Scholarships
Black River Country Bank Awards $5,000 in Academic Scholarships to Five Local Graduating Seniors
For Immediate Release: 6/2/26
At the heart of Black River Country Bank’s Mission is the commitment to support our community. One of the privileges we have is being able to invest in our youths' futures by recognizing and rewarding the outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, and community involvement of our local graduating high school seniors.
Again this year, Black River Country Bank (BRCB) made available a variety of educational scholarships to graduating seniors as they pursue their post-secondary education. BRCB has been awarding scholarships in our area for over 30 years – initiated at Melrose-Mindoro High School, expanded to Black River Falls High School, and later to Lincoln High School.
BRCB offers two separate Scholarship Applications for Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District, Black River Falls School District, and Melrose-Mindoro School District Graduating Seniors: 1) Multiple $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarships; and 2) One $1,000 Wesley and Helen Meek Scholarship. The Wesley & Helen Meek scholarship is Administered by Black River Country Bank and is aimed at graduating seniors from the above districts planning to attend a Wisconsin accredited college, pursuing a career in business or financial services.
Black River Country Bank’s Bob Becker, President, and Justin Blaken, Vice President, recently attended Senior Scholarship Awards Night’s at Melrose Mindoro High School on May 6th and Black River Falls High School on May 20th – to personally recognize, congratulate, and present the scholarships.
“Black River Country Bank has deep roots when it comes to supporting our local students. It is quite amazing to see firsthand the caliber of young people our community produces! Being able to provide financial support to them is such an honor, and I believe just as important is affirming to our students that we see how incredibly hard they have worked to get to this point and we strongly believe in them. That sense of belief hopefully provides them encouragement and motivation as they embark on their next adventures! On behalf of our entire team at Black River Country Bank, we’d like to congratulate our five, $1,000 Scholarship Recipients and their entire Class of 2026!” stated Tracy Madvig, Black River Country Bank’s Organization & Business Development Officer.
Class of 2026 Scholarship recipients are found below. Class of 2027 is encouraged to apply next Winter/Spring. Black River Country Bank is a Member FDIC financial institution.
Congratulations to Christopher Antonelli, son of Dr. Darrin and Pamela Antonelli. Christopher is a graduate of Black River Falls High School Class of 2026 and recipient of a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship. Christopher has been involved in extracurriculars and community activities throughout his career at Black River Falls High School. Highlights include being a two-time Captain of the Varsity Golf Team, a Big Paws/Little Paws Mentor, and an FCCLA State Qualifier & two-time State Science Olympiad Qualifier. Christopher’s honors include Academic All State for Golf & Basketball, two-time Lions Club Honoree, and he’s a member of National Honor Society. Additionally, he has been involved for many years growing-up at St. Joseph’s Parish as an Altar Server. Christopher completed his high school career with a perfect 4.0 GPA and the highest academic distinction, a Summa Cum Laude Graduate. He plans to attend UW – Madison for Neurobiology/Biochemistry. Christopher hopes one day to become a Surgeon.
Congratulations to Morgan Berg, daughter of Michael and Melanie Berg. Morgan was awarded a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Black River Falls High School’s Class of 2026. Morgan has been extremely involved all throughout her high school career, especially displaying positive leadership and a strong work ethic via her countless contributions, service, offices held and awards received while participating in 4-H (President; 13 years involvement), FFA (President; 6 years involvement; FFA Student Cooperative), and the Jackson County Livestock Team. Athletically, Morgan also competed in Varsity Softball, Volleyball, and Shooting Tigers. She was a member of National Honor Society and Science Club, as well as a Jackson Electric Youth Ambassador, and Black River Youth Rotarian. She was honored as a Lions Club Honoree and is the recipient of number FFA Degrees and Chapter Awards. All of the above, while showing a deep commitment to her community across multiple service projects and programs, while also working part-time jobs at Brock’s Butcher Block and Cataract Mart! Morgan will continue her work to fulfill her dreams by attending University of Wisconsin – River Falls in the Fall, majoring Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She then plans to attend graduate school at Iowa State for Veterinary Medicine.
Autumn Bollig, daughter of Matthew and Victoria Bollig, was the recipient of a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Melrose Mindoro High School’s Class of 2026. Autumn has been very involved throughout her high school career with four years in FFA, three years in DECA (President), two years in National Honor Society (Secretary), plus Raise Your Voice. She has also been very involved in her local community through a number of service projects, such as organizing a Veteran’s Association Penny War via DECA, Humane Society Donation Drives with NHS, Trick-Or-Can for the West Salem Food Pantry, and assisting with Career Fair logistics while serving as a Teacher’s Assistant. Autumn also found time to balance a part-time job through high school while achieving excellent grades, all demonstrating her outstanding work ethic. Autumn plans to attend the University of Wisconsin – Stout, majoring in Marketing and Business Education.
Congratulations to Aidan Krista, son of Jeramy and Jennifer Krista. Aidan was the recipient of the $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. Aidan has been very involved throughout his high school career with Football and Track & Field, this year breaking and setting the BRF High School record in Shot Put and Discus multiple times. He also has recently qualified for the WIAA State Meet in both events! He has worked at the Lunda Center while in high school and has been involved in Science Club, Tiger Investment Club, FBLA, and FCCLA all while maintaining High Honor Roll grades across his four years of high school; including All State Academic recognition for his Senior Football Season. Aidan also proudly attained Summa Cum Laude Graduate designation. Aidan plans to attend University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, majoring Accounting or a related Business Major.
Roman Madvig, son of Robert and Tracy Madvig, was awarded a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for the Black River Falls High School Class of 2026. Roman has been fully immersed through his high school career between athletics, community service, leadership, and academics. He was a four year, two-time Captain for both Varsity Football & Shooting Tigers; also earning All State Academic recognition for Football. He also played Golf, Hockey, and Track & Field. Roman has been a leader within the district schools through his involvement as a Mentor for Big Paws/Little Paws, the Daily Paw Print Live, a multi-year State & National Qualifier in FCCLA, Tiger Investment Club, Science Club, and FBLA. Roman’s been a committed servant leader, representing Black River Falls at Badger Boys State, serving as a multi-year Jackson Electric Youth Ambassador and Black River Health Volunteen, as well as the elected Communications Officer in National Honor Society. He has received recognition through the BRF Youth Rotarian program and as a Lions Club Honoree. He balanced his commitments while also working throughout his high school career at Skyline Golf Course. His academic record culminated with the highest distinction, a Summa Cum Laude Graduate. Roman plans to attend University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, majoring in Political Science.
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For Immediate Release: 5/23/2025
Black River Country Bank Awards $5,000 in Scholarships to Five Local Class of 2025 Graduating Seniors
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.