Scholarships
Black River Country Bank Awards $5,000 in Scholarships to Five Local Graduating Seniors
For Immediate Release: 5/23/25
Black River Country Bank has at its core the nurturing of personal, professional, and financial goals and dreams each day. At the heart of that, is the honor of recognizing and rewarding the academic excellence and extracurricular achievements of our local graduating high school seniors. This year BRCB made available a variety of educational Scholarships to graduating seniors as they pursue their post-secondary education. Black River Country Bank has been awarding scholarships to in our area for over 30 years – initiated at Melrose-Mindoro High School, expanded to Black River Falls High School, then to Lincoln High School. Black River Country Bank’s Bob Becker, President, and Justin Blaken, Vice President, recently attended all three schools’ Senior Scholarship Awards Night’s & Breakfast Ceremonies – Melrose Mindoro High School on April 30th, Lincoln High School on May 19th, and Black River Falls High School on May 21st – to personally recognize, congratulate, and present the scholarships.
“We at Black River Country Bank love no more than to outreach our local students with this tremendous opportunity. Each year we are so impressed with the dynamic applicants! Celebrating excellence by providing financial support to help nurture their big dreams truly creates a shared sense of community sustainability. On behalf of our entire team at Black River Country Bank, we’d like to thank all the students who took the extra time and effort to apply and congratulate our five, $1,000 Scholarship Recipients. Congratulations, Class of 2025!” stated Tracy Madvig, Black River Country Bank’s Organization & Business Development Officer.
Connor Carlson
Congratulations to Connor Carlson, son of Jason and Stacey Carlson. Connor is a graduate of Black River Falls High School Class of 2025 and recipient of a $1,000 Wesley and Helen Meek Scholarship. The Wesley and Helen Meek Scholarship is Administered by Black River Country Bank and is aimed at students attending a Wisconsin accredited college, pursuing a career in business or financial services. Connor has been involved in numerous community activities, extracurriculars, and leadership capacities all throughout his career at Black River Falls High School. Some leadership highlights include being the Captain of the Cross Country Team his Senior Year, Science Club Leadership Team, Student Senate Secretary, and National Honor Society. Connor was also a dedicated Varsity Track & Field athlete throughout high school. Additionally, Connor has been involved in Pep Club, Raise Your Voice and has served as a Jackson Electric Youth Ambassador, Youth Rotarian, and Black River Health Volunteer. Connor plans to attend UW – Madison for Accounting. “It’s been such an honor to watch Connor grow-up and become so involved throughout high school. We know you’ll do great things! Congratulations and Good Luck in Madison, Connor!” expressed Madvig.
Reese Cowley
Congratulations to Reese Cowley, son of David and Tracey Cowley. Reese was awarded a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Melrose Mindoro High School’s Class of 2025. Reese has been extremely involved in high school and has displayed positive leadership in his community through his service in Student Council (President) and Class Officer (Secretary), Raise Your Voice (Founder and President), National Honor Society (Secretary), Investment Club, Drama Club, Mock Trial, and Readers Theater … just to name a few. Reese is the Co-Valedictorian of his class, was a Badger Boys State Representative, Jackson Electric Youth Ambassador, and Black River Health Volunteen. Reese will be attending University of Wisconsin – Madison in the Fall, majoring in Nursing. “Congratulations Reese! It’s been our complete pleasure to watch you grow-up into an honorable, well-rounded young human. We wish you all our best in your next adventures!” said Madvig.
Haylee Jones
Haylee Jones, daughter of Marcelle June and Thomas Jones, was the recipient of a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Lincoln High School’s Class of 2025. Haylee has been very involved throughout her high school career taking part in Basketball, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and National Honor Society (NHS). She also served as a Volleyball Manager, Student Council Officer, and Class Officer. Haylee has earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials while in high school. She has also been very involved in the local community, at Black River Health and through Alma Center Lions Club, Alma Center First Responders and Fire Department, plus her role as a CNA at Dover Heathcare, all while being an Honor Roll student. Haylee plans to attend the University of Minnesota – Rochester, majoring in Nursing. “It’s an absolute honor to recognize Haylee for her exceptional high school accomplishments. Best of luck as you as you embark on the University of Minnesota in Rochester!” shared Madvig.
Noah Larkin
Congratulations to Noah Larkin, son of Bill and Katie Larkin. Noah was the recipient of a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Black River Falls High School’s Class of 2025. Noah has been very involved throughout his high school career as a multi-sport athlete across Football, Basketball (Team Captain), and Baseball. He was also very involved in the local community as a Jackson Electric Youth Ambassador, Black River Health Volunteen, and Youth Rotarian. Noah worked throughout his high school career as a Lifeguard at both the Lunda Community Center and Hoffman Aquatic Center. He has maintained High Honor Roll grades across his four years of high school, culminating with the highest academic distinction, a Summa Cum Laude Graduate. Noah plans to attend University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, immersing himself in the healthcare field; most likely leading to a major in Pre-Physical Therapy. “We have no doubt Noah will continue to shine at UW-L given his solid academic foundation, strong character, and commitment to community. We cannot wait to see what your future holds, Noah. Best of Luck at UW-La Crosse!!” shared Madvig.
Janae Waughtal
Janae Waughtal, daughter of Kristen and Josh Waughtal, was awarded a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for the Melrose-Mindoro High School Class of 2025. Janae has shown excellent leadership as Drama President, Choir President, and FFA Secretary. She has also been involved in Band, Forensics, Academic Decathlon, and is a member of the National Honor Society. On top of her high school involvement, Janae is a member of the Black River Country Bank Team, working as a Customer Service Representative. Janae will be attending either Concordia University of Wisconsin or St. Mary’s of Minnesota. She’s currently considering Social Work or Counseling. Long-term she’d like to be involved in Ministry or Counseling. “We’ve loved having Janae as part of our BRCB family. We wish Janae nothing but our best as she continues to shine on her journey of self-discovery!” expressed Madvig.