Scholarship Recipient: Iris Everette

As a non-binary single parent with a disability, Iris Everette has worked hard to provide for their children. That's one of the reasons they're grateful to have received the Kalsec Scholarship established by Janet and Scott Nykaza.

"My entire experience at Kalamazoo Valley Community College has been positive," Everette said. "We used to be homeless. We were on our own and moved to Michigan to start over. I'm 35 with a GED. That makes it hard to provide for two children with special needs."

Everette was moved to tears to learn of receiving a scholarship. "Every little bit helps," they said. "It's helping me build a better life for my kids."

In addition to the scholarship, Everette was hired as a work study employee in the college's Financial Aid office. "I love my work study in the financial aid office," they said. "For so many people, finances are such a big issue. I help them understand how they can get help and that there is help available."

Everette's life has turned around since moving to Michigan from Las Vegas two years ago. Their plan is to complete an associate degree in web design before transferring to Western Michigan University to earn a bachelor's degree in cyber security. They're on track to graduate from Kalamazoo Valley at the end of the Fall 2023 semester.