Meet Our Kids!​

​These are the students, future leaders, and game changers whose dreams your generosity supports.
​These are their faces, now hear their stories.

Elizabeth graduated from Michigan Tech with a degree in manufacturing.

Gary’s dad was killed in a work related accident just 11 days before he was born. Gary was raised by his mom and Grandma. He graduated from Olivet High School with a 3.64 GPA and is attending U of M studying Civil Engineering. His mentor is Bill Crawforth. “… I could visibly see some of the weight lifted from her (his mother) shoulders when we received the congratulatory message. This scholarship was not just been awarded to me, in a way, to my entire family. I feel overly blessed and could not in words even begin to express how much this means to me.” – Gary

Joseph’s dad suffered a catastrophic work related injury and has been unable to return to work. Joe graduated from Holly High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He is attending U of M studying music. Joseph is one of only three undergraduate tuba majors. His mentor is Cindy Kreiger. “…I couldn’t have had a better first year…had it not been for the incredible generosity of Kids’ Chance, its volunteers and all of its contributors. Without the help of Kids’ Chance, I would not have been able to reach the point where I am today.” – Joseph

Alexis’ dad was killed in a work related accident when she was 3 years old. She was raised by her mom. Alexis graduated from Croswell Lexington High School with a 3.65 GPA. She is attending MSU studying Criminal Justice. Alexis hopes to one day be a prosecutor. Her mentors are Mike & Libby Otis.

Paige’s dad suffered a catastrophic work related injury and has been unable to return to work. Paige graduated from Three Rivers High School with a 3.54 GPA. She is attending Southwestern Michigan College studying occupational therapy. Her mentor is Marian Misterovich. “…The Kids’ Chance Scholarship has enable me to attend college…by downsizing the loan amount that I would have…to pay for my education.” – Paige

Brittany’s dad suffered a catastrophic work related injury and has been unable to return to work. She graduated from Hazel Park High School with a 3.2 GPA. Brittany attends Oakland University studying physical therapy. Her mentor is Paula Murray. “We would like to thank everybody involved with Kids’ Chance of MI for selecting my daughter for this scholarship. It has helped out a lot”. – Steve and Deborah, Brittany’s parents

Daniel’s mom suffered a catastrophic injury and has been unable to return to work. Daniel graduated from L’Anse Area Schools High School with a 2.8 GPA. He is attending Northern Michigan, studying computer science. His mentor is John Heikkla.

Selma’s dad suffered a catastrophic work injury resulting in a below the knee amputation of his left leg. Selma graduated from Northview High School in Grand Rapids with a 3.95 GPA. She is attending Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, studying psychology. Her mentor is Dave DeGraw.

Kate’s dad suffered a back injury and has been unable to return to work. Kate graduated from Allen Park High School with a 3.3. She is attending Wayne State University studying Social Work.

Ariel’s father passed away when she was 4years old, from injuries while working on a traffic light late at night for the Oakland County Road Commission. I graduated from Grand Blanc High School in June 2017. I graduated with honors and earned varsity letters in swim, water polo, and power lifting. I participated in the performance choir, was president of the Frontline Christian Club, and was a junior leader for Young Life. I enjoy exercise, volunteering at my church, and writing. I am going to attend Oakland University in the fall of 2017. I am part of the honors college there and I plan to study teacher education for language arts with a minor in history. I would also like to pursue a Master's Degree in Counseling. My youth pastor, Kari Kozak, supported me throughout my years in high school and was a good friend to help navigate teenage life. My Spanish teacher, Susan Stockton, taught me that hard work and patience pays off and motivated me to be the best that I can. Receiving the Kid's Chance Scholarship reminds me that good things can come from bad situations. I am excited and thankful that Kid's Chance is willing to support me to obtain a higher education and pursue my passion.

My dad passed away when I was six years old. He died while working on some farming equipment, he accidentally touched some electrical wires and was electrocuted. I graduated from Northern Michigan Christian High School. After high school, I went to Mid Michigan Community College for two and a half years. I now attend Central Michigan University and am pursuing a degree in Broadcasting & Cinematic Arts. I am very interested in music, as was my father. I love listening to all kinds of music and digging deeper into the lyrics and the sounds to help me better understand the feelings that the artist is expressing through their music. I also enjoy playing the guitar and the banjo.

My name is Rebecca and I was 2 years old when my father was killed in a work related accident. He was electrocuted by touching raw wires in a milking parlor by the milk cooler at a farm. My father died that same day; it was April 24, 2001. I just graduated high school from Northern Michigan Christian School in McBain, MI and I am attending college at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI. I am currently majoring in education. Some of my interests include: listening to music, singing, reading, spending time with family and friends, and watching movies. Some sports I played in high school were soccer, volleyball, and basketball. One volunteer activity that I am involved with is serving on my church’s worship team.

