In 2020 Michigan Mortgage introduced the Service Scholarship with the goal of recognizing High School Seniors who shared the dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers in service include:

• Military
• Teachers & Educators
• Government & Politics
• Police
• Firefighters
• First Responders
• Doctors & Nurses

For 2026, we received dozens of applicants and reviewed each one closely. We learned about each students’ goals and aspirations, community service they completed, impacts they made in West Michigan, and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

After much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Annabelle Dkystra, a 2026 Western Michigan Christian graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

She said the following in her application.

“To me, service means intentionally caring for the people around me and being willing to help wherever there is a need. I believe service is about coming alongside others with compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to support them.”

Annabelle is headed to Spring Arbor University in the fall to pursue a degree in Secondary Math Education.

“Education is important to me because helping others has always been something I’ve loved, especially in school,” she said. “Growing up with my mom as a teacher inspired me from a young age, and I’ve always enjoyed helping classmates and younger peers understand concepts and gain confidence in themselves. ”

“I believe teaching is a meaningful way to serve the community, as educators often become trusted mentors and sources of guidance for students,” she continued. “By creating a supportive and encouraging classroom environment, I hope to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of my students and the community as a whole.”

Why Annabelle? She is a dedicated and thoughtful student who genuinely cares about learning. She works hard not just to complete her assignments, but to fully understand them, and she isn’t afraid to ask questions to get there. What truly makes her stand out, though, is her kindness and willingness to help her classmates.

We were told that she is patient, compassionate and brings both diligence and heart to everything she does. She truly cares about making this world a better place.

“I am very grateful for the support as I take this next step toward achieving my goal of becoming a teacher,” she said.

Congratulations, Annabelle! We can’t wait to watch you change the world!