The Sanilac County Community Foundation is pleased to announce Kate Hartman, Claire Jensen, Brooklyn Murray, Emma Noll and Samantha Tunich as the 2025 recipients of the Walls / Flannigan Scholarship.
Kate Hartman, daughter of Lou and Stacie Hartman, graduated from Croswell-Lexington High School. During high school, she was involved in 4-H, FFA, and received her welding certification. Kate is attending Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming studying Natural Resource Management.
Claire Jensen, daughter of Scott and Michelle Jensen, is a graduate of Croswell-Lexington High School. During high school, she was actively involved in band, serving as Drum Major and first chair tuba. Claire is attending Michigan Technological University majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Brooklyn Murray, oldest daughter of Lucas Robbins and Jaqueline Murray, graduated from Croswell-Lexington High School as a Senior Scholar. In high school, she was involved in Student Council and National Honor Society, holding leadership positions in both clubs for two years, and completing over 100 volunteer hours. She also dedicates her time to volunteering at the Sanilac County Humane Society and encourages others to get involved, sharing that they have many adorable dogs and cats in need of loving homes. She is attending Michigan State University, where she is majoring in Human Biology on a Pre-PA pathway.
Emma Noll, daughter of Mark and Brandy Noll, is a graduate of Croswell-Lexington High School. Emma grew up in Croswell on her family’s dairy farm alongside her brothers and cousins. During high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in both basketball and volleyball. Emma is attending Michigan State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness with a minor in Finance.
Samantha Tunich, daughter of Todd and Amy Tunich, graduated from Croswell-Lexington High School. During high school, she played volleyball and softball. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the Executive Board for her senior class, regularly volunteering at parades, concessions, and school dances. Samantha is attending St. Clair County Community College pursuing a degree in nursing.
The Walls/Flannigan Scholarship was established by Jane Walls and her husband, William “Dixie” Flannigan, who both felt a strong commitment to higher education. Jane’s college education was first interrupted by WWII, and then by marriage and a family. When she was suddenly widowed at age 44, she realized that the field of education would provide her, her two sons, and their family farm with both security and vocation. She returned to college, graduating with her bachelor’s degree and later completing her master’s degree in teaching. Mrs. Walls was a dedicated teacher at Croswell-Lexington schools for over 20 years and regarded the teaching of first graders to read as one of her greatest accomplishments. William Flannigan went into the carpentry business, building many homes in the Croswell-Lexington area. He believed that hard work would not only put calluses on your hands, but build integrity and character. It was Jane and Dixie’s hope that their ideals would continue with this scholarship and that it would ease the financial burden and provide opportunities that they themselves were not afforded. The scholarship is available to Croswell-Lexington High School seniors who are in the top 30% of their class and active in their community.
This scholarship is administered through the Sanilac County Community Foundation (SCCF). For more information on scholarship opportunities, visit www.SanilacFoundation.org or contact the Community Foundation office at 810-648-3634.
