scholarship opportunities
In addition to managing existing Community Foundation Scholarships, the Community Foundation is honored to manage the scholarships of the Menomonie Area Public Schools (MAPS) and the Boyceville Education Scholarship Trust (BEST). Those school-specific scholarships can be found by following the links below:
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
The High School receiving the Scholarship Award will be notified by January 15 each year of the availability of scholarship funds for that graduation year. The application and review process is managed through the high school guidance office of each school. Interested students should contact their guidance office directly for the following CFDC scholarship award details.
Current CFDC Academic Scholarship Funds:
1LT JEREMY L. WOLFE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Jeremy L. Wolfe was a Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot who lost his life at the age of 27 while serving his county in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jeremy was a very talented and motivated young man and attained many commendations to honor his leadership and motivation. He also brought joy and laughter to his family and coworkers while sharing his motivation to strive to reach the fullest human potential.
Jeremy Wolfe attended both Menomonie and Colfax High Schools and graduated in 1995 from Colfax, and had joined the National Guard as a Junior. The Army offered Jeremy many opportunities for advancement and he was highly motivated, attending Ranger, Airborne and Jump School. His excellent record earned him a Green & Gold scholarship and the chance to go to college. He graduated from flight school at Ft. Rucker Alabama among the top five in his class. He became a 1st LT. and a Black Hawk Flight Platoon Leader with the 101st Airborne Division. Jeremy’s last mission was in Mosul, Iraq in 2003.
This memorial scholarship is intended to help other highly motivated and like-minded students achieve their dreams. This scholarship shall be awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated scholastic ability and good citizenship. Preference will be given to those who have achieved excellence in participation in track and field athletics and with demonstrated financial need.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts: The annual award of the scholarship is two $500 scholarships for a total of $1000 awarded.
Recommended Criteria of Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a senior at Menomonie High School or Colfax High School
- Preference will be given to those students who demonstrate scholastic ability, financial need and a commitment to track and field athletics
- The scholarship is non-renewable
ANNABEL BAUER BSN NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
Annabel grew up in Mondovi and graduated from Mondovi High School in 1952. She had a passion for nursing and for higher education. She received her bachelor’s degree from St. Scholastica in 1956 and began her nursing career as an instructor at the Sacred Heart College for Women in Houston, TX. She received her Master’s degree in Nursing from Washington University in St. Lois, MO, and then joined the School of Nursing faculty at Indiana State University where she taught for five years.
Longing to become more engaged in the field, Ms. Bauer joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve and began her deployment with the Vietnam War. There, she served as a field officer, responsible for managing a front line medical field hospital for two years. She then joined the US Army Reserve, Nurse Corp where she completed a full career with the military, retiring as a Colonel from the Reserve in 1991.
She earned her Doctorate in Education from Oregon State, focusing on curricular development for nursing program specialties at the technical school level. During this time, she served as the Dean of Health Occupations at CVTC in Eau Claire, and was very involved as a nurse and nurse educator. Upon retirement from CVTC, Ms. Bauer accepted a fellowship from the U.S. World Bank to participate in a global effort to improve access to medical care. She spent five years in Malawi, Africa with a team of highly educated and motivated colleagues from around the world. She presented several workshops for other countries including Russia, Norway and Sweden.
She then fully retired in Florida, and passed away in 2014 at age 79. She was memorialized by being awarded membership into the Mondovi High School Hall of Fame in October 2014. This scholarship award has been established by Annabel’s family to support one graduating senior from Mondovi High School that is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts: The annual award of the scholarship is one $2,000 scholarship.
Criteria of Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a senior at Mondovi High School. Applications are administered through the Mondovi High School Guidance Office.
- Applicant must be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and must demonstrate adequate potential for being admitted to the school’s Nursing Program by his/her junior year.
- The scholarship is renewable up to 4 years, based on availability of funding.
BRUCE SCHLEY & ROGER BRUNN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Bruce Schley and Roger Brunn were longtime friends and construction colleagues with a shared passion for working with their hands and shooting the breeze – especially if that breeze was in the woodshop, on a golf course, or at a vacation getaway.
