The Friends of MCC Foundation welcomed more than 110 scholarship donors and recipients for an appreciation breakfast on Friday, March 11. The event was an opportunity to thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to MCC students.
Among those receiving a scholarship was Sarah Papic (Cary), an MCC Fire Science and Paramedic student who spoke at the event. In addition to her studies at MCC, Papic is currently being sponsored by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and Wonder Lake Fire Protection District to complete her hands-on training.
“I always knew I wanted to help people and serve the community,” Papic said of her chosen career path. “MCC has prepared me for the next steps in my studies and provided many opportunities for real world training in my chosen profession. It’s also great how many of my instructors are involved with the community and currently have careers in the fields of study they teach.”
Papic grew up the oldest of five children and spent much of her young adulthood making sure her siblings were taken care of. But when it came time for her to pursue her own calling, she realized she was facing some unique challenges.
“I am the sort of person who chooses to have a sunny disposition and refuses to look at the negative side of things,” she said. “But financially things were difficult. I am so grateful for the financial aid opportunities MCC offers, and more specifically I’m grateful to be one of the recipients of the Motorola Solutions Foundation Scholarship. As I pay for and support myself through school, as well as take care of other responsibilities, this award has been appreciated greatly and put to the good use of furthering my academic goals.”
Papic closed her speech encouraging her fellow students who have decided to pursue their education to keep going.
“At 31, some might think I’m too old to be going after my goals,” she said. “Well, I say there’s no expiration date on completing a dream.”
The Friends of MCC Foundation awarded more than $531,000 in scholarships to more than 640 students in 2021 alone.
“We look forward to hosting this event every year to celebrate our scholarship donors and allow our scholarship recipients to express gratitude to those who give generously to make these opportunities possible,” said Brian DiBona, executive director of the Friends of MCC Foundation. “We’re truly inspired by our donors, and equally inspired by the hard work, dedication, and ambition displayed by our students.”
The Foundation is currently accepting applications for Fall 2022 scholarships until April 3, 2022. Scholarship opportunities include a variety of criteria based on area of study, educational and career goals, GPA, extracurricular activities, financial need, and more. Interested students can apply at www.mchenry.edu/scholarships.
To learn more about scholarship donor opportunities, visit www.mchenry.edu/supportmcc.