2024 Scholarship Drive

Last call! 🚨 Our Scholarship Drive ends at midnight tonight. This is your final chance to make an impact by providing essential scholarships that support Ripon High School students in pursuing their educational dreams. Every donation counts - let's finish strong together!

Allan Mortenson's legacy as a beloved Ripon High School teacher and World War II veteran lives on through the Allan Mortenson Impact Scholarship. His remarkable ability to recognize and nurture potential in every student, combined with his lifelong dedication to learning, continues to inspire. Dawn Rasmussen, a former student transformed by Mr. Mortenson's mentorship, has established this scholarship to honor his impact and assist students facing challenges yet showing great promise for the future.

As we celebrate the lasting influence of educators like Mr. Mortenson and the generosity of alumni like Dawn, we encourage you to support the 2024 Scholarship Drive. Your donation helps us provide scholarships to students who, with a little support, can achieve their full potential and success.

Join us in honoring Allan Mortenson's legacy and contributing to the future successes of Ripon High School students. Donate today to make a difference in a student's life journey.

The Ripon Education Foundation is excited to feature Maxwell Belling, a dynamic student participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, who is passionate about pursuing a career that combines Physical Education and Sports Management at Ripon College.

Maxwell explains his motivation: "I’ve always been a very athletic person, with sports being a big part of my life. I want to continue to inspire the next generations to be active, all while doing what I love." 

Congratulations, Maxwell! Your enthusiasm for sports and your desire to inspire others to lead active, healthy lives are inspiring. We are eager to see the positive influence you will have on the next generations through your career in Physical Education and Sports Management.

To support inspiring students like Maxwell, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

As we progress with our 2024 Scholarship Drive, we are excited to reconnect with past scholarship recipients and share their inspiring stories of success and exploration.

Today, we celebrate August Walheim, who graduated from RHS in 2019 and went on to study Natural Resources with an emphasis in Ecological Restoration and a minor in Outdoor Education at Northland College. August is currently employed as an Outdoor Science Instructor at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, based at the Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray. In this role, he enhances science education by leading hikes, utilizing soil cores, and employing other interactive tools to provide students with hands-on experiences in nature, aiming to cultivate future stewards of our natural resources.

Reflecting on his educational journey, August states, "The scholarship from REF significantly reduced the financial barriers to attending my top choice college. Thanks to the supportive environment at Northland, I was able to thrive in ways that wouldn't have been possible without this financial aid. My bachelor's degree has opened numerous doors, allowing me to embark on new adventures and meet incredible people far beyond Ripon."

August's story is a powerful illustration of how REF scholarships can transform lives by providing opportunities for students to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams. We are immensely proud of August and grateful for his contribution to environmental education.

To ensure that more students like August can explore such transformative opportunities, we invite you to support our ongoing efforts by contributing to the 2024 Scholarship Drive.

The Ripon Education Foundation is proud to spotlight Allison Edinger, a driven student participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, who is embarking on a journey in Business Administration and Management at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Allison shares her ambitious goals: "Within my business management career, I hope that I can run and manage a successful business or corporation. I hope to use my degree to scale the corporate ladder and obtain a high management position like CEO." 

Congratulations, Allison! Your aspirations to lead and innovate within the business world are commendable. We look forward to seeing the impactful contributions you will make to the corporate sector and the leadership qualities you will bring to your future roles.

To support aspiring leaders like Allison, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

Today is the final day of our Scholarship Drive! 🌟 Help us reach and even exceed our goal of 135 donations to support Ripon High School seniors as they continue their education next year. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in the lives of these students!

From a Ripon High School graduate with a GPA of 1.7 to a successful entrepreneur, Justin Krueger's story is a testament to the diverse paths success can take. Justin, a Ripon native, has never forgotten his roots and is now giving back to the community that shaped him. Through his company, ICON National, he's established the Justin Krueger Trades Scholarship, aimed at supporting Ripon High School students pursuing careers in trades.

Justin's journey underscores the value of determination, hard work, and the belief that education in various forms can pave the way to achievement. As we celebrate Justin's commitment to empowering future trades professionals, we invite you to contribute to the 2024 Scholarship Drive. Your support can help open doors for students seeking to follow in Justin's footsteps or carve their own paths in trades and beyond.

Donate today to help us provide more scholarships to hardworking students. Together, we can foster a new generation of skilled professionals ready to make their mark on the world.