Bruce graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1976 and started his own business remodeling homes in the Menomonie area. He was a loving husband and father and an expert craftsman whose passion was doing the detail work on his cabinets, which he was well known for. Roger graduated from Menomonie High School in 1971. He was a caring, hardworking man and father with a strong work ethic and good-humored nature that put a smile on the faces of those around him. Bruce and Roger were colleagues through their careers in the construction industry and became close friends over the years, often spending their free time together playing golf or taking trips.
Roger passed away from suicide in 2009 and Bruce lost his battle with cancer in 2016. Their families, fellow colleagues, and business partners established this scholarship as a way to memorialize their lives and recognize like-minded individuals with a passion for working in a construction related trade.
Funds raised at the annual Builders FirstSource Golf Outing allow multiple $1,000 scholarships to be awarded each year to graduating seniors from Boyceville, Colfax, Elk Mound, or Menomonie High Schools going into construction, with preference for students whose life has been impacted by cancer or suicide. (Golf Event Contact: “Shooter” Steve.schutte@bldr.com 715-308-2151).
BRYAN "BIGS" BIGNELL SCHOLARSHIP
Bryan “Bigs” Bignell was a wonderful soul. He was a smiling face at Menomonie High School where he was active in many school clubs and events including DECA and Forensics. Bryan had a true gift for public speaking. He worked at McDonald’s in Baldwin with the long-term goal of becoming an auctioneer. He was a bit of an entrepreneur as he enjoyed buying things, fixing them up and selling them for a little extra money.
Bryan enjoyed spending time hunting deer and turkey with his dad and practicing auctioneer calling and watching movies with his mom. He loved to cook with his grandma and to spend time looking at tractors with his grandpa, and he always had a special place in his heart for his little sister, Rebekah.
Bryan passed away in 2018 at 18 years old. His family established this scholarship in his loving memory to help like-minded Menomonie students achieve their dreams. This scholarship shall be awarded to a graduating senior with a maximum GPA of 3.2 who is going into a 2 year or 4 year program in the field of marketing. Preference will be given to those who have participated in DECA or Forensics, and to those who exemplify Bryan’s overall spirit, generosity, and good-hearted nature.
CAMMIE B. JOHNSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Cammie Bertina Johnson was born to on December 17, 1986. When she was ten years old, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As Cammie was growing up she became an arena rat when her parents took her to brother’s hockey games. As a child, Cammie danced like no one was watching, played in the flowers in the family garden, was silly and headstrong.
For ten years, Cammie attended the American Diabetes Association Camp Sioux as a camper, kitchen staff and a counselor. She spent many summers making and eating mountains of peanut butter sandwiches, teaching kids about diabetes and how they were not different from anyone else. She had the unique ability to comfort first time campers by encouraging them to laugh, smile and feel safe away from home.
She discovered one of God’s gifts and loved to sing with her beautiful voice. She frequently turned up the radio in her bedroom or the car and could be heard singing along; yet when she knew someone was listening, she would stop and her face would turn red. While she was in school, she loved spending time and being silly with her friends, watching funny and scary movies, laughing and hanging out. She was an artistically creative young woman and she hoped someday to write a diabetic cookbook with her dad.
Cammie attained her Certified Nursing Assistant designation during her senior year of high school and was enrolled in the nursing program at Northwest Technical College in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. She aspired to work as a pediatric nurse to help others.
Cammie passed away due to complications of diabetes on December 12, 2007. The Cammie Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established for the sole purpose of raising money for diabetic children and college students so that they can experience productive and successful lives. Cammie’s parents were Lori (Laughlin) Johnson of Grand Forks, ND and Mark & Robin Johnson of Menomonie, WI.
Recommended Criteria of Eligibility:
- Applicants must be graduating seniors of a High School in Dunn County and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Applicants must plan to pursue an education in the medical field by attending an accredited four year college or university, or two year technical or community college. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing Nursing.
