The Polish American Congress, Michigan Division, proudly awarded the 2024 scholarships during a ceremony on Thursday, August 14, at the Polish Village Cafe in Hamtramck.
This year’s Scholarship recipients are:
Gabriela Andrzejewski, a student at Central Michigan University-College of Medicine, has been awarded the PAC scholarship. With a remarkable GPA of 3.87, she is dedicated to her studies in the field of Medicine. The scholarship will allow Gabriela to fully focus on her academic pursuits, as her school’s medical committee advises against working while studying. This financial support is a significant boost to her academic journey and will undoubtedly contribute to her future success. Her achievements and dedication are truly commendable and we are proud to celebrate her success.
Despite her heavy school load, Gabriela’s commitment to her studies and community involvement is truly inspiring. Fluent in Polish, she serves as a translator for court cases, medical offices, and child development visits. She actively participates in the annual World Children’s Book event at CMU, reading Polish children’s books and encouraging others to learn the language. She was a founding member of the CMU Club Tennis and remains active. Her roles as the Secretary and Risk Management officer of Phi Delta Epsilon, volunteer at the My Michigan Medical Center, co-leader of Movement in Medicine, volunteer at the Humane Animal Treatment Society, and involvement in many more organizations all reflect her dedication to her mission as a future physician and her commitment to equal opportunity for all.
Gabriela continues to be involved within the Polish community and shows her passion for providing service and supporting her culture. Gabriela is receiving the Dr. Stanley A. Ozog Grant.
Magdalena Gregorek-Berisha, a direct-admit Nursing student at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, is deeply rooted in the Polish Community. As a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan, she has a rich history of involvement in various Polish traditions and events. From Festivals to Christmas Bazaars, Magdalena’s active participation is a testament to her commitment to preserving and promoting her Polish heritage.
Magdalena is the Granddaughter of Polish immigrants and grew up helping them transition to life in the United States. However, this was a challenging situation for her as both her Grandparents were deaf and only spoke Polish. As they aged, her Dzadzia developed throat cancer.
Magdalena assisted as his primary caregiver while her mother worked and helped with all aspects of his care. As a result, Magdalena decided to become a Nurse and continue caring for people.
Magdalena states that this scholarship will greatly aid her in accomplishing her dreams. She will receive the Frank and Sophia Filipek Grant.
Victoria Jedruszko will attend Wayne State University, has a GPA of 3.53, and is majoring in Marketing and Global Supply Chain Management. The PAC scholarship will offer her financial aid, which will help her continue and further her studies.
She is a member of PNA and the Polanie Song and Dance Ensemble. She volunteers in the fundraisers sponsored by the Dance Ensemble and participates in the events held by PNA District 10. She is active in the Polish community and participates in the PNA Summer Youth courses, Detroit Tigers Polish American Night, International Dance Festivals, Masses, and parades.
Victoria also gives some of her time to the Fleece and Thank You organization, where she packs blankets for children who are in hospitals, and to the Wayne State Supply Chain Club, where she makes blankets for dogs and cats at the Michigan Humane Society. Victoria will be receiving the Jozef and Regina Marciniec Grant.
Lukasz Strzelczyk will be a senior at Michigan State University. His GPA is 3.425, and he majors in accounting. The PAC scholarship will assist Lukasz in paying for his last year of college so that he can graduate in a timely manner.
Lukasz volunteers at the Greater Lansing Food Bank, passing out food to the less fortunate, is the President of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, which organizes various events of “giving back,” and assists the Great Orchestra of Christmas Christy Foundation at their annual events.
Lukasz danced with the Dunajec Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble from 2008 to 2015 and continues to preserve the traditions, memories, and language of his ancestors. He will receive the Michael and Helena Bednarczyk Grant.
Olivia Westphal will be a senior at the University of Detroit Mercy, majoring in Nursing. Her GPA is 3.78. The PAC scholarship awarded to Olivia will help her financially as she completes the last year of her collegiate journey.
Olivia is a ten-year member of the PRCUA Polish dance schools. She is a dancer with Zakopane Dance Ensemble, which calls Warren, Michigan their home. Through her dancing, Olivia realizes the value of promoting her Polish heritage. In 2018 Olivia was blessed with the opportunity to perform in the Children’s Folk Dance Festival in lwonicz, Poland. Along with this, Olivia is also a proud member of the University of Detroit Mercy Dance Team, a Dean’s Scholar Award recipient, a member of the University of Detroit Mercy Student Nurses Association, and a recent inductee into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society.
Olivia can frequently be found at either St. Hyacinth or St. Albertus Catholic Churches, where she can be seen helping out wherever she is needed. Olivia will be receiving the John and Victoria Kushel Grant.
Abigail F. Wrzesinski will be a senior at Oakland University. She has a GPA of 3.23 and is majoring in Sociology with the intention of attending Law School. The PAC scholarship will help reduce Abigail’s stress resulting from a full and demanding class load and very limited time to work. Abigail is unable to financially cover her tuition, books, and gas money, so this award will help immensely.
Abigail is a member of PRCUA and PNA. Through her years of dancing with the PRCUA Opole Dance Ensemble, she saw the importance of sharing her Polish culture and traditions with others through her performances and participation in festivals and Polish events in the community. Abigail has also been involved with the American Cancer ({Relay for Life” and the Anchor Bay-Bay Rama ({Art on the Bay” Committee. She will be receiving the Czechowski Grant.