Savannah’s father was run over by a forklift, and his leg had to be amputated. When asked why she applied for a KCOMI Scholarship: I applied for kids chance hoping that i get the opportunity to attend my dream college. My family is struggling financially and they cannot afford to send me straight to a university. With the help of this scholarship I have higher hopes of accomplishing the education I dream of. 2. I graduated with the Class of 2017 at Lapeer High School. 3. I received a silver and gold medal from the Scholastics Art competition for two of my art pieces. 4. I volunteered at Mclaren Lapeer Region at the front desk as a patient escort and in the gift shop as a cashier. However I didn't participate in any other extra curricular activities. I do enjoy painting and drawing though. 5. I plan on attending Mott Community College in order to complete my basics and then transfer to KCAD. 6. My only one and true mentor throughout high school was amy linton, my art teacher for 4 years. 7. I plan on starting off as a graphic designer and working my way up as a creative director. 8. Being approved for kids chance, means that i have the chance and opportunity to attend my dream college KCAD, to accomplish my hopes in becoming a creative director, and putting forth my hardest work in achieving my goals.

My name is Dylan, and my dad passed away when I was 17 years old. He was working on top of a tank that exploded, throwing him from the top, and he died immediately. I graduated from Columbia Central High School one year after, and then continued my education a Western Michigan University. I am currently studying Biology with minors in Chemistry and German. After graduation, I hope to continue my education and eventually work in a research lab. I enjoy hiking and traveling, and I take every chance I get to do both. I am very thankful for the opportunities Kids Chance has given me, and I look forward to continuing my education with the help and support of Kids chance.

My name is Nicholas and I am 17 years old. I currently am a freshman at EMU and this is my story. Life for my family was tough as my mom has MS and dad had trouble keeping employment. August 2015, things began to turn around as my father was offered full time employment and we could see the light at the end of the tunnel until that tragic morning of 9/14/2015. My father had fallen 12 feet from a cherry picker and hit the concrete. His fall was catastrophic leaving him today with a traumatic brian injury among other major issues. I was 15 years old and just started my junior year a Lincoln Park High School. My mother was the glue who kept my sister and I focused during this awful time. We kept a normal life routine like our family was simply like every other family. I continued to play tennis, swim and run track for LPHS and was the captain of all of those teams. I graduated 11th in my class of 411 students. My GPA 3.975 and that is with me skipping the 8th grade. I was offered a awesome opportunity at Eastern Michigan University where I intend to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice and become a attorney. Staying focused, my mother as well as many prayers allowed me to be where I am today. I still make lunches for the homeless at the soup kitchen, our family always adopts a small family at Christmas, and I collect pop bottles and cans to buy hygiene products for Mimi mission. As you can see with hard work, dedication, determination and a lot of love...Anyone can succeed.

Hello, my name is Danielle I went to Vandercook Lake High School and graduated in 2014. After high school I went to Jackson College and received my Associates in Arts in 2016. I’m currently going to Baker College and I’m in the Veterinary Technician program and will be graduating in 2019. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also love being around any animal but mostly dogs. I was able to receive this scholarship because my dad was crushed by a coil at work when I was 9 years old. I’m very grateful to have this scholarship and its helped me a lot with my schooling.

Sarah's dad was killed due to workplace negligence when she was nearly 13 years old. She and her younger sister were raised by their Mom and the loving support of their extended family. Sarah graduated from Trenton High School in 2015. She is the first student already in college to receive a Kids Chance Scholarship as she was awarded with the scholarship her Sophomore year of College. Sarah attends Madonna University and maintains a 3.8 G.P.A. She is involved extensively with her University as she was elected to Student Senate and is the Chair of the Special Events Committee. She also is the President of the Circle K Chapter at Madonna which is the collegiate level of Kiwanis International. The organization is centered around service, leadership, and fellowship. Sarah will be attending Law School after she graduates in May 2019 and intends to study International Human Rights Law, concentrating in Worker's Rights.

Angela lost her father through a work accident involving a construction industry fall. Graduated from H.H. Dow High School in 2016 and is currently a Junior at Michigan State University and majors in Journalism with a double minor in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Peace & Justice Studies. My goal is to pursue a career in Journalism.

The Kids' Chance of Michigan Executive Committee, comprised of volunteers representing the workers’ compensation community, provides guidance and oversight on all levels of organizational activity through regular committee and board meetings. We believe that we can make a significant difference in the lives of all children
affected by a workplace injury by helping them pursue and achieve their educational goals.