$5,000 Grand-Prize

Scholarship Winner

■ Ava Freye, PADNOS (Muskegon, Mich.).

“Ava’s resume was one of the most outstanding we have seen in many years,” said Nini Krever, PSI’s Scholarship Committee Chair. Ava had a 1500 SAT score and a 4.49 weighted GPA, ranking her second in her class of more than 300 students. In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, Ava was an AP Scholar with Distinction, a Meijer Scholar Athlete of the Week, a schoolwide Student of the Trimester, and a Link Crew member in which she was a mentor for students in lower grades. She also was a distinguished athlete who played soccer and basketball for her school, serving as co-captain of the basketball team for two years. In her volunteer work, she was a soccer coach and worked at the Johnson Family Cancer Center. Ava plans to study biochemistry and molecular biology at Michigan State University. (Photo: Ava Freye (center) with Ben Thibault (left), recycling center manager, and father Timothy Freye.)

$2,500 Merit Scholarship Winners

■ John Butryn, Greif Inc. (Smyrna, Ga.).

John earned a 4.53 weighted GPA, scored 1510 on the SAT and took 13 AP classes. He was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Key Club, Beta Club (serving as president in his senior year), Peer Mentoring Initiative, and Mu Alpha Theta international math honor society (serving as co-president in his senior year). John also played trumpet in the school band all four years. Outside of school, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2023 and volunteered at the Calvary Children’s Home and other organizations. John intends to study industrial engineering and business at Georgia Institute of Technology. (Photo: John Butryn (right) with father Mark Butryn.)

■ Ivery Caldwell, Graphic Packaging International (West Monroe, La.).

Ivery had a 4.0 cumulative GPA and served in the Student Government Association in his school. He participated in the drama club, marching band, Beta Club, and Alpha Knights Robotics. He also played on his school’s basketball team. Beyond his high school work, Ivery attended Louisiana Delta Community College where he earned several certifications. He hopes to go to Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge to study mechanical engineering. (Photo: Ivery C. Caldwell and father Ivery L. Caldwell.)

■ Collin Cronin, Pioneer Industries International (Elk Grove Village, Ill.).

Collin took many AP classes and scored high on his SAT, but his true distinction lies in his computer science abilities. One of his teachers described him as “a remarkably talented student with a deep understanding of computer science concepts.” He also was a student athlete, running on his school’s cross country team, and he held part-time employment as well as participated in volunteer work throughout his high school years. Collin plans to study computer science at the University of Alabama. (Photo: Collin Cronin with father Kevin Cronin.)

■ Addison Denzer, Graphic Packaging International (Woodway, Texas). Addison—a National Honor Society member—scored 32 on the ACT test. As a member of her school’s Student Council, she chaired the environmental committee and organized bimonthly highway cleanups in her area. She also was a member of the drill team and received a sportsmanship award for her participation in 2024. In addition to logging numerous community service hours, Addison was an AP tutor in her school and a summer camp counselor. She will attend Baylor University to study neuroscience and psychology. (Photo: Addison Denzer with father Derek Denzer.)

■ Isabella Devanney, CellMark dba Semper Exeter (Crestview Hills, Ky.).

Isabella shared her academic prowess by serving as a peer tutor in her high school’s Writing Center and as a reading and writing tutor for underprivileged elementary school students. She played on her school’s varsity golf team and was a former competitive swimmer. She also did extensive volunteer work in a Society of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry as well as local gardens, a men’s shelter, and a center for the mentally challenged. In addition, Isabella helped raise money for pediatric cancer research and juggled her studies with paid work as a swim coach and nanny. She will attend the University of Kentucky to study political science. (Photo: Isabella Devanney and mother Julie Devanney.)

■ Jake Duursema, Van Dyk Recycling Solutions (Norwalk, Conn.).

Jake loves robotics, electronics, 3D printing, and computer-aided design (CAD), which explains why one of his teachers said he’s “a truly brilliant and respectful individual with a deep interest in all things mechanical.” He even completed coursework in a variety of technical disciplines at the Bristol Technical Education Center in Bristol, Conn. Jake’s resume also includes making his school’s honor roll and serving as a Student Council representative. He plans to study mechanical engineering at the New England Institute of Technology. (Photo: Jake Duursema (second from left) with father Eiko Duursema; Erik H. Eenkema van Dijk, executive vice president and COO; and Chris Bova, vice president of operations.)

■ Sara Hall, Sonoco Recycling (Hartsville, S.C.).

