Monroe County Community College has awarded performing music scholarships (band and choir) to Olivia Cossins, Jaedon Diesing, Alaina Ellis, Gabriella Forrester, Dylan Serrata Jaime, Kaitlin Kessler, Wyatt Ripmaster, Anthony Walker, Autumn West and Elijan Yeamen.
The scholarships cover tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarship recipients participate in either the MCCC College/Community Symphony Band or Agora Chorale. Each scholarship is renewable for a second year if the student maintains a high standard of conduct and work. This year’s recipients are:
Olivia Cossins is a current MCCC student and 2022 graduate of Whiteford High School. The daughter of Joel and Carly Cossins, she is studying elementary education while at MCCC and is a member of Agora Chorale.
Jaedon Diesing is a 2023 graduate of Whiteford High School where he was a member National Honor Society, the WHS Band, Choir and Ensemble, and performed in the school's musical. He plans to study in the automotive field and is the son of Nicholas Diesing and Amanda Diesing.
Alena Ellis is a 2023 graduate of Whiteford High School. She was a member of Michigan School Vocal Music Association Honors Choir, including attending the MSVMA Solo and Ensemble and Choir Festival where she received a Level 1 ranking. She also performed the role of Dorothy in WHS musical, Wizard of Oz. She is the daughter of Josh and Sarah Ellis and plans to study political science and criminal justice at MCCC.
Gabriella Forrester is a 2023 graduate of Monroe High School. She served a president of the MHS Choir Council, and was a member of the MHS Drama Club and National Honor Society. She plans to study psychology at MCCC and is the daughter of Jacqueline and Keith Forrester.
Dylan Serrata Jaime is a 2023 graduate of Monroe High School. He plans to study biomedical engineering. His mother is Yokasta Jaime and his stepfather is Shaun Alvarado.
Katilin Kessler is a 2023 graduate of Ida High School. She was a member of the IHS Drama Troupe for five years, served as one of the three drum majors for the IHS Band, where she also played saxaphone and flute during concert and marching season. She plans to study music therapy and is the daughter of Lucinda Robertson and Dewayne Robertson.
Wyatt Ripmaster is a current MCCC student and a 2017 graduate of Bedford High School. He is studying welding and is a member of the MCCC College/Community Symphony Band. He is the son of Marc and Jennifer Ripmaster.
Anthony Walker is a 2023 graduate of Bedford High School. He was a member of BHS Symphonic, Varsity and Jazz Concert Bands. He plans to study graphic design at MCCC. He is the son of Mical and Diane Walker.
Autumn West is a current MCCC student and a 2022 graduate of Bedford High School. She is a member of MCCC's Agora Chorale and is sudying pre-education. She is the daughter of Anthony West and Tamara Alcock.
Elijah Yeamen is a 2023 graduate of Monroe High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He plans to study nursing at MCCC. His parents are April Walls, Brandon Morrell and Anthony Yeaman.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich and transform lives by providing opportunities and excellence in higher education. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located at 7777 Lewis Ave.,Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.