Congratulations to the 2025 "Imagine the Possibilities” Scholarships Winners!
Chloe Evans
Chloe painted a powerful multimedia collage piece that combined remarkable images with words that conveyed support, connection and strength. She said she created the piece using the inspiration of books that she loved from the library – stories that expressed ideas that resonated with her and showed concern for others. She wrote: “From compassion and empathy to desire and hope, the Salem-South Lyon District Library will continue to grant people new perspectives and new connections, one book at a time.” Chloe will be attending Michigan Tech in the fall. Congratulations
Clara McCauleyClara exemplifies the important mission of community libraries. She wrote a beautiful children’s book about building and taking care of the Little Free Library at McHattie Park. At the end of her book, she reflected: “The SSLDL has taught me that doing good is a ripple effect. From the love of reading and the significance of helping others instilled in me at a young age, to now introducing those values to people around me, I hope for this ripple effect to move past me and reach others.” Clara will be attending Michigan State University in the fall. Congratulations!
Leela Arkoussian
In the four years she’s lived in Michigan, Leela’s family has moved more times than she can count. But one place has remained a constant in her life: the library. For her it’s been an important meeting place, an epicenter of creativity and purpose. She wrote: “Libraries aren’t just about books; they’re about access—to knowledge, to community, and to opportunity. While the ways we access information have evolved, the need for spaces that foster connection and creativity remains timeless. … They aren’t relics of the past—they’re bridges to the future.” Leela will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. Congratulations!
The Friends of the SSLDL truly appreciate the thoughtful contributions of our scholarship committee volunteers. We also wish to thank Agnes Bongero and the Friends of Michigan Libraries Harriet Larson Founders Grant for their generous donations, which made these scholarships possible!
