Awarded Senior 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.
Yariza Luna - Arcadia
I am Yariza Luna. I attend Arcadia High School in Arcadia, Wisconsin. I am incredibly involved in school, as I am president of the Student Council and president of CHICLE, a cultural involvement club. I enjoy spending my time reading, shopping, and spending time with my friends. After I graduate high school, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and major in Exercise Science with a minor in Biology. Once I obtain my degree, I plan on continuing my education by attending a Physician Assistant program. I have always loved medicine and the human body since a young age. I can’t wait to see where my future leads 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.
Henry Pahlow - Denmark
My name is Henry Pahlow, and I am currently a senior at Denmark High School. Throughout high school, I have been deeply involved in numerous extracurriculars, including the school musical and play. As a sophomore, I was honored as one of only six actors to receive the Best Actor award at the Fox Cities PAC’s Center Stage Awards. Outside of school, I’ve been deeply involved in politics, where I’ve served on the national board of the High School Democrats of America, worked as a United States Senate Page, and represented Wisconsin at American Legion Boys Nation. Growing up in a rural community, I’ve learned the importance of empathy and perseverance, particularly when I am tackling disagreements. In the fall, I will be attending Harvard University and studying Government with hopes of attending law school! I hope to use these experiences as a means to push for social change to the benefit of those in rural communities. I will be forever thankful to what I have learned coming from a rural school!
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.
Avry Wuethrich - Greenwood
My name is Avry Wuethrich, and I attend Greenwood High School. Throughout my high school career, I have been greatly involved in school as well as the community. I was team captain and an all-conference award recipient for both volleyball and basketball and will be graduating as the Class of 2024 Valedictorian. I am the President of Student Council, Spanish Club, and FCCLA as well as Vice President of my class and National Honor Society. Outside of school I maintain about 75 hours of community service a year to help local events. I will be attending UW Madison this fall to study Business/Economics with a hope of one day going onto Law School to specialize in Business Law.
WiRSA Senior
Scholarship 2023
Available to graduating high school seniors of WiRSA member schools.
Taylor Andersen - Turtle Lake
My name is Taylor Andersen, and I’m currently a senior at Turtle Lake High School. During my high school career, I’ve been involved in basketball, track, forensics, student council, academic decathlon, National Honors Society, and Rube Goldberg. As a student-athlete, I've earned all-conference for basketball and track, ‘A’ honor roll every quarter, and Valedictorian for the class of 2023. In the fall of 2024, I will be attending UW-La Crosse as a Biology major. After attaining my bachelor’s degree, I will then apply for PA school to get my masters. It’s an honor to be a recipient of this scholarship.
Ava Lamers - Rhinelander
I am a three-sport athlete who was designated captain and earned All-Conference honors in volleyball, basketball, and soccer. I played AAU basketball, club volleyball, and both club and Wisconsin’s Olympic Development Program soccer. I maintained a rigorous academic schedule and earned a 4.507 GPA. I am a member of the executive board of student council, was inducted into the National Honor Society, am recognized nationally as an AP scholar, am a Link Crew and Hodag Empower peer mentor, and have volunteered for multiple community organizations. My future career goals include: pursuing an undergraduate degree in kinesiology, a doctoral physical therapy program, and establishing a career in which I serve others and my community, I also intend to pursue a business minor so that I can eventually open and operate my own clinic.
Brie Eckerman - Mauston
My name is Brie Eckerman, and I am currently a senior at Mauston High School. Throughout high school, I have been a part of the MHS varsity volleyball and track teams and a member of the Badger Region Volleyball Club. I am an active member of the Key Club, FACT Club, Link Crew, student council, marching band, concert band, and flag line. Academically, I will be graduating Summa Cum Laude, am a member of the National Honor Society, have been on the high honor roll every semester, and have earned an Academic Varsity Letter. Growing up in a rural community has helped shape the person I have become and has greatly influenced my future goals. After graduation, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. I will also be running on the UWL Women’s Track & Field team. Once I have completed my bachelor’s degree, I plan to further my education by obtaining my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am very grateful for the many benefits I have experienced from attending a rural school. I have immense pride in my rural community, and I will always be grateful for the experiences that have led me to where I am today. Thank you so much for choosing me as a recipient of this scholarship award!
Max Sauerwein - Lake Holcombe
It took me a minute to recognize the value of growing up in a rural community, but as I am about to move on to my next chapter, it is now so clear. Along with my parents, my school and my communityhave raised me and have had a huge impact in the discovery of thekind of person I want to be. Through my years at Lake Holcombe, along with my involvement in NHS, LEO Club, Student Council, Leadership Club, and FFA, I have learned the meaning of service, and I am better for it. I have been introduced to new skills and provided support. And I have been given the chance to form meaningful relationships and forever friendships. This fall, I will head to St. Olaf College to study Kinesiology and play football for the Oles. I am super excited to fall in love with my college experience as I work toward my degree. I will do so knowing I will have the continued support of my hometown, Lake Holcombe... the place that gave me roots and wings.
Grace King - Clayton
I plan to attend Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in the Fall of 2023. I plan to obtain a bachelor's degree with an Elementary Education Major while Minoring in Psychology. I am also excited to be a part of the Cardinals’ Women's Basketball Team, Go Cards!