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St. Johns Freshman Honored at Michigan Capitol

Alma College freshman Brandt Ayoub recently earned a prestigious honor at the Michigan Capitol for his volunteer efforts.

The St. Johns native received the 2007 Frank M. Fitzgerald Public Service Award, which recognizes talented young staffers and interns in the Michigan Legislature who have shown extraordinary dedication and a marked capacity to help others. Above and beyond their legislative service, recipients also are singled out for their abilities as scholars, communicators and volunteers.

 

Brandt Ayoub of St. Johns recently earned the 2007 Frank M. Fitzgerald Public Service Award for his volunteer efforts.  He received the honor from Mrs. Ruth Fitzgerald during a ceremony at the Michigan Capitol.

The award is named after a Grand Ledge representative who served with distinction in the Michigan House from 1987-1998. After his death in 2004, family and colleagues established the student honor in hopes of encouraging young people to follow Fitzgerald’s example as a public servant.

During a Capitol ceremony the lawmaker’s widow, Ruth Fitzgerald, praised Ayoub for his efforts.

“Brandt is a born leader who consistently encourages his co-workers and peers,” she said.  “While building team morale, Brandt tackled his assignments with a strong sense of responsibility.  He has a great spirit and enormous potential.”

Ayoub worked for former House Appropriations Chair Scott Hummel in the summer and fall of 2006, handling constituent cases, answering letters from district residents and routing media inquiries. After Rep. Hummel left office due to term limits, Brandt began internships in 2007 with Rep. Fulton Sheen, R-Plainwell, and the Historical Society of Michigan.

“My internships have allowed me to experience the Legislature firsthand and have given me an understanding beyond what any textbook could ever offer,” Ayoub said. 

The 18-year-old has participated in several mid-Michigan community organizations. As a member of Boy Scout Troop #520 in St. John’s, Brandt has been involved as both a student and adult leader. In 2004, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He’s also active in the Grand Ledge Immanuel Lutheran Church where he ushers, plays the piano for services, and serves as a junior guide for the church’s catechism class. This summer he and other church members took a missions trip to a Native American reservation in North Dakota.

Based on these accomplishments and his legislative activities, Ayoub was a finalist for the Daniel Rosenthal Legislative Intern Award last spring and one of three mid-Michigan high school graduates to receive the $1,000 Good Kid Scholarship in July. 

In addition to his volunteer schedule, Brandt also is employed at Rehmann’s Clothing Store in St. Johns. A strong work ethic earned him the Nathan Rosenfeld Scholarship from the Michigan Retailers Association.

“I am excited about using the skills I have acquired and applying them in all areas of my life,” Ayoub said.

Ayoub is preparing for a career as a mathematics teacher and school counselor. He is the son of George and Elizabeth Ayoub of St. Johns.  

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Alma College students report levels of educational experiences and faculty interaction that exceed the national norms by significant amounts, according to the findings of the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement. In the 2006 study, Alma students reported a level of interaction with faculty that ranked among the top five percent in the nation.

 

Student Profile

Corinna Kizer

Corinna Kizer
Graduation: 2008
Major: Biology
From: Webster, New York
Interests: Singing, Percussion

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