Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

GCC graduate wins transfer scholarship

IRONWOOD — Gogebic Community College officials announced this week one of its recent graduates is one of 72 recipients of a “prestigious” national scholarship.

Jailynn Sprewer, of Bessemer, was awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship. The scholarship will provide her with up to $40,000 a year to complete her bachelor’s degree, according to a release from the college.

“GCC is extremely proud that Jailynn was selected as one of this year’s recipients of the Cooke Transfer Scholarship and only one of four in the state of Michigan. It’s a huge honor for her and GCC,” said college president George McNulty. “We wish her all the best in her future endeavors as she furthers her education after GCC.”

Scholarship recipients were chosen from more than 1,500 applicants attending 398 community colleges in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Cooke Transfer Scholars are selected based on their exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, service and leadership.

“I never imagined my future going on such an exciting path, but I’m patiently waiting to see what comes next,” Spewer said in the release. She credited her mother and the college for giving her “the tools to succeed.”

Sprewer grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and moved to Bessemer during her junior year in high school. She graduated from GCC in May with a degree in general science, and plans to transfer to either the University of Michigan or John Hopkins University in the fall, with the goal of becoming an physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, according to the release.

Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, praised the recipients in the release.

“We know how much exponentially harder this past year has been on students. It’s an honor to award this group of individuals as they have achieved so much both in the classroom and in their daily lives,” said Basili. “We are proud to welcome this new class of Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars to our community and are excited to support them as they transition to four-year institutions.”

In addition to financial support, the release said the Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive educational advising to help guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year college and preparing for their future careers. Scholars will additionally receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as connecting to a flourishing network of Cooke Scholars and alumni.

—Charity Smith

 
 
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