Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich.– Continuing an annual tradition of community-led investment in education, Crystal Mountian and the Crystal Scholarship Foundation (CSF) are proud to announce the 2026 class of scholarship recipients. This year, the foundation is awarding just over $39,000 to five new recipients and three second-year award winners.
“We are incredibly moved by the dedication of these applicants and Crystal Mountain team members,” said Kim Pickell, CSF Board Member. “These individuals aren’t just students; they are high-performing employees who balanced full-time work and extracurriculars while navigating a rigorous application process, including a six-person panel interview. Their resilience and character are exactly what this foundation was built to support.”
This year’s class represents a diverse range of academic pursuits and professional goals:
- Helen Engbers (Lifeguard & Swim Instructor): A graduate who completed high school in just three years, Helen is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at McGill University. She plans to double major in Cultural Studies and Communications with an eye toward a career in fashion journalism.
- Aidan Liedeke (Lot Attendant): An Economics major and Religion minor at Kalamazoo College, Aidan is a dedicated student-athlete. After overcoming a major injury and Tommy John surgery, he became a mentor to his baseball teammates, demonstrating leadership and persistence.
- Ivy Mills (Dependent of Trevor Mills): Daughter of First Assistant Superintendent Trevor Mills, Ivy is a varsity volleyball captain and Academic All-State honoree. She is pursuing a path in dermatology, with plans to major in biology or chemistry before attending the University of Michigan for medical school.
- Kylie Sexton (Food & Beverage): The Valedictorian of her Mesick High School class, Kylie is headed to the University of Michigan to study athletic training. A multi-sport athlete and honors student, she credits her success to her core values of respect and commitment.
A highlight of the 2026 awards is the introduction of the Jennifer Pope Scholarship, created by Jack and JoAnn Pope. This award specifically supports students attending community college programs—a path the Pope family deeply believed in for its power to provide a solid foundation for career advancement and personal growth.
- Kaylyn Masterson (Conference Services): Named the first-ever Jennifer Pope Scholarship recipient, Kaylyn has served as a Conference Services Manager at Crystal for over three years. While working full-time, she is pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing at Northwestern Michigan College, transitioning her leadership skills into a career in patient advocacy.
In addition to the new CSF recipients, there are three second-year recipients: Grace Kidd, Ben Morris, and Holly Riley-Lampinen. To help returning students maintain their momentum toward graduation, the CSF Board voted to increase second-year awards to 75% of their original scholarship amounts.
The Crystal Scholarship Foundation was established six years ago through a unique partnership between Crystal Mountain property owners and the resort’s executive team. Under this agreement, CSF plans the annual Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational (CMSI), oversees fundraising, and administers the scholarship recipient selection process. Crystal Mountain supports the effort through marketing, membership, and event operations, as well as an annual donation.
Save the Date
The 2026 Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational is scheduled for August 7 and 8, 2026 at Crystal Mountain.
- Friday, Aug. 7: Golf on the Mountain Ridge course followed by a dinner reception and games at the Golf Learning Center.
- Saturday, Aug. 8: Golf on the Betsie Valley course, followed by a shootout, awards ceremony, and dinner on the #9 green.
For more information about the Invitational and to learn more about how to support the Crystal Scholarship Foundation, please visit crystalmountain.com/
About Crystal Scholarship Foundation:
The Crystal Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarship opportunities to Crystal Mountain employees and their dependents. Recipients are chosen based on academic proficiency, work ethic, community service, and solid character.
About Crystal Mountain:
Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is celebrating 70 years, with the 70th winter season being 2026-27. This four-season, family-owned resort is located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 1,500-acre resort features a variety of lodging options, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, hiking and biking trails, Michigan Legacy Art Park, the award-winning Crystal Spa, and more. Day guests and overnight guests are welcome, as well as weddings, meetings, conferences, and other special events. Four Seasons Club Membership and real estate options are available. Learn more at crystalmountain.com.