Sparking Passion: Ally Sharnowski’s Story

Ally Sharnowski had no idea that a trip to the gym would be the deciding factor in her future. She was a Michigan State University sophomore in search of a job when she saw an advertisement for the Novi Fire Department that read “Add a New Suit to Your Wardrobe: Become a Paid-on-Call or Auxiliary Firefighter!”

For Sharnowski, with a passion for fitness and church volunteering, it wasn’t just a physical sign; it was a symbolic one. She saw herself in the woman outfitted with firefighting gear on the advertisement and decided that was the future she wanted. Over two years later, she is well on her way as a part-time firefighter/EMT for the Novi Fire Department, and as the fall 2025 recipient of the Marie & Clyde Rivard Scholarship through the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

Sharnowski also didn’t know she would receive this scholarship until Clyde Rivard himself presented it at her graduation. He served as a firefighter in the City of Livonia from 1982-2008 and retired as a Senior Captain. Between 1989-2002, he developed and administered Schoolcraft’s Fire Academy and Fire Technology Program as its first coordinator. His late wife, Marie Rivard, was a CAT scan technician and dedicated athlete. She was known for her commitment to helping others realize their own potential, and as a dedicated runner who participated in over 75 full- and half-marathons.

“It was kind of surreal,” Sharnowski said. “I was so excited and honored. Those are my type of people, and I just felt honored that I was chosen. It meant a lot that someone who didn’t even know me thought of me in that sense. I really do want to honor that.”

Inspired by Marie Rivard’s active lifestyle, Sharnowski decided to follow in her footsteps by signing up for a marathon the same day she graduated. She is an avid CrossFitter and tackle football player, with a history of volleyball, basketball, softball and gymnastics, but this was deeper than an athletic accomplishment for her.

“It was the hardest physical task I’ve ever done,” Sharnowski said. “I’m very excited and proud that I was able to finish it even though it was really hard, and that I was able to finish it to honor Marie. That was the biggest thing.”

Luckily, Sharnowski was well into her training at Schoolcraft. Her life had become dedicated to learning all the tricks of the firefighting trade: how to throw, force a door open, carry heavy equipment and more. The physical conditioning and discipline that comes with being a firefighter helped her cross the finish line.

“I just want to help people,” Sharnowski said. “I heard once that the meaning of life is service to others and I feel like I’ve been called to both firefighting and being an EMT, on the road and in the medical field, at a deeper level.”

Since 2019, The Marie & Clyde Rivard Scholarship has been awarded to pre-service students graduating from the Fire Technology Associate Degree program at Schoolcraft. Each fall and spring semester, it is given to the cadet who showed the most improvement in their physical condition while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This invaluable support not only eases the financial aspect of cadet’s academic journey but inspires them to reach their full potential. Because of their generous donation, the next generation of firefighters will rise to the occasion in service to our community.

“Ally’s commitment and passion is exactly what I want to foster,” Clyde Rivard said. “She is dedicated to helping others and clearly takes her responsibility to heart. I’m proud to see she is following in Marie’s footsteps. She is a shining example of a cadet and will make a remarkable firefighter.”

Sharnowski earned her Fire Fighter Technology Certificate from Schoolcraft, and her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from MSU in the winter 2025 semester. She recently ended her probationary period at the Novi Fire Department. Next, she aims to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies by day at the University of Detroit Mercy, while fighting fires by night and weekends. She will continue to honor Marie Rivard by running her second marathon in the coming months.