Karlyn Rapport was honored with the 2026 Evergreen Award of Marquette County during the annual awards luncheon held Monday, October 19, at the Holiday Inn in Marquette. The event celebrated individuals whose leadership, mentorship, and community service have made a lasting difference in the lives of others.
The Evergreen Award of Marquette County recognizes individuals who support and mentor women and girls in reaching their leadership potential, demonstrate excellence and initiative in their professional or volunteer endeavors, and devote their time and talents to improving the quality of life for others.
Rapport’s remarkable history of community service spans more than six decades. A former clinical speech pathologist, she helped establish a communication rehabilitation department at Marquette General Hospital before becoming a driving force in addressing broader community needs. She was among the women who helped establish the Marquette Women’s Center in 1973 and played an instrumental role in developing services for survivors of domestic violence, including the initiative that eventually became Harbor House.
Her contributions extend across numerous organizations and causes. Rapport helped establish the Medical Care Access Coalition to improve healthcare access for uninsured and low-income residents, served as a Marquette County Commissioner, and has been active with the Marquette County Board of Health, Alzheimer’s Association, American Association of University Women, and League of Women Voters.
Rapport’s commitment to service continues today. Most recently, she became a founding board member of Reproductive Health Resources, a nonprofit established in 2025 to help reduce financial barriers to reproductive healthcare in the Upper Peninsula. Her willingness to step forward, bring people together, and create solutions continues to inspire others to lead and serve. Rapport was also the inaugural recipient of the Evergreen Award in 2007.
The luncheon also recognized Anna Schnizler as the 2026 Lifelong Learning Scholarship recipient. Originally from Germany, Schnizler is a nontraditional student at Northern Michigan University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Ecology. After earning a degree in Business Administration and Business Psychology and building a career in the automotive industry, she returned to school to follow her passion for wildlife and conservation.
Schnizler maintains a 3.83 GPA while working 20 to 30 hours per week and conducting research on hibernation in ground squirrels. She has also volunteered with the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and other local conservation efforts. Her goal is to become a field biologist and inspire other women to pursue their passions, particularly in scientific fields.
The $1,000 Lifelong Learning Scholarship is supported through a fund established by the Zonta Club of the Marquette Area at the Community Foundation of Marquette County. It recognizes nontraditional students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and are continuing their education to reach their leadership potential.
The luncheon featured remarks from Pam Christensen, the 2025 Evergreen Award recipient, who shared reflections on her lifelong involvement with the Girl Scouts, her work at the Peter White Public Library, and her experiences as a Rotarian. Her remarks highlighted the many ways individuals can contribute to their communities and help create opportunities for others.
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