WiRSA Scholarship

Malorie Prigge
Region 1 | Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School

My name is Malorie Prigge. I attend Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School. Throughout high school, I have been a part of the basketball, volleyball, bowling, and soccer teams. I have also been active in student council, as a class and band officer, American Field Service, National Honor Society, and FFA. I have worked hard in school and have been on the high honor roll every semester.  After graduation, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science. I want to focus on dairy science specifically, as I want to be a livestock nutritionist. I am drawn to study animal science because of my strong passion and connection to agriculture. Through many opportunities in school and in my community, I have seen firsthand the power and importance of agriculture in our society. My family runs a small hobby farm, which has taught me some about farming and all the work that goes into it. It has its challenges but is something I have grown to love. Growing up in a rural community and attending a rural school has helped show me who I am, but also who I want to be and where I want to go. My life experiences have helped me learn how to care for others, provide support, and be friendly and welcoming.  Possessing the ability to brighten someone’s day or help someone in need is very rewarding. I am proud of the opportunities I have had growing up in a rural community. I am proud of who I am and where I come from, and I know that one day I will return to live in a rural community.  Thank you for your belief in me and for awarding me this scholarship!

Kelly Herness
Region 2 | Whitehall High School

My name is Kelly Herness and I grew up in rural Trempealeau County surrounded by dairy cattle, tractors, and corn fields. Throughout my high school career at Whitehall Memorial High School, I have been actively involved in clubs and activities such as FFA, National Honor Society, band and choir, drama, student council, and various athletics. While holding officer positions in these activities as well as serving four years as class president, I have been an A-honor roll student, a Student Excellence Scholar, and named Salutatorian of my class. Outside of my school, I have been involved in my community through Girl Scouts, church youth group, the Wisconsin DATCP Agriculture Youth Council, and serving as the Miss Whitehall Royalty Queen. Post high school, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing an English major on the pre-law track. My long-term goal is to obtain a law degree and become involved in agriculture law and agriculture policy in Wisconsin. I aspire to give back to the rural communities and farmers that have helped shape who I am today. I hope to use my appreciation of agriculture, my background knowledge in farming, and my farm-built work ethic to assist

in bridging the gap between local agriculture and regulating and legislating agencies. This ambition is influenced by my agricultural upbringing and the opportunities I have had working hands-on with agriculture in my community. I am grateful for my school, community, and family who will support me in all of my future endeavors.

Rachael Bugella
Region 3 | Frederic High School

My name is Rachael Bugella. Upon graduating from Frederic High School this Spring, I will be moving to Duluth, MN, in order to begin the upcoming Fall semester at Lake Superior College. Here, I will be working towards my AAS Professional Pilot - Helicopter degree for 2.5 years. Upon college graduation, I will work as a tour pilot or certified flight instructor through Lake Superior Helicopters to build my flight hours in order to, after approximately two years, become an EMS, Fire, or Police pilot.

Emmie Magnin
Region 4 | Oconto Falls High School

My name is Emmie Magnin and a graduate of Oconto Falls High School. I plan to attend Carroll University in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in Neurodiagnostic Technology/ Health Science. I will also be playing collegiate volleyball for the Carroll Pioneers. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. I enjoy spending time with my family and dog, Lola. I am so honored to be selected as a recipient of this scholarship. 

Margaret Tarrell
At Large Region 2 | Highland High School

My name is Margaret Tarrell and I am currently a senior at Highland High School. Throughout my time in high school, I have played volleyball, basketball, and softball. I am an active member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, National FFA Association, Unity Club, Forensics, and I am Class President. Academically, I have received Distinguished Honors throughout the entirety of high school and finished as Valedictorian of my class. Growing up in a small community taught me many lessons about working hard for my achievements as well as making the most of any opportunities I am given. I am extremely grateful for my rural upbringing. I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. I intend to major in Neurobiology with the hopes of working in rural medicine. Bringing resources to small towns is my goal.

Ultimately, I hope to give back to the community that supported me.

Grace Engels
At Large Region 2 | Mineral Point

Hi, my name is Grace Engels, and I am from Mineral Point, WI. Growing up in a rural farming community has taught me to not wish for things but work for them. I was a part of many clubs and organizations during high school, but my most memorable time was working with the Blue Crew. The Blue Crew is a student organization that sets up dances, runs game half-time entertainment activities, and creates the yearbook for that school year. I immensely enjoy the work that goes into making production or a product for the school to see and use as a core memory to remember high school. In the fall of 2022, I am attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN. I plan to major in Business and Marketing while also being a wrestling manager. My career goal is to intern with a collegiate or professional sports team during my undergraduate career and move back to Wisconsin after graduation.