For three recent service scholarship winners hoping to attend Saint Michael’s College, the moment they realized they’d been selected was memorable.
For Jenny Blanshine, a daunting walk to the principal’s office preceded what was ultimately a good report. For Ava Walker, the school’s guidance counselor office was stuffed with expectant family members trying to stay quiet before the door opened. And for Matthew MacDonald, showing up to an after-school job’s storage area meant finding family, friends, neighbors, and a favorite teacher there instead. And, WCAX was there to capture it all – with video camera, lights, a giant certificate, and microphones. Walking into all of that was a spectacle to behold.
All three winners were good sports as their loved ones, school administrators, employers, a TV crew, Saint Michael’s College representatives and alumni relished the opportunity to honor the students in grand fashion.
The reveal was a surprise. But what wasn’t surprising was how much these three students deserved recognition for their incredible, compassionate hearts and service to others. The winners were chosen based upon essays that demonstrated service to their community.
The three students will receive a $20,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years, to apply toward tuition, room and board, and comprehensive fees at Saint Michael’s College. This scholarship is in addition to the financial aid package they were offered upon admission.
We’re happy to say that all three have made their decision to enroll at St. Mike’s in the fall and are now forever part of the extended Purple Knight family. Saint Michael’s College is excited to recognize Ava, Jenny, and Matthew!
Get to know these extraordinary winners below.
Enosburg High School senior Ava Walker (second from left) is a recipient of the Saint Michael’s College & WCAX Service Scholarship. Also pictured (from left) are Brenna Sturtevant, Enosburg High School Counselor and Saint Michael’s College alumna; Michelle Jordan, Saint Michael’s College Director of Marketing; and Jay Barton, WCAX General Manager, from March 2026. Photo by April Barton.
From speaking to (first) responding
Long before considering college, Ava Walker and her family were unsure if higher education would be in her future. She had a severe speech disability, and through extensive therapy, she was able to learn to effectively communicate. She became an ambassador for Apraxia Kids – a non-profit that assists children with the same condition – and it became her platform when she competed in Miss Vermont. The Enosburg Falls resident also channeled her efforts into the Sweethearts and Heroes BRAVES program, which teaches elementary students to recognize, prevent, and manage bullying and mental health.
As an Early College Student, she has spent much of her senior year taking college courses. An EMT-Basic course that she took at St. Mike’s last fall inspired her to pursue being part of the Saint Michael’s College Fire and Rescue program, becoming a student first responder.
“I couldn’t be more thankful for WCAX and Saint Michael’s College for providing myself and two other seniors with a scholarship of this amplitude,” said Walker in response to the award. “I have the opportunity to pursue my dreams and receive two bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Emergency Services, which, without this scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to otherwise. I’m thankful to pave the way for future Vermont students to attend an amazing college in the Green Mountain State!”
Walker received a shoutout from Kate Soons ’94, who is the Director of the Emergency Services program at St. Mike’s and also a proud alum of the Rescue Squad.
“Ava – congratulations! I love knowing that you’re interested in Saint Michael’s College Fire and Rescue and our new Emergency Services program,” Soons said. “Thank you for your commitment to serving others – that’s exemplary. We look forward to having you joining the Saint Michael’s College community. It’s pretty special. See you in the fall.”
Jenny Blanshine (center) of Champlain Valley Union High School stands with her parents as she is awarded the Saint Michael’s College & WCAX Service Scholarship in March 2026. Photo courtesy WCAX.
For the love of church and school
Champlain Valley Union High School senior Jenny Blanshine doesn’t necessarily relish all the attention, but she didn’t shy away from making it apparent which college she was hoping to attend. When the WCAX camera arrived for her reveal, Blanshine was wearing a St. Mike’s college sweatshirt – unbeknownst to her, she was about to receive another one as a gift along with the service scholarship.
“This is a dream come true!” Blanshine said in response to receiving the award. “I have had my heart set on going to St. Mike’s since I took a tour, and receiving this scholarship has made my dream become reality. I am super excited to join the St. Mike’s community and experience all the great opportunities it has to offer!”
In addition to volunteering with the Charlotte Town Library and the Charlotte Central School Library, she has spent 12 years being involved in Girl Scouts. She has put her faith into action, serving in various roles at her church and through summer mission projects.
Saint Michael’s College’s Director of Campus Ministry, Fr. Michael Carter, S.S.E. ’12, had this to say about her:
“Jenny Blanshine has focused many of her service efforts through her church – church mission projects, running technology for services, and teaching Sunday School. For the past three summers, she has participated in the U.M. Army, where she spent a week-long summer camp doing mission projects, including helping out at a homeless shelter. She has said she really wants to be involved in campus ministry and continue to help others in the community. Jenny, we would love to have you work and serve with us here at SMC.”
See Jenny Blanshine’s video here.
Matthew MacDonald (center) was already making friends at Saint Michael’s College, just a couple weeks after being awarded the Saint Michael’s College & WCAX Service Scholarship. The Saint Johnsbury Academy senior attended Admitted Student Weekend at St. Mike’s in March 2026, where he and new pals donned props and took Photo Booth pics. Photo courtesy Matthew MacDonald.
Good guys finish first
Sometimes it’s the little things – the menial, everyday tasks that mean the most to others. For Saint Johnsbury Academy senior Matthew MacDonald, he found many ways to make life easier for those around him.
The Groton native would make weekly lunches and visit with an elderly neighbor; for another, he would deliver and put away groceries, shovel, and get their mail. He would clip the nails of the alpacas at an alpaca farm down the road and assist with other farm chores. During the aftermath of devastating floods in the summer of 2024, he spent days in hard-hit Peacham helping people muck out basements, clear out belongings, and move property so those affected would not feel alone and overburdened by the work.
MacDonald’s scholarship reveal happened during his work shift after school.
During the interviews and celebrations, MacDonald checked in with his boss, concerned he wasn’t working his shift. She, of course, was happy to give him that time. But once the camera crew left, he was right back to work.
MacDonald had this to say about receiving the service scholarship.
“Thank you, WCAX and Saint Michael’s College, for this life-changing opportunity. I couldn’t have done it alone, huge shout out to mom and dad.”
He also received well-wishes from Lara Scott, who is Saint Michael’s College’s Director of MOVE, a program that coordinates volunteer opportunities for students.
“Through Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts, or as we like to call it, MOVE, Saint Michael’s students have the opportunity to impact the community in positive ways both locally and nationally,” Scott said. “Matthew, we were so excited to hear about all the ways you’ve contributed to your community. Making meals for elders and showing up to support flood recovery efforts is incredibly meaningful and makes a big difference for individuals and communities. We are very excited to welcome you into MOVE and know that you and your continued contributions will be meaningful and impactful at SMC.”
For all press inquiries contact Elizabeth Murray, Associate Director of Communications at Saint Michael's College.
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