2021 Kuseske Scholarship Recipients Named
In 2010, a scholarship fund was established at OutFront Kalamazoo in honor and memory of longtime educator, Kalamazoo City Commissioner and dedicated LGBTQ+ rights advocate, Terry Kuseske. Terry had worked as a Social Studies teacher for the Dowagiac school system for 33 years and was a genuine and compassionate community advocate and volunteer. The scholarship was created to recognize southwest Michigan students who show leadership on issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual individuals.
Last month, two area high school seniors were awarded this year’s Terry Kuseske LGBTQ+ Youth Scholarship, in the amount of $2,500 each, at the #AlwaysOutFront Awards Ceremony:
Kai Neve-Jones
Loy Norris High School
Kai Neve-Jones from Loy Norrix High School
While at Loy Norris, Kai was the leader of Loy Norrix’ Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA). He will be attending Michigan State University in the fall. Here is a quote from the letter of reference we received on his behalf: “Kai is truly a world-changer. He has changed the lives of so many classmates by living bravely and honestly. He has changed Loy Norrix High School with his vision for the GSA which has grown in size, visibility and impact under his leadership.”
The reference went on to explain that Kai leads with his heart and that his compassion for others is inspiring. He makes every student feel welcome and safe.
Ja’Nya Streeter from Kalamazoo Central High School
Ja’Nya Streeter
Kalamazoo Central High School
Ja’Nya is a member of DECA, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), Kalamazoo Delta Gems, the National Honor Society and Upward Bound at Kalamazoo Central. Ja’Nya will be attending Grand Valley State University in the fall.
Here is an excerpt from her reference letter: “Ja’Nya is a young adult who strives to better herself through her academic studies as well as her personal studies in the areas of fine arts and inclusion. She is compassionate and honest about not only her hopes and dreams but also how to educate those around her.”
In her essay Ja’Nya told us that she hopes to help struggling LGBTQ+ teenagers in varying aspects of their lives.
A new study from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law conducted in collaboration with the Point Foundation, finds that more than a third (35%) of LGBTQ+ adults ages 18 to 40 — about 2.9 million adults — are carrying more than $93.2 billion in federal student loans. Small scholarships, even if they can’t cover the entire cost of tuition, make a difference - especially for LGBTQ+ youth. Contributions to the Terry Kuseske LGBTQ+ Youth Scholarship Fund can be made HERE.
