Post-Secondary Teacher Education Scholarship

Available to graduating high school seniors at WiRSA member schools.

2021-2022 Post-Secondary Teacher Education Scholarship Winners

Isabelle Doherty
Region 2 | Johnson Creek High School

Hello, my name is Isabelle Doherty. I am from Johnson Creek, Wisconsin about halfway between Madison and Milwaukee. My parents are Shawn and Nancy Doherty, I am the youngest of four kids to grow up on our family farm. We raised and showed cattle, now we exclusively raise and show pigs to sell, and show across the country. I am a three-time National Champion and a three-time state, back-to-back champion showman. I have played club volleyball for nine years and high school the past four. My plan after graduation is to attend UW-Whitewater in the fall of 2022 to major in early childhood and elementary education. My future goal is to be a kindergarten teacher at a rural school and raise my children in the agriculture industry. Thank you to the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Teacher Scholarship for being a part of my journey to reaching those goals.

Scotlyn Roemhild
Region 3 | Prairie Farm High School

My name is Scotlyn Roemhild, and I was born and raised in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin. I’ve attended the Prairie Farm School District since pre-kindergarten and have recently been named the Valedictorian of the Prairie Farm Class of 2022.

My involvement in extracurricular activities throughout high school has been extensive. am a seven-year member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and I currently serve as the Wisconsin FCCLA State President. In addition, I’m the President of the Prairie Farm Senior Class and my school’s National Honor Society (NHS) and Photography Club. I also represent my grade as a member of the Leadership Council and as a Pep Club officer, for which my responsibilities include tutoring students in need of academic assistance, speaking at annual programs and pep rallies, and designing school apparel and merchandise. During athletic events, I stream sports games for my school’s Video Club and work in the concession stands for Booster Club.

Outside of school, I volunteer much of my time to my church as a Sunday School Teacher, Technology Team Member, church dinner waitress, and scripture reader. Furthermore, I participate in community service activities and fundraisers organized by Benjamin’s House Emergency Shelter and my local Lions Club and Ladies Civic Club.

The high-quality education I have received from the Prairie Farm School District, along with the support of my rural town, has inspired me to pursue a teaching career. I plan to major in History Education and minor in Political Science at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. I hope to promote inclusion, equity, and service in my future classroom.

Tegan McFarlane
Region 4 | Ashland High School

My name is Tegan McFarlane and I am from the rural community of Washburn in northern Wisconsin and a graduate of Ashland High School. I will be furthering my education at the University of Wisconsin River Falls as an Agricultural Education major this fall. My plan to minor in both Spanish and Equine Management will keep me busy and involved in the things I enjoy most in my spare time. I am interested in being a member of the women's tennis team, trying out for the dance team, and looking into the rodeo club opportunities. The equine science program is definitely something I am looking forward to as well as the awesome study abroad opportunities River Falls offers. In preparation for college, I have worked hard to learn from my teachers, peers as well as my mom sometimes. Senior year has been full of opportunities, challenges and getting back to normal since the pandemic. I have made the decision to join the Army National Guard and will be leaving for the summer to attend boot camp before returning for the Fall semester at River Falls. I feel that my future will be a mix of chaos and control and look forward to my next chapter adulting and growing into the educated leader I aspire to be

Nicole Totzke
At Large Region 2 | Wonewoc-Center High School

Hi my name is Nicole Totzke, I am a senior at Wonewoc Center and plan to attend Uw-Platteville in the fall. My goal in college is to double major in Agriculture Education and Animal Sciences with a minor in Agriculture Business while playing volleyball for the Pioneers. After college, I plan on becoming an agriculture teacher to share my knowledge about this beautiful industry to the younger generation in a positive way.

Growing up in a rural community has taught me many lifelong lessons along with giving me opportunities that have helped me grow to shape me into the person I am today. Living in a small community and knowing everyone makes it feel like you are never going to be left hanging along with having this huge family. If someone needs help, we all do the best we can to help that person in need. Everyone knows your name which makes it easier to lend a hand and even receive a hand. In 2018 we had a flood that ruined many houses and affected so many that we all consider family. Everyone worked every day to help clean up the mess until it was done, along with a terrible disaster we made many memories that just made the community come closer. I am a middle hitter for our school's volleyball team and this year was the first year in our school's history for any sport to make it past regionals let alone to state. After every victory the community would be outside their houses and we as a team would ride on top of the fire trucks around Wonewoc. This was my best high school experience, because even though the community was not on the court with us, they were still supporting us and sending us off with good thoughts, support, and pep rallies before our games!

All in all, the advantages of living in a small community trump the disadvantages significantly. I wouldn't trade the memories and family for the world. Small rural communities will always hold a special place in my heart with everything they have given and taught me.

Morgan Baier
At Large Region 2 | Arcadia High School

My name is Morgan Baier, and I am a senior at Arcadia High School in Arcadia, WI. I am involved in numerous different clubs in school including National Honor Society, Student Council, Foreign Language Club, and Yearbook. I am also involved in the music department through fall musical and the AHS Accidentals which is an auditioned a capella group. Outside of school I am involved in 4-H, and I have been the club president for the past six years. In the fall, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point to pursue a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education with a minor in English Language Learners (ELL). I want to become a teacher so that I can be a positive influence in students' lives and so that I can inspire and empower the next generation!

Rhea Bodsberg
At Large Region 3 | Clayton High School

Rhea Bodsberg, daughter of Robert and Michelle Bodsberg has been named the Salutatorian of the Clayton High School Class of 2022. Rhea has been involved in many extra-curricular activities throughout high school including Kinship, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, FFA, FBLA, Prom Committee, Class Officer, Student Council, and tutoring in the second grade. Rhea has also been involved in athletics throughout high school. She has participated in Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball all four years. She has been named an AllConference performer in each of the three sports. She has also been named team captain in volleyball her sophomore junior and senior years and in basketball her junior and senior years. Rhea was also a part of the Basketball State Runner-Up team her freshman year. Outside of school, Rhea enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding horse, hunting, fishing, and spending time at her family cabin. After graduation, Rhea plans to attend UW-River Falls to study Elementary Education.