Slew of 2026 Lapeer High School Graduates Awarded Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship

The Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship was created by the national nonprofit organization, Project K-9 Hero, to honor the life of the late Jodi Johnson, a Lapeer Community Schools graduate.

This year, eight 2026 Lapeer graduates were named $1,000 scholarship recipients: Jesse Aragones, Addison Fidler, Madeline Franckowiak, Ellery Muir, Penelope Nuculovic, Kennedy Walter, Gavin Wandrie and Madison White.

 “We at Project K-9 Hero are extremely honored that eight of our 16 Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship winners for 2026 are from Lapeer Community Schools, where both Jodi and myself graduated from,” said Jodi’s brother Jason Johnson, a fellow Lapeer graduate and founder of Project K-9 Hero. “We are also grateful that the Police K-9 who protected these dedicated students each day, K-9 Jodi Storm, is also named after my late sister, and watched over them throughout the school year and at graduation. We as an organization were pleased to donate K-9 Jodi to protect the future leaders from our hometown, and to keep Jodi’s legacy alive for generations to follow.

“Jodi was a smart and outgoing woman who excelled in athletics, academics, music, and community involvement. Jodi was also a lifelong animal lover who was an outspoken supporter for our work at Project K-9 Hero.”

MEET THE RECIPIENTS

Jesse Aragones

Aragones graduated from Lapeer High School with an outstanding 4.15 grade-point average and an impressive record of academic achievement, leadership, athletics, employment, and community service. 

Throughout his high school career, he earned the AP Capstone Diploma, was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, received the Lapeer LEADER Fund Leadership Award, and was honored as a Lapeer High School Scholar Athlete. Aragones was actively involved in numerous school organizations, serving as a peer mentor and recruiter for the Tennis Club for three years, participating in the National Honor Society for three years, and serving as a member of the Key Club for two years. 

Athletically, he competed on the Varsity Tennis team for four years, serving as team captain during his junior and senior years, and earned First Team All Saginaw Valley League Tennis honors twice. He also played on the JV and Varsity Golf Team for three years.

In addition to his academic and extracurricular accomplishments, Aragones demonstrated a strong work ethic by maintaining employment throughout high school. He worked for three years at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club as a court attendant and pro shop supervisor, served as a coach at the Lapeer Recreational Center for four years, worked at Nicklas Tree Farm for four years, and spent one year employed by DM Farms.

Aragones also dedicated his time to serving his community through volunteer work, including helping with the American Red Cross Blood Drive, wrapping gifts and creating Christmas gift baskets for children through Wandrie’s Wishes, organizing and moving food backpack supplies for underprivileged families, and participating in the Flint River cleanup.

This fall, Aragones will attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

“Receiving this scholarship would not only help me financially over the next four years, but also allow me to spend more time focused on academics, extracurricular activities, and my community involvement, rather than spending long hours working during the school year,” he said. “As I continue pursuing my education and career aspirations, I am committed to using every opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a positive impact on those around me and my community.”

Addison Fidler

Fidler graduated from Lapeer High School with an exceptional 4.347 cumulative GPA. Throughout her high school career, she demonstrated outstanding academic achievement by completing a dual enrollment course through Eastern Michigan University and successfully taking 11 Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Her dedication to academic excellence earned her recognition as a member of the All Academic Team for the Saginaw Valley Conference in 2024, an honor awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate strong performance both in the classroom and in athletics.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Fidler earned numerous awards and recognitions. She was a finalist in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competitions in both 2024 and 2025 and placed among the top five competitors at the regional level in the Forensic Science event. She was actively involved in several extracurricular organizations, including OMNI Council, Grow to Glow, Key Club, and the National Honor Society, where she was a member from 2023-26. She also excelled in athletics, participating in high school soccer from 2022-26, powerlifting, and club soccer from 2016-26. Her leadership abilities were evident through her role as a team captain in club soccer from 2021-23 and her continued leadership contributions on her travel and club teams.

Committed to serving her community, Fidler completed more than 100 volunteer hours through the National Honor Society and participated in March Is Reading Month by reading to elementary school students. This fall, she will attend Wayne State University, where she plans to begin pursuing her dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports-related injuries. 

“My ultimate goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports-related injuries,” said Fidler. “To reach this, I plan to maintain strong grades in college, join extracurricular activities, and build my resume for medical school. I will dedicate time to studying for standardized tests, succeed in medical school, complete a residency, and pursue a fellowship in sports-related injury. Ultimately, I want to further my education so I can achieve my goals and help others the way my doctors helped me during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

Madeline Franckowiak

Franckowiak has distinguished herself as one of the top students in the Class of 2026, maintaining an exceptional 4.417 grade-point average. 

