Burke Scholarship: Trevor Kuehn

The William H. Burke scholarship is given to one Sturgis West graduating senior who exhibits an entrepreneurial spirit, contributes positively to the community, is concerned with the well being of others, and whose determination and tenacity helped them overcome obstacles. 

The recipient of this year’s Burke scholarship has been described as: a risk taker, humble, and resilient.

This student is always the first person to put a positive spin on a difficult situation including one time when he emptied 50 containers of rotten milk in a 90 degree basement kitchen while volunteering. While the rest of the group was sweating and complaining, he was cracking jokes and livening the group’s spirits. 

One faculty member shared that this student has handled adversity with such grace that she has often wondered if she would be so strong given the same challenges.  

An amazingly good sport with a warm and kind personality,  his strength and resilience serve as an example for us to live by,  this student is truly an amazing person and he is so deserving of this award!

Please join me in congratulating Trevor Kuehn.

Spirit Award: Shiv Patel

The School Spirit Award is given to two students who, in the opinion of classmates and faculty, contribute to fostering school spirit through their enthusiasm, positive attitude and concern for others both within and beyond the classroom.

All students in grades 9-12 are eligible for this award. This year we have one recipient from the Class of 2021.

This year’s 12th grade recipient of the Spirit Award has been described as naturally joyful.  He is kind and considerate and balances those qualities with a witty sense of humor.  He always knew how to say the right thing to keep good humor and positive energy in the classroom, even as a 9th grader.  One teacher shared that not only did this student participate in class but he also can be credited for their "Dad Joke" time in class. If the class ever needed a "pick me up" this student would inevitably be there with a joke or quip to give the class a laugh.  

This student embodies community building at Sturgis. There is a reason why he has gained the trust of students and staff alike: he is honest, humble, optimistic and will never ask of others what he won't do himself. He is a model for being engaged inside and outside of the classroom and always exhibits Sturgis West pride. 

Please join me in congratulating Shiv Patel.

William Sturgis Award: Missy Bridgewater and Abigail Jones

The William Sturgis Award is given to two 12th grade students who, in the opinion of classmates and faculty, embody the positive attitude and exemplary conduct represented by the Sturgis Code of Conduct and Rules to Live By.  It is considered the most prestigious Sturgis award.

Our first recipient of the William Sturgis award has the kind of drive and vision that makes her a natural leader. 

She is a talented actor and profoundly thoughtful student of Theatre, learning through her curiosity how Theatre can create social change and using that knowledge to devise performances that stimulate discussion on equality. 

In addition to acting in plays, serving and participating in a number of Sturgis clubs, she became a leader in the Sturgis Her Future Coalition club raising a record amount of funding to help educate, train, house, and feed girls and women who had been trafficked into brothels and rescued.  When the club had to rebuild after losing most of the club members, she insisted that the substantially smaller club could raise even more than ever ... and she made it happen!  And somehow she found time to start  an international youth branch of Her Future Coalition which now has 300 ambassadors from 30 different countries around the world, all involved in education and fundraising to help victims of modern slavery determine their own futures! 

With maturity, drive, excellent organizational - her study guides are legendary - and a strong sense of responsibility, we are quite certain that her commitment and talents will continue to drive her to help others long after this graduation!  We can't wait to see where she takes her energy, intelligence, and compassion. 

It is an honor to present the William Sturgis Award to Missy Bridgwater.

The 2nd recipient of the William Sturgis Award has been described as poised, brilliant, humble, funny, and a helper. She has a personality that lights up a room or (as we saw this year), a zoom meeting.  

This student brought curiosity and critical thinking to class discussions and her own work. One teacher shared that her work ethic is unmatched! She takes intellectual risks and communicates creatively and concisely.  One of her most admirable qualities is her genuine love of learning - no matter the subject. 

This student has an inclusive spirit, valuing what each individual brings to the table. If someone needs help, academically or socially this student is the one to help. Her reliability and cheer were the glue that held the clubs and classes together and enabled the success of numerous initiatives.

A painter, a poet, the lists go on and on. She has shown great courage. She has competed in Poetry Out Loud over the past three years. 

Her warmth and positivity helped propel the Sturgis Her Future Coalition Club into the future. She and another classmate were featured on CNN in early March 2020 discussing their involvement with the Her Future Coalition program. Then during COVID she created an offshoot  program called “Our Future of Change” Last spring she hosted an online web based art show fundraiser in which the director of Her Future Coalition as well as people from all over the world attended and they raised $1k For the victims of trafficking in India. She also created a digital magazine with writers around the world sharing their community's positive stories of resilience during the pandemic.

This student has worked tirelessly, inside school and out, to make the Sturgis community & world a better place. Her kindness, generosity, and leadership are sure to make a difference for so many as she continues her passion for helping others in college and beyond. 

It is an honor to present the William Sturgis award to Abigail Jones.