Tuesday July 29

Over 21,000 entered to win, winning students highlight the power of FAFSA in unlocking financial aid for college

DETROIT, Mich. — Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II joined the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) today at Wayne State University (WSU) to celebrate 50 Michigan students who were each awarded up to $50,000 through the state’s Ticket to Tuition giveaway. Launched by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and MiLEAP in partnership with MCAN, the initiative awarded forty $10,000 prizes and ten $50,000 prizes to first-time FAFSA filers through a Michigan Education Savings Program account, promoting FAFSA completion, removing financial barriers and putting more students on the path to success. 

“Every student in Michigan deserves a fair shot at success, no matter their background, zip code or income,” said Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II. “Through the Ticket to Tuition giveaway, we awarded nearly $1 million to 50 students from every region of our state. While this funding is truly life-changing for those selected, completing the FAFSA is a win for everyone because it unlocks scholarships that make college more affordable. We will continue making historic investments to make the first two years of community college tuition free and ensure all postsecondary education is more accessible. Let's keep working together to break down barriers and build a stronger Michigan where everyone can build a brighter future.” 

“We launched the Ticket to Tuition giveaway with a clear goal to help more students complete the FAFSA and access the resources they need to pursue college or career training,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “The 50 winners we announced today, and the thousands of other FAFSA filers, now have a head start on their future. College, skilled trades and career training aren’t just for some, they’re for everyone. At MiLEAP, we’ll continue striving to ensure every learner has the support they need to take that next step.” 

Completing the FAFSA unlocks access to a range of federal and state financial aid programs, including federal Pell Grants; the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, which offer recent high school graduates the opportunity to earn a skill certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree at reduced or no-cost tuition; and Michigan Reconnect, which allows adults ages 25 and older to attend their local community college tuition-free.  

By the end of the giveaway entry period in May, approximately 50,000 students had completed the FAFSA, and 21,112 of them entered Ticket to Tuition. 

“Before winning, I knew I wanted to go to college, but I was unsure how I was going to afford it and I didn’t want to take on massive student debt,” said Cadie Benedict, a $50,000 winner attending Michigan State University (MSU) in the fall. “MSU was my dream, but I was leaning toward community college because it would be a lot cheaper and I could live at home to save money. Now, I get to join my sister at my dream school, and I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to pay for it.” 

“I always knew I wanted to go to college, but like everyone else, me and my family were never quite sure how we were going to pay for it all,” said Lukas Gojcaj, a $50,000 winner attending WSU in the fall.

“Now, a big chunk is paid for. The impact of this is not just about me and my future though, it is also about my two brothers and my sister and their futures. I am the oldest and the first to go to college. This award allows my parents to save even more money for my brothers and sister so that they can go to college when the time comes and that is very important. So, this took a lot of pressure off of me and impacted six futures in our family.” 

“The Ticket to Tuition giveaway was an innovative way to spark urgency around FAFSA completion, one of the most important steps a student can take toward accessing college,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director at MCAN. “It proved that when we show up for students with encouragement, clear information and real incentives, they respond with action. We’re incredible proud of these students for taking that first step toward their futures. At MCAN, our mission is to make college a reality for every student in Michigan, especially those who face the highest barriers. This giveaway helped bring that mission to life in a powerful way.” 

“To anyone considering enrolling in college or career training, it’s not too late,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director for Higher Education at MiLEAP. “You can still complete the FAFSA and enroll in classes this fall. Completing the FAFSA continues to be the most important step for students to access critical federal and state financial aid, and the application that now takes less than 15 minutes to complete.” 

MiLEAP urges all eligible Michiganders to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to take full advantage of available programs, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Community College Guarantee, Michigan Reconnect and more.  

The Ticket to Tuition Giveaway builds on the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration’s efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible to help meet the state’s Sixty by 30 goal to have at least 60% of Michiganders with a degree or skills certificate by 2030. Through programs like Michigan Reconnect, Futures for Frontliners, and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, the administration has reduced the cost of college and skills training for hundreds of thousands of residents, helping them pursue high-paying careers. Michigan Reconnect has created a tuition-free path for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders 25 and older to earn an associate’s degree or skills certificate. The Michigan Guarantee ensures every high school graduate can earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate at their local community college. Investments in initiatives like Going Pro support business efforts to upskill employees, retain talent, and expand partnerships with union training facilities. Over the past four years, the administration has helped create more than 22,000 new apprenticeships and proposed historic expansions to Career and Technical Education, as well as registered apprenticeship and readiness programs to open more pathways to opportunity. 

The complete list of Ticket to Tuition winners: 

$50,000 winners: 

Cadie Benedict, Chelsea 

Maya Dakroub, Dearborn 

Lukas Gojcaj, Farmington Hills 

Angel Griffith, Detroit 

Calli Heleski, Riverdale 

Nathan Herbert, Detroit 

Elinor Molesta, Ada 

Tessa Prough, Otsego 

Gavin Willis, Blanchard 

Blake Woodliff, Burton 

$10,000 winners: 

