Firm 'LAunches' college careers with scholarships

Lusk Albertson, a Michigan-based education law firm, has awarded its “LAunch Scholarships” to four graduating high school students. Each of the students will receive $2,500 from the firm to assist with college costs.

 Lusk Albertson established the scholarships to recognize high academic achievement, community involvement, and exceptional leadership qualities exemplified by high school seniors within a school district represented by the firm.

This year, the firm received more than 300 applications from highly-qualified students throughout Michigan. The Selection Committee awarded scholarships to:

• Marwan Bazzi – Dearborn High School (Dearborn Public Schools)
• Gavriella Light – Harrison High School (Farmington Hills Public Schools)
• Michal Ruprecht – Grosse Pointe North High School (Grosse Pointe Public Schools)
• Chance Stephenson – Groves High School (Birmingham Public Schools)

This fall, Marwan Bazzi will be attending the University of Michigan as a student in the college of Literature, Science and the Arts. He is interested in working on “any research that might play a role in the betterment of society,” and dreams of becoming a pediatric oncologist or cardiologist. In addition to an impressive academic record, he has already built an impressive legacy of community service. As a student at Dearborn High, Bazzi has personally organized American Red Cross blood drives that collected more than 100 pints of blood, volunteered at Disability Dances which provided social opportunities for youth with disabilities, served as a tutor to help students excel on standardized tests, is a member of the Key Club and Anti-Bullying Club, and earned varsity letters in track and football.
Harrison High School senior Gavriella Light will pursue her passion for helping individuals with cognitive disabilities at the University of Michigan while majoring in neurology. She hopes to support the disabled community through research that contributes to therapeutic treatments. Her service as a Friendship Circle and Beaumont Hospital volunteer has honed her interest in supporting those with special needs. Light is active in student council and has held various leadership positions at Harrison, is a member of the National Honors Society and was a two-time Michigan HOSA Competition Regional Finalist, an organization dedicated to providing opportunities for future health professionals.

Michal Ruprecht will also head to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan to study medicine, with the goal of supporting underserved communities. He is particularly interested in chemistry and created a Chemistry Club at Grosse Pointe North. Ruprecht has already established a name for himself in academic circles by helping to create a solution to remove harmful substances in water, which has practical application in the wake of the Flint water crisis. Ruprecht has worked as a research assistant for professors at Wayne State University and University of Detroit Mercy, a rarity for a high school student. He also serves as the Editor-At-Large for his school newspaper, plays the violin in two orchestras, is a varsity swimmer and participated in the Team America Rocketry Challenge.

Chance Stephenson will also begin his college career at University of Michigan this fall. He plans to study mathematics and political science, focused on one day working on political campaigns and polling. As a high school student, he has participated in numerous political and voter initiatives, including serving as the Groves’ forensics team captain. Stephenson is a Senior Patrol Leader and Eagle Scout candidate for the Boy Scouts of America, attended the U.S. Air Force Academy Summer Seminar, is the captain of his tennis team, and has participated in multiple school musicals.

“Every year, our team is left speechless by these amazing students. They each exemplify excellence in the classroom and within the halls of their high schools. But this year’s winners have really set themselves apart with their commitment to their communities,” Lusk Albertson Partner Kevin Sutton said. “The LAunch Scholarship underscores our firm-wide dedication to supporting and celebrating public education; the amazing students, the committed faculty, the dynamic administrators, and the supportive boards of education,” he added.

Since 2012, Lusk Albertson has awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships to high school seniors.