Cooper Wobio graduated with the Class of 2021 from Heritage High School. He began taking classes toward a degree in Welding Technology at Delta College. He worked at Tropical Smoothie Cafe for 2-1/2 years.

In February 2021, Cooper was diagnosed with a brain tumor. While receiving treatment at Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Cooper never gave up. He and his parents traveled back and forth for surgeries, radiation treatments, immunotherapy treatments, MRIs, appointments, and emergency in-patient care numerous times over a period of 13 months.

Cooper loved playing hockey. He started out playing house league hockey at four-years-old. He played travel hockey for the ‘03 Saginaw Jr. Spirit and ‘03 Flint Jr. Firebirds. He played two years of prep hockey and two years of varsity hockey at Heritage High School. He also played in a men’s league at the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena with the Young Guns team. Cooper, along with his brother and friends, loved “Stick and Puck” at the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena and skating on frozen ponds in the winter.

Cooper was silly and had a contagious laugh. He enjoyed playing tricks on his friends. He played video games with his friends, and spent a lot of time with his girlfriend. Cooper took pride in his black Chevrolet Impala. When he wasn’t on the ice, he liked rollerblading in Midland with his buddies on the weekends. He enjoyed family vacations and hockey weekends.

Anyone who knew Cooper, knows he would never give up. Even when the odds were against him, he kept going because it was the only way for him. Cooper is an inspiration to many people in our community.

On March 3, 2022, Cooper lost his battle with brain cancer at the young age of 18. He was strong up until the very end.

Honoring Cooper’s strength and determination, Cooper’s parents, Jason and Krista, and Cooper’s brother Brett, established this scholarship with the help of the Saginaw Heritage Hawks Varsity Hockey Team and the community.

Cooper’s message to you is … NEVER GIVE UP!