Kirtland Foundation Announces Four New Scholarship Recipients
By Kirtland Community College Communication and Marketing Department
GRAYLING, Mich. (September 16, 2026) — The Kirtland Foundation is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of four newly established scholarships: the Karen Pruitt Memorial Scholarship, the JJ’s Automotive Memorial Scholarship, the Otsego County Shop With A Cop Scholarship, and the Walt, Carol, and Tim Lawrence Endowed Scholarship.
These awards highlight the Foundation's ongoing commitment to removing financial barriers and supporting students across various academic programs at Kirtland Community College.
Katie Pfeiffer is the first recipient of the Karen Pruitt Memorial Scholarship. She is a nursing student currently going for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Kirtland Community College and Saginaw Valley State University through the ADN-BSN 3+1 program.
“Being selected as the very first recipient of the Karen Pruitt Memorial Scholarship is an incredible honor,” shared Pfeiffer. “Scholarships have made it possible for me to continue my education and be able to achieve my dreams. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of those who invest in students like me. This scholarship is more than financial assistance, it is encouragement and validation. Through this scholarship I am reminded that others believe in my future too. I am incredibly thankful to the Karen Pruitt family and the Kirtland Foundation for this opportunity. Scholarships are the only reason I am able to have goals and dreams of becoming a CRNA. I hope to honor this scholarship by continuing to work hard and care for others. I would love to one day give back to future students the way others have so generously given to me.”
The Karen Pruitt Memorial Scholarship was established to support Kirtland students in any program. Community college is affordable, but everyone can use some assistance in paying for their education. Karen was one of those individuals who had a big heart, helped everyone, and always had a smile to share, and a scholarship in her memory continues her legacy of helping others.
Ryan Daly is the first recipient of the JJ’s Automotive Memorial Scholarship. He is enrolled in the automotive technology program to prepare for a career in the automotive field.
“I am greatly appreciative of being the first recipient of this great scholarship,” Daly shared. “I chose this field because it’s getting harder to find someone reliable and with the knowledge to fix today’s vehicles. The automotive industry has excelled so far, it’s hard for people to fix their own vehicles. I have been a public service provider since graduating high school, from the military to fire and EMS, I have always been there for the public, this time in a different role. My plans after graduation are to find a reputable shop to gain experience, and hopefully start a 24/7 mobile service.”
The JJ’s Automotive Memorial Scholarship was established to support Kirtland Community College students enrolled in the automotive program. John Jones (JJ) was a father, veteran, community servant, and small automotive business owner in Grayling, Michigan. His involvement in the automotive industry began in Flint, Michigan and quickly provided an opportunity to move his family to Grayling, Michigan, where he lived and worked in the automotive industry. Automotive technology education provides individuals with the technical skills and problem-solving mindset required for a rapidly evolving industry, and by expanding access to the opportunities of an automotive technology degree, individuals are empowered to build meaningful careers in our community.
Courtney FitzGerald is the first recipient of the Otsego County Shop With A Cop Scholarship. She is enrolled in the Police Academy at Kirtland Community College, with plans to build a career in public service.
“This scholarship helps me get one step closer to becoming a Road Deputy/Animal Control Officer with Emmet County Sheriff Department and live out my goals of being a Law Enforcement Officer,” FitzGerald shared. “I plan to work very hard through this academy and graduate in December 2026. It means a lot to me to have gotten this scholarship. I struggled financially back when I first tried to go through the academy back in 2016 and to have more options and help than I did back then means a lot.”
The Otsego County Shop With A Cop Scholarship was established to assist Kirtland Community College students pursuing a career in public service, such as law enforcement, criminal justice and health sciences.
“We have always been about making a positive difference in the lives of young people in Otsego County,” shared Doug Hempenstall, Vice President on the Board of Directors for Otsego County Shop with a Cop. “Providing a scholarship to Kirtland Community College allows us to continue that mission by helping local students pursue higher education, prepare for a career, and build a successful future in our community.”
Hannah Allen is the first recipient of the Walt, Carol, and Tim Lawrence Endowed Scholarship. She is enrolled in the cosmetology program to become a licensed esthetician.
“I am beyond honored to not have only been the one to receive this scholarship, but also to have been the first recipient,” Allen shared. “The Walt, Carol, and Tim Lawrence Scholarship helped me greatly in paying for my education and I am very grateful. Becoming an esthetician has always been something I have been interested in. I struggled with acne and skin problems as a young teenager and it sparked my curiosity about skincare and inspired me to look into this career path. I am so excited to start my journey becoming an esthetician at Kirtland Community College this fall. After graduating, I would love to be able to open my own small spa where I can practice what I have learned in school to help other people and do what I have always had a passion for.”
The Walt, Carol, and Tim Lawrence Endowed Scholarship was established to assist Kirtland Community College students, with preference given to Lake City students. Walt, Carol, and Tim Lawrence are from Owosso, Michigan but loved their visits to Northern Michigan. They were especially fond of their visits to Lake City to visit relatives and they subsequently purchased a vacation home there. Walt in retail sales and Carol taught and retired from the role as a Special Education teacher. Both Walt and Carol believed in the advantages of education and living within one's needs. Walt and Carol would be keen to help someone along in their studies and hopefully see them make ends meet.
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of Kirtland students, please reach out to the Kirtland Foundation at foundation@kirtland.edu or 989-275-5000 ext.446.
About Kirtland Community College
Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000.
Katie Pfeiffer is the first recipient of the Karen Pruitt Memorial Scholarship. She is a nursing student currently going for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Kirtland Community College and Saginaw Valley State University through the ADN-BSN 3+1 program.“Being selected as the very first recipient of the Karen Pruitt Memorial Scholarship is an incredible honor,” shared Pfeiffer. “Scholarships have made it possible for me to continue my education and be able to achieve my dreams. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of those who invest in students like me. This scholarship is more than financial assistance, it is encouragement and validation. Through this scholarship I am reminded that others believe in my future too. I am incredibly thankful to the Karen Pruitt family and the Kirtland Foundation for this opportunity. Scholarships are the only reason I am able to have goals and dreams of becoming a CRNA. I hope to honor this scholarship by continuing to work hard and care for others. I would love to one day give back to future students the way others have so generously given to me.”The Karen Pruitt Memorial Scholarship was established to support Kirtland students in any program. Community college is affordable, but everyone can use some assistance in paying for their education. Karen was one of those individuals who had a big heart, helped everyone, and always had a smile to share, and a scholarship in her memory continues her legacy of helping others.
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