By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Nicholas Hawrylko has prepared himself well for college and appreciates the additional opportunities that will be created through his $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship.
“I just want to say thanks to … all the good folks at MAP for the scholarship money. I really appreciate it,” Hawrylko said. “The Carl Parsell Scholarship is a great advancement toward my future and my college career. I’ll be able to take more classes and advance my education, attend more clubs and I’ll be able to overall get a better college education.”
Hawrylko is the son of MAP member Stan Hawrylko, a 25-year City of St. Clair Shores Police Officer, and Tanya Lamers. Stan also served over six years in the Oak Park Public Safety Department as a Police Officer and Firefighter.
Hawrylko will now have less financial burden pursuing a Computer Science degree. “I will be a full-time student working toward my bachelor’s degree,” he wrote in his scholarship application. “Along with income from working part-time, the scholarship will allow me to take a full course load and participate in internships. The internships will give me real work experience and professional skills for my career after graduation.”
The Romeo High School student graduated with honors, earning a 3.51 GPA. He will attend Macomb Community College in the fall. Hawrylko plans to transfer to Oakland University for the 2023-24 academic year to complete his studies.
“I'll put (the scholarship) to good use throughout my college career and will try my hardest in all of my classes, and I'll try to use my education to make a positive impact on the world,” he said. “I really do value your support and will remember the generous contribution.”
The Washington Township resident jump started his higher education by taking an Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles course and Web Design course among other AP and Honors courses in high school.
“I was the lead developer in several coding projects, had many Advanced Placement and Honors classes throughout high school, played saxophone in the school marching band and was a drummer in a non-school related band,” Hawrylko wrote.
“Nicholas is an exceptionally hard worker with regard to his academics, activities and experiences,” wrote John Anderson, Romeo High School teacher, in a letter of recommendation. “Nicholas has continued to challenge himself by taking Honors and Advanced Placement courses each year of high school. He has also acquired a well-rounded education with many years of band and three years of robotics and mechatronics. His hobbies of graphic design, 3D modeling and music production have provided meaningful long-term skills.”
In addition to working part-time at Jet’s Pizza since 2019, some of the volunteer activities Hawrylko participated in include: St. Clair Shores Police Cops for Kids program, which helps underprivileged children during Christmas; serving hot meals to the poor through his church’s (SS. John and Paul Parish in Washington, Mich.) involvement in Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (MCREST); and packaging food at Gleaners Community Food Bank.
“My family and the Hawrylko’s have gone to the same church since he was a young child. I’ve literally seen him grow up,” wrote Romeo High School teacher Tom Anderson in a letter of recommendation. “Nicholas is a kind, caring young man. Evidence of his fine character is his involvement with a variety of charitable organizations. Through his involvement with church, Nicholas has been involved with the Gleaners Food Bank, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, and MCREST. Additionally, he regularly visits and volunteers at nursing homes in our community.”
Tom Anderson also instructed Hawrylko in Honors English 10 and AP U.S. History. “He has always been a conscientious student committed to learning and personal growth,” he said. “In AP History, I can always count on him to be prepared, willing to volunteer, and be a productive member of group discussions.”
In addition to his $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship, Hawrylko was also awarded a $1,000 Shelby Community Foundation Scholarship and a $2,000 annual Oakland University Academic Achievement Scholarship.
