How many and what kind of scholarships will be awarded and
from whom?
Holiday Extravaganza announces four one-time, $5,000 Making a Difference
Scholarships presented by the Fran & Russ Anderson Family Legacy Fund. One
of these scholarships will be awarded to a qualified 12th grader,
graduating high school in 2027, who resides in Auburn Hills; the second
who resides in Pontiac; the third who resides in Waterford; and the
fourth who resides in White Lake.
Each of these scholarship recipients must also represent his/her
respective community as a Junior Grand Marshall for the Holiday Extravaganza
Parade in downtown Pontiac on Saturday, December 5, 2026, following the awards
ceremony.
Who Can Apply and How?
To qualify for the Fran & Russ Anderson Family Legacy Fund Making a
Difference Scholarship, an individual must be a 12th grader,
graduating high school in 2027 and who resides in one of the
following communities: City of Auburn Hills, City of Pontiac, Waterford
Township, or White Lake Township;
If he/she is awarded the scholarship, MUST be present and
available for both Holiday Extravaganza events, including
the Scholarship/Jr. Grand Marshal Ceremony and Parade, on Saturday,
December 5, 2026.
Submit application and 500 word or less essay no later than 12:00 p.m. on
Monday, November 2, 2026. Essay must be in the applicant’s own words on
what the applicant has done personally, “to make a difference in
his/her local community”;
Attached online to the application in a pdf format or send application and essay to 248-421-7198 as a
photo.
How are the Recipients Selected?
Officials from Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake will
1.) evaluate essays that 12th grader students from their
respective communities submit on or before the due date, and
2.) select their community’s scholarship recipient, based solely
on the quality of his/her essay. The essays will be submitted as
anonymous entries to the officials, whose decision is final.
When is the Scholarship Awarded?
The Fran & Russ Anderson Family Legacy Fund Making a Difference
Scholarships will be awarded during a program that will be held at 8:30
a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The parade will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Scholarship recipients must be present at both events.
When is the Scholarship Paid and to Whom?
The proceeds of the Fran & Russ Anderson Family Legacy Fund Making a
Difference Scholarships will be paid directly to the recipients’ educational
institutions, no sooner than the start of their fall term, after Holiday
Extravaganza has determined that the recipients are enrolled.
Questions?
Questions should be directed to
Linda Zabik, (248) 421-7198, or lindazabik@gmail.com
