Sanilac County Community Foundation is pleased to announce, Maegan Lee Drabek is the recipient of the Fred Kalis Athletic Scholarship. Maegan is the daughter of Pete and Heather Drabek. She will be attending Saginaw Valley State University in the fall to study Accounting. Maegan currently works at McDonald’s Food & Family Center in Bad Axe, plays tennis, raises rabbits to show at the Huron Community Fair and serves on the Altar Guild at Our Savior Lutheran Church.
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.
