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
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.
Josie Meister
My name is Josie Meister, and I attend Darlington High School in Darlington, WI. During my high school career, I have been very active in my school and community. I play two sports: golf in the fall and track and field in the spring. I am also a part of various clubs and organizations including National Honors Society (NHS) and Leadership Education and Development (LEAD). My leadership positions in both of these organizations have allowed me to impact my school and community for the better. I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the fall to major in Human Resources Management (HR). After the completion of my undergraduate degree, I will further my education by attending law school to earn a juris doctor of 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!