Michael Collins family creates endowed scholarship at ISU
The Michael Collins Foundation proudly created an endowed scholarship at Illinois State University. Please click here or on the photo above to read the article by WJBC.
MADD Announces the Michael Collins Humanity Award
MADD Illinois proudly announces the MADD Michael Collins Humanity Award
Bloomington Normal, Illinois – On Saturday, August 20, 2016 Mothers Against Drunk Driving announced at their yearly Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet held in Springfield, Illinois that the MADD Community Award was being renamed the Michael Collins Humanity Award, in honor of Normal native, Michael Collins.
In the past MADD Community Award, now the Michael Collins Humanity Award, is given to the individual or organization that demonstrates fellowship with others as the result of the sharing of similar attitudes, values, interests and goals with respect to MADD’s mission and the overall desire for the improvement of the quality of life in their community.
Michael Collins was a 22 year old senior at Illinois State University majoring in Exercise Science when on March 29, 2014 a drunk driver with a blood alcohol content level more than twice the legal limit ran a red light traveling over 100 mph at the intersection of Main Street and Empire Street and collided with a vehicle that Michael Collins was a passenger in. Michael succumbed to the injuries he sustained at the crash and passed away four days later on April 2, 2014.
“Jim and Kelly Collins are wonderful people who have had the ultimate tragedy bestowed upon them and that is the loss of a child. The Collins family and The Michael Collins Foundation have been extremely generous to MADD Illinois and have donated considerable funds, as well as their time and leadership that has allowed for MADD to further pursue its mission to stop drunk and drugged driving, prevent underage drinking and provide services to victims of the violent crime,” said Sam Canzoneri, State Executive Director of MADD Illinois.
“Our family is deeply humbled that MADD has changed the name of the award to embody Michael’s spirit and the mission of his foundation. We will continue to partner with MADD to raise awareness and fight against this senseless and preventable crime,” said Kelly Collins, mother of Michael Collins
MCstrong Fall 2016 Newsletter
The 2016 Fall edition of the MCstrong Newsletter is out now. Please click the image below to read about how Michael’s foundation has made a difference so far this year. You may also subscribe to receive future newsletters via email.
MCstrong Poster Contest
Madison Read and Nikki Ogorek, both from Normal Community High School, tied for first place in the MCstrong Poster contest.
The contest was to design a poster that promotes safe and sober driving. Along with the poster, participants included an essay explaining how their future choices are to pledge to practice safe and sober driving. Top finishers were recognized at the Michael Collins Baseball Memorial Invite held at the Corn Crib. Both girls received a $500 cash prize and NCHS’s art club was awarded $1,000. Congratulations and thanks to all who participated!
Nikki Ogorek
My poster for the Michael Collins Foundation is a little girl holding her father’s hand with a set of car keys. They girl’s jersey is the color of Michael’s Heartland jersey, and includes Collins’ last name and number. I included the quote, “You’re not the only one on the road,” because drunk driving not only affects those who are impaired, but also can be detrimental to those who are being responsible. This father, who took his daughter to a baseball game, is being a safe and sober driver. But, if another driver is irresponsible he/she may take the lives of innocent people. My future choices include safe and sober driving because I am aware of the consequences that accompany drunk driving, as well as the danger it brings upon myself and others.
Nikki Ogorek
Normal Community High School
Madison Read
For my MCstrong poster I wanted to portray the message that together, we are stronger. I was inspired by the Bible verse Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 which says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” If is much easier for a community to come together and make a difference than an individual. I think it’s essential for friends and family to encourage each other to drive sober and make safe decisions. If we join together, support each other, and “lift people up” our community can make a difference not only in Bloomington – Normal, but around the world. In my poster I painted a person’s hand grasping on to someone else’s to illustrate someone “lifting up a friend” and “lending a helping hand.” The reason I chose to paint this was to show what it looks like to encourage and help others get back on their feet and make good choices. I also painted the MCstrong logo on the arms. I wanted to promote and share the message of
The Michael Collins foundation. Michael Collins touched many people in our community, and his accident struck up a change in our town, and in me. I plan to drive safe and sober, and to inspire others to do the same.
Madison Read
Normal Community High School
2016 MCstrong Award
As the summer winds down and Labor Day approaches we are once again reminded of the dangers of being on the roadways. According to AAA the “100 deadliest days” of the summer driving season are from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Michael Collins Foundation, not long ago, recognized local law enforcement for continued efforts to eliminate drunk and drugged driving by presenting the MCstrong Award. Each candidate was selected by their command officer based on specific criteria. This award will be presented annually to a Bloomington, Normal, McLean County, and Illinois State University police officer for their exemplary DUI enforcement.
All to often the tireless work of police officers goes seemingly unnoticed by society in general. We, at The Michael Collins Foundation, want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for making safe roads a number one priority.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the 2016 MCstrong Award.
Bloomington Police Officer Jim Clesson,
Normal Officer Cory McNicol,
ISU Officer Matt Blecha, and
McLean County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Albee.
