Carolynn Cosan Memorial Scholarship Fund

Carolynn Cosan was an inspiration and a mentor to her friends. Carolynn touched the lives of so many and was loved by all. She demonstrated kindness, respect, and responsibility throughout her life by taking care of the needs of her teammates and friends before considering her own well-being. Her love and deep affection for others also helped her develop the confidence and courage to make right that what she felt was wrong. She worked hard for and was honored as the first-ever female Mt. Pleasant High School senior to receive a combined academic and athletic scholarship to play Division II soccer. However, she died in a tragic car accident two weeks prior to high school graduation. Carolynn’s short life was like a comet, burning brightly through our lives and leaving impressions upon us all.

Carolynn’s life was full; she was a Girl Scout, a Police Academy Youth Services Cadet, she played varsity soccer for four years, ran track and cross country, participated in gymnastics, softball, and freestyle snowboard competitions. Carolynn was also a member of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, and competed as an AKC junior dog handler. Carolynn demonstrated her charismatic leadership abilities as captain of the soccer team her senior year, and coached a children’s soccer team for Mt. Pleasant. She also became a certified snowboard instructor through the Professional Snowboarding Instructors of America, and was successfully certified as a soccer referee with both the Michigan Youth Soccer Association and the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

The scholarship created in Carolynn’s memory will be awarded each year to a graduating senior female from an Isabella County High School who has participated in a varsity sport, club sport, refereed, coached, or taught a sport, or was a member of the Girl Scouts. Candidates for the Carolynn Cosan Memorial Scholarship will demonstrate that they have a positive attitude and leadership skills on and off the field, have developed a responsible work ethic, commitment to the team, and respect for rules and the rights of others. It is the Cosan family’s desire that individuals who are awarded this scholarship will strive to become valuable citizens of their community by contributing to the welfare of those in need, and brighten the lives of those who they touch, like the dust that was emitted from Carolynn’s comet.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

• Student shall be a graduating senior female from an Isabella County High School;
• Student shall demonstrate academic ability with a minimum 2.5 grade point average;
• Student will attend an accredited college or university; and
• Student must have participated in a varsity sport, club sport, refereed, coached, or taught a sport, or been a member of Girl Scouts USA.

Scholarship Preferences:

In selecting the most qualified applicant to receive the scholarship, reviewers will give preference to the following:

• Student demonstrates a positive attitude and leadership skills on and off the field, in the classroom or club. This demonstration shall be described by the applicant in her essay and supported by recommendations from instructor(s), mentors, Scout Leaders or coach(s).
• Student has shown a strong commitment to community and volunteerism.
• Applicants should describe how they feel their participation in sports or Girl Scouts has helped them become who they are and what skills they have learned that will enable them to become an outstanding community member.
• Student plans to attend Northern Michigan University.
• In the selection process, financial need may be considered in giving a preference to an eligible applicant, but is not mandatory.