Sara is one of the few students who took the International Baccalaureate track in school, one of the most rigorous academic tracks offered in high school. In addition to being in the top 5% of her graduating class, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Anchor Club, which helps students participate in community service and develop leadership skills. Sara was on her school’s varsity cheer and soccer teams all four years, and she received an All-Region Athlete award in 2024. She also served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in her school. Sara will attend Clemson University to study psychology. (Photo: Sara Hall with father Dean Hall.)

■ Isabel Hardwick, Graphic Packaging International (Kalamazoo, Mich.).

Isabel ranked No. 1 in her graduating class and was the valedictorian, even while being dual-enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She was consistently on the Honor Roll for maintaining a GPA over 4.0, and she served as president of the National Honor Society in her school and as a member of the Science Olympiad team. Her academic honors included being named Student of the Month in her school and receiving the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program Award in 2024. Isabel played varsity soccer and volleyball and found time to volunteer at Voyage Church to distribute food on weekends. She plans to attend Youngstown State University to study pre-law. (Photo: Isabel Hardwick (center) with father Terry Hardwick (left) and Sergio Jackson, supervisor.)

■ Aidan Lepo, PADNOS (Holland, Mich.).

In addition to having a GPA over 4.1, Aidan was a member of both the National Honor Society and the West Michigan OsteoScholars program, which gives students learning opportunities to prepare them for college and medical school. While serving as captain of her school’s varsity water polo team, she received Player of the Week honors from the Michigan Water Polo Association and was selected as an All-Conference player. Outside of school, Aidan held paid positions as a lifeguard at a local YMCA and at an RV resort. She intends to study kinesiology at Michigan State University. (Photo: Aidan Lepo with father Michael Lepo.)

■ James Naviglia, Pitt Penn Recycling (Creighton, Pa.).

James balanced his high school coursework with additional classes at Forbes Road Career & Technology Center, where he earned a state certification as a mechanic. He also excelled in sports, playing on his school’s varsity football, wrestling, and track teams. Beyond school, James pursued volunteer activities, such as raising funds for various organizations and assisting at his younger brother’s wrestling tournaments. He also held a retail job as well as a laborer position at Pitt Penn Recycling while completing high school. James will attend Thiel College to study environmental science. (Photo: James Naviglia (center) with co-owners John Stanzione (left) and Brad Stanzione.)

■ Ava Rauguth, Midwest Fiber Recycling (Normal, Ill.).

Beyond being a National Honor Society member her junior and senior years, Ava was on the Honor Roll and High Honor Roll throughout her high school years. She was a member of the Key Club as well as the Science Olympiad team and math team. She played for her school’s varsity volleyball team all four years, serving as captain in her senior year, and she appeared in her school’s production of “Mamma Mia!” In the volunteer arena, Ava participated in the Big Buddy mentoring program and worked on campaigns with Students Against Destructive Decisions. She also worked summers running the day-to-day operations of a snow-cone business. Ava will attend Saint Louis University to study forensics. (Photo: Ava Rauguth with father Steven Wingstrom)

■ Riley Rosenfield, International Paper (Memphis, Tenn.).

Riley was a home-schooled student through HomeLife Academy who achieved a high GPA and made the Honor Roll all four years. She complemented that coursework with learning at The Cordova Tutorial, including a newsletter and yearbook class in which she co-designed monthly newsletters and was head editor of the yearbook. Outside of class, Riley was active in American Heritage Girls (AHG), a church youth group, where she organized and conducted several projects for her troop. Her work earned her the Stars and Stripes Award—AHG’s highest honor—as well as its Abigail Adams Award. In addition, Riley worked at a local Chik-fil-A restaurant as a front-of-house trainer. She will attend Franciscan University of Steubenville to study nursing. (Photo: Riley Rosenfield with father Ryan Rosenfield.)

■ Ryan Snider, CellMark (Norwalk, Conn.).

Ryan took 11 AP classes, scored 1510 on the SAT, and studied Latin. In addition to being an officer in the National Honor Society in his school, he was a member of the Business Honor Society and Latin Honor Society. His Latin accomplishments included being a silver medalist on the National Latin Exam in 2022 and a bronze medalist in 2023. Beyond his high school curriculum, Ryan was accepted into summer programs on biomedical science and engineering at Drexel University in 2023 and Rowan University in 2024. He also played on his school’s tennis team and held various jobs throughout high school, including lifeguard, home health assistant, and assistant teacher at a summer camp. He will attend the University of Florida to study artificial intelligence and science. (Photo: Ryan Snider with father Glenn Snider.)

■ Trenton Spykerman, PADNOS (Wyoming, Mich.).