The Ripon Education Foundation is delighted to highlight Madeline Tobin, an aspiring student participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, who is set to explore the cosmos through a major in Physics with an Astronomy Emphasis at Hamline University.

Madeline expresses her passion and purpose: "My main goal is to conduct research in the field of astronomy in hopes to help people's day-to-day lives. I find that understanding the universe is key to understanding anything else within it." 

Congratulations, Madeline! Your enthusiasm for astronomy and your desire to make a tangible impact through scientific discovery are truly inspiring. We eagerly anticipate the contributions you will make to the field and the insights you will uncover about our universe.

To support dedicated students like Madeline, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

The Ripon Education Foundation is proud to feature Jayden Trochinski, a motivated student participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, who is passionate about pursuing a career in Sports Management at UW-La Crosse.

Jayden outlines his goal with clarity and determination: "I want to pursue a career in Sports Management because I want to make a positive impact on a sports organization." 

Congratulations, Jayden! Your drive to make meaningful contributions to the world of sports through management shows great promise. We are excited to see the impact you will have on the sports community and the innovative approaches you will bring to the field.

To support dedicated students like Jayden, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

For our next previous scholarship recipient, we are pleased to highlight Casey Ehrenberg, who graduated from RHS in 2008. Casey attended UW-Madison, where he studied Civil Engineering. Today, he is making strides in his career as a Senior Project Manager at Gephart Electric, an electrical subcontractor and engineering firm.

Reflecting on the impact of the REF scholarship, Casey shared, "The incredibly generous scholarship provided by REF allowed me to pursue my passion at a four-year university and opened countless opportunities for me to get to where I am today." Casey's journey is a testament to the powerful role that community support can play in shaping successful futures.

We are incredibly proud of Casey and grateful for his appreciation of REF’s support. Stories like his underline the importance of our community's continued investment in the dreams of our young scholars. Please join us in empowering more students by supporting the 2024 Scholarship Drive.

Ralph Quinney’s journey from a farm upbringing to becoming a pivotal figure in Ripon's agricultural banking sector underlines a life dedicated to supporting farmers and valuing education. Alongside his wife, Lois, Ralph's legacy continues through the Ralph Quinney Memorial Business Scholarship and the Ralph Quinney Memorial Agriculture Scholarship, each offering $1,000 annually to Ripon High School seniors with aspirations in business or agriculture.

Reflecting on Ralph’s contributions and the Quinneys' commitment to education, we invite you to contribute to the 2024 Scholarship Drive. Your donation supports the dreams of students aiming for careers that Ralph passionately encouraged during his lifetime.

Moreover, if Ralph’s story inspires you, consider establishing a scholarship in honor of your interests or to support students pursuing specific fields. Together, we can uphold the values of education and community support that Ralph and Lois Quinney exemplified.

Donate today and help continue the legacy of making higher education accessible to more students in our community.

The Ripon Education Foundation is excited to present Brock Stollfuss, an ambitious student participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, as he sets his sights on a career that combines Marine Biology & Law, with aspirations to attend either the University of Miami or Nova Southeastern University.

Brock is driven by a purposeful vision: "I would like to join a law firm that works with oceanic and coastal law to implement and defend regulations that protect our aquatic resources." 

Congratulations, Brock! Your dedication to marine conservation and your ambition to make a meaningful impact through legal advocacy for our waters is truly commendable. We look forward to witnessing the significant contributions you will make toward protecting and preserving our aquatic resources.

To support forward-thinking students like Brock, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

As we celebrate the 2024 Scholarship Drive, we're delighted to share updates from former scholarship recipients, celebrating their successes and the paths they've forged.

We're thrilled to spotlight Eden Juel, a 2018 RHS graduate. Eden pursued her passion for Communication Studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and has since taken to the skies as a Flight Attendant with Sun Country Airlines.

Eden reflects on her journey, noting, "Receiving a scholarship from the Ripon Education Foundation was an encouragement as I entered into college. I really felt like I had my hometown community’s support as I pursued the opportunities God set before me at UWL. Upon graduating in 2022, I embraced generosity as a core value, inspired by the support I received. I’ve witnessed how our community's generosity—in time, talents, and finances—can truly achieve great things. I am grateful to represent the generosity of Ripon and am committed to giving back, blessing others, and celebrating the continued work of God in Ripon and beyond."

Thank you to Eden for sharing her story! It's a vivid reminder of the impact of community support on individual lives. Let's continue this legacