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 “Teacher” Scholarships 2026
Available to graduating high school seniors of WiRSA member schools.
Kiernen Culver - Richland Center
My name is Kiernen Culver, and I am a senior at Richland Center High School. In the past year I have served as the president of my school’s Student Council and Key Club. I have also been an active member of NHS, forensics, band, choir, and several high school plays and musicals. I have ran in cross country and track and field for the past four years and have served as captain of the cross country team through junior and senior year. The cross country team had an amazing season this year, winning conference and sectionals and becoming the first boys cross country team from our school to attend state in over 50 years. I have also had the honors of being a Badger Boys State delegate, a Kiwanis Key Club Outstanding Member Award receiver, and a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student. Throughout high school I have maintained a weighted GPA of 4.480 and will be graduating as the valedictorian of my class. In the fall I plan to attend UW-Madison, majoring in English and history. I hope to become a high school teacher and to inspire young minds.
Lily Dabbert - Stratford
My name is Lily Dabbert, and I am from the small, rural town of Stratford in central Wisconsin. Throughout my four years at Stratford High School, I have been actively involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. I participated in cross country and track, serving as a senior captain for both teams. These experiences taught me discipline, perseverance, leadership, and the value of teamwork. In addition, I dedicated time to the Spanish Club, Art Club, and Book Club. I was honored to be nominated as Stratford High School’s November Student of the Month and to receive the Barry Brubaker “Dedication” Award in cross country. As a senior, my girls’ cross country team made school history by winning sectionals for the first time in 40 years—only the second time in the school’s history. As a student-athlete, I maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning All-Conference honors in track and consistently achieving a spot on the High Honor Roll. I was also recognized at the Principal’s Academic Banquet for all three eligible years. Beyond athletics and academics, a meaningful part of my high school experience has been volunteering in elementary classrooms, where I discovered my passion for working with young students through my role as a teacher’s helper. This fall, I will attend UW–Eau Claire to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I hope to teach first or second grade in a small school, where I can make a positive impact and build meaningful connections with my students. I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship and for the support as I take the next step toward my future in education!
Trenton Krzoska - Alma
My name is Trenton Krzoska. I go to Alma Area Schools. I participated in many things while in school. These activities include football, basketball, golf, Teen Court, Student Council, FFA, National Honor Society, and Riverland Energy and Ambassadors. Throughout these activities, I was captain of the football and basketball teams for two years and was the golf captain for four years. In my limited free time, I love to hunt and fish. Along with this, I really enjoy being on the river. I work at the Kwik Trip in Alma, and in the summer, I work at the school for custodial help. I am a really hard worker, and I always like to stay busy.
Heath Ronald Massey - Mauston
My name is Heath Massey, and I attend Mauston High School. I like hunting, golfing, bowling, fishing, and spending time with friends. After graduation, I plan on getting my degree in early childhood education through WGU. WGU offers me the opportunity to work while obtaining my degree online. I want to work with students in the school system while studying online. Upon completion of my degree, I want to work in a school district as an Elementary School Teacher.
Brady Rist - Reedsburg
Hello, My name is Brady Rist, and I attend Reedsburg Area High School. I am someone who values family, community, and relationships above all else. I have played varsity tennis all 4 years of high school, serving as captain the last 2. I also organize and run a free summer tennis program, introducing tennis to youth players and helping experienced players improve. Outside of tennis I Coach and Ref basketball through our local basketball program (Reedsburg Area Youth Basketball). I am also involved in NHS keeping above a 3.7 gpa. I am attending UW-Whitewater for education. If everything goes my way, I would love to return to my hometown and teach middle to high school math, while also coaching our tennis team. I am so grateful for every opportunity given to me and cannot wait to help out future generations.
Laura Sturmer - Prairie Du Chien
Laura Sturmer plans to attend Luther Norse in Decorah, Iowa. She will major in education, minor in special education, and Psychology. She is passionate about working with everyone, and especially enjoys providing opportunities for young students. Being an elementary teacher has been her dream since she was young, thanks to her teachers.
Lydia VanArk - Owen-Withee
Hi, my name is Lydia VanArk, and I am a senior at Owen‐Withee High School. I am an active leader in my school community, participating in FBLA as the Student Advisor, FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, Forensics, Band, Drama, Softball, and Volleyball. These experiences have helped me grow as a communicator, teammate, and role model.
I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. My passion for teaching has grown through hands‐on work with young learners. I created a Reading Buddies program as part of my FBLA capstone project, giving elementary students extra support and building meaningful connections. I also work as a lifeguard, where I have had the opportunity to teach swimming lessons and help children gain confidence in the water.
My inspiration comes from many educators in my life, especially my mom, who serves as the Elementary Principal at Owen‐Withee. Her dedication to students has shaped my own desire to become a teacher who encourages, supports, and empowers every child.
