2025 Pleasant Ridge Foundation
William Tigertt Scholarship Recipients
It is with great pride that the Foundation introduces the scholarship recipients for 2025. These graduating seniors have demonstrated both high academic achievement and dedication to community service. We are confident that each will do well in their college endeavors; they have already demonstrated a love for learning, community leadership, and a desire to help others. Congratulations to all!
Jessie Burns:
Jessie, a resident of Ferndale, attends Berkley High School. Jessie is a dedicated year-round soccer player, serving as the Captain of the High School Varsity team and playing travel soccer. Through volunteering with unified sports, Jessie has demonstrated a commitment to inclusion by blending programs for both general and special education students. Jessie has maintained a challenging class workload during her high school years, achieving outstanding grades and participating in the National Honor Society. Her dedication to volunteer programs through local elementary schools is highlighted by her commitment to various programs throughout the year, including fifth grade camp, field day, pen pal programs, and more.
Annie Decoster:
Annie, a senior at Shrine High School and resident of Pleasant Ridge, is an outstanding student and leader. She served as the Vice President of Career Development for DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), achieving district and state finalist status twice. Additionally, Annie represented her freshman and sophomore classes on the Student Leadership Executive Council at Shrine and was a crew member and sound lead in the Performance Art Tech Crew. As a member of the National Honor Society, she earned the National Community Service Merit Award in 2023 and the Honor Award in 2024 for peer tutoring. Her volunteerism extends to her church, where she has been the Head Altar Server since fifth grade and an Assistant Catechism teacher.
Charles Francis:
Charles is a resident of Pleasant Ridge and a senior at Royal Oak High School. Charles has demonstrated exceptional leadership by serving as the student representative on the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education and as a delegate and mentor in Model United Nations. He is the President and Founder of the Middle Eastern Student Association at Royal Oak High School. In addition to maintaining excellent grades, Charles works as a legal intern at the 44th District Court and manages his company, The Squeaky Clean Boys in Green, which specializes in streak-free window cleaning.
Lena Hooper:
Lena is a resident of the City of Ferndale and a senior at Ferndale High School. Lena is an excellent student who volunteers with the Friends of the Rouge, supporting wildlife habitat improvement, and with the Teen Zoo Corps program at the Detroit Zoo, committed to wildlife education. Lena is a talented musician, participating in the Ferndale Marching Band and High School Winterguard. As a skilled cellist, she leads her section in the Ferndale HS orchestra and contributes her talents as a member of the pit Orchestra for the Theatre program and as a camp counselor for the Orchestra Day Camp. Lena is also a member of the Varsity Tennis Team, serving as Captain for the past two years.
Evelyn Meyersieck:
Evelyn is a resident of Ferndale and a senior at Ferndale High School. Evelyn has excelled in a rigorous curriculum of AP and honors classes, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to her studies. She is an excellent student with top grades and serves in the National Honor Society. Evelyn is also an exceptional athlete and leader, serving as the captain of both the Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Additionally, she is a skilled violinist, contributing her talents to the pit Orchestra for the High School Theatre Programs. Her love of music is further highlighted by her role as the front ensemble leader of the Marching Band and as the Founder of the Winter Percussion Group.
Andre Parker:
Andre is a resident of Oak Park and a senior at Ferndale High School. Since fifth grade, Andre has been a dedicated member of the concert band and an active participant in the robotics team. Despite the demands of high school, Andre has been working full-time, balancing his studies, school activities, and family responsibilities. His dedication and commitment to supporting his family while maintaining his studies and school activities highlight his strong sense of responsibility and community spirit. Andre’s essay was a genuine reflection of his caring and thoughtful nature, emphasizing his efforts to look out for others, including his three siblings, his mother and grandmother.
Alexis White:
Alexis, a resident of Oak Park and a senior at Ferndale High School, is an outstanding student who has demonstrated leadership throughout her high school years. She served as Class President during her junior year and was a member of the Student Council executive board and the National Honor Society. A member and President of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Alexis has received various medals and qualified for state events. As a dedicated Varsity soccer player at Ferndale Schools, she still finds time to volunteer at Beaumont Hospital in the physical therapy gym. Alexis has a passion for music and contributes her talents as a vocalist and member of the Colorguard at Ferndale Schools.