- Applications must include at least one signed recommendation from a current instructor and must include a one page typewritten essay about why the medical field is their career choice.
- Applicants should include information about extra-curricular activities and community service.
- Preference will be given to applicants that have juvenile diabetes.
DAVID MAVES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
David Maves was born on December 24th, 1944 in Menomonie. WI. He grew up near Elk Mound and graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1963. After graduating, Dave attended the University of WI – River Falls and received his bachelor’s degree in Broad Area Social Studies. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Counseling from UW Stout.
Dave began teaching 8th grade social studies in Menomonie in 1967 and continued for 33 years in that role before retiring in 2000. He served on many committees, mentored new teachers, led Veteran’s Day programs, and served on the state social studies board. Dave was known as the voice of Menomonie High School sports for 40 years, as he announced all basketball and football games. He earned a place in Menomonie’s inaugural Hall of Fame.
Dave continued to find time after his retirement to give back to his community by serving as chairman of the Westconsin Credit Union board, the Historical Society board, lay leader for his church and bailiff for Dunn County.
Dave was so proud of his children. Mark, Jeff and Jill, and his six grandchildren. Dave and his wife of 51 years enjoyed a wonderful life in Menomonie. Dave’s family established this fund in his loving memory to provide an academic scholarship award each year to a student from Menomonie High School that best exemplifies Dave’s example of leadership in his school and community. Applicants must be pursuing a degree at an accredited two- or four-year college. A letter of recommendation is required. Preference is given to applicants with demonstrated financial need.
Click Here to donate to this fund.
DAVID AND JEAN SJUGGERUD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Jean Sjuggerud, along with her sons Stephen and Michael and their dear friends and family started the David M. Sjuggerud Memorial Scholarship in 2008 to honor Dave’s life and legacy. For eleven years, graduating seniors from Menomonie High School who exemplified Dave’s spirit were honored with this award. In 2020 with the passing of his wife Jean, the scholarship was renamed the David and Jean Sjuggerud Memorial Scholarship by their sons to pay tribute to Jean’s life and legacy.
David graduated from Menomonie High School in 1960. He was a star athlete in basketball, football and track, an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow Honorary Society and a recipient of the MHS Alumni Award.
He attended the US Naval Academy, and in 1961, just three weeks after being moved to the varsity football team, he led the defensive linemen in a 17-6 upset over Miami. In 1963, he was pictured in a Sports Illustrated cover story about the weapons Navy had to take the pressure of their quarterback, Roger Staubach.
He had a stunning military career during Vietnam, and tested F-14 fighters while also earning a Master’s Degree from George Washington University. In 1979 he became an astronaut semifinalist, going on to manage the F-18 engineering support for the first astronaut flight, and serving as Deputy Project Director for the F/A-18 Flight simulator, retired as a Captain in 1986.
Jean was born Beverly Jean Mellow in Orlando, Florida, where she was raised with her brother, Ronald. Jean went to Boone High School, and she was a Delta Gamma at the University of Florida.
Jean and David first met when Jean was a schoolteacher in Jacksonville, FL and Dave was a Navy test pilot. They married in France, and truly experienced much of the world together. Europe, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Iceland, Argentina, New Zealand, and more. They stayed happily married until Dave’s death, over 40 years later.
This scholarship has been established to support one Menomonie High School student each year who most lives up to David and Jean’s example of leadership in both their school and community by demonstrating scholastic ability, athletic accomplishment, and humility.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts: The annual award of the scholarship is one $2,000 scholarship.
Recommended Criteria of Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a senior at Menomonie High School
- Preference is strongly given a student of outstanding athletic ability
- Preference will be given to those students who demonstrate scholastic ability and good citizenship/ leadership
- The scholarship is non-renewable
Click here to donate to this scholarship fund.
DR. DARRELL SHARP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Darrell Sidney Sharp established a medical practice in Mondovi, WI, where he practiced general medicine and surgery for patients in the area for nearly forty years. His family established this scholarship to memorialize his life and accomplishments by recognizing a graduating senior from Mondovi High School who is pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college or university. One student is chosen each year from Mondovi High School based on his/her personal integrity, scholastic achievement, and financial need.
