George Wells III of Clarkston spent weeks this summer reviewing scholarship essays describing the aspirations of young people from across the area.
He could relate to many of them ? scholarship winner Emily Rupp’s relationship with her brother is like his with his sister.
‘We share a lot of personality traits ? we’re both outgoing and unique,? Rupp said.
‘My sister and I have a similar relationship,? Wells said.
For Emily, 17, her brother Chris, 23, served as one of her role models, she said.
‘He’s my best friend,? Emily said. ‘He would help with my homework, let me hang out with him and his friends when there was no one my age.?
Wells, certified senior advisor for Legacy of America, worked on his company’s scholarship program with his grandfather, George Wells Sr., who created it.
‘My grandfather is a big fan of education,? George III said. ‘When I was growing up, my grandfather would always say I was ornery ? this has helped our relationship.?
Emily’s grandmother, Dorothy, a Legacy client, encouraged her to apply.
Legacy of America offers two $500 scholarships each year, one based on the application and essay and the other on financial need. This year, they received about 400 applications.
Emily, a Lake Orion High School graduate, is set to attend film acting classes at the Conservatory for the Performing Arts, School for Film and Television in New York City.