WiRSA Senior “Teacher” Scholarships 2025
Chaya Blackburn - Prairie du Chien
Hello, my name is Chaya Blackburn, and I attend Prairie du Chien High School. I made it a goal to try new things and become an active member in my school. I was a member of our Student Council, Orchestra, Book Club, Forensics, Mock Trial, Band, Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, Theater Productions, Cross Country, as well as a swimmer and coach of our local swim team and a juror in our county’s Teen Court. Through coaching and tutoring, my passion for teaching grew. During high school, I was inspired by my many amazing educators, and I hope to follow in their footsteps to share my joy of learning with my own future students. I plan to major in English Education while also teaching English as a second language abroad. To fulfill my dream of learning about different cultures and their history, I plan to study abroad during my college experience. I am thrilled to be awarded this scholarship, as it will help my dreams become a reality.
Teagan Engel - Bonduel
Hi, my name is Teagan Engel, and I have lived in Bonduel my entire life. I have been given many opportunities to continue succeeding not only through my academics but my sports. The past four years I have been in Cross Country, Track and Field, and Softball while still managing to stay at a 4.0 GPA. My future consists of going to UW-Eau Claire to major in Elementary and Special Education to hopefully one day teach in a rural school.
Abby Morris - Mauston
My name is Abbie Morris, and I am a senior at Mauston High School. I am part of the Girls Tennis team, am the president of National Honor Society, and a Classroom Assistant for a first-grade classroom in West Side Elementary School. In the fall, I am attending the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire in pursuit of a degree in Secondary Education. Even though I am currently working with elementary aged students, I still want to be a high school teacher because I want to be able to help them along their path in the final stages of their K-12 educational experiences. I hope that I can make a difference in their lives in any way that I can. I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities I have been given in my high school career, and I can’t wait for my future!
Ellie Schiszik - Elk Mound
My name is Ellie Schiszik and I am a senior at Elk Mound High School. Throughout my high school career, I have been very involved in the school and community which I call home. I am a part of Student Council, National Honor Society, E - Club, and I am also Class President. I have also participated in Cross Country, Basketball, and Softball which have brought me many friends and opportunities during my years in school. With that, I have been an 11 Time First Team All Conference athlete and was also chosen as a Team Captain as well. Besides sports and clubs, I’ve always had a passion for serving others in the community. I volunteer at events with my church and help at many youth sporting activities as well. Next year, I will be attending UW - La Crosse where I will major in Math Education and also play basketball. I am forever grateful for the lessons and experiences my small town has given me and I hope to use my skills as anasset to a rural community in the future!
Kate Waterfall - Richland Center
My name is Kate Waterfall, and I’m a senior at Richland Center High School. I love to create art, sing, make new friends, and spend time outside! I have a blog, “Sunshine and Kate,” where I write posts and poetry, and a podcast, “A Waterfall of Wisdom,” where I talk with people about their lives to show that no one is truly ordinary. One of the coolest things I’ve been a part of in high school has been Youth4Change, a club working to build a culture where vaping and drinking are not needed to be social and have fun. I have been a youth leader and social media intern for three years, and our biggest goal was for the City Council to pass an ordinance for Tobacco Free Parks, which I’m thrilled to say was recently passed! I’m grateful for the opportunities I have had in my rural community, as they have shaped me into a more outgoing and confident leader. In the fall, I will be attending Brigham Young University in Utah, majoring in Elementary Education. I can’t wait to create an exciting, engaging classroom to help my future students grow their curiosity and love for the world!
WiRSA Senior Scholarship 2024
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.
Peyton Hanson - Mauston
My name is Peyton Hansen, and I am currently a senior at Mauston High School in Mauston, WI. Throughout my years in high school I have been very involved in clubs and extracurriculars such as Student Council, Key Club, Link Crew, Spanish Club, Educators Rising, softball, musicals and a cappella choir. Academically, I will be graduating Summa Cum Laude and I am a member of National Honor’s Society. After graduation, I will be attending UW Eau Claire in the fall for Elementary and Middle School Education. I am so thankful to have grown up in a rural community that values education. My family is full of rural school teachers, and I hope in four years I will become one too.
Ava Krueger - Marathon
My name is Ava Krueger and I am a senior at Marathon High School. Throughout my time in high school I have been involved in my school as volleyball captain, track and field athlete, National Honor Society Secretary, Future Business Leaders of America Vice President, Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader, Ecology Club leader, Yearbook member, and Spirit Squad member. As a student athlete I maintained a 3.9 GPA while earning awards as All-Conference, All-State in volleyball, and Conference Player of the Year my senior year. I plan to attend University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and possibly a minor in business. I am also excited to compete on the women’s volleyball team. Go Titans!
Josie Meister - Darlington
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.
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.