Dow High School graduate wins scholarship for remarkable leadership

Amanda Han, a 2025 graduate of H. H. Dow High School, has been named a recipient of the annual Sandy Mazur Excellence in Leadership Scholarship by Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) of Midland. The $5,000 scholarship was established in honor of Spherion’s former President, Sandy Mazur, recognizing her unwavering dedication to leadership, excellence, and service to others.

Han is already on her way to building a remarkable legacy of leadership in the Midland community. She’s established lasting professional partnerships with companies like Mylivell and Auto-Vox, while founding student organizations like the Pursuit of Passions (POP) Club, which helped fellow H. H. Dow High School students explore college and career options, to expand her reach as a BigFuture Ambassador.

From creating the Deals2Donate website to encourage giving to local charities, to fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and delivering handmade blankets to the Shelterhouse, Han has demonstrated empathy, creativity, and determination. These qualities exemplify the spirit of Mazur’s leadership and will continue to guide her as she begins her college career at the University of Michigan.

“We’re absolutely delighted to support Amanda as she continues to grow as one of Midland’s bright young leaders. She’s joining an incredibly talented group of former Mid-Michigan winners like Caleb Qui, Emma Schultz, and Jocelyn Stopka,” says Sarah Ross, franchise owner of Spherion Midland.

“By helping her classmates realize their own career goals and giving back to those in need, Amanda has demonstrated how deep her compassion for others runs. I’m confident that she’s already found a way to continue making a difference in her first few months at college.” 

The award honors students like Han, who demonstrate the qualities that Sandy Mazur embodied during her 18-year career at Spherion—excellence, leadership, and a passion for making a difference. Created in her honor, the scholarship reflects Mazur’s “pay it forward” spirit, which continues to inspire teams at hundreds of Spherion offices nationwide and helps the next generation carry forward Mazur’s dedication to community service.

The Spherion Scholarship Advisory Board, led by franchisees Beth DeLaney and Michael Chalmers, coordinated with the Ohio-based nonprofit The Richland County Foundation, which disburses grants for charitable organizations, to review hundreds of applicants and choose the finalists. From there, a group of franchise community representatives, including DeLaney, Chalmers, and Mazur, select the winners. With the names and locations removed, the group reviewed the applicants and chose Han as one of five scholarship recipients.

“Celebrating Amanda as a recipient of the Sandy Mazur Excellence in Leadership Scholarship is such a joy,” says Mazur. “Her achievements, leadership, and dedication to making a difference in her community reflect everything this award stands for. I can’t wait to see the impact Amanda will continue to make as a leader for the next generation. Congratulations again, this recognition is well deserved.” 

Since its creation in 2019, the scholarship has supported students pursuing higher education, technical training, or skilled trades, reflecting Spherion’s commitment to helping students achieve their educational and career goals. Han was one of four other students in Spherion’s community honored with $5,000 scholarships.

More information on Spherion in Midland, and the Sandy Mazur Excellence in Leadership Scholarship can be found on their websites.