VIDEO: Scholarship Award Rocks Royal Oak High School Senior's World

On prom day, when seniors worry about picking up boutonnieres, hair appointments and taking photographs, Bailey Hulswit agreed to set aside some time to help Interim Principal Jim Moll with a special request. Little did Hulswit know it was only a ruse and her world was about to change.

Moll told Hulswit he wanted to interview her Thursday, as a "power senior," to help him better understand how the school year went for students and where the administration could improve. When Hulswit entered Moll's office, instead of sitting through a lengthy interview, she was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers, including Superintendent Shawn Lewis-Lakin and video cameras.

Hulswit was told she was choosen for the Robert A. Schuele Scholarship Fund, which will pay for her college tuition, fees, room and board, and books and materials when she enters the University of Michigan in the fall.

Hulswit was chosen from more than 60 applicants for her outstanding character and commitment to academic studies.

“The finalists represented four different high schools. It was highly competitive,” said Brett Tillander of the , which administers the scholarship. “I think what struck everyone about Bailey was her academic maturity, her commitment to community and her ability to lead.”

"We can't wait to watch her progress," said Tom Violante Jr. of , who is part of the committee that deliberated for hours before choosing Hulswit. "We can't wait to see what she does in the next four years, and to be a part of that is pretty exciting for us."

The scholarship was established to honor the life of Rob Schuele, a family man, and a business professional who dreamed of putting together a scholarship that could "rock some kid's world," Violante said. After Schuele passed away unexpectedly, his friends got together to make that dream a reality.

"We wanted to do something because we had all this energy created through our grief, so we put together a golf outing and came up with the funds for this scholarship," Violante said. It's not just financial assistance the scholarship provides, but tutoring and counseling, if needed, and help with finding internships.

"Watching these kids click and begin running makes us more proud as a group than writing checks," Violante said. "We have been a part of some amazing stories."

Bart Tinsley, President of AirSystems, and Dave Lychuk, a member of scholarship committee were also present on Thursday to congratulate Hulswit.

Overcome with emotion, the normally forthright Hulswit, found it difficult to speak. She extended her sincere thanks and then immediately called her mother, Shannon Bergt, to share the news.

To apply for the Robert A. Schuele Scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

• at least a 2.85 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative high school GPA or an 18 composite ACT score for first-time freshman, or scores of 400 or more in each of the following SAT categories: critical reading, mathematics and writing
• demonstrate need for financial assistance
• intend full-time college student status
• unrestricted academic standing with the university or college with which courses will be taken is required
• a high school senior living in Oakland County, or a member in good standing at the or an applicant recommended by the Robert A. Schuele Scholarship Committee