metro League’s Scholar Athlete Award.  I was fortunate to volunteer for the Detroit Rescue Mission, the MSU Give’s initiative, and the Church of the Holy Family Charitable Fundraiser. Also, I was a part of the Nation Honors Society for two years. I am someone who enjoys playing basketball, snow skiing, weightlifting, and jet skiing. I will be attending Michigan State University (GO GREEN!) in the fall as I will pursue a major in finance and ultimately attend Law School. I am looking forward to seeing new faces at Michigan State because I enjoy meeting new people and building meaningful relationships. I cannot wait to be in the IZZONE and root for Sparty! I am so humbled to be the recipient of this year’s scholarship, and I am looking forward to working with the David’s Faith & Hope for Life Foundation and the Barns family.

2020 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Emily Teh
Troy Athens High School

The University of Michigan
Major: Biology

2020 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Jacob Hausmann
Almont High School

The University of Michigan
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hello! I am Jacob Hausmann, a 2020 graduate of Almont High School. I am extremely honored to be a recipient of the David Barns Scholarship. Throughout high school, I worked very hard to excel both in and outside of the classroom. I was valedictorian of my class which was a goal I set for myself in middle school. I am recognized as an AP Scholar with Honors and was the recipient of the DAR Good Citizens Award. I participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities and held several leadership roles. I was a member of the Student Council for three years, the National Honor Society for two years and competed on the Mathlete’s Team for three years. I was a four-year starter on the Varsity Football team. I was the team captain for the past two years and led the team to its first-ever state championship at Ford Field. I was awarded First-Team All-State Linebacker, All-Conference Defensive MVP and Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA) First-Team Individual Academic All-State. I was also selected for the 2020 East All-Star Football Team. In addition, I was a captain for two years on JV Baseball, played one year of Varsity Baseball, was a member of the Powerlifting team for two years and was a captain for one year on Varsity Wrestling. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Michigan College of Engineering – Ann Arbor, MI where I will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering before moving on to attend law school and seek a career in Patent Law. I am so grateful for this scholarship and look forward to working with the David’s Faith & Hope for Life Foundation.

2019 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Addison Gale
Clarkston High School

The University of Michigan
Major: Business

I am Addison Gale, a 2019 graduate of Clarkston High School. I have been fortunate to have been able to hold many leadership positions within various academic and extracurricular activities throughout my high school years. I have held titles of President, Captain, Leader, Mentor, and even a founder of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and each experience has had its own unique features and has allowed me to learn and acquire new skills that have shaped me and will help me to become a better leader in the future. I will be attending the University of Michigan, where I plan to major in Business and continue my entrepreneurial ambitions. I am extremely honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and look forward to working with the David’s Faith & Hope For Life Foundation

2019 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Khalil Moten
E.A. Johnson Memorial High School (Mt. Morris)

Baker College & Alabama A&M
Major: Architecture

My name is Khalil Moten. I am a graduate of EAJ Memorial High School. Being a student athlete taught me how to multitask and how to prioritize things. Balancing the load of varsity sports and advanced classes was not always an easy task, but I had a lot of motivation seeing my brothers do it before me. After all my hard work, things finally started to pay off. Now I am a four-time All State wrestler in MHSAA and a two-time All American wrestler. I have received many academic awards throughout high school, but am very blessed to be awarded with the David Barns Scholarship, which will help me further pursue my dream of being a Architect. As of right now, I am attending Baker College to complete a Certificate in CNC Machining that I started in High school. Within one year I’ll be finished with my CNC and then move on to Alabama A&M to work towards my goal of being a Architect. Through this award I am able to do what I love. The David’s Faith & Hope For Life Foundation family has been very good to me. I am very grateful I was one of the few selected to receive this scholarship. I look forward to contributing to the foundation for years to come.

2018 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Ewelina Papiez
Chippewa Valley High School

The University of Michigan
Major: Computer Science or Information and International Studies

Hi, my name is Ewelina Papiez, and I am a graduate of Chippewa Valley High School! In high school, I was very passionate about leadership, being a part of Student Government for four years and serving as secretary on the executive board for my final year. I was also on the executive board for National Honor Society, a member of the Coalition Teen Council, and design editor for the yearbook staff. I played on the varsity soccer team for four years and was captain for my senior year. Another important part of my life is my culture and heritage—my parents are both from Poland, so I grew up bilingual and have traveled to Poland to visit my family almost every summer. Now, I am attending the University of Michigan (go blue!) and planning to double-major in Computer Science or Information and International Studies! However, I am currently undecided so that might change. I am a part of the Women in Science and Engineering, which will hopefully help me reach my goal of inspiring girls to become whatever they want to be. I am very excited to become a part of the David’s Faith and Hope for Life family, and can’t wait to contribute for years to come. 🙂

2018 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Braden Wilson
Clarkston High School

Western Michigan University
Major: Aviation Flight Science and Aviation Business and Management

I’m Braden Wilson but most people know me as Brady. I am a recent graduate from Clarkston High School located in Clarkston, Michigan. At CHS I was involved in many academics and extracurricular activities. You could always find me in the school’s pool on the varsity swim team. I achieved many great accomplishments through swimming, such as Rookie of The Year, league finalist, county qualifier and MHSAA state qualifier. My main events were the 100 yd butterfly, 100 yd backstroke and the 200 IM. However, my most significant swimming accomplishment was my first open water 5k race, where I placed third out of several hundred swimmers. My love for the water expands more than just the swim team. I was a lifeguard and swim instructor for my high school’s special needs program, as well as during the summer at the local beach. Also, I am a huge whitewater rafting and kayaking enthusiast. I spent two weeks last April in the Grand Canyon rafting the infamous Colorado River. Although I initially went by myself, I met lifelong friends from around the world. At CHS, I was also part of the golf team, served as class president and was on the executive board for four years. I was also part of my school’s leadership team. My most significant accomplishment in high school was getting my private pilot’s licenses during my senior year. I am continuing my passion for aviation at Western Michigan University majoring in Aviation Flight Science and a second major in, Aviation Business and Management. Upon graduation, I aim to be a commercial airline pilot, as well as own my own business. I am excited to become a part of this distinguished organization for years to come!