ERIC GOERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eric Goers was a 2011 graduate of Menomonie High School and had completed one year of a civil engineering program at Michigan Technological University. He was set to begin his sophomore year there with a focus on railroad transportation. Eric was a loving, caring and dependable person. His loves were football, swimming, music and trains. His future was bright and this memorial scholarship is intended to help other highly motivated and like-minded students achieve their dreams. As part of the application, students are required to write an essay around Eric’s favorite Quote by Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
This scholarship shall be awarded to a graduating senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0 going into a 4 year program in the field of engineering. Preference will be given to those who have a record of community service, including volunteer service at school, church, or community groups and organizations.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts: The amount of the scholarship shall be $750 annually.
Recommended Criteria of Eligibility:
- Applicants must be seniors at Menomonie High School with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Applicants must be applying to an accredited four-year college or university and pursuing a degree in engineering
- Applicants must submit a one page type written essay on the topic of one of Eric’s favorite quotes: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” by Mahatma Gandhi. It should answer the question: How will you “be the change” you wish to see in the world?
- The applicant should also outline his/her involvement in the community including volunteer services at school, church, community groups and organizations
- At least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member or employer must accompany the application
- This scholarship is non-renewable
Click here to donate to this scholarship fund.
Current Academic Scholarships (Cont.)
DR. JAMES M. ULESICH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Jim was a 1960 graduate of Greenwood High School. Upon graduation, he entered Eau Claire State College (now UW-Eau Claire). After completing his three years of pre-optometry, he entered Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL. He earned his Bachelor and Doctor of Optometry degrees there, graduating in May of 1965. A week after graduation, he married the love of his life, Rita Dimmitt. His first practice was in Kenosha, WI, with another optometrist, however, the Vietnam conflict was underway, and he was soon drafted into the U.S. Army. He spent two years at Fort Rucker, Alabama, at the Lyster Army Hospital, performing optometrist duties. He was discharged as a Captain from the U.S. Army in May of 1968.
Upon returning to Wisconsin, the family, Jim, Rita and son, Steve, moved to Menomonie. Jim set up his optometrist practice, purchasing the practice from Dr. Vleis in June of 1968. The practice at that time was located on Broadway in downtown Menomonie. In 1989, he built his own office on Wilson Street. (Today, it is home to Menomonie Eye and Optical). Jim truly enjoyed the profession he chose, and always found time for his patients. Many calls on evenings and weekends, with patients having eye problems, brought him back to the office to care for their needs. Jim also examined eyes at the Health Care Center, and from time to time, would make house calls.
When time allowed, he was a member of the Menomonie Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Hunter Safety Program, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and finding time for his passion … golf.
In 2007, Jim retired completely from his profession. It was then that time allowed him to winter in the Southwest with his wife, Rita. Jim was a proud father of three children, Steven, Jennifer and Jason. Spending time with his six grandchildren were special times for him. He loved playing baseball with them, and created, “Grandpa’s Happy Trails”, in the woods for adventures.
By establishing this scholarship, Jim’s family would like a future recipient to be a dedicated individual to a health profession, be it a technical college or university.
Click here to donate to this scholarship fund.
KATHLEEN PIATZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Kathleen Piatz taught in the Menomonie School District for 27 years until she retired in 2015. She spent most of those years at Knapp Elementary. Her classroom was her second home and her students her second family. She expected the best from her students and that is what they gave her. She never gave up on any child. Her greatest joy was seeing the light in the eyes of a student who had been struggling with a new concept and finally grasp it. Above all, she loved sharing her passion for reading. She believed reading was the foundation of education and she did everything she could to instill a lifelong love of reading in her students.
