Allyson Marvel, a 2016 graduate of Cedar Springs High School, and sophomore at Aquinas College, is the 2017 recipient of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club scholarship.

by Sue Harrison

Every year since 1990, the Cedar Springs Women’s Club has awarded an annual scholarship to a female, of any age, who resides in the Cedar Springs Public School District who is considering any type of skill training or degree program. The award is given based on a competitive process that considers personal and academic achievement, as well as family, school or community activities.  The award is given without regard to race, creed, color, religion, or national origin.

The 2017 recipient of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club $1,000 Scholarship is Scholar Athlete, Allyson Marvel, a 2016 Cedar Springs High School graduate and sophomore at Aquinas College. Allyson was active in many clubs, sports and activities in high school, including vice president of the National Honor Society and captain in the Athletic Leadership Council. She also made the Dean’s List at GRCC when she attended there as a dual enrollment student, and is excelling at Aquinas while also doing pole vault in track and field.

In addition to receiving several other scholarships, Allyson is also making major contributions to her own college expenses by holding down two jobs while taking classes. She is majoring in Athletic Training and exploring all that the field has to offer.

“I find it very exciting to be able to help athletes and non-athletes in the future to become fit and healthy, pain free, and filled with life,” said Allyson.

At the June Women’s Club June meeting, Nancy Nielsen, member of the Women’s Club Scholarship Committee, presented Allyson with a certificate, a special poem presented to all recipients, an engraved pen, and her scholarship which will be sent to the college. Allyson’s mother, Lynn, was there to share the ceremony.

Pictured left to right: Coach Jackson, Ellie Ovokaitys, Kathy Dancer, Melissa Meguire, Rebecca Williams, Allyson Marvel, Emma Schut, Sarah Galloway, and Breanna Feikema.

On December 29, at Park Center Lanes, the girls team took second place at a baker tournament.

“The girls were bowling well and qualified 7 out of 8 teams,” said Coach Jackson. “It came down to Cedar and Northview to determine who would win. It was the 10th frame and Northview needed a strike to beat us. They got that strike, beating us by one pin. It was a great game.”

The girls had a match Monday January 11 at Spectrum Lanes against Wyoming and won. During the match, Allyson Marvel bowled a 265 game.

Shayne Mann in the 3200 meter run

The Girls track team traveled to Ferris State University for the Pioneer Classic. All four relay teams took first place. Individual winners were Allyson Marvel in the pole vault and Kenzie Weiler set a new meet record in the 3200 meter run, while winning the event. Aly Hamilton placed second in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. Other Second place winners were Marissa Oakes in the long jump and Tara Tepin in the 300 meter hurdles.

Other Placers:

Aly Hamilton in the 800 meter relay.

Winning Relay teams: 3200 relay team of Hannah Heintzelman, Shayne Mann, Maddie Pekrul and Kenzie Weiler; 800 relay team of Marissa Oakes, Taylor Vanlangen, Olivia Finch and Aly Hamilton; 400 relay team of Marissa Oakes, Taylor Vanlangen, Abby Olszewski and Aly Hamilton; 1600 relay team of Aaliyah Sargent, Hannah Heintzelman, Kenzie Weiler and Tara Tepin.

3^rd place: Allyson Marvel 100 meter hurdles; Aaliyah Sargent 400 meter dash; Hannah Heintzelman 800 meter run; Maddie Pekrul 3200 meter run.

4^th place: Taylor Vanlangen long jump; Brittany Todd shot put; Abby Olszewski pole vault; Allyson Marvel 300 hurdles; Shayne Mann 3200 meter run; Marissa Oakes 100 hurdles.

5^th Place: Maddie Pekrul 3200 meter run.

6^th Place: Tara Tepin 100 meter dash; Emily Shaft 400 meter dash.

On Monday May 19 the team traveled to Belding for the 9-10 invite. They placed seventh out of 10 teams. The 400 meter relay team of Allison Hall, Aaliyah Sargent, Allyson Marvel and Tara Tepin placed second.

Also Placing:

3^rd: 3200 meter relay team of Aaliyah Sargent, Jenna Heintzelman, Ellie Ovokaitys, and Hannah Heintzelman; 1600 meter relay team of Aaliyah Sargent, Hannah Heintzelman, Jenna Heintzelman and Tara Tepin.

4^th place: Tara Tepin high jump; Allyson Marvel pole vault; Aaliyah Sargent 400 meter dash.

5^th place: Allyson Marvel 100 meter hurdles; Hannah Heintzelman 1600 meter run.