Scholarships
Black River Country Bank Awards Class of 2023 Graduates with Educational Scholarships
For Immediate Release: 5/30/22
Black River Country Bank is pleased and proud to be able to continue support and positively reinforce the academic and extracurricular achievements of our local high school students' educational careers as well as their future goals as they pursue their next level, post-secondary education through a variety of educational Scholarships offered. Class of 2023 Scholarship details can be found at https://www.brcbank.com/who-we-are/scholarships. (Class of 2024 is encouraged to apply next Spring.) “It is one of the most rewarding aspects about working in our community bank … to be able to personally recognize and honor the talent and hard work of our local high school graduates. We were especially excited to expand our scholarship program in 2023 to include graduating seniors from Lincoln High School, as well as keep our long-standing tradition at Black River Falls and Melrose-Mindoro High Schools. On behalf of our entire team at Black River Country Bank, we’d like to sincerely congratulate the entire Class of 2023 and our Scholarship Recipients.” stated Tracy Madvig, Black River Country Bank’s Organization & Business Development Officer.
David Becker
Congratulations to David Becker, son of Bob & the Honorable Judge Anna Becker. David is a graduate of Black River Falls High School Class of 2023 and recipient of a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship. David has been involved in numerous school activities, leadership, and volunteer capacities all throughout his High School Career at Black River Falls High School. Some leadership highlights include being the National Honor Society Communications Officer, Skills USA Vice President, Student Director of the BRFHS Band. David played High School Soccer, Hockey, and Golf. He has been recognized for his academic excellence earning Summa Cum Laude Graduate Honors, being a 4-year High Honor Roll Student, and two-time Presidential Award Recipient. David has been involved in FCCLA, Tiger Investment Club, and has been recognized as a Youth Rotarian and Lions Club Honor Award recipient. David plans to attend UW – Madison for Mechanical Engineering. “It’s been such an honor to be a part of David’s young life and watch him grow into an outstanding young man. We are so excited to see David go on to study and do what he loves. Congratulations and best of luck in Madison, David, from your Black River Country Bank Family!” expressed Madvig.
Olivia Giertych
Olivia Giertych of Melrose-Mindoro High School, daughter of Laura Giertych, was awarded a $1,000 Wesley & Helen Meek Scholarship (administered by Black River Country Bank). The Meek scholarship is aimed at students attending a Wisconsin accredited college and who will be pursuing a career in business or financial services. Olivia has been extremely involved and displayed leadership in her high school activities such as serving as President of National Honor Society, Vice President of Membership Development for DECCA, Forensics, Mock Trial, and Color Guard Captain. She has over 100 hours of community service, while also holding part-time jobs. Her high school business classes such as Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Personal Finance, and Retail Merchandising have prepared her to attend Western Technical College in pursuit of a degree in Business Management. Olivia someday hopes to own her own business. “Congratulations to Olivia! We think you are such a great fit for The Meek Scholarship. We cannot wait to see where your business education takes you!” said Madvig.
Faith Gjerseth
Faith Gjerseth, daughter of Heather and David Gjerseth, was the recipient of a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Lincoln High School’s Class of 2023. Faith has been very involved throughout her high school career taking part in Volleyball, Softball, Band, 4-H, Jackson County Small Animal Group, and Jackson County Horse Project. She has volunteered at the animal shelter, the Merrillan Fire Department Fundraiser, and the Merrillan Widow’s Fair, all while also working part-time and keeping High Honor Roll grades. Faith plans to attend the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, potentially majoring in Accounting. “We’re so pleased to honor and recognize Faith for her High School accomplishments. Best of luck as you head to UW – Eau Claire to explore your passions!” shared Madvig.
Joslyn Polenz
Congratulations to Joslyn Polenz of Melrose-Mindoro High School. Joslyn was the recipient of the $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Melrose-Mindoro High School Class of 2023 and is their Class Valedictorian. Josyln has shown extensive community service throughout her high school years being involved with Project Christmas, Jackson County Animal Shelter, the Mustang Corral, and Distributive Education Clubs of America. She has been very involved and has shown strong leadership throughout her high school career with Volleyball (Team Captain) and Track and Field, Drama, NHS, Jackson Electric Youth Ambassadors, Student Council, FFA, and served as her Class President. Joslyn plans to attend University of Wisconsin – Madison majoring in Communications Sciences and Disorders, with the goal of someday becoming a Speech Pathologist. “Joslyn has made exceptional contributions during her high school career. It’s our pleasure to be able to help support her in achieving her dreams of becoming a Speech Pathologist,” shared Madvig.
Haylie Schmidt
Haylie Schmidt, daughter of David Schmidt, was awarded a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Black River Falls High School. Haylie has shown outstanding leadership throughout her high school career – serving in roles such as National Honor Society President, President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and 2-year Softball Captain. Haylie was a Lions Club Honoree, Student of the Year her Freshman year, and has an outstanding record of community involvement. Haylie was recently recognized as a Summa Cum Laude Honors Graduate. Haylie’s undergraduate plans will begin by attending University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with hopes of attending Graduate School at UW-EC as well. “We wish Haylie all our best as she continues down her educational path towards her career goals. She seems a perfect fit for her aspirations to help others!” said Madvig.