Her family and friends have established this scholarship in her memory to help others to continue her legacy. An annual award in the amount of $1,500 is to be awarded to a graduating senior from Menomonie High School interested in pursuing a degree in education. Strong preference will be given to those who attended Knapp Elementary. Applicants must submit a one-page essay describing their favorite children’s story and why. Preference is also given to applicants who demonstrate financial need.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts. The amount of the scholarship shall be $1,500 annually.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Applicants must be a graduating senior from Menomonie High School
- Applicants must be applying to an accredited college or university with plans to pursue a degree in Education
- Preference strongly given to students who attended Knapp Elementary school
- Preference also given to applicants who demonstrate financial need
- A one page, type-written essay must accompany the application, answering the question: What is your favorite children’s book and why? Limit one page
Click here to donate to this scholarship fund.
KEN WILLARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Ken Willard grew up in Menomonie and found his way to the studios of Pixar Productions where he was able to bring joy to millions of people. As one of the computer animators at Pixar, in conjunction with Walt Disney Studios, Ken brought his creative art of animation to the screen in such popular feature films as Toy Story and Nightmare Before Christmas. He also contributed to television productions, Bumpy and Gumby.
After Ken he died of a brain aneurysm in 1995 at the age of 36, his family established The Ken Willard Memorial Scholarship as a way to memorialize his life while also benefiting the community where he grew up and attended school.
This scholarship shall be granted each year to a graduating senior enrolled at Menomonie High School, who has demonstrated scholastic ability and good citizenship who intends to further his/her education. Preference will be given to students with financial need as determined by the scholarship committee.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts: The annual award of this scholarship is one $1,000 scholarship for a total of $1,000 awarded.
Recommended Criteria of Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a senior at Menomonie High School
- Preference will be given to those students who have demonstrated scholastic ability and good citizenship
- Preference will be given to students with financial need as determined by the scholarship committee
- The scholarship is non-renewable
Click here to donate to this scholarship fund.
LINDA KRUEGER LEGACY SCHOL. FOR SPANISH STUDIES
Linda Krueger, known as “Señora” at Menomonie High School, majored in Spanish at the University of Iowa, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education. She studied abroad in Spain and in Mexico, and completed her Master’s Degree in education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She taught Spanish and served as Chair of the Foreign Language Department at Menomonie High School for many years. The second half of her career was spent in business and industry, in the field of Human Resources, where she regularly used her teaching background.
A lifelong learner, she has remained an advocate of education, and has seen the value of knowing other languages and understanding ways of life outside of the United States. She is proud of students who have used the Spanish they learned in high school and who have continued to study the language and travel or work internationally.
She has established this scholarship to help students pursue the study of Spanish beyond high school. The Linda Krueger Legacy Scholarship for Spanish Studies will be awarded to a Menomonie High School graduating senior who intends to pursue the study of Spanish with a Major or a Minor at the college/university level. The graduating senior will demonstrate a desire to increase fluency in the Spanish language, plan to use the language in his/her profession, and show an appreciation for an understanding of other cultures. Applications are processed through the Menomonie High School Guidance Department.
Click here to donate to this scholarship fund.
LUCY MURRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Lucy Murray Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to benefit students pursuing a degree in nursing (LPN or RN). The students will be selected from Boyceville High School, Elmwood High School, Glenwood City High School, and Menomonie High School. Lucy held a variety of nursing positions and served in numerous volunteer capacities during her lifetime. She found this work to be professionally and personally rewarding. The desire of Lucy’s family is to see that her legacy and spirit of service to others is carried forward and can be an inspiration for others to follow.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts. The amount of the scholarship shall be two $250 scholarships annually for $500 total.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Applicants must be seniors at Glenwood City, Elmwood High School, Menomonie School, Boyceville High Schools
- Applicants must be pursuing a degree in Nursing (LPN or RN)
- Preference strongly given to someone with financial need
- Applicants must write a one page essay (double spaced, 12 point font) answering these two questions: Why are you choosing to pursue the field of nursing, and what life experiences led you to pursue a nursing career?
MASONIC LODGE 164 SCHOLARSHIP
The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. The organization strives to make good men even better through emphasizing the individual man by strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiritual outlook, and broadening his mental horizons.
