Judge Martone kicked off the presentation of the Scholarships and Courage Trophies with a quick overview of the program.

Dianne Perukel and Michael Prince of the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning presented four $500 Third Place awards to Meghan Covell of Dondero High School, Bryan Baldwin of Marysville High School, Julie Chan of Davidson High School and Stephen Joseph of Dearborn High School.

The $1,000 Second Place award, presented by John McCulloch, the Oakland Country Drain Commissioner, went to Michael Bermudez of Dondero High School. A Dondero high teacher, Dick Rockwell, accepted on Michael’s behalf. Jeff Nellet of USA Today presented the “Courageous Leader”  award to Kristi Grayer of Blissfield High School for her extraordinary work in bringing the program to a whole new level. Ms. Grayer gave a heartfelt acceptance speech, thanking her students for their inspiration and dedication.

Jeff Nellett also presented the $1,000 USA Today Scholarship award to Scott Dunkerley and Peter Steffy of Dondero High School. Beverly Rondeau of New York Life presented the $1,500 First Place award to Kristin Gerhart of Lahser High School, who is a second time winner in the Courageous Persuaders program.