Carolynn Cosan Memorial Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

Carolynn Cosan was a guiding light and a trusted friend whose compassion and leadership left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. She consistently put others first—caring for teammates and peers before herself—and lived with a firm sense of kindness, respect, and responsibility. Her devotion to people gave her the conviction to stand up for what she believed to be right. Carolynn earned recognition as the first female senior from Mt. Pleasant High School to receive a combined academic and athletic scholarship to play Division II soccer. Tragically, she was killed in an automobile accident two weeks before her high school graduation. Though her time was brief, Carolynn’s presence shone intensely and left an enduring impression on her community.

Carolynn led a richly varied life. She was a Girl Scout and a Police Academy Youth Services Cadet; she played varsity soccer for four years and served as team captain in her senior year. She competed in track and cross country, participated in gymnastics and softball, and took part in freestyle snowboard competitions. Carolynn belonged to the National Wild Turkey Federation and competed as an AKC junior dog handler. She coached a children’s soccer team in Mt. Pleasant, became a certified snowboard instructor through the Professional Snowboarding Instructors of America, and earned soccer referee certification from both the Michigan Youth Soccer Association and the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

In honor of Carolynn’s memory, a scholarship has been established to be awarded annually to a graduating senior female from an Isabella County high school. Recipients will be students who have participated in varsity or club athletics, served as a referee, coached or taught a sport, or been a member of Girl Scouts USA. Applicants should reflect the traits Carolynn embodied: a positive attitude, leadership both on and off the field, a strong work ethic, commitment to their team, and respect for rules and the rights of others. The Cosan family hopes scholarship recipients will follow Carolynn’s example by contributing to their communities and bringing warmth and help to others—much like the lingering dust from a comet that brightens the sky.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicant must be a female graduating senior from a high school in Isabella County.
- Applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
- Applicant must be planning to enroll at an accredited college or university.
- Applicant must have been involved in one or more of the following: varsity sport, club sport, served as a referee, coached or taught a sport, or been a member of Girl Scouts USA.

Scholarship Selection Preferences:
- Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a positive attitude and leadership on and off the field, classroom, or club. The applicant’s essay should describe these qualities and be reinforced by recommendations from teachers, mentors, Scout leaders, or coaches.
- Strong commitment to community service and volunteer work will be favorably considered.
- Applicants should explain how participation in sports or Girl Scouts has shaped them and the skills they gained that will help them be outstanding community members.
- Special consideration will be given to applicants planning to attend Northern Michigan University.
- Financial need may be taken into account as a preference among eligible candidates, but it is not a required factor.