Anderson family awards $5,000 scholarships to local students at Pontiac holiday ceremony
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Summary
At the Oakland County Holiday Extravaganza in Pontiac, the Fran and Russ Anderson family legacy fund awarded $5,000 scholarships to students representing Pontiac, Waterford and White Lake Township; officials praised recipientsfor community service and academic achievement and outlined parade logistics.
The Fran and Russ Anderson family legacy fund presented $5,000 scholarships to student honorees during Oakland Countyholiday extravaganza events in Pontiac. Officials said the Anderson family distributes $20,000 annually in scholarships, with one $5,000 award designated for each of four communities, and recognized recipients for leadership and community service.
In remarks recorded at the ceremony, Tim Grimell, identified in the transcript as mayor of Pontiac, praised the winning essay and the recipientfor "commitment to community," saying the essay stood out in an anonymous review. The transcript records Grimell describing the Andersons as "incredibly generous" and noting the family's ongoing civic commitment.
Recipients introduced during the program included Kimora Beatty (the transcript identifies her as representing Pontiac), Megan Pless (Waterford Kettering High School), and Kaley McGinnis (White Lake Township/Lakeland High School). Program copy read aloud at the ceremony highlighted each student's volunteer work: Beatty's involvement with Ascent and local cleanups and mentorship; Pless's academic awards and an internship at the 50th District Court that inspired her interest in treatment courts; and McGinnis's language-access efforts, including use of American Sign Language while working in retail and advocacy for accessibility.
John Paul Torres, identified as a Waterford school board trustee in the transcript, and other local officials offered congratulations and cited the students' leadership and service. A later presenter identified as representing a state office delivered a tribute signed by state lawmakers, including Jeremy Moss and others, recognizing Megan Pless's achievements.
Event organizers also listed logistical details for the accompanying parade and photo opportunities and thanked sponsors and volunteers. The ceremony materials and onstage remarks named partners such as Flagstar Strand Theatre of the Performing Arts, Oakland County Parks and Recreation, and presenting sponsors Lee Industrial Contracting and Priority Waste.
The program closed with organizers reminding attendees of parade procedures and photography groupings and offering holiday greetings.