2017 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Danielle Petras
Farmington High School

Michigan State University
Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice

Hi! I am Danielle Petras. I recently graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, Michigan where I was very involved with three varsity sports and a lot of clubs. I played volleyball, basketball, and softball and was the president of the National Honor Society. I also was involved with Link Crew and DECA to name a few. I am passionate about community service, family, and faith. The youth group that I was a part of did a lot of service, including a mission trip each summer to different areas of the country to help those in need.  I am also very passionate about Relay for Life. I have been a part of the Relay for Life of Farmington for as long as I can remember. Two years ago I had the honor of speaking as the keynote speaker at the Luminaria Ceremony at the Relay for Life of Farmington, and this past year I joined the Event Leadership Team. This year at MSU I am planning on joining a youth group, joining a community service group, being heavily involved in the MSU Relay for Life and playing lots of intramural teams. I also plan to study a lot, of course 🙂 I am studying psychology and criminal justice. I was searching for scholarships when I came across details about David’s. I immediately knew I had to apply when I sensed so many similarities between David and my mom. My mom battled Stage 4 Colon Cancer for 3 years, but unfortunately lost her battle in February of 2014. Although I had been walking Relay tracks since birth, after losing my mom at the young age of 15, my desire to find a cure only grew stronger. My mom was a true warrior, just like David. She made the most of every day and never gave up, no matter how difficult things got. She was determined, selfless, loving, and compassionate, which are all qualities of David that I have learned through the stories that people have shared about him. My mom was an incredible woman, and I know David was an incredible man, as well. I thank the Barnes family for this scholarship, for this community, for this love, and for sharing David’s life, love, and legacy with me. Both David and my mom’s lives will live on through the people that they touched, forever and always.  #KimStrong – Faith. Hope. Life.

2017 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Joey Stark
Troy Athens

Hope College
Major: Undecided

I am a proud member of the graduating class of 2017 from Troy Athens High School, and I am now entering my freshman year at Hope College in Holland, MI where I will be continuing both my academic and football careers. In high school I was a part of the Athens baseball and football programs and served as a captain for both during my Senior year. I was also the Executive Vice President of student council and a state qualifier through the Business Professionals of America program. I have two sisters; MaryGrace, 21, is a senior at Central Michigan University studying to be a Physician’s Assistant, and Emma, 9, who is currently in fifth grade. In my free time I love working as a volunteer youth basketball coach and have coached Emma’s teams for the past two seasons. This has become a great passion of mine, as I believe that youth sports play a huge role in the development of young people and is a tremendous platform to teach kids important lessons such as teamwork and accountability. My major is currently undecided however I am leaning towards the business and communications route with the dream of someday becoming a high school or college football coach. I am extremely honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and I look forward to working with the Foundation for years to come.

2016 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Magdalena Kotlarz
Utica High School/Utica Center for Math, Science, and Technology

Michigan State University
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

I grew up in Shelby Township in a Polish household, both of my parents spoke Polish so the language and culture was always a part of my life. In the future I would like to go to medical school and pursue a career as a doctor. I am still unsure what I would like to specialize in but I’m leaning towards Neurology. I enjoy traveling. Just this summer I went to Poland where I visited several cities and family with my best friend. It was an amazing experience. I’m looking forward to this upcoming school year and hopeful for what the future holds.

2016 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Cameron Pawlik
Clarkston High School

The University of Michigan
Major: Neuroscience

Cameron will be entering his sophomore year at the University of Michigan, where he is studying Neuroscience. His hometown is Clarkston, MI but he has enjoyed many years of visiting Ann Arbor and participating in ‘Maize and Blue’ activities with his older siblings. Outside of the classroom, Cameron works as a lifeguard for UM Recreational Sports and as a research assistant in a human brain electrophysiology lab. He also enjoys staying active by playing soccer or sand volleyball and spending time with his large family including nieces and nephew. After graduation, Cameron hopes to attend medical school and become a physician.

2015 David Barns Scholarship Recipient

Lauren Robb
Goodrich High School

Grand Valley State University
Major: Biomedical Science

The David’s Faith and Hope for Life academic scholarship has given me the opportunity to attend Grand Valley and really take control of my education. Because of their financial assistance, Grand Valley has become my home away from home. For the past two years that I’ve lived here, I’ve made amazing friends, formed great relationships with professors, and received a pristine education. On campus, I do biomedical science research, am a physiology teaching assistant and an Honor’s College Mentor, and I play every intramural sport possible. I also volunteer in a continuing care hospital and work as a scribe in the Emergency Departments for Spectrum Health. I aspire to attend medical school upon graduation from Grand Valley State University. I cannot wait to be able to give back to the David’s Faith and Hope for Life Foundation as they have allowed me to chase my dreams in education and in life. I would not have the confidence to reach my goals without their continued love and advice. I didn’t just receive a scholarship, I received a family!