Video Wins Ferndale Student $1,000 Scholarship

senior Natalie Berger won third place in the , earning her $1,000 toward her college education.

The competition asked students to submit videos explaining the importance of investing in a higher education, and how the Michigan 2020 Plan to offer free college tuition to all students is the right investment for Michigan to make.

Berger compiled a creatively edited video that takes a look at the future of Michigan's citizens. She used graphics, music, simple texts and familiar images of people learning, growing and aspiring to become something great in life to send her message.

“Natalie’s video was full of passion and creativity and perfectly captured the excitement of preparing to go to college and the worries students have about how they are going to pay for it,” said state Sen. Vincent Gregory (D–Southfield).

More than 75,000 votes were cast by people across Michigan, and votes from the public in the finals were combined with the votes of a judging panel to determine the winners.

"Natalie is a prime example of the talent and promise our young people in Michigan and Oakland County have, and I hope her video helps get the attention of my colleagues in Lansing to pass the Michigan 2020 Plan and make a higher education accessible for all Michigan students," Gregory said.

For more information, visit www.mi2020video.com.