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Celebrating Our 2025 YAC Scholarship Winner: Annabelle Leathorn



We’re excited to announce that Annabelle Leathorn has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Scholarship! A graduating senior from Ogemaw Heights High School (OHHS), Anna has demonstrated extraordinary resilience, leadership, and academic excellence throughout her journey. 


After losing her father to addiction, Anna was placed in foster care at just 7 months old. Despite struggling academically in her early years, she has since flourished through hard work and determination - earning straight A’s, completing AP courses, and becoming a leader in and outside of the classroom. 


Anna is an active member of the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program at OHHS, where she serves as secretary. Her leadership extends beyond JMG, as she also supports her peers as a Bridge Crew leader and Link Crew mentor, helping new students successfully transition into high school. 


She is a member of the National Honor Society, Editor of the Yearbook, a Girl Scout, team captain of Mock Trial, and a member of the Michigan Statewide Committee for Mental Health. She also served as a Teacher Cadet during both her junior and senior years, reflecting her passion for education. 


This fall, Anna will attend Ferris State University to pursue her dream of becoming a high school English and history teacher. As a first-generation college student, she is funding her education through scholarships, grants, and her own hard-earned income. 


Anna shared, "This scholarship is something I applied for but knew would be difficult to earn because JMG students are so talented. Winning this scholarship helped reassure me that I can do anything I can put my mind to. It will allow me to further my strength and determination as I work hard towards the degree I've dreamed of my entire life."


We are honored to support Anna as she works toward a future where she can inspire and empower the next generation of students.

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