Laketown’s Zoey Hallam earns MTA award

Laketown Township Deputy Clerk Zoann Hallam recently received a 2025 Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship from the Michigan Townships Association. The annual award aims to encourage today’s students to pursue a career in public service.

Hallam joined the Laketown Township office in November 2023.

The Laketown Township Board of Trustees unanimously supported Hallam’s application in March by adopting a supporting resolution highlighting Hallam’s active community service.

For more than a decade, she has served in various capacities in emergency services roles, following her graduation from Hope College she worked in their campus safety department as a safety communications dispatcher/operator. She then spent 7 years as a 911 dispatcher for Ottawa County and has been a firefighter/emergency services technician with Graafschap Fire Department since 2016, serving Laketown Township and portions of Fillmore Township.

“I have dedicated my career and academic pursuits to strengthening local government and public safety, focusing on making a meaningful impact at the municipal level,” said Hallam, who is now pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University.

Hallam’s community involvement and future goals made her an ideal candidate for the Robinson Scholarship.

“MTA created this scholarship to honor the legacy of long-time township advocate and past MTA Executive Director Robert Robinson by fostering future local leaders,” said Marilyn Strickland, Scholarship Committee chair and Newton Township of Mackinac County treasurer, who also serves as MTA District 4 director.

“Zoey has demonstrated a strong commitment to both her education, and to working toward a career serving Michigan’s residents. We wish the very best in her future endeavors in public service.”