“My commitment is to my hometown where I grew up…”
Patrice Freel lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts, but still calls Gaylord “home.” Her mother was a teacher and her father served on the School Board of Gaylord Community Schools for many years. “Our family has always supported the community, especially in education. I wanted to continue my family’s commitment by starting a scholarship fund. The timing was right and the Community Foundation was there to help.” Patrice Freel says that New England reminds her of northern Michigan, and she's happy she can help support her hometown—even from far away.
Thanks to the Freel Family Scholarship Fund of the Otsego Community Foundation, every year, one outstanding senior from Gaylord High School can get a financial boost to go on to college. Last year's recipient, Alaina Hogerheide, was able to further her education in early childhood education at North Central Michigan College. Alaina hopes to use her education to give back by becoming a pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade teacher.
