If you or someone you know is struggling or having a hard time, call or text the suicide prevention hotline 24/7 by dialing 988.
Ava Vanderstelt Scholarship
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship is dedicated to preventing youth suicide by promoting mental health education and resilience. We honor Ava’s memory by empowering young advocates and fostering community dialogue to create a world where every young person feels supported. Transforming grief into action, we strive to build a future filled with hope and healing for our youth.
Mental Health Awareness
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship: Supporting Hope Squads in Our Community
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship is proud to support the Montague High School and Whitehall High School’s Hope Squads. Ava attended Whitehall High School and was involved in both Montague and Whitehall athletics, and had friends she loved in both schools.
Supporting each school’s efforts in mental health awareness is critical to our mission. Hope Squads are student-led programs that equip peers with the knowledge and skills to identify signs of depression and suicide in their classmates. Through training, Hope Squad members become a safe and supportive network for students struggling with their mental health.
Many of our fundraising efforts support Hope Squad initiatives, including training programs that empower students to:
- Recognize the warning signs of suicide and mental health concerns.
- Provide effective peer-to-peer support.
- Connect students with professional resources.
- Help break down the mental health stigma in the community.
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship believes in the power of youth leadership and early intervention. By supporting Hope Squads, we can create a more caring and supportive school environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
In addition to our local partnerships, the Ava VanderStelt Scholarship has also helped fund the launch of Hope Squads in other Muskegon County schools. We are committed to expanding this vital program and fostering a culture of mental health awareness throughout our community.
Rose Award Scholarship
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship offers the Rose Award, recognizing outstanding high school seniors from Montague and Whitehall High Schools. Established in 2022 through fundraising and donations of those whom Ava impacted, this annual award recognizes students who embody the spirit of Ava VanderStelt.
Each year, one senior from Montague High School and one from Whitehall High School will be selected to receive a $500 scholarship. These scholarships are intended to support the recipient’s continued academic journey, and needs that may be holding them back from continuing on. In addition, a beautiful Rose Award plaque will be created, where the names of all future Rose Award recipients will be engraved and displayed at each high school.
The Rose Award signifies our commitment to fostering not only academic achievement, but mental health advocacy within our community. We hope this award inspires students to continue making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Where Does the Funding Go?
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship provides funding for several programs that address mental health and loss prevention in our community.
Thanks to your generous support, we can:
- Empower Current Hope Squads: Your donation directly impacts the ongoing training and resources needed for our existing Hope Squads in both Montague and Whitehall.
- Launch New Hope Squads: We are dedicated to expanding Hope Squads to more schools in the area. Scholarship funds help us develop and implement new programs, bringing peer support and suicide prevention resources to a wider range of students.
- Recognize the Rose Award recipients each year–one from Montague High School and one from Whitehall High School.
- Respond to Urgent Community Needs: In the face of unexpected loss or mental health crises, we strive to be there for our community. Scholarship funds allow us to offer immediate support and resources when they are needed most.
By donating to the Ava VanderStelt Scholarship, you are investing in the well-being of our youth, mental health awareness in our area, and creating a more supportive environment for everyone.
Thank you for your generosity!
Mission Statement
The Ava VanderStelt Scholarship is dedicated to preventing youth suicide by promoting mental health education and resilience. We honor Ava’s memory by empowering young advocates and fostering community dialogue to create a world where every young person feels supported. Transforming grief into action, we strive to build a future filled with hope and healing for our youth.