This scholarship is established in memory of Emily Marie Hahn, who died at age 28 in 2012 from glioblastoma. Emily graduated in 2002 from Heritage High School where she was active in Color Guard, Choir, and Theater. She was selected for the State Honors Choir every year from her sophomore through senior years, was a Michigan Youth Arts Festival participant in Kalamazoo, and was in every musical theater production during her Heritage years. Outside of school, Emily was very active in her church where she was a member of the Handbell and Handchimes Choir, directed the Cherub Choir, was a leader in the Youth Group, and was a requested soloist and ensemble singer at special services (weddings, funerals, Blue Christmas, etc.). She loved all forms of music – listening to it, for sure, but especially singing and playing piano and clarinet.

Although she was definitely academically qualified to attend college, Emily’s post-high school education included PetSmart’s special training program for dog grooming and she completed the massage therapy program at Health Enrichment Center in Lapeer, Mich. and became a nationally board-certified massage therapist.

Emily was a caring, giving daughter, sister, and friend who always thought of others before herself. She was generous to a fault. She was a champion of the underdog (both human and canine/feline), and never turned away anyone in need. She loved animals and had a household of rescued dogs and cats.

It is our hope that the recipients of this scholarship would embody similar interests and qualities.