CEH Awards

Congratulations to the following recipients of the Counseling, Educational Leadership and Higher Education scholarships! 

Doris Anderson Moore Endowed Scholarship

Brook McLaren, Counseling

My name is Brook McLaren, and I am in the CMU counseling program. I reside in Northwestern Michigan, about 40 minutes south of Traverse City. I am in my final year of the counseling program and will graduate in the spring of 2025. Inspiration for pursuing a counseling degree comes from my experience living in a rural area and seeing the disparities present in my community when it comes to access to mental healthcare. I plan to graduate and continue to serve my community, advocating for improved resources to support the unique community I am a part of. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, cooking, and spending time outdoors.  

Jena Wazny, Counseling

Throughout my journey toward becoming a school counselor, I have learned critical skills that will help me become a competent and ethical counselor. My Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Youth Studies) from CMU, practicum at Vowles Elementary School, and internship at Shepherd Middle School have all helped me explore my passion for working with children and adolescents. CMU has provided me with several opportunities to engage with the campus community, such as serving as a graduate assistant at the CMU Student Food Pantry, playing the alto saxophone in the Chippewa Marching Band, and playing the tenor saxophone in CMU's Sixth Man Band. Also, I am a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, which is an international music fraternity for collegiate women. I am grateful to have received this scholarship, and I am ready to embrace my last year at CMU.

Nicholas Goike, Counseling

I am in my final year of the Counseling program, working towards the School concentration, and I’m excited to graduate in May. I live in Mt. Pleasant with my wife, and we welcomed our first child into our family last summer. I’ve lived in Mt. Pleasant for the past 15 years and graduated from CMU with my undergrad degree 11 years ago. Throughout my time in Mt. Pleasant, I’ve worked with several local nonprofits, focusing on supporting children and families in need. I completed my practicum experience at Mt. Pleasant High School during the spring semester, working with a school counselor. I am building on that experience, as I am currently completing my internship at the same High School, continuing to support students in need. When I graduate in May, I plan to continue working in this community, supporting students and families in need. 

---

George C. Comden Endowed Scholarship

LaVonte Heard, Educational Leadership

LaVonté L. Heard is a graduate of The Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio (USA), where he graduated with a degree in Vocal Performance. He began graduate work at Louisiana State University in Opera Performance. Mr. Heard is also a graduate of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI, where he received a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership.  Mr. Heard is a 2023 University of Michigan- Ann Arbor graduate with a master's Degree in Choral Music Education. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Central Michigan University. 

---

Harry J. Brunet Specialist in Education

Chrissandra Padilla, Educational Leadership

I am a proud first-generation college student and graduate of the University of Michigan, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. I am now completing my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in Supervision, with plans to pursue an Education Specialist degree as well. Currently, I serve as the Early Childhood Director in a public school district, a role that allows me to live out my passion for supporting young learners, their families, and the educators who guide them. My journey is fueled by the belief that strong foundations in early education create lifelong opportunities for success. 

---

Sharon Tilman Scholarship for Future Counselors

Sherita Johnson, Counseling