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.
-mjs-
Posted: Thu, August 30th, 2007 at 9:32AM
