Jonathan Stockwell, 2019 High School Scholarship Winner

Published on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 in Community

Each winter, we invite high school seniors whose households receive service from MEC to apply for one of four $1,000 college scholarships. Awards are based on a video essay as well as academic performance, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, employment and/or honors/awards.

In 2019, we challenged scholarship applicants to submit a video telling us what they would put in a time capsule to be opened in 2029. Here's one of our winners:

Meet Jonathan

Seven years ago, Jonathan Stockwell started learning how to play the saxophone, and through that he discovered a love for music and a sense of comradery that would carry him through his high school years. Active in marching, jazz, concert and pep bands, he also became a drum major his sophomore year. “Band helped me become who I am today. When I was younger, I wasn't very outgoing but my band directors helped me come out of my shell; they showed me how I can serve as a mentor for other students,” he said.

Music has made such an impact that he writes his own music now and even created a couple of pieces for pep band. “I love playing historic, classical music and feeling the mood of each piece I play. I am also grateful for all the opportunities that I've experienced as drum major. Being able to do this (band) with some of my closest friends and getting to represent in the greater community has been phenomenal,” he noted.

Jonathan is the son of Eugene and Denise Stockwell and a graduate of Dowagiac Union High School. He dual enrolled in Southwestern Michigan College where he took social sciences and humanities classes. He also served as secretary of the National Honor Society. In addition to music and academics, he was very active in 4-H. He noted that he loved the volunteer work and getting to help in the community the most: “I couldn't trade that for anything.”

Adding to an already full resume, Jonathan is an active trap shooter. He grew up spending time with his dad at the Dowagiac Conservation Club and learning to shoot. He's made the All-State Trapshooting Team every year since 2014 and has won numerous awards for his shooting skills.

He will pursue engineering at Trine University starting this fall and will play in the marching band. He hopes to play in other bands as well and perhaps get involved in a golf club.

We like to ask our scholarship recipients what advice they have for incoming freshman on a successful high school career. He says: “Try everything you can at least once and put your all into the things you love. The rewards will be great. And have fun along the way.”

Congratulations Jonathan!