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SSI Alum Earns College Scholarship In National Competition

SSI alum Chase Hulderman (center) in the 
Michigan House chambers with Reps. Fulton Sheen, left, and Rep. John Stakoe.

SSI alum Chase Hulderman (center) in the Michigan House chambers with Rep. Fulton Sheen, left, and Rep. John Stakoe.

SSI alum Chase Hulderman is one of 20 students in the nation receiving a 2005 Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship. The prestigious award is given annually to high school seniors wishing to pursue a career in public service.

Hulderman, winner of a $1,000 scholarship, is the only recipient from Michigan this year.

The Clarkston teen currently works as a legislative aide for State Representative Fulton Sheen where he answers constituent inquiries.

"Chase is a dedicated scholar with a firm commitment to helping others," said Sheen, R-Plainwell. "He has served with distinction in my office. Chase is an outstanding young man."

Kendall Wingrove, manager of internal communications for the Michigan House Republican Communications Services Department, met Chase at a 2004 SSI event and was impressed with his writing ability and intellectual curiosity. A few weeks later he began an internship with the House GOP office and Rep. Sheen.

"He consistently displays a hunger to learn more," Wingrove said. "Chase is very interested in the world around him."

Working in state government has been a positive experience for the SSI veteran.

"I am surrounded by some of the smartest, most articulate, and creative individuals in this state and am continually presented with the profound opportunity for improvement," said Hulderman, who will begin his studies at Calvin College later this year.

Since 1969, the Washington Crossing Foundation has awarded more than $800,000 to help students who are planning a career in government service and show particular interest in moral courage, character and duty to state and country. The organization, based in Bristol, Pennsylvania, seeks to perpetuate dedication to service of our nation as exemplified by General George Washington's heroic crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776.