Freemasons not only take an obligation to help one another, but also to help those who cannot help themselves. American Freemasonry and its related organizations give more than 2 million dollars per day to various charities. One of their most notable projects includes their support for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Wisconsin Freemasons, through the local lodges and their Grand Lodge, also have a long and honorable history of supporting charitable projects in the community and across the state. With the help of the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation, the local Masonic Lodge 164 is helping Dunn County youth realize their potential through educational scholarship funding.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts: The annual award of the scholarship is 1 to 3 total $500 scholarships available to Colfax, Menomonie, and Boyceville high schools.
Recommended Criteria of Eligibility:
- Applicants must be graduating seniors from Colfax, Menomonie, or Boyceville high schools
- Applicants must be entering an accredited four year college or university, or two year technical or community college
- Applications must include one signed letter of recommendation from a Masonic Lodge member
- Applicants should include a description of any family connections to a current (or past) Freemason. Masonic affiliations might include Blue Lodges, Shriners, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Eastern Star, DeMolay, etc
Eligible graduating seniors must contact their high school guidance office to apply.
Click here to donate to this scholarship fund.
MENOMONIE FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP
Mr. Bill Ellison was a dedicated teacher who taught art for the Menomonie School District for 31 years, until his retirement in 2004. Mr. Ellison established this scholarship fund to provide a legacy of continued education for Menomonie graduates on behalf of those who dedicate their lives to education: the faculty.
Each year, three scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each are awarded by the MHS Faculty to eligible students who plan to attend an accredited college, university or technical college. Preference will be given to those students who have demonstrated scholastic ability and good citizenship, and a letter of recommendation is required.
SCOT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Scot Miller of Colfax, WI, was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and grandfather who fully enjoyed and embraced the family life. He attended Elk Mound High School, graduating in 1980 and went on to graduate from UW-Eau Claire with a Physical Education degree in 1985.
Scot was a multiple sport athlete in high school and went on to become a coach and mentor to many, including coaching his children’s little league teams. He was beyond proud of his four children and took the most joy out of watching them grow and play sports in his footsteps. He loved to travel and he and his wife Bobbie enjoyed many wonderful trips together. Everywhere that Scot went, his humor and spirit brought warmth and joy.
Scot was a proud business owner of Fleet Feet in Menomonie for 21 years and owned the Whitetail Golf Course for 11 years, until his unexpected death in a car accident in 2018.
His family established a scholarship fund in his loving memory to support area students who most live up to Scot’s example of humble leadership, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the community. Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually, with one going to a graduating senior from Menomonie, Colfax, and Elk Mound high school. Applicants must have participated in (2) or more extracurricular or sports activities. Preference will be given to those who have participated at the varsity level or who have had experience coaching youth sports. Preference is also given to applicants who submit a letter of recommendation, ideally from a coach.
All applications are shared and submitted through the participating high school’s guidance department.
THOMAS ANDREW KROOK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Tom and Roslyn Krook established a scholarship fund at the Community Foundation of Dunn County in honor of their son Thomas, who loved swimming. Thomas would have been a 2005 graduate of Menomonie High School, but his life was cut short at the age of 17 as a result of an automobile accident.
Although Thomas was diagnosed as ADHD at a very early age and as a result experienced numerous challenges, he excelled at swimming. As a freshman, he earned a high school letter for his efforts. In his junior year, he was selected as an alternate to the State competition, and coaches and teammates felt certain that Thomas would earn the right to compete at State his senior year. Although his dream wasn’t fulfilled, Thomas’ family wanted to help someone else who shared the love of swimming fulfill their dreams.
Through this memorial scholarship, the Krook family honors Thomas’ memory and keeps his name alive in the community where he spent his entire life. This scholarship is to be awarded annually to a graduating senior of Menomonie High School. Preference is given to students on the boys swim team, and who demonstrate scholastic ability and good citizenship.
Projected Number of Scholarships and Amounts: The annual award of the scholarship is one $500 scholarship.
