06/26/2025
Please help us congratulate our 2025 Mike Smith Athletic Foundation Winners -- They each received $500 to further their education after graduation!
From L to R, Dylan Sharp, Aaron Czewski, Gianna Edgerly & Allison Metzger
“As I prepare for the next step in my academic journey, I am eager to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering to work towards developing innovative designs that improve people’s lives. One of my future goals is to work on development projects that make the world more accessible for people with disabilities. Having two brothers with disabilities, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that individuals with disabilities face in everyday life, from inaccessible restrooms, playgrounds without adaptive equipment, and family outings made impossible by a lack of accommodation. I don’t want other families to have to experience this, which is why I am committed to using my skills as an engineer to design solutions that improve accessibility and inclusivity. Further education in mechanical engineering will equip me with the skills needed to create assistive technologies, adaptive infrastructure, and inclusive product design. I am determined to use my skills to create solutions that empower individuals like my brothers. “
– Dylan Sharp
“Throughout my life when I played sports I never wanted to be “one with the crowd”. I always wanted to step up and be a leader. I’ve always wanted to be the guy my teammates rely on and lead by example to show others how to play the right way. Sports have impacted my life significantly because it has changed my behavior in life. I have learned to focus on good sleep, nutrition, training and work ethic. Being a part of football, wrestling, and baseball has challenged me to become the best athlete I can in the 4 years I have. After I graduate, I plan to go to college in Michigan, preferably near home (Lansing). Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are the majors that intrigue me the most right now, because of the presence of calculus and physics in them.”
-Aaron Czewski
“I plan to pursue Biology in college because it will give me a good starting point when I begin to apply for medical school. I know that I want to major in biology because, in my sophomore year of high school, I took AP Biology. I thought that class was so interesting, and I want to deepen my knowledge. My teacher helped me gain a love for biology because she had such a passion that it was contagious, she wanted to make a difference in our lives, and she inspired me to try and make a difference in someone else's. I am an assistant teacher at my dance studio and I take that job very seriously because the kids that I teach see me as a role model.”
-Gianna Edgerly
“Professionally, I aspire to become a pediatric nurse, merging my love for children with my desire to make a difference in the healthcare field. A nursing degree is essential for both my career aspirations and providing a secure, happy life for my future family. It’s not just a professional goal but a personal journey toward building a life of care, compassion, and purpose. My experience at Holt High School has been pivotal in shaping who I am today— a leader. The teachers and staff at Holt High School instilled a culture of inclusivity and encouragement that inspired me to step into leadership roles and embrace helping others.”
– Allison Metzger
