Kyle Boulier Kyle Boulier of Commerce Township, Michigan begins his freshman year at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Describing his academic interests and plans, Kyle wrote: "In the future I plan to study physical therapy as well as athletic training at Central Michigan University. I plan to get my degree in athletic training so that I can have a good-paying job while I am still studying physical therapy, and then become a physical therapist when I complete my studies. I received All-State honors in the fall for soccer and play for one of the top teams in Michigan. Some of my hobbies include mountain biking, golfing, swimming, triathalons, and running. I am a very outgoing person and I always want to be doing something." Kyle is the son of Janice and Jerry Boulier, the grandson of Ronald Balding, and the great-grandson of Gerard Durand.
Kaylee Thornley Kaylee R. Thornley, a sophomore at Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin, will continue her studies in Sustainable Community Development. Writes Kaylee: "I am also working for a professor as a research assistant on his research in social capital and community assets and amenities...Once I complete my undergraduate degree in 2016, I hope to join the Peace Corps or serve with a non-profit organization. After that time, I plan to pursue master's and doctoral degrees in a field similar to Sustainable Community Development. One day I hope to join a faculty at a university or college so that I will be able to share with the others the many ways we can increase economic, ecological, and social capital to strengthen our communities." Kaylee is the daughter of Sheila (Durand) Thornley and Robert Thornley, and the granddaughter of Joseph Durand.
Zachary Peterson Zachary T. Peterson, from Maple Grove, Minnesota, is a junior at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, with a double major in accounting and organizational management. "I plan to graduate with 150 credits in the spring of 2016 with the ultimate goal of sitting for a CPA exam. I am currently involved in a volunteer income tax program at UM-Duluth to assist lower income taxpayers. One of my goals has been to graduate from college with as little debt as possible. I fully appreciate the value of a good education and understand the importance of managing debt. I have set aside money to help fund my education by working at Menard's and Cabela's and have most recently secured my second full-time summer employment with the Metropolitan Mosquito Contgrol District...Since I was very young, my family has emphasized the importance of pursuing a college education." Zachary is the son of Michael and Lorie A. Peterson, and his great-grandmother is Isabel Mary Durand.
Ryan Derrick Ryan Derrick, the son of Timothy and Dorothy Derrick of Zimmerman, Minnesota, also a freshman, will attend the University of Minnesota with plans to major in mechanical engineering. "I am a hardworking individual who takes pride in his work. I strive to do the best in everything I do. I have shown this by maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school while also being involved in numerous activities: football, basketball, jazz band, and the National Honor Society. I will graduate as early as I can to save on costs. I have already been working towards this by earning college credits throughout high school in such courses as chemistry, biology, English, word processing, and calculus."