By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

The Women’s City Club held its fifth Impact Award ceremony on Thursday, April 18. The 2024 award winners, Dilanny Perez and Nebyat Gebrehiwot, were honored with a luncheon presentation at Mayflower Congregational Church.

Developed in conjunction with Union High School (UHS), the annual Impact Award program recognizes deserving high school juniors who receive a cash award of $750.

“We wanted to provide an award that would inspire juniors to the next level, to reach out, to develop their skills and abilities and get ready for whatever path they choose in life,” Wendy Sturm, President of Women’s City Club, told WKTV. Sturm added that the award can be used in any way the winning student sees fit, without stipulations.

To apply, students present a piece of work that identifies and describes a personal role model – someone who has inspired them to achieve their own excellence.

“[The work] can be music, it can be written, it can be artwork – however they can express themselves,” said Sturm. “We wanted to open it up so they can express themselves in any unique way, have an opportunity to be recognized, and have an opportunity to develop those skills.”

Personal revelations

The winning entries are chosen by a committee of UHS administrators, teachers, and counselors.

“This year we had the most entries than we’ve ever had in the past – and the most variety of things,” said UHS Principal Aaron Roussey. Submissions featured musical instruments, artwork and various essays.

“They are very personal,” UHS Assistant Principal Dana Bachelder said of the entries. “We have so many different students from different areas of the world.

“Many times when we read [the entries], we’re learning a little bit about where they came from, what is important to them, things that they’ve been through.”

Both Roussey and Bachelder describe Dilanny and Nebyat as leaders in school and the community.

Values and valor

Dilanny and Nebyat were honored with a celebration lunch. They had an opportunity to talk with WCC members and were presented with a scholarship certificate and award money.

Dilanny’s Impact Award entry was a written essay about William D. Swenson, a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013. She learned about bravery, loyalty, and courage, and was inspired to strive for those things in her own life.

The battalion commander of the Union JROTC team, Dilanny was moved by Swenson’s willingness to put himself in danger to rescue his team when they were ambushed in Afghanistan by a group of 60 armed enemy fighters.

“Not many people get the Medal of Honor. Some people that get the Medal of Honor end up getting it because the activity cost their lives,” said Dilanny. “It’s something to be really thankful for, knowing there are people willing to go out and defend our country.

“It makes people realize that freedom isn’t free. People actually have to go out there and make a lot of sacrifices for us in order for us to keep our freedom.”

Involved with the JROTC program since her freshman year, Dilanny says the bond formed between team members is unique and one that she appreciates.

“Our main goal is to motivate young people to become better citizens,” said Dilanny. “We do many volunteer opportunities, and we also do activities that make people confront their fears and learn values.”

A recent leadership reaction course taught JROTC members the importance of communication and trust in the people they are working with.

“That’s what I like about JROTC, the type of things that [we] go through, and the life lessons they give you.”

Dilanny is contemplating becoming an Army officer through the ROTC program at Western Michigan University.

Highlighting culture

Nebyat, who is from Eritrea in northeast Africa, created a painting of a woman from her country. The portrait depicts the bright colors and cultural dress of Eritrean women.

Nebyat says her mother was the inspiration behind her Impact Award entry.

“I asked her what I was going to do, and she gave me some advice,” said Nebyat. “She told me to paint something from our culture because it is a small country. Not everyone know this country, so she told me to paint our…culture.

“In my country, before I came here, everywhere you go, they would wear this long dress.”

When asked how she felt about winning the WCC Impact Award, Nebyat said, “I was surprised, and I was so happy.”

Nebyat is inspired by the women of her country who strive for gender equality and work to empower other women. She aspires to be a role model of her Eritrean culture by working for gender equality for Eritrean women in the U.S. and in Eritrea.

Nebyat plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College for two years, then further her education by attending a university. She said she will continue to paint, and is interested in exploring other art forms as well.

A remarkable journey

The Impact Award is funded by generous donations from WCC members and the community.

“One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had with the Women’s City Club is watching these juniors come up to the podium,” said Sturm. “They’re so nervous and timid…and as we engage them with our questions and our interest, they blossom.

“It’s been quite a journey. It’s been a wonderful aspect of our community outreach of the Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids.”

For a list of past Impact Award winners, click here.