LSSU presents memorial award to Coast Guard student

Brendan Wiesner, The Sault News
·3 min read
Noah Misiak was presented with the Amy Ignatowski Memorial Award at Lake Superior State University on Jan. 9. Pictured (from left) are United States Coast Guard Education Services Officer Adam Uhrig, LSSU President Rodney Hanley, Tammy and Kevin Misiak, Noah Misiak, Robin and Paul Ignatowski, USCG Deputy Commander Michael Courtney and USCG Senior Chief Officer Edmund Foster.

SAULT STE. MARIE — Coast Guard reservist and college student Noah Misiak is the 2023 recipient of the Amy Ignatowski Memorial Award.

Amy Ignatowski was a member of the United State Coast Guard who died in 2008 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Before joining the Coast Guard, she was a student at Lake Superior State University. After graduation, she continued her education in a more specialized field.

"Amy was known as a young woman with a very outgoing personality and positive attitude always making lifelong friends," said Sharon Dorrity, director of donor relations. "The Coast Guard seemed to fit what she wanted to do in real life."

Ignatowski was a pilot, and was actively working toward earning her wings to fly a helicopter for the Coast Guard. She served briefly at USCG Air Station Humboldt Bay before attending aviation school at Elizabeth City, North Carolina for aircraft maintenance technician training.

After training, Ignatowski moved to Corpus Christi where she worked as an aviation maintenance technician while working her way up to pilot. After her death in May 2008, Air Station Corpus Christi Command awarded Ignatowski her wings posthumously, giving her the title of Petty Officer Amy Lynn Ignatowski, AMT3.

"She was working to get her helicopter wings," said Dorrity. "Unfortunately, she tragically passed away while serving in Corpus Christi."

As a way to honor the memory of their daughter, Ignatowski's parents, Paul and Robin Ignatowski, worked with LSSU to create a memorial fund in her name. Every year since 2010, an LSSU student who works with the United States Coast Guard is awarded the Amy Ignatowski Memorial Award.

"As a sort of memorial, the parents wanted to find a way to help the students at the place where she went to school, and in some way also help the Coast Guard," said Dorrity. "Working together with the school, they were able to create the scholarship fund."

Along with the award, recipients also receive $500.

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Noah Misiak is a junior at LSSU. He is studying criminal justice and is currently a member of the Coast Guard reserves. Misiak, who is seeking a career in conservation law enforcement, was drawn to the Coast Guard due to his desire to help people.

At a ceremony on Jan. 9, Misiak became the 13th recipient of the award, which was presented by Paul and Robin Ignatowski, U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commander Michael Courtney and Senior Chief Officer Edmund Foster.

"I am very honored to receive this award,” said Misiak. “Amy's love of service and for her Coast Guard and family are characteristics that I strive to emulate. Like Amy, the Coast Guard has given me the opportunity to serve people in a way I could not have done on my own. I hope to continue my service in a way that would make Amy proud."

In order to be chosen, applicants must be a student of LSSU and have served or will serve in the Coast Guard, as well as meet a GPA requirement and complete a written response to a question. All applicants must answer the question, "What does it mean to live life?"

Misiak answered: "Living life means that you approach everyday as a blessing and challenge. Take time to be grateful for what you have, but never settle for mediocrity. Fear exists, but it is how you overcome it that makes you who you are. I want to live a life I’m proud of."

— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: LSSU presents memorial award to Coast Guard student