How many and what kind of scholarships will be awarded and from whom?
Holiday Extravaganza announces four one-time, $5,000 Making a Difference Scholarships presented by the Fran & Russ Anderson Family Legacy Fund. One of these scholarships will be awarded to a qualified high school student who resides in Auburn Hills; the second will be awarded to a qualified high school student who resides in Pontiac; the third will be awarded to a qualified high school student who resides in Waterford; and the fourth will be awarded to a qualified high school student who resides in White Lake.
Each of these scholarship recipients must also represent his/her respective community as a Junior Grand Marshall for the Holiday Extravaganza Parade in downtown Pontiac on Saturday, December 6, 2025, following the awards ceremony..The late Fran Anderson, in whose memory the scholarships are named, was an inspirational woman who epitomized the phrase, “making a difference”. She was a superb teacher in the Pontiac School District and an extraordinary volunteer and advocate for numerous civic and community organizations, including one of the founding members of Holiday Extravaganza, on whose Board of Directors she served with passion and distinction.
Who Can Apply and How?
To qualify for the Fran & Russ Anderson Family Legacy Fund Making a Difference Scholarship, an individual must:
Be a high school student who resides in one of the following communities: the City of Auburn Hills, the City of Pontiac, Waterford Township, or White Lake Township;
If he/she is awarded the scholarship, MUST be present and available for both Holiday Extravaganza events, including the Scholarship/Jr. Grand Marshal Ceremony and Parade, on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Submit application and 500 word or less essay no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025. Essay must be in the applicant’s own words on what the applicant has done personally, “to make a difference in his/her local community”;
Online Application
Printable Application – Mail to P.O. Box 432224 Pontiac, MI 48343
How are the Recipients Selected?
Officials from Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake will1.) evaluate essays that high school students from their respective communities submit on or before the due date, and2.) select their community’s scholarship recipient, based solely on the quality of his/her essay. The essays will be submitted as anonymous entries to the officials, whose decision is final.
When is the Scholarship Awarded?
The Fran & Russ Anderson Family Legacy Fund Making a Difference Scholarships will be awarded during a program that will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The parade will follow at 11:00 a.m. Scholarship recipients must be present at both events.
When is the Scholarship Paid and to Whom?
The proceeds of the Fran & Russ Anderson Family Legacy Fund Making a Difference Scholarships will be paid directly to the recipients’ educational institutions, no sooner than the start of their fall term, after Holiday Extravaganza has determined that the recipients are enrolled.
Questions?
Questions should be directed to
Linda Zabik, (248) 421-7198, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