Throughout high school, she earned all A’s while completing one of the most rigorous academic programs available, including ten Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment coursework through Eastern Michigan University, and the requirements for the AP Capstone Diploma. 

Her academic excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the AP Scholar Award in 2024, AP Scholar with Distinction in 2025, the SVL Scholar Athlete of the Year Award in 2026, and selection as a finalist for the Lapeer Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Youth Award and Scholarship. She also earned the Merit Award for completing more than 30 hours of community service, the Michigan Award for outstanding community service, and the Honor Award for completing more than 60 hours of community service. In athletics, she was recognized with the Thunder Award for outstanding dedication during the 2024–25 varsity basketball season and the Lightning Award for leadership and positive attitude during the 2025–26 varsity basketball season.

Franckowiak has demonstrated exceptional leadership and involvement in a wide variety of extracurricular activities throughout her high school career. 

As a freshman, she participated in volleyball, junior varsity basketball, varsity track and field, and AAU basketball. During her sophomore year, she competed in junior varsity volleyball, varsity basketball, and varsity and junior varsity tennis while also participating in Key Club, HOSA Forensic Science, and National Honor Society. Her HOSA team placed fourth at regionals and advanced to the state competition. As a junior, she continued competing in varsity basketball, became a member of the school’s inaugural girls varsity lacrosse team, participated in girls flag football, served on the Key Club Events Committee, and continued her involvement in HOSA, Grow To Glow, and National Honor Society. She also worked as a secretary assistant at Lapeer Surgical Associates. 

During her senior year, Madeline continued her leadership roles as a varsity basketball player, captain of the varsity lacrosse team, National Honor Society president, member of Class Council, OMNI Leadership Council participant, Key Club member, and Grow To Glow mentor. Her HOSA Forensic Science team achieved first place at regionals and advanced to the state competition.

Service to others has been a defining aspect of Franckowiak’s high school experience. She has dedicated countless hours to community volunteering, including organizing class events through Class Council, reading to elementary students during March is Reading Month, assisting with meal-packing events, supporting community fundraisers, organizing and volunteering at blood drives, participating in Fantasy Forest, working concessions at school sporting events, and volunteering at youth basketball camps. She also helped organize and work a community craft show, led a can drive to support Project Graduation, and volunteered alongside middle school basketball coaches to help develop young athletes in the Lapeer basketball program. In addition, she assisted with a youth basketball camp at Wolverine Christian Camp, further demonstrating her commitment to mentoring younger students and giving back to her community.

This fall, Franckowiak will attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. 

“I have a strong passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact in my community,” she said. “This passion, combined with my interest in science, has shaped my goal of pursuing a career in healthcare. I plan to study biology on a pre-med track in college, with the goal of becoming a dermatologist or another specialized physician. I am motivated not only by the opportunity to care for patients, but also by the ability to contribute to medical research and advancements that improve lives.”

Ellery Muir

Muir maintained a 4.205 grade-point average while pursuing a rigorous academic schedule that included seven Advanced Placement (AP) courses, participation as an AP Capstone Diploma candidate, and dual enrollment coursework through Mott Community College and Eastern Michigan University. 

Throughout high school, she was actively involved in leadership and extracurricular activities, serving on the Lapeer Youth Advisory Committee from 2022–26 and as its secretary during the 2024–2025 school year. She also served as co-chair of Omni from 2022–2026. Her involvement extended to athletics and school organizations, including varsity soccer (2023–26), freshman basketball (2022–23), junior varsity basketball (2023-24), and varsity basketball (2024–26). In addition, she participated in Grow to Glow, Key Club, and Pep Club since 2024 and have played travel soccer continuously from 2022–26.

Muir’s dedication to academics and athletics has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She was named to the Saginaw Valley Conference All-Academic Team for varsity basketball in 2024–25 and 2025–26 and for varsity soccer from 2022-25. Lapeer’s soccer teams earned the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association Team All-Academic Award in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and Muir was selected to the association’s All-District Team in 2024 and 2025. She was recognized as a Scholar Athlete at Lapeer High School for basketball from 2022–26 and for soccer from 2022–25. Additional soccer honors include Saginaw Valley All-League Second Team (2024), Honorable Mention All-League (2025), Varsity Soccer MVP (2024), and Varsity Soccer co-captain (2024 and 2025). 

