Nobody: Our trees: : Kendra Stanley-Mills

Some crafty Grand Valley State University residents have brought joy to their campus by creating smiley faces on tree trunks using snow. In early February, these cheerful faces were seen all over campus and brought smiles to the faces of many students and faculty members.

Using snow as their medium, these happy artists carefully molded it into the shapes of smiley faces on the trunks of trees. The result is a series of cheerful faces that look like they're beaming across the landscape, bringing happiness and lightheartedness to the otherwise bleak winter landscape.

By Shelby Sullivan Writer for the AACC

The smiling trees were a popular sight on campus, with many students stopping to take photos and share their joy on social media. The smiles have since spread beyond the campus when the photos were shared and liked online.

GVSU’s smiling trees are a testament to the power of small acts of kindness and creativity. Despite being a simple creation, they have profoundly impacted the community and brought joy to many. They remind us that even during the cold, wet months, we can all do something to bring happiness to those around us!

At the time, students and GVSU faculty commented on how these smiley faces brightened their day. One commenter said, "Gorgeous," while another added, This made me smile on my way this morning!"

GVSU’s smiling trees have made a lasting impression on the campus and beyond. They have brought a smile to the faces of many students and faculty members and have shown the power of small acts of kindness in bringing joy and happiness to others. Thank you, GVSU residents, for brightening up an otherwise dreary February!

Taking it to the Next Level!

Paige Kirby (11th grade) has won two Gold Keys in the Scholastic Art Awards Competition! Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Paige Kirby received two Gold Keys, the highest level of recognition, in the West Central Region of Michigan's Scholastic Awards. Here are her two winning pieces of art. The West Central Region stretches from Holland to Traverse City to Saginaw and Grand Rapids. It includes schools such as the extremely competitive Interlochen Arts Academy and Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy. Gold Key winners are automatically entered into the National Scholastic Awards Competition. Paige's work will be judged on the national level this spring.

Congrats Paige!

For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Kayla Smith

Brand Coordinator kasmith@honorcu.com

800.442.2800, ext. 9205

Honor Credit Union to Award 28 High School Seniors with $1,000 Scholarship

BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN - January 13, 2023 Honor Credit Union is excited to announce the kickoff of its 2023 Community Commitment Scholarship application. The application window is open for high school seniors from January 13- March 15, 2023. Honor Credit Union will award a $1,000 scholarship to 28 graduating high school or home school seniors.

Each year, the Community Commitment Scholarship holds steadfast with the mission of supporting high school seniors and their continued education at the university or trade school of their choosing. It reflects Honor's values of community, education, and supporting its members.

To be eligible, the student must be a primary account holder at Honor Credit Union and complete an online application detailing their academic performance and community involvement. Students must highlight this community involvement in a 3 00-400-word essay explaining how they have made their community a better place.

The deadline to apply for the Community Commitment Scholarship is March 15, 2023, at 11:59:59 PM. Applications must be submitted online. Applications delivered to an Honor me mber center will not be considered. Scholarship winners will be contacted and announced in late April. To access the application form and view the complete list of requirements, please visit www.honorcu.com/ scholarship.

About Honor Credit Union

Honor Credit Union is a non-profit, full -service financial institution serving over 100,000 members in 28 member center communities throughout western and northern Michigan.

Providing solutions for financial success and giving back to the communities we serve remain the driving forces behind Honor Credit Union. For more information, call 800.442.2800, or visit www.honorcu.com.