Three individuals aspiring to careers in public service were chosen for the annual awards, available to a junior, senior or graduate student in a Michigan college or university who who aims to encourage students to seek future public service aspirations.
Raikes, who has been on staff at Northville Charter Township for nearly 10 years, said she hopes to use her advanced degree to serve as a finance director in a Michigan municipality. She said that in her decade serving township residents, her goal has remained the same.
“To serve the community to the best of my ability, and to provide safety and quality services through programs and policies to residents. I've always been drawn to helping people. At the local government level, you have the most impact on people's lives. When local government listens and works with their citizens, they can make changes to ordinances, policies and procedures that serve the community.” Raikes, a resident of Livonia, said.
“This year's recipients demonstrated a strong commitment to both their education, and to working toward careers serving Michigan's residents,” said Marilyn Strickland, MTA Robinson Scholarship Committee chair and Newton Township treasurer, who also serves as MTA District 4 director. “MTA created this scholarship to honor the legacy of long-time township advocate Robert Robinson by fostering future local leaders-and our three honorees this year are exceptional examples of dedication to public service.”
Jerrid Burdue, a student at Western Michigan University, and Madison Moran, a student at Lake Superior State University were also awarded scholarships as they pursue graduate degrees.