Trenton maintained a high GPA throughout high school, took several AP classes, and was a member of the National Honor Society as well as Honors Band in his school. Over the past four years, he also held several different jobs, including serving as a groundsworker/machinery operator, restaurant cook, and greenhouse employee. On the job, Trenton “consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, exceptional reliability, and a natural aptitude for the trades,” one of his employers wrote. He plans to study construction management at Ferris State University. (Photo: Trenton Spykerman and father Robert Spykerman.)

■ Kiefer State, Pratt Recycling (Conyers, Ga).

Beyond maintaining a high GPA and taking numerous AP classes, Kiefer was a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Beta Club. He also earned the Gold Honor Roll Award every term. His true passion, however, lies in music and playing the bassoon, in particular. Among his many music-related distinctions, Kiefer was selected to be a member of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. He also achieved All-District and All-State for Bassoon from 2023-2025 and was a finalist in the 2024 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program for woodwinds. Kiefer will attend the University of South Carolina to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music with a specialty in bassoon. (Photo: Kiefer State with father Shawn State.)

■ Karolina Szczepaniak, Pioneer Industries International (Elk Grove Village, Ill.).

In addition to having a high GPA and solid SAT and ACT scores, Karolina was a National Honor Society member and an AP Scholar. Notably, she was dual-enrolled in public school and Polish school and has a proud connection to her cultural roots. She was a varsity competitor on her school’s Scholastic Bowl team her last two years and a member of the World Language Honor Society for Spanish for three years. She also was a peer tutor and participated in the Physical Education Senior Leader Program. Karolina was on her school’s junior varsity cross country and track-and-field teams all four years, and she was a volunteer for a women’s support organization and school food drives, among others. She plans to study statistics at the University of Illinois-Chicago. (Photo: Karolina Szczepaniak with father Derek Szczepaniak.)

■ Madison Taylor, Graphic Packaging International (West Monroe, La.).

Thanks to maintaining a high GPA and scoring well on the ACT, Madison was one of the valedictorians of her high school class. She also was dual-enrolled at another local school, where she completed prerequisite college courses. In addition to being a Beta Club member—serving as president her junior year—she was involved with her school’s chapter of Future Farmers of America (also serving as president) as well as 4-H, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Student Council. Outside of school, Madison volunteered to assist with holiday food drives, food delivery, and local trash cleanups. She plans to study nursing at Louisiana Tech University. (Photo: Madison Taylor with father Larry Taylor.)

■ Dylan Valle, Smurfit WestRock (East Dublin, Ga.).

Dylan is one of two home-schooled recipients of a PSI scholarship this year. She had a composite ACT score of 27 and a 4.0 GPA in her home-school curriculum. Outside of her classes, Dylan has served as secretary and president of the youth group in her church. Her ecclesiastical leader points out her “gift of singing,” noting that “one of Dylan’s talents is her ability to inspire through music.” Her other recommendation provider noted her “exceptional communication skills,” her leadership abilities, and her “unyielding commitment to do what is optimal for all.” She will attend Brigham Young University-Idaho and study musical theater performance. (Photo: Dylan Valle with father Zhariff Valle Sr.)

■ Drew Woodmansee, Greif Inc. (Oronogo, Mo.).

Drew had a 3.9 GPA and was in the top 5% of his graduating class. He was a member of the National Honor Society, president of his school’s Student Council, and an honor diploma student. Outside of school, he spent time filming and announcing school basketball and football games, and he was an umpire at Little League baseball games. Drew is an active member in his church, and he accompanied his church on a mission trip to another country. His recommendations praised him for his volunteer spirit, leadership ability, work ethic, and compassion, among other traits. He will attend Pittsburg State University and is interested in becoming a high school history teacher. (Photo: Drew Woodmansee with father Jason Woodmansee.)

■ Lauren Zahnow, Graphic Packaging International (Kalamazoo, Mich.).

Lauren took 13 AP classes, had a 4.19 weighted GPA, and played the mellophone in the marching band as well as oboe in the symphonic band. She was a member of the National Honor Society as well as her school’s Student Senate. As an athlete, Lauren was on the varsity track, competitive cheer, and sideline cheer teams, and she was captain as well as an All-Conference player for the first two teams. Her volunteer activities included assisting with blood drives, participating in hurricane cleanups in Florida, helping with middle school track meets, and doing home and yard service projects for seniors. Lauren will attend Spring Arbor University on a pole-vaulting scholarship and will study exercise science. (Photo: Lauren Zahnow with mother Erin Zahnow.)

Scholarship graphic by Deni Subianto from Vecteezy.

ReMA Paper Stock Industries (PSI) Chapter

A National Chapter of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA)

P.O. Box 482, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Official PSI Website

remapsichapter@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow the ReMA PSI Chapter page on LinkedIn

STAY CONNECTED