Trevor Forsythe, a 2021 graduate of Almont High School, had many interests and a caring spirit. Grant dollars from the fund established in his memory can be directed to any kind of local project.
Four County Community Foundation is honored to announce the creation of the Trevor Forsythe Memorial Fund.
Trevor, a resident of Dryden and 2021 graduate of Almont High School, was a dynamic college student who had a talent for many things—photography, art, music and more—and had plans to pursue a broadcasting career upon completing his degree at Northern Michigan University.
In August 2025, Trevor tragically passed away at the age of 21 from complications of diabetes. His parents, Lori and Derek Forsythe, felt that creating a fund to support a variety of community grants was a fitting way to remember their son’s many passions and honor his giving nature.
The Trevor Forsythe Memorial Fund becomes Four County Community Foundation’s newest “unrestricted” fund which means dollars can be used for any type of community need throughout 4CCF’s service area.
As a lifelong Almont Schools student and member of Troop 128, Trevor left his mark on the local community. He joined Cub Scouts in first grade and crossed over to become a Boy Scout in fifth grade with Derek at his side as a troop leader. As a member of Mackinac Island Scout Service Troop 127, Trevor served a week each year 2016 through 2019. He was selected to be the Senior Patrol Leader for 2021, but COVID halted their plans to visit the island in 2020 and 2021. Mackinac Service Troop members assist with flags, provide information to tourists, and take part in service projects around the island.
When it came time for Trevor to complete his Eagle Scout project, his love of music directed his course. He played French horn in Almont High School’s symphony band and mellophone in the marching band and volunteered to outfit the school’s marching band trailer with shelves and ways to secure the instruments during transport.
That same summer, after graduating from high school, Trevor completed a trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Scouting America’s largest national high-adventure base.
Yearly family vacations in northern Michigan and a love for the outdoors cemented Trevor’s love for the Upper Peninsula. His parents weren’t surprised when he chose to head to Marquette for college.
Trevor originally considered a healthcare-related major at Northern Michigan University but a job opportunity caused those plans to change when he became a sports camera operator for the university. From there he became a producer at Public Eye News, a student news program at the local PBS affiliate, WNMU-TV. In June 2024, he started working for WZMQ as a broadcast director and photojournalist.
Trevor was on track to complete a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Production at the time of his passing. Staff members at Northern Michigan University awarded his degree posthumously. His parents said Trevor’s goal was to hone his skills at the small station after graduation with plans to eventually become a sport-based camera operator for a larger broadcaster or organization like the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
In recognition of Trevor’s talent and commitment to broadcasting, Lilly Broadcasting and WZMQ-TV established a scholarship in his memory. The Trevor Forsythe WZMQ-TV Scholarship, administered by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation, will provide ongoing support for students at Northern Michigan University pursuing careers in broadcasting and media. Trevor himself was the recipient of a 2024 Stephen A. Marks Foundation Scholarship, another award held by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation.
To make an online donation to the Trevor Forsythe Memorial Fund, visit bit.ly/trevorforsythefund.
Checks can also be sent to Four County Community Foundation at 141 S. Main Street, Romeo, MI 48065.
Four County Community Foundation is committed to serving the current and emerging needs of our local community. The foundation serves portions of Lapeer, St. Clair, Macomb and Oakland counties. To learn more about Four County Community Foundation or get details about starting a fund, visit www.4ccf.org, call (810) 798-0909 or reach out to Executive Director Kathy Dickens at kdickens@4ccf.org.