Maya Bingle, Zeeland 

Kazhmier Burns, Monroe 

Ayah Chahine, Dearborn 

Bryan Cortez, Muskegon 

Nicholas Curry, Adrian 

Emily Fuller, Eaton Rapids 

Malakai Gallant, Michigan Center 

Kennedy Glentz, Harbor Springs 

Jackson Hoorn, Belmont 

Tyler Johnson, Otsego 

Giovanni Kadets, Fraser 

Kathryn Kuptz, Davison 

Airyana Lott, Buchanan 

Melaina Magnusson, Spring Arbor 

Ah’ja McCoy, Pontiac 

Esmeralda Mendoza-Segura, Lansing 

Skylar Metro, Almont 

Cecilia Moore, Canton 

Taya Motto-Polaski, Wallace 

Hassan Mustapha, Dearborn 

Maddox Podmokly, Royal Oak 

Connor Riker, Pentwater 

Carson Riopelle, Atlas 

Lamya Robinson, Roseville 

Ryan Rowland, Livonia 

Deanna Ruiz, Saline 

Lauren Skidmore, Dearborn 

Justin Stewart, Wyandotte 

Tasnim Sultana Omi, Warren 

Jayden Swanson, Palmer 

Graceful Tompkins, Interlochen 

Lauren Trader, Albion 

Kathryn Weatherford, Caledonia 

Emma Witbrodt, Frankenmuth 

Nathan Wittbrodt, Hudsonville 

Keren Ventura, Benton Harbor 

Long Vo, Dearborn Heights 

Ariana Wolfe, Farmington 

Elia Yvon, Essexville 

Milton Zhou, Ann Arbor 

-courtesy story

LANSING, Mich. -The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to recommend, in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, and for every person 6 months and older to protect from serious illness.

Recently the Health and Human Service (HHS) director issued guidance to change COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant persons. However, the COVID-19 vaccine remains safe during pregnancy, and vaccination can protect children, women and their infants after birth. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy can reduce the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization for infants by more than half during the first three months of life. 

“There is strong evidence that supports COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and for pediatric patients,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that children under 6 months of age are at the highest risk for hospitalization, and that more than 40% of those hospitalized had no underlying conditions. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to prevent complications of infection. We urge Michigan residents talk to their health care providers about getting vaccinated.”  

MDHHS continually reviews evidence on new and existing vaccines. This evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that vaccines are safe and have saved millions of lives and prevented tens of millions of hospitalizations in the US over the past 30 years.  The 2023–2024 vaccine reduced the risk of COVID-19-associated emergency room and urgent care visits by 65-70% for children in the first two months after vaccination.  

The COVID-19 vaccine was approved following rigorous testing and safety review processes, including clinical trials and review by medical experts. It continues to be tested in large clinical trials to ensure it meets established safety standards. The vaccine also received medical and safety review and authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the CDC director. Following national approval, MDHHS reviews all FDA and CDC recommendations to provide clinical guidance to Michigan providers and the public. 

COVID-19 continues to cause illness, hospitalization and death, and the vaccine continues to be an important tool in preventing severe illness and death. To protect and promote the health and safety of all residents, we encourage everyone to stay up to date on all vaccinations.  

To learn more about COVID-19 and seasonal respiratory illnesses and how to protect yourself, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDFluRSV. 

-courtesy story

LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Lugnuts, High-A affiliate of the Athletics, open a six-game homestand tonight against the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota Twins) at Jackson® Field™.

- 7:05 p.m., Tuesday, July 29: Disability Pride Night / Tacos & Tallboys. The Lugnuts play as the Lansing Locos, with $5 for two tacos / $5 16-oz. tallboys. Plus, the Lugnuts partner with the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) for a night of accessibility and inclusion, with ASL interpreters, a quiet room for those needing a break, a “Get Your Wiggles Out” station for movement and regulation, and booths with disability and advocacy organizations. Gates: 6 p.m.  
Starter: A's No. 11 prospect Steven Echavarria.

- 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 30: Dog Days of Summer / Nuts Day Off Hockey Jersey Giveaway. In addition to the usual Wednesday home game tradition of welcoming dogs into the ballpark, enjoy a matinee in the spirit of a Ferris Bueller ballpark adventure, with the first 1,000 fans receiving a Lansing red and white hockey jersey courtesy of the Michigan Soybean Committee. Gates: 12 noon.
Starter: Ryan Magdic in his Lugnuts debut.

- 7:05 p.m., Thursday, July 31: Coors Light Thirsty Thursday / Hitsville U.S.A. Enjoy $3 drink specials during a special night to celebrate the Motown Story, with themed uniforms and Motown music all night long! Gates: 6 p.m.
Starter: Grant Judkins.

- 7:05 p.m., Friday, August 1: Lawrence Butler Bobblehead Giveaway / Knights of Columbus Night / LAFCU Fireworks. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Lawrence Butler Bobblehead courtesy of Farm Bureau Insurance, with 50 lucky fans receiving a Black Jersey Variant. Enjoy a LAFCU Fireworks Spectacular following the game. Gates: 5:30 p.m.
Starter: A’s No. 29 prospect Tzu-Chen Sha.

- 7:05 p.m., Saturday, August 2: Harry Potter Night / LAFCU Fireworks. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Lugnuts Hogwarts House Hat, presented by Jackson, and the Nuts will wear themed uniforms on a magical night at the ballpark. And at the end of the night, enjoy a LAFCU Fireworks Spectacular! Gates: 5 p.m.
Starter: Corey Avant.

- 1:05 p.m., Sunday, August 3: Capital City Market Kids Day. Every Sunday home game, enjoy balloon-twisting, face-painting, the inflatables and more throughout the game, with Kids Run the Bases after the game followed by free ice cream, music and Big Lug at Capital City Market. Gates: 12 noon.
Starter: Steven Echavarria.

Tickets are available for purchase at the stadium box office, (517) 485-4500 or by clicking here.

=courtesy story