Recipients of the inaugural Vic Michaels Servant Leadership Scholarship share a defining characteristic: a deep faith that guides their daily lives.

The scholarship, established by De La Salle Collegiate this year, honors students who graduated from St. Joan of Arc Elementary School in St. Clair Shores — the parish that Vic Michaels called home for many years.

Michaels, who served as executive director of the Catholic High School League since 2003, dedicated his life to Catholic education and student-athletes across Michigan. Following his passing last December, the scholarship was created to recognize students who exemplify the same values of faith, service, leadership, and character that defined his legacy.

Selected by De La Salle administration, this year's recipients are Alexander Thomas, James Lanno, and Matthew Crippen.

"I believe my dad would be impressed by these young men and the way they represent the CHSL by showing their strong character off the field, as well as being leaders while they compete athletically," said Marc Michaels, Vic Michaels' son.

His father's impact continues to be evident through the countless stories people share with him.

"I'm not sure a day goes by where someone doesn't tell me a story about my dad," Marc Michaels said. "Most of them are about little things that he did for others that no one knew about, but were very thoughtful and memorable. He led with a servant's mentality out of genuine care for other people, not for recognition. His legacy is something that our family is very proud of, and we try our best to use what he taught us to be better people every single day."

Ben Westphal, ’16, director of Admissions, said their leadership at St. Joan of Arc, commitment to serving others, and the examples they set through their faith make them deserving recipients of the scholarship. “We are honored to have them join the De La Salle Collegiate family, where the teachings of Jesus Christ and the spirit of servant leadership are at the heart of our mission. We look forward to watching you continue the legacy of faith, character, and service that Mr. Michaels so beautifully exemplified,” he said.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students were required to submit a 250-word essay describing how they have demonstrated leadership and how they plan to continue that leadership during their time at De La Salle Collegiate.

In their essays, each recipient expressed excitement about attending De La Salle and continuing to grow in faith and service.

"I would like to attend DLS to continue learning and growing in my faith as I grow up and to be a part of the amazing school I have heard about and seen," wrote Thomas.

Lanno echoed his thoughts: "I am really excited about the possibility of attending De La Salle because I am looking for a high school that will challenge me to grow in every part of my life. My faith has always been a huge part of who I am."

For Crippen, attending De La Salle represents both a faith-filled education and a family tradition.

"I want to attend a Catholic high school because it's a place where I can grow in my faith while getting a strong education. My grandpa, uncles, and two brothers all went to DLS, and I've seen how much the school has meant to them."