Criminal justice student awarded scholarship

Baker College's Auburn Hills campus has announced that Shareka Clay, of Pontiac, has received the 2016 Taylor-Graystone Criminal Justice Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a student earning a degree in the fields of criminal justice, security or public safety who demonstrates outstanding citizenship by serving their community as a leader and volunteer. Clay is earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. "Shareka consistently displays a high degree of honesty, conscientiousness and purpose," said Barry Matthews, Baker College of Auburn Hills program director for criminal justice. "She is definitely a leader. In addition to her excellent scholastic accomplishments, she volunteers at Crossroads for Youth and works part time to help support her pursuit of a bachelor's degree." Clay returned to higher education in 2015 after earning an associate degree in 2001 and working in the criminal justice field for 15 years. "I was reminded on numerous occasions that I need a bachelor's degree to advance in my career," Clay said. "After earning all As in my first quarter back without having a laptop computer or initially knowing some of today's basic school requirements, such as how to make a PowerPoint presentation my new goal is to complete this degree in two years with a higher GPA than I earned for my associate degree. I'm on track to do that." The scholarship was established in 2014 by J.R. Taylor, Ph.D., and his family because of their belief in the mission and principles of Baker College. Taylor is the founder of Graystone Management Group Ltd. and Graystone Security & Protection Services Inc., and is a member of the Auburn Hills campus Board of Regents. For information about Baker College criminal justice programs, contact Nicole Chirco in the admissions office at nicole.chirco@baker.edu or 248-340-0600, or visit www.baker.edu. Published: Thu, Nov 24, 2016