August 25, 2026 | By Emilie Jacques
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is excited to invest in the future of the Copper Country and introduce its latest scholarship recipients, the Class of 2026 Copper Shores Scholars. Sixteen local students are headed to colleges, universities and trade schools across Michigan, building skills and pursuing passions that will shape the future of their communities.
2026 Copper Shores Scholars
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation Scholarship - $5,000
This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, totaling as much $20,000 in financial award per student.
- Abigail Dart - Houghton High School, University of Michigan
- Callie Knuuttila - Houghton High School, University of Michigan
- Talan Engle - Baraga High School, Ferris State University
- Violet Amos - Ontonagon High School, Bay College
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation/KEDA Career Tech Scholarship - $2,000
These students are enrolled in a certificate program or an associate degree in a skilled trade or career technical education program.
- Jill Berg - Hancock High School, Gogebic Community College
- Claire Heltunen - Jeffers High School, Northern Michigan University
- Lilli Girtz - Houghton High School, Gogebic Community College
- Shaya Pakkala - Houghton High School, Northern Michigan University
- Violet Amos - Ontonagon High School, Bay College
- Katherine Robeson - Ontonagon High School, Gogebic Community College
Joseph Kirkish Educational Scholarship - $2,500
Kirkish’s intention is that recipients use the scholarship to help pay for education costs at a post-secondary school of their choosing.
- Brynn Lystila - Houghton High School, Michigan Technological University
- Emery Chynoweth - Hancock High School, Gogebic Community College
Joseph Kirkish Congregational Scholarship - $2,500
These students are congregation members of St. Ignatius Loyola and/or St. Albert the Great Churches, upon request of Kirkish.
- Colin Van Karsen - Houghton High School, Michigan Technological University
- Joel Durocher - Houghton High School, Michigan Technological University
Joseph Kirkish Phi Kappa Tau Scholarship - $2,500
This scholarship is for two eligible Brothers of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity at Michigan Technological University, an organization that Kirkish joined during his time in school.
- Donald Nurkala - Michigan Technological University
McIntyre Family Educational Scholarship - $2,000
The McIntyre Family's intention is that recipients, graduating seniors from Ontonagon High School, use the scholarship to help pay for education costs at a post-secondary school of their choosing.
- Hailee Kin - Ontonagon High School, Lake Superior State University
- Jan Olszewski - Ontonagon High School, Gogebic Community College
Copper Shores Scholarship Process
Each spring, Copper Shores opens its scholarship application to eligible Copper Country students. A subcommittee of the Grants Management Committee then reviews applications with all names and other identifying information removed, selecting the students who will receive awards. If you know a student heading into their senior year, subscribe to the Copper Shores email newsletter so you don't miss next year's announcement.
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