She also represented Lapeer at the Women in Sports Leadership Conference in 2024. In basketball, she earned Freshman MVP and the Freshman Award during the 2022-23 season, served as Freshman and JV team captain in 2022–23 and 2023–24, and received the JV Basketball Coach’s Award in 2023–24. In 2025, Muir was also selected by staff to serve on the High School Citizenship Feedback Committee.

Community service was an important part of Muir’s high school experience. Through the Youth Advisory Committee, she helped package and deliver school supplies in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, participated in Fantasy Forest in 2024 and 2025, and assisted with wrapping gifts for Adopt-A-Family each year from 2022–25. She also volunteered at Kids Basketball Camp in 2024, served as a mentor and coach at Youth Mini Soccer Camp from 2023–25, and participated in Lightning Strike Day from 2023–25, demonstrating a commitment to supporting and giving back to the local community.

Muir will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor this fall.

“I am currently undecided on my exact career path, but I am strongly interested in the healthcare field, specifically, a pre-dental track leading to becoming an orthodontist,” said Muir. “I am attending the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in the fall to continue my education and explore my academic and career interests further. I value higher education because it will allow me to discover my passions while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in whatever career I choose.”

Penelope Nuculovic

Nuculovic graduated from Lapeer High School with an impressive 4.063 grade-point average and distinguished herself through academic achievement, hands-on veterinary experience, and a deep commitment to animal care. 

During high school, she completed a Veterinary Science course that included clinical observations and comprehensive veterinary coursework, allowing her to gain valuable real-world experience through hands-on learning. She also demonstrated strong problem-solving skills by successfully diagnosing and developing a treatment plan for a complex animal case study. Academically, Nuculovic excelled in Advanced Placement courses, earning a score of 4 on both the AP English Language and Composition Exam and the AP United States Government and Politics exam. In 2022, she was honored with the Carl Coppola Award, recognizing her moral integrity and passion for learning.

Beyond the classroom, Nuculovic devoted significant time to animal-related activities and community involvement. Through horse training, she worked with horses to develop foundational riding skills and proper ground manners while building upon their existing training. She actively participated in the 4-H Equine Program, where she trained and prepared horses for 4-H competitions and shows. Additionally, she played an important role in managing a hobby farm, taking responsibility for daily livestock care, monitoring animal health, and maintaining the farm to ensure the well-being of the animals. Her commitment to animal care also included horse stall maintenance, where she was responsible for cleaning stalls and providing fresh bedding to create a healthy environment for the horses.

Nuculovic will be attending Michigan State University, where she plans to continue pursuing her passion for animal science and veterinary medicine. 

“This scholarship will allow me to put all of my focus on furthering my education in animal science without the limitations of financial stress,” said Nuculovic. “It will take me one step closer to being able to reach my goals of helping animals and their owners as a veterinarian.”

Kennedy Walter

Walter graduated from Lapeer High School with a strong 3.89 grade-point average and a record of academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service. 

Throughout her high school career, she earned Honor Roll recognition from 2022-26 and achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA while participating in dual enrollment courses at Mott Community College during the 2025–26 school year. Walter was actively involved in several school activities, serving as a Media Center Worker in 2026, participating in Publications during the 2025–26 school year, and taking part in the Student Leadership Class in 2025. She also participated in Ski Club from 2022-25, volunteered as a timer for the Boys Varsity Swim team during the 2022–23 season, and played Freshman Volleyball in 2022.

In addition to her academic and extracurricular accomplishments, Walter demonstrated a commitment to serving her community. Since 2025, she has volunteered at First Choice Urgent Care, assisting with supplies, organizing materials, and supporting patient care. She also volunteered at Turrill Elementary’s Trunk or Treat event in 2025 and contributed to local food bank donation efforts during 2024 and 2025.

Walter will be attending Mott Community College, where she plans to continue her education and pursue admission to the dental hygiene program. 

“I am excited to continue learning at Mott Community College and to develop the skills that are necessary to succeed in the dental hygiene program,” said Walter. “Overall, my dedication to my education, community involvement, work ethic, and passion to help others would help me strive as a dental hygienist. I am looking forward to continuing my education and building a career where I can make a positive impact on other people's lives every day.”

Gavin Wandrie

Wandrie maintained a 3.76 grade-point average while actively participating in a variety of academic, athletic, and leadership activities throughout his time at Lapeer High School. 

