Scholarship Recipients

Annually, four graduating seniors are selected by the HEF scholarship committee through a competitive application process to receive a $1,000 scholarship for trade school, college, or university attendance following graduation. The goal of the scholarship is to support students' pursuit of valuable skills and knowledge to enter the workforce.

The selection process includes student applications and input from mentors and educator advocates. The committee reviews not only the remarkable abilities these students demonstrate today but also their potential to make meaningful impacts in the future.

Class of 2026 Scholarship Recipients. We celebrate you.

Evan Andre

Congrats to Evan Andre!

Our first 2026 HEF Scholarship Winner doesn’t need directions for where she’s headed–she can spell it out, sing it out, or share it through her gift of storytelling. 

Evan plans to attend Western Michigan University to pursue bio-medical sciences. 

To those recommending Evan for this award, her powerful talent and presence on stage is equally matched by her heart for service and drive to lift others. From AP scholar to committee leader to community volunteer, she’s dedicated to excellence.

Purpose and perseverance were words chosen to describe her approach to all she does. It was said that Evan will leave this school better than she found it because of her dynamic leadership and the joy she’s brought to every performance and classroom. 
 

Harrison Phillips

Congrats to Harrison Phillips!

Our second 2026 HEF Scholarship Winner shared that his lessons in relational leadership learned through coaches and educators at Hudsonville High School will be applied in his classrooms, and eventually, with his patients. 

Harrison describes education as one of the most fruitful gifts that one can receive, and he looks forward to his pursuit of a pre-med track at the University of Michigan with gratitude and intention. 

Those nominating Harrison noted his generosity and drive. Whether his commitment to baseball and football leadership roles or through his diverse employment experiences and volunteer hours, Harrison is celebrated for his thoughtfulness, determination, and integrity.

Ava Smith Goven

Congrats to Ava Smith Goven!

Whether coaching figure skating, launching a bible study group, playing soccer, or leading by example in the classroom, our third 2026 HEF scholarship winner sees the opportunity to build community through learning opportunities.

Ava is in pursuit of an elementary education major at Hope College beginning this fall. A career path shaped by educators at Hudsonville High School that demonstrated for her the value of giving 110 percent to students.

Those recommending Ava also witnessed this dedication in her. They described her commitment to mastering rigorous AP material, asking thoughtful questions, and treating peers and instructors with unwavering respect as indicative of the values of this scholarship.

Will Zuiderveen

Congrats to Will Zuiderveen!

Our fourth 2026 HEF Scholarship Winner has amassed honors on football and Lacrosse fields, in the classroom, and through volunteering and coaching. 

Will views education as a lifelong pursuit and his leap to Bucknell university to study biology as an important milestone in a constant journey. 

The high standards will sets for himself are recognized by those recommending him for this award. He’s regarded as being hardworking, respectful, and responsible–he holds himself accountable.  One of the ways he holds himself accountable is through his support of other students in class and teammates in football and lacrosse. He’s described as “doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”