Portland, ME – Arie Decker of Middleport, New York, and Manuela Kalonda of Bridgeport, Connecticut, have each been awarded $10,000 scholarships from The MEMIC Group’s Harvey Picker Horizon Scholarship Program—marking the second time both recipients have been honored for their academic excellence and personal resilience.

Manuela Kalonda, a communications major at the University of Connecticut, has demonstrated remarkable determination throughout her academic journey. After her family emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she faced the devastating loss of her mother to cancer and her father’s workplace injury. Through it all, she has maintained her commitment to academic success.

“This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of my education but also motivates me to strive for excellence,” Kalonda said. “Knowing that MEMIC believes in my potential gives me added encouragement to pursue my goals with determination and purpose.” 

Arie Decker brings equal determination to her studies at the University at Buffalo, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in social work while competing on the varsity equestrian team. Following the tragic loss of her father in a 2023 workplace accident, she has balanced demanding academic, athletic, and personal responsibilities with remarkable strength. “I strive daily, hoping to make him proud,” Decker shared.

Supporting Families Through Crisis

The Harvey Picker Horizon Scholarship Program, established in 2001, provides crucial support to children and spouses of workers who have sustained serious work-related injuries. Since its inception, MEMIC has distributed $310,000 in scholarships through the program. 

The scholarship program honors Harvey Picker, a distinguished physicist, educator, and philanthropist who championed educational access. Picker served on MEMIC’s Board of Directors and Blue-Ribbon Commission on Workers' Compensation, leaving a legacy of advocacy and support. 

Scholarship Details

The scholarship awards up to $10,000 to applicants who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, community involvement, and strong future promise. Eligible candidates must be enrolled or planning to enroll at an accredited college or university, with the related injured worker having been employed by a MEMIC policyholder at the time of the injury.

For application information, 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 nearly 21,000 employers and their estimated 300,000 employees with dedicated safety and injury management service teams from Maine to Florida.