THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MISSION
Four Oakridge alumni giving back.
MEET THE TEAM
The Great Lakes Empowered Scholars Foundation is led by four Oakridge High School alumni dedicated to giving back to their community.
THE TEAM:
Alex Shoop: President
Alex is a 2018 Oakridge graduate who then went on to play college football at Ave Maria University before transferring to the University of Michigan and obtaining his bachelors of science in Biology. Post graduation, he dedicated two years serving as a college adviser through AmeriCorps. This experience strengthened his belief that education plays a key role in overall well-being. After completing two years of pharmacy school at Virginia Commonwealth University, Alex decided to switch career paths and is now a medical student at Lincoln Memorial University in Orange Park, Florida. Mr. Shoop has a long affiliation within the Oakridge High School community and has a passion for guiding the next generation of college students.
Jared Holter: Secretary
Jared graduated Salutatorian from Oakridge in 2018 and went on to receive his bachelor’s in Environmental Policy with a minor in Energy Science from the University of Michigan. He then completed his masters in Sustainability and Environmental Policy from the University of Michigan. Jared currently works for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specializing in renewable fuels and emissions policy. Mr. Holter wants to give back to the community that shaped him. Seeing rising college tuition costs, he aims to bridge the gap between opportunity and financial need.
Carson Evans: Treasurer
Carson graduated from Oakridge in 2018 then went on to received his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a Specialization in Natural Resource Management from Oakland University. He is currently perusing his Masters in Geography at Western Michigan University. He is passionate about conservation and plans to work in the public sector protecting our country’s natural resources post graduation. Mr. Evans, a former Oakridge student, briefly worked as a substitute teacher and saw the need for more support for graduates pursuing higher education. Recognizing financial barriers in his community, he partnered with fellow GLESF founders to give back.
Hannah DeLora: Marketing and Communications Manager
Hannah graduated from Oakridge High School in 2017 and went on to earn her associate degree from Muskegon Community College. After gaining two years of management experience, she returned to school to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at Western Michigan University. Passionate about community and deeply aware of the financial challenges of higher education, Hannah joined the foundation one year into its mission and remains eager to support its growth in the years ahead.
Great Lakes Empowered Scholars champions disadvantaged students by providing resources and opportunities to inspire and increase post-secondary enrollment. 