He was a member of the LHS Student Council since 2023, served on Class Council from 2024–26, and has been a member of the National Honor Society since 2023. Wandrie has also demonstrated strong commitment and leadership in athletics as a member of the Lapeer Varsity Boys Swim and Dive team from 2022–26, serving as team captain for two years. In addition, he competed on the Lapeer Varsity Boys Tennis team during the 2024–25 season.

Beyond school, Wandrie has dedicated significant time to serving his community. He has been involved with Generation Arts at the Center for the Arts–PIX Theater since 2021, participated in Wandrie’s Wishes since 2020, and has served on the Lapeer Youth Advisory Committee since 2021. He also became a eucharistic minister in 2025. Through these experiences, Wandrie has demonstrated a commitment to leadership, service, and making a positive impact on those around him.

Following graduation, Wandrie will attend Oakland University, where he plans to pursue his academic goals while also working toward becoming a volunteer firefighter. 

“I have this dream because I want to help people,” said Wandrie. “I want to help them in their time of need. Firefighting is something I find very interesting and, being able-bodied, I am willing to do the job that at the end of the day needs to be done by someone.”

Madison White

White graduated from Lapeer High School with an impressive 3.93 grade-point average and distinguished herself through academic excellence, athletic achievement, leadership, and extensive community service. 

Throughout all four years of high school, she earned Athletic Scholar recognition and was named Athlete of the Month in both February 2025 and February 2026. In February 2026, she was also honored as Lightning Leader of the Month. Madison excelled in athletics, particularly in basketball and soccer. In basketball, she earned Honorable Mention All Saginaw Valley League honors, Second Team All Saginaw Valley League recognition, and the 2026 Special Recognition Award for being the team's most dedicated player. In soccer, she received the 2025 MHSSCA Team All-Academic Award, the Bud Rowley Courage Award, Lapeer High School JV MVP honors, the Varsity Most Improved Player Award, and the JV Soldier Award.

A natural leader, White served as captain of the Lapeer High School Girls Basketball team for three years, captain of her AAU travel basketball team for three years, and co-president of Grow to Glow for one year. Her extracurricular involvement was extensive and included four years of varsity basketball, two years of JV and varsity soccer, one year each of JV tennis and varsity golf, three years in the National Honor Society, two years on the OMNI Leadership Council, three years in Grow to Glow, two years in Key Club, and participation with both the Lady Mustangs and Lapeer County Cobras AAU basketball programs.

White consistently dedicated her time to serving others through volunteer and community activities. She gave tours to middle school students visiting the high school, participated in the Leadership Forum through the OMNI Council, volunteered at youth soccer camps, worked football concession stands, and assisted with elementary school events during parent-teacher conferences. She has also been actively involved in the Pilipino American Association of Greater Flint (PAAGF) since childhood, helping strengthen connections within the Filipino-American community. Her additional service efforts included filling Easter baskets and stuffing stockings for children in need, participating in March Is Reading Month by reading to elementary students, donating blood and assisting with blood drives, wrapping gifts for elderly individuals, packing and distributing meals through Neighbors Helping Neighbors, cleaning and maintaining local soccer fields, volunteering at the annual Duck Dash festival, and teaching basketball at Wolverine Christian Camp.

This fall, White will attend Mott Community College, where she will continue her basketball career while pursuing an Associate of Science degree through the transfer program and completing all available American Sign Language coursework. After earning her associate degree, she plans to transfer to a four-year university to study biomedical sciences with a minor in American Sign Language. Following her undergraduate education, Madison intends to attend medical school and pursue her goal of becoming a surgeon. Her dedication to academics, leadership, athletics, and service demonstrates the determination and compassion that will continue to guide her future success.

All are welcome to attend the scholarship certificate presentation Saturday, June 27, at 11:15 a.m., at the Michigan War Dog Memorial, 25805 Milford Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178.

ABOUT PROJECT K-9 HERO

Project K-9 Hero is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the best quality of life for our nation’s retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. The organization provides assistance with medical expenses, prescription food, and end-of-duty services for nearly 400 program members across the United States, with a goal of adding 52 new retired working dogs each year. Its 177-acre facility in Whitwell, Tenn., provides sanctuary to K-9 Heroes in need of rehabilitation and rehoming services, saving them from euthanasia and offering them a second chance at life. Founded in 2016 by Jason Johnson and his partner, K-9 Flash, Project K-9 Hero continues to honor the service and sacrifice of working dogs long after their careers have ended. It is dedicated to protecting those who protected us.