Awarded Senior “Teacher” Scholarships
We are pleased to promote the values and importance of rural school education with thousands of dollars in scholarships and numerous awards each year!
Questions About Scholarships or Awards?
Contact WiRSA Executive Director Jeff Eide at (608) 769-0516 or jeffeide@wirsa.org
WiRSA Senior Scholarship 2024
Available to graduating high school seniors of WiRSA member schools.
Sierra Davenport - Dodgeville
Hello there! I am Sierra Davenport, a high school student at Dodgeville High. During my time here, I have participated in various sports teams, such as Cross Country, Wrestling, and Track and Field. I've also been active in student council, held a class officer position, and joined clubs such as FCCLA, National Honor Society, and FFA. After graduation, I plan on attending Graceland University to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specifically focusing on Early Childhood Education. My goal is to become a preschool teacher. I will also participate in Cross Country and Track and Field for the Graceland University Yellow Jackets. I enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, skiing, and horseback riding in my free time. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and dog, Dexter. I am so honored to be selected as a recipient of this scholarship. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being awarded this scholarship. I am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me, and I am eager to utilize this opportunity to pursue my dreams and positively impact society. I also want to acknowledge the unwavering support and encouragement from my school, community, friends, and family. I am deeply grateful for their contributions to my success, and I recognize that I would not be where I am today without their support. Once again, thank you for this scholarship and the faith shown in me.
Kaya Szews - Three Lakes
My name is Kaya Szews and I am a senior at Three Lakes High School in northern Wisconsin. I am very involved in my school, as I am student council president, class president, a National Honor Society member, and captain of the varsity volleyball, basketball, and softball team. I enjoy participating in athletics, watching college sports, hunting, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, I will attend Northern Michigan University to study radiography and clinical science. I plan to pursue a career in medical imaging, starting as an x-ray technician. Through my work, I will contribute to the rural community's medical care that supports me.
Jen Omernik - Tomorrow River (Amherst)
My name is Jennifer Omernik, and I attend Amherst High School. I enjoy reading, gardening, nature photography, and theater. Throughout high school I have developed a passion for storytelling, music, and writing. I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and major in English with a minor in Radio/TV/Film. After college, I am determined to become a published novelist and screenwriter. I also hope to pursue cinematography and photography as my own business. I know that by putting ink on paper and shooting video I can use my unique voice to influence others in a positive way.
Lukas Milas - Stanley-Boyd
My name is Lukas Milas, and I am from Stanley-Boyd High School. I will be attending the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire this fall to study Elementary Education. I enjoy being a teacher's assistant in elementary classrooms and plan to pursue a career in the education field. Making a difference in children's lives and watching them grow academically is important to me and helped me make my decision to pursue education as my major.
WiRSA Senior Scholarship 2023
Tara Wellnitz - Black Hawk
I am Tara Wellnitz, and I attend Black Hawk High School in South Wayne, WI. I am very active in my school being the captain of multiple sports teams, student council president, and my class president. I also love spending time with my family and friends and being outside. After I graduate high school, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and major in elementary education with a minor in special education. I will also be continuing my athletic career while there playing basketball. I have always wanted to go into teaching because I love being around kids and want to help them become well-rounded and educated adults in the future. There are definitely not enough teachers in the world, and there needs to be more of them. That said, I would love to make a career in education and become a teacher.
Callie Konkol - Amhurst
My name is Callie Konkol, and I am from Amherst High School. I will be attending the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point this upcoming fall for approximately two years to complete my General Education classes. Then plan to attend the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh for two years to complete my degree in Art Education.
Madi Meisenburg - Northland Pines
My future plans are to attend Nicolet for my general education and then transfer to a 4-year school. I am very passionate about helping children with special needs. Therefore, I am going to pursue a career in Special Education. I want to help them develop skills to allow them to be successful in and out of the classroom.
Henry Koerner - Big Foot Union
Hi, my name is Henry Koerner, and I am from Walworth, WI. Growing up in a rural, agriculturally focused community has taught me many valuable lessons of hard work, appreciation, and growth. I have been a part of many clubs and organizations during high school, including the Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, and FFA. In FFA, my leadership roles on local and statewide levels have allowed me to grow personally, become a premier leader, and become more successful in my future career and educational endeavors. In the fall of 2023, I will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities to study agricultural education with hopes of becoming an agriculture educator in the future. My passion for agriculture and leading others has been an integral part of my high school career, and I plan to continue that in my future career in the broad field of agriculture. Educating the public, especially young people, about agriculture is my goal.