The two students were first named among only 16,000 semifinalists in the nation and now are among the approximately 15,000 finalists. From the finalists, some 6,870 will be awarded scholarships this spring totaling nearly $26 million.
“It’s quite an honor, even if I don’t end up getting the scholarship. I was not expecting any of this in the slightest,” said Walters.
“It’s still surprising to me. It’s a very happy surprise,” Novak said.
Novak is considering attending either University of Michigan or Michigan State University to pursue a biology degree and continue into the medical field. “I know I want to do something medical, but I'm not sure yet exactly what is going to appeal to me the most.”
Walters has finalized his plans for college and will be attending Aquinas College to pursue a degree in communications and a pathway to pre-law.
Both students credit TK Schools for helping them reach this ultimate achievement. “We have truly incredible teachers here. I think the classes we have offered here have been really helpful like the AP Language classes that really helped me do better and be prepared for the tests we had to take to get to this point,” said Walters.
“The teachers make the class and TK has great teachers who ensure students have what they need,” added Novak.
Both students said some of the AP classes they’ve taken over the years have been their favorites, especially AP Language and AP Calculus. Novak said he also especially enjoyed his class in genetics and biotech, anatomy and physiology.
In addition to his AP classes, Walters said he has mostly enjoyed being in band classes all four years of high school and his theater arts class.
Both Walters and Novak are members of the jazz, marching and symphonic bands. They’ve both been involved in plays and musicals. Novak works as a member of the stage crew for plays and musicals. Walters has been in all of the plays and musicals for four years and had the leading role in the 2024 fall play. He will also be featured as the Tin Man in the spring musical “The Wizard of Oz.”
Additionally, Walters is a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society and theater arts class. He also performs with a worship band for his church and plays with a jazz combo including a performance at the recent Barry Community Foundation Hometown Hero Banquet. He is the son of Jason and Robin Walters.
Novak is a member of the boys’ varsity tennis team, National Honor Society and Science Olympiad. He enjoys reading in his free time and helping his younger cousins. He is the son of Jared and Amanda Novak.
The two scholars offered some advice to younger students just starting their high school careers. “Put in the work. Put your nose to the grindstone and do the work. Get things done. Be in class and pay attention in class. But most importantly - do the work and surround yourself with friends and teachers who will help you,” said Novak.
Walters added his advice. “Push yourself and don’t be independent about your learning. Use the resources here. The people and teachers are here to help.”