Recommended Criteria of Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a senior at Menomonie High School
- Preference is strongly given to a member of the boys swim team
- Preference will be given to those students who demonstrate scholastic ability and good citizenship
- The scholarship is non-renewable
SPECIAL INTEREST SCHOLARSHIPS
The Community Foundation of Dunn County also offers specialized scholarships for a specific program, camp or training. The following scholarships are offered annually to eligible applicants who meet the application criteria:
Barb Schmelzle Promise Award for Women
Barb Schmelzle was deeply devoted to and loved her husband, two sons, and daughters in law, her grandchildren, siblings, and cousins. Her family established this scholarship fund to honor her love of learning and ability to connect with individuals. One scholarship award of up to $1,000 will be given each year to help non-traditional women students experiencing financial need and who have experienced extreme and adverse life experiences make progress towards furthering their education in any field. Click here to learn more or apply.
Bill Cowden Memorial Aviation Scholarship
Bill Cowden was an experienced pilot and air show performer whose lifelong passion was aviation. Through diligence and perseverance, he accumulated over 7,500 flight hours in more than 85 different models of aircraft. He passed away unexpectedly in June 2014. It is in his memory that the Bill Cowden Memorial Aviation Scholarship recognizes a pilot working to attain higher aviation ratings. The scholarship is awarded annually up to $1,500. Click here to learn more or apply.
CBJ Kids to Camp Scholarship
The CBJ Kids to Camp Fund was established by the family of Cammie B. Johnson, a young woman that passed away just before her 21st birthday from complications of diabetes. Scholarships are available for children and young adults (up to age 19) with Type I Diabetes to attend a qualified camp of their choice that is specifically designed to help young people experiencing the difficulties of living with diabetes. Click here to learn more or apply.
Drums Along the Red Cedar Youth Music Camp Scholarship
Menomonie used to host the popular Drums Along the Red Cedar Drum & Bugle Corps competition event every year, with the proceeds going to fund school music mini-grants. In 2009, this event was discontinued, but its founders, volunteers and supporters left a legacy of an endowed fund at the Foundation. This fund now provides a scholarship for one middle school or high school student in Dunn County to attend a summer music camp of their choice, up to $500. Click here to learn more or apply.
Dr. James and Gail Haemmerle Scholarship
Dr. James and Gail Haemmerle established a scholarship fund at the Community Foundation, motivated by their strong belief that education is the key that unlocks the door to success in life. They are grateful for the generous donations by strangers who gave them the opportunity to pursue their own education and careers. This scholarship is their effort to “pay it forward” and share that same opportunity with adults who are non-traditional students across the area. This scholarship was established to provide full tuition to a non-traditional student to obtain an associate degree, technical diploma, or certificate program in any field of study. The application deadline is July 1st annually. Click here to learn more or Apply.
John R. Dale Youth Hockey Memorial Scholarship
John R. Dale was a loving son, brother, husband and father with a true passion for hockey. At eight years old, John signed up as an initial member of the newly-formed Dunn County Youth Hockey Association, playing hockey as a “Cougar” for seven years and went on to play for Menomonie High School’s first hockey team in 1980. John’s love of hockey continued in adulthood, as he coached his son Jake’s hockey team in Hastings, MN. It is in his loving memory that this scholarship has been established by his family and many friends to provide one or more youth members from the area with the opportunity to participate in the Menomonie Youth Hockey Association’s “Squirts” or “U10” program by covering the MYHA registration fee. Click here to learn more or Apply.
Bruce Schley & Roger Brunn Memorial Scholarship
Bruce Schley and Roger Brunn were longtime friends and construction colleagues with a shared passion for working with their hands and shooting the breeze. Roger sadly passed away from suicide in 2009 and Bruce lost his battle with cancer in 2016. Their families established this scholarship as a way to memorialize their lives and recognize like-minded individuals with a passion for working in a construction-related trade. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year to a graduating senior from Boyceville, Colfax, Elk Mound, and Menomonie High Schools to support students who are going into a construction-related trade, with a preference for students who disclose how their life has been impacted by cancer or suicide in their application. In 2024, the Community Foundation opened this scholarship to ANY resident of Dunn County seeking to further their education in this field. Click here to learn more or apply.