2016 Michael Collins Memorial Scholarships Awarded
Michael loved baseball. He called his two years as a Heartland Hawk “the best two years of my life.” Those two years included consecutive trips to the NJCAA World Series in Enid, OK. Prior to playing at Heartland he starred at Normal West, leading the Wildcats to consecutive Big 12 conference championships. And while he was attending Illinois State University, Michael was an assistant coach at University High School.
The Michael Collins Memorial Scholarships will be awarded annually to a player who exemplifies the characteristics that made Michael a special individual to have as a teammate, player, friend and son. Players chosen will demonstrate a strong faith, an outstanding work ethic, a commitment to servant leadership, a high level of integrity, a love for coaches and teammates, and a pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.
Here are the 2016 scholarship winners:
University High School – Zach Frey
Zach led the Pioneers to a 23-8 record and a Cornbelt Conference championship in 2016. He was selected to play in the Illinois Coaches Association – MCstrong All-Star game, and the Pantagraph Senior All-Star game. Zach was a sophomore on the Pioneer varsity team in 2014 when Michael was an assistant coach at U-High. Zach was a key component as that team battled through the unimaginable tragedy of losing Michael, winning a regional championship and advancing to the Sectional title game. Zach honors his memory of Michael with an “MCstrong” tattoo on his bicep, and will carry those memories with him as he continues his baseball career at the University of Illinois – Springfield.
Normal West – Nate Beal
Nate provided outstanding senior leadership last season for a Wildcat team that finished 18-16 overall. Nate was selected to play in the Illinois Coaches Association – MCstrong All-Star game, and the Pantagraph Senior All-Star game. Nate attended all of the team’s optional chapels in 2015 and 2016. His kind and encouraging nature provided a tremendous model for others to follow. Michael had the opportunity to coach Nate when Nate was at Parkside Junior High School. Nate will continue his baseball career at Lindenwood University – Belleville.
MCstrong Pays it Forward to Area Police
Michael Collins foundation paid it forward to the City of Bloomington – Police, Normal Police Department and McLean County Sheriff’s Officetoday.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1Cor 13:13
Michael’s story shared with the Chicago Bears
We are excited to announce that Kelly Collins will be partnering with MADD to share Michael’s story with the Chicago Bears Rookie program next week. Michael was a passionate and dedicated athlete, and we are honored to further promote his legacy, the importance of making responsible decisions, and the dangers of drinking and driving with these promising young athletes.
“I was honored to share Michael’s story & the dangers of drunk driving with Chicago Bears Rookie Program this past Monday,” Kelly Collins commented. Each player was gifted a Dare To Be Uncommon Devotional (Tony Dungy) challenging them to make responsible choices that will echo through eternity. Thanks again to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)for all the work they do to end drunk driving.
2015 Michael Collins Memorial Scholarships Awarded
Michael loved baseball. He called his two years as a Heartland Hawk “the best two years of my life.” Those two years included consecutive trips to the NJCAA World Series in Enid, OK. Prior to playing at Heartland he starred at Normal West, leading the Wildcats to consecutive Big 12 conference championships. And while he was attending Illinois State University, Michael was an assistant coach at University High School.
The Michael Collins Memorial Scholarships will be awarded annually to a player who exemplifies the characteristics that made Michael a special individual to have as a teammate, player, friend and son. Players chosen will demonstrate a strong faith, an outstanding work ethic, a commitment to servant leadership, a high level of integrity, a love for coaches and teammates, and a pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.
Here are the 2015 scholarship winners:
Heartland Community College – Travis Auer
Travis is a redshirt freshman at Heartland after missing his initial season of college baseball while recovering from elbow surgery. Travis is a 2014 graduate of University High School, and Michael was one of his coaches at U-High. Even though he was unable to play in his initial collegiate season, Travis brought an attitude of giving and servant leadership to the team, contributing in any way possible. He consistently carries one of the best GPA’s on the team and attended all of the team chapel’s last spring. Travis also volunteered several hours during The Michael Collins Foundation baseball events in 2014.
Normal West High School – Reid Birlingmair
Reid led the Wildcats to a regional championship in his senior season and was selected to play in the Illinois Coaches Association – MCstrong All-Star game and the Pantagraph All-Star game. Reid excelled on the field and in the classroom at Normal West, and embodied Michael’s faith, attending all of the team’s optional chapels in the spring of 2015. Michael had the opportunity to coach Reid when Reid was a 6th grader at Parkside Junior High School. Reid’s older brother Jacob was one of Michael’s best friends and a Normal West Wildcat teammate. Reid is continuing his baseball career at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
University High School – Nick Mosele
In his senior season, Nick led U-High to a 28-6 record and was selected to play in the Illinois Coaches Association – MCstrong All-Star game. He also represented U-High in the Pantagraph All-Star game. As a junior in 2014, Nick’s outstanding defense helped the Pioneers win a regional championship and advance to the sectional title game. Michael coached Nick at U-High, and loved working with Nick and the other infielders. Nick has been a role model on and off the field, pursuing excellence in baseball and the classroom. Following in the footsteps of his parents, Nick is attending Augustana College and is playing baseball for the Vikings.
Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for supporting Michael’s foundation!
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