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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, July 24, 2026
Genesee Health Plan and Sovita Credit Union award Health Career Scholarships
Private ceremony celebrated Swartz Creek and Grand Blanc High School students
FLINT – The Genesee Health Plan (GHP) and Sovita Credit Union honored Health Career Scholarship Recipients Claire Michalczuk of Swartz Creek High School and Moriah Welch of Grand Blanc Early College High School, during a small, invite-only ceremony that took place on Thursday, July 23, at Sovita Credit Union Headquarters. Both students won scholarships for essays submitted through Genesee Health Plan’s 2026 Health Career Scholarship Contest.
GHP and Sovita Credit Union have partnered the last five years to award two Genesee County high school students with $1,500 scholarships. Students were asked to write an essay exploring their family health heritage/history by interviewing one or more family members and explain how their findings have influenced their future studies and include the health care field chosen and why, and the impact they hope to make in their chosen field.
“We are excited for and proud of both student winners this year and every year,” said Jim Milanowski, GHP President and CEO. “This contest gives students the opportunity to explore their futures and reflect on how they hope to make an impact in their chosen health care field. We are honored to be part of their educational journey, made possible through our partnership with Sovita Credit Union, which helps provide this opportunity each year to Genesee County students.”
In her essay, Claire Michalczuk wrote “I believe that healthcare should be accessible, give support, educate families, and be focused on long-term well-being. As an occupational therapist, I hope to work in settings where I can advocate for patients and ensure they receive the resources they need. I am also inspired by organizations that improve access to healthcare for entire communities. The Genesee Health Plan has had a positive impact on Genesee County by helping others receive healthcare services they may not otherwise be able to afford. By having access to care, treatment, and support services, it can positively affect someone’s quality of life. Knowing that organizations like the Genesee Health Plan exist motivates me to pursue a career where I can help contribute to community health.”
In her essay, Moriah Welch wrote “Becoming a doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology is my broad goal. However, what I truly hope to accomplish is giving the women who come into my care the respect, trust, and advocacy they deserve while serving them in the best way possible. I want to build meaningful connections with the community I settle in and with the families within it. I hope to help keep families healthy and together. The commitment, service, and advocacy that the Genesee Health Plan provides are the very pillars and impact I would want to build my own practice upon. This nonprofit organization supports and strengthens the Genesee County community’s health while also reducing barriers and delivering excellent care to patients.”
“Sovita Credit Union is proud to partner with Genesee Health Plan to support students who are committed to making a difference in the health and well-being of others,” said Jen Shew, Sovita Credit Union Director of Marketing. Through their essays, Claire and Moriah have demonstrated a genuine passion for serving their communities through their future careers in health care. We are honored to invest in their futures and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make.”
