Recipients of Founders’ Scholarship Anticipate Life at Trinity

Michael Kunnen of Comstock Park, Michigan, and Kathryn Woodside of Kearney, Nebraska, are the recipients of the 2011 Trinity Christian College Founders’ Scholarship.

The Founders’ Scholarship is a renewable, full-tuition award available annually to two incoming freshmen. Applicants must rank in the top five percent of their graduating class or achieve a 3.8 grade-point average; score a minimum of 30 on the ACT or 1320 on the SAT; exhibit leadership in their church, school, or community; and display evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ.

KunnenMichael Kunnen

Kunnen, who attended Calvin Christian High School in Grandville, Michigan, said that when he received the news that he had been chosen as a Founders’ recipient, he was certain that God wanted him to attend Trinity.

“I had constantly been praying, asking God to show me where he wanted me to attend college next fall, and immediately after hearing the good news, I thanked him for revealing his intent for the next big portion of my life,” he said.

Kunnen is considering a career in health and recently took part in an internship program at the Grand Rapids Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital that allows students to experience a variety of healthcare professions. He said he intends to “pray fervently and explore my interests at Trinity, knowing that God will lead me to the path he wishes me to take.”

Kunnen has been involved in a variety of activities, including his church youth group, Bible study, and Calvin Christian’s soccer team. “Soccer has always been a big part of my life,” said Kunnen, a four-year member of his high school team.

As he prepares for Trinity this fall, Kunnen is most looking forward to meeting people. “I am eager to make many new friends and branch out into areas of learning I haven’t studied yet,” said Kunnen. “Trinity provides a close-knit, welcoming community that is friendly and accepting, and I admire the College’s emphasis on Christian learning.”

WoodsideKathryn Woodside

Woodside, who attended Kearney High School in Kearney, Nebraska, plans to double major in special education and elementary education at Trinity.

She has been active in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); the University of Nebraska at Omaha Honor Orchestra; her youth group at Kearney Evangelical Free Church; the high school yearbook; and various leadership opportunities.

Woodside said she believes that Trinity will provide a place of academic excellence but also a place for her to grow in her faith.

“At Trinity, I can be surrounded by like-minded students and staff who will challenge me to seek Christ and his will for my life and career,” said Woodside. “I don’t want to be taught how to do a job. I want to learn and explore the possible impact I can have on the world, how I can make a difference in whatever I do, and the eternal significance of my future career.”

She believes the on-campus, study abroad, and service opportunities the College offers will give her the chance to reach others for Christ.

“Above all, I want a college that will prepare me for the career to which God has called me. Trinity feeds both the mind and the soul for a complete education, and I feel called to be a part of this community of believers.”