Meet the Recipients
Reece DeRose
2025 Reece is a Pre-Med student at Michigan State University pursuing her undergraduate degree in human biology. In alignment with her degree Reece spends her time gaining professional experience through clinical hours, volunteer work, and research. Outside of schoolwork Reece is trying to get the most out of her time at Michigan State by having fun and going to as many football and basketball games as possible.
"The JAFTICA scholarship has helped me out so much through this time. College is expensive and with the financial support some of that stress can be minimized. I can put more of my energy into my schooling and personal well being rather than worrying about how I'm going to afford school. I am also so appreciative of foundation for believing in me and my journey to becoming a surgeon!" - Reece DeRose
Zac Vickers
2023Zac is a senior at Kettering University majoring in Robotic Systems Engineering. At Kettering he has had the ability to participate in their co-op program where he is able to get professional experience as a controls engineer along with his other job at the university's 'Makerspace'. Zac has made the most out of his time at Kettering by participating in Greek life (Sigma Chi), Collegiate E-Sports, EV karts racing team, studying abroad, and starting his own company.
"All of these accomplishments are because of the JAFTICA scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to attend Kettering and was the make-or-break for me to attend. Kettering University is a VERY expensive private school, and I had to work very hard in high school to apply for scholarships to cover its lofty tuition. The people at JAFTICA and their generosity with this scholarship have been very supportive throughout my schooling so far, offering academic help and checking in on how I'm doing consistently throughout the years. I love saying that the JAFTICA scholarship has been the difference between me eating cheap ramen every night and being able to go out to eat with my friends. Without it I'm not going to places like Colorado, Utah, Ohio, and on my trip to Europe, to further my educational success and leadership skills. It has taken a lot of hard work on my end to accomplish all of this in just under 3 years, but I would've never been able to write any of this if it weren't for JAFTICA calling my name out on that stage. I am truly forever grateful to be a part of this, and I look forward to continuing to support them in the future." - Zac Vickers
Avery Schuen
2022Avery is a 4th year student at Grand Valley State University studying manufacturing engineering. She is on her third rotation working at a precision manufacturing plant. In her free time she is a part of the FANGV Robotics team and the president of the FISRT Alumni group on campus.
"I am so grateful to the JAFTICA Foundation for supporting me throughout my education. Their help has allowed me to focus on my schoolwork and extracurriculars which mean a lot to me. Thank you JAFTICA!" - Avery Schuen