FRED KALIS ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Sanilac County Community Foundation is pleased to announce, Abigail Lorencz is the recipient to receive the Fred Kalis Athletic Scholarship. Abigail is the daughter of Michael and Lynn Lorencz of Owendale. She is attending the University of Michigan in the fall to study Industrial and Operations Engineering with a Minor in Art and Design. During high school Abigail participated in Student Council, National Honors Society, Interact, Theater, School Beautification, Ecology Club, Quiz Bowl, Cross Country and Tennis. Mr. Kalis was always kind and supportive to Abigail, and encouraged her to join tennis once she reached high school age. Outside of school she has volunteered at tennis camp and is the Deputy Clerk of Brookfield Township. Abigail has been accepted into the M-STEM summer program at the University of Michigan. M-STEM Academics spans the first two years and includes a pre-freshman 6-week summer transition program, customized advising, career guidance, learning enrichment activities, and assistance in obtaining a paid professional summer internship or research opportunity.
The Fred Kalis Athletic Scholarship was established in 2014 in his memory. Mr. Kalis was a long-time Thrivent Financial representative in the Bad Axe area, who passed away unexpectedly in 2012. The $500 Fred Kalis Athletic Scholarship will be awarded annually to one Bad Axe High School graduating senior.
“Fred was a strong Christian man who happened to resemble Santa Claus!” shares Bill Sarkella, Kalis’ friend and business partner, and Co-Chairperson of the SCCF. “He was active in the community as a mentor, teacher, youth leader, mayor, and church board member.” Sarkella continues, “He was often referred to as simply “the coach”, because he coached nearly every high school sport in Bad Axe”.
“Fred’s influence extended far beyond the borders of Bad Axe,” reports Sarkella. “With this scholarship, his influence will extend far into the future as well. We are so happy to honor Fred’s memory in this way!”
This scholarship is administered through the Sanilac County Community Foundation (SCCF). For more information on scholarship opportunities through the SCCF, contact Melissa Anderson, Executive Director, at the Foundation office at 810-648-3634.
