The Maple Grove Ambassador Scholarship Program (MGAP) was founded in 1999 by Michelene Radulovich. Now in our 18th year, we continue to make great strides in providing greater opportunities for young women in Maple Grove.

Every year, three outstanding women are chosen to represent Maple Grove as Ambassadors. They are selected by a panel of independent judges based on poise, character, community involvement and speaking ability. Serving as an Ambassador benefits not only the individual, but the local and surrounding communities, businesses, schools and residents.

These young women serve as good-will Ambassadors and represent Maple Grove at more than 90 events annually with approximately 30 of those events in Maple Grove.  Locally they volunteer their time to MGCO at their annual events, participate in family and benefit activities with the Arbor Lake Business Association, work closely with the City Council, the Maple Grove Rotary and Lions and participate in other various community events. Additionally, they partner with Special Olympics, Life Time Fitness, Leukemia Society, TC in Motion, CROSS, to name a few. Their service is extremely valuable to all, and in return, each Ambassador receives a $3,000 scholarship. In 20 years, our program has donated more than $145,000 in scholarship dollars.

The year 2014 introduced new directors, minor and major changes to the program and new ideas. This year also brought the retiring of our Ambassador Parade Float, titled 'Dare to Dream'. Since its existence at the onset of MGAP, our float has earned the recognition from several surrounding communities, winning first place at many parades and was presented the Minneapolis Aquatennial President's Award twice in the Torchlight Parade.

Therefore, our biggest endeavor in 2014 was building a new float with the same pride of it depicting our beautiful City of Maple Grove, with an updated creativity, design and look. Watch for "The Dream of Maple Grove", which debuted in Albertville, June 2015, in many parades every summer, Anoka Halloween parades and 2 winter parades.

The impact of the Maple Grove Ambassador experience is evident long after the Ambassdors' year of service. Five Maple Grove Ambassadors have gone on to become Ambassadors for the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Many others are traveling abroad, volunteering with and working for non-profits, building their professional careers, raising families and staying involved with MGAP.

All who are involved with MGAP look forward to our representation of Maple Grove, strengthening sponsorship and organization relationships and honoring our history and look toward the future.

Michelene Radulovich - Founder

Judy Harding - Co-Founder

 

Gillian Laursen - Program Director

Rebecca Key - Assoc. Director

Jillian Klasen - Assoc. Coordinator

 

Alex Steinman - Past Director

Jeanette Dressen - Past Director

Lindsey Sachs - Past Director