PORTLAND, Maine – Two New York students, whose father suffered a tragic work-related injury, and a University of Connecticut student, whose family immigrated to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been named as this year's recipients of The MEMIC Group's Harvey Picker Horizon Scholarship Program.

Arie and Tagen Decker of Middleport, New York, and Manuela Kalonda of Bridgeport, Connecticut, have been awarded the 2024 Harvey Picker Horizon Scholarship, each receiving a $10,000 scholarship award from MEMIC.

Manuela Kalonda, a recent graduate from Biotechnology Research and Zoological Studies High School, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment throughout her high school years. Despite facing personal challenges, such as the effects of her father's work-related injury on her family, Manuela participated in sports, excelled academically, and engaged actively in her community. Her leadership skills and compassion have earned her recognition and accolades.

With a passion for learning and entrepreneurship, Manuela will be attending the University of Connecticut to pursue a degree in Communications.

The Decker siblings, Arie and Tagen, tragically lost their father in June 2023 due to a work-related injury. Despite enduring the immense loss, Tagen, a studious and determined individual, continued to excel academically at SUNY Cobleskill, where he is majoring in Agricultural Business Management. His commitment to his studies, leadership roles, and the ability to persevere through adversity resonated with the scholarship committee.

Arie Decker, who had originally aspired to become a physician's assistant, had to reevaluate her future after the sudden passing of her father. Determined to make a difference in the healthcare field, as well as to be closer to her family, Arie transferred to the University of Buffalo to pursue a career as a registered nurse. Her strong resolve and resilience in the face of challenges make her a deserving recipient of this scholarship.

Founded in 2001, the Harvey Picker Horizon Scholarship Program supports the children and spouses of workers who have suffered serious work-related injuries. Since its inception, MEMIC has awarded $290,000 in scholarships.

The scholarship program honors the legacy of Harvey Picker, a renowned physicist, educator, philanthropist, and advocate for education. Picker's contributions to MEMIC, as a member of the Board of Directors and the Blue Ribbon Commission on Workers' Compensation, have left a lasting impact.

Applicants who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, community involvement, and future potential are eligible for consideration for this scholarship of up to $10,000. Applicants must be attending or planning to attend an accredited college or university and the related injured worker must have been employed by a MEMIC policyholder at the time of injury.

For more information and to request a copy of the application, please call 1-800-660-1306 and say “Horizon Scholarship” at the prompt or visit memic.com/horizon.

About MEMIC
The MEMIC Group includes MEMIC Indemnity Company, MEMIC Casualty Company, and parent company Maine Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company; all rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best. The MEMIC Group holds licenses to write workers’ compensation across the entire country. The group insures and serves more than 20,000 employers and their estimated 300,000 employees with dedicated safety and injury management service teams from Maine to Florida.