Char-Em United Way and Bank of Northern Michigan Team Up to Offer Student Volunteer Award

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Char-Em United Way and Bank of Northern Michigan Team Up to Offer Student Volunteer Award

The Bank of Northern Michigan is proud to co-sponsor a statewide youth volunteer recognition program with Char-Em United Way. Jordan Dutcher and Kathy Erber from the Bank of Northern Michigan meet with Sarah Cleary and Savanah Zednicek of Char-Em United Way to present the financial contribution.

Thanks to a financial scholarship from the Bank of Northern Michigan, high school students in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties have the chance to receive the Michigan Student Service Award. Char-Em United Way is offering the statewide recognition to all participating high school students who volunteer a significant number of hours to benefit their communities. Students will be awarded with a certificate of achievement as well as a medallion to be worn at graduation ceremonies.

“The Bank of Northern Michigan is proud to sponsor the Michigan Student Service Award. Our entire team believes in supporting local community projects. It is the spirit of volunteerism that helps to make this naturally beautiful region a wonderful place to live, work and play. It is especially important for the community to recognize our young volunteers for it is the youth of today that will grow to be our leaders of tomorrow,” stated Jordan Dutcher, head of the Charitable Giving committee at the Bank of Northern Michigan.

The Volunteer Centers of Michigan launched the Michigan Student Service Award and as a volunteer center of that network, Char-Em United Way will sponsor the program in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. By partnering with high school counselors and students, Char-Em United Way will serve as the coordinator and contact point for all program activities.

“We’re so excited to offer this award in our community. Part of United Way’s efforts is promoting volunteerism and this program is a perfect way to give youth a chance to get involved and make a difference for the better. The MSSA is quite a prestigious award and I know there are some outstanding students in our area that will be able to achieve it,” said Sarah Cleary, VCM AmeriCorps VISTA at Char-Em United Way.

The award program will start this summer. During the first year of implementation seniors will be required to complete 100 hours, each year thereafter the hours would increase in 100 hour increments until reaching the 400 hour mark. High schools participating in the program during the first year are Alanson, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Harbor Springs, Pellston, and Petoskey.

Students can log on to Char-Em United Way’s Volunteer Connections website to find volunteer opportunities that fit their skills and interests at: http://tinyurl.com/volunteerconnections.

Any schools in the Char-Em ISD interested in participating in the program can contact Char-Em United Way at 487-1006 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . More information is available at www.charemunitedway.org.

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