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Congratulations to our 2022 Black River Country Bank Scholarship Recipients
Michael Antonelli
Michael Antonelli, son of Dr. Darrin and Pamela Antonelli, was awarded a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship for Black River Falls High School. Michael has shown outstanding Leadership throughout his high school career – serving in roles such as National Honor Society Communications Officer, Class of 2022 Treasurer, Lions Club Honoree (twice), Basketball & Golf Captain, Leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and much more just by his charismatic role modeling. His unmatched work ethic and outstanding academic record has earned him Coulee Conference Scholar Athlete Honors, as well recognition as a Summa Cum Laude Honors Graduate. Michael plans to become a General Physician one day. His undergraduate plans will begin by attending University of Wisconsin – Madison, majoring in Biochemistry (pre-Med track). Michael then plans to go on to Medical School and later complete his Residency. We at Black River Country Bank send our sincere Congratulations to Michael and wish him all the best as he ventures out to accomplish his big dreams and goals!!
Wyatt Berg
Wyatt Berg of Black River Falls High School, was awarded a Wesley & Helen Meek Scholarship, administered by Black River Country Bank. The Meek scholarship is aimed at students attending a Wisconsin accredited college and who will be pursuing a career in financial services. Wyatt’s list of achievements, especially in 4-H and FFA, are vast! The recipient of numerous 4-H Achievement Awards, Youth Leadership, Grand and Reserve Championships … as well as his multi-year service to his 4-H Chapter as President and Treasurer is quite impressive. Wyatt also served the BRF High School FFA as Chapter President for 2 years. He has been honored with several Proficiency and Achievement Awards throughout his high school career at the State Level. He is a National Honor Society Inductee, Rotary Scholar, and member of Tiger Investment Club; as well as an active teammate on the Varsity Football and Shooting Tigers Teams. Wyatt is the Owner/Operator (for the past 6 years) of WMB Livestock/Shamrock Valley Soaps!! He plans to put his entrepreneurial spirit and skills to use in pursuit of a technical degree in Business Management at either WWTC or CVTC. Wyatt is sure to be a continued success and we’re so excited to follow and support his future endeavors … Congratulations & Best of Luck, Wyatt!
Drew DeBerg
Congratulations to Drew DeBerg, son of DelRoy & Karen DeBerg, and graduate of Melrose-Mindoro High School. Drew was a recipient of a $1,000 Black River Country Bank Scholarship. Drew has been involved in numerous leadership and volunteer capacities all throughout his High School Career at Melrose-Mindoro High School. Some leadership highlights include being a four-year Student Council Member and Class Officer, as well as Team Captain for all of his Senior season sports teams. Drew is musician, playing in both the H.S. Band and Jazz Band; as well as a 3-sport athlete, playing Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Drew is respected by his peers, being nominated for Junior Prom Court and was the Senior Homecoming King. He had made countless service and volunteer contributions to his community through Project Christmas, Coaching Flag Football, doing concessions work & roadside pick-ups … just to name a few. Drew’s also been employed part-time through it all! Drew has been recognized for his academic excellence being selected to the Academic All-State Football and Dairyland Conference Honors Band. Most recently and notably, Drew graduated with the distinction of Tri-Solitarian. Drew plans to attend UW-Platteville for Environmental Engineering and we are so excited to watch him make a difference in our World!! Congratulations and best of luck, Drew, from us all at Black River Country Bank!!
Terek Frey
Congratulations to Terek Frey of Melrose-Mindoro High School, son of Kim and Dan Torres and Scott Frey. Terek was the recipient of the $1,000 Black River Country Bank Employee Scholarship. Terek was very involved in High School athletics – Basketball, Football, Wrestling, and Baseball, was Vice President of his Senior Class, and was nominated by his peers for Senior Homecoming and Junior Prom Courts. Terek plans to attend CVTC (Chippewa Valley Technical College) in the Fall of 2022, majoring in HVACR (Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technician) Technical Diploma Program. He recently worked to obtain Full-time employment through Multistack, Inc. in Sparta, where he will be directly applying his new skillset learned on-the-job and while pursuing his education and training at CVTC. Terek has been a member of the BRCB family since he was a young child and was always seen at many BRCB employee family and community events, always smiling, having fun and helping out! It’s been our sincere pleasure to watch him grow-up and we are so excited for his future. Congratulations, Terek, we wish you our very BEST!!
Michael Roou
Michael (‘Mike’) Roou, son of Kris and Dave Roou, was awarded a Wesley & Helen Meek Scholarship, administered by Black River Country Bank. The Meek scholarship is aimed at students attending a Wisconsin accredited college and who will be pursuing a career in financial services. Mike has been very involved in leadership, athletics, and community all throughout his High School Career at Black River Falls High School. He has demonstrated academic and leadership excellence through membership in National Honor Society, serving as Class Vice President, and being recognized as a Lions Club Honoree … just to name a few. Mike was a 4-year multi-sport Athlete and Captain who also obtained All Conference recognition. He's been very involved in community service as a Project Christmas Volunteer, regular Blood Donor, Tigers Paws Youth Basketball Instructor, and as a volunteer with his Church and the Tigers Football Team. He balanced all of these activities, while holding a part-time job. Mike plans to attend UW-La Crosse to pursue a career in Business and Finance, with a special interest in Real estate and Financial Investment. We at Black River Country Bank, Congratulate Mike for his outstanding High School career and look forward to what his future will bring!!