“I am a walking example of how following your dreams can lead to success. My father was a Realtor—watching him make people’s dreams of homeownership a reality inspired me to do the same. I became a licensed professional at age 20 and opened my own real estate company at age 29. That’s why it’s so important to me to give back to the community by providing local young people with the same opportunity to bring their dreams to fruition.” - Laura Durham
11th Annual “Follow Your Dreams” Scholarship
Open to all 2025 graduating seniors of Saugatuck and Fennville High Schools and Homeschoolers residing in those districts.
January 9, 2025 Saugatuck, MI – Laura Durham, owner and Founder at Mill Pond Realty—the local leaders in real estate, vacation rentals, and property management since 1991—announced today submissions are now being accepted for the 11th annual “Follow Your Dreams” scholarship open to all 2025 graduating seniors of Saugatuck and Fennville area high schools including homeschool students residing in those districts. Two scholarships will be awarded: $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place.
The essay should focus on the student’s dream and how they plan to make that dream a reality after graduation. We are seeking students who demonstrate passion, heart, and vision to follow their dreams. Scholarships are awarded on content of essay, not form, and not student’s GPA. The scholarships may be used for any post-secondary education, trade school or equivalent. Payments will be made directly to the school of the winner’s choice.
To apply, simply email a one-page essay of no more than 500 words telling Laura why it’s so important to follow your dreams and how being passionate about your future will help you be successful in life. Submit your essays to Laura@millpondrealty.com, or mail to our office at Mill Pond Realty, 747 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, or drop off your essay at the office. Send your submission no later than Thursday, May 1st, 2025, to be considered.
2025 Winners Charlotte Gardner and Kennedy Gustafson
2024 Winners Nidia Martinez and Isabel Noguera
2023 Winners Jennifer Garcia and Jessica Garcia
2022 Winners Lucy Alexander and Cai Hesse.
2021 Winner Sydney Kierzek
2020 Winners Mariana Searle and Coryne Howard
The Laura Durham Follow Your Dreams Scholarship was established in 2013
and is awarded annually.
To apply, watch our facebook page and the Commercial Record for entry information. The scholarship is open to any Saugatuck, Fennville, or Home School graduate.
Students who plan to attend either a trade school, community college, or four-year university after graduation are asked to submit a one-page essay of no more than 500 words expressing why it’s so important for them to follow their dreams and how being passionate about their future will help them be successful in life.
The scholarship is awarded based on the content of the essay, not the format or student’s GPA. Scholarship funds will be distributed directly to
the school of each student’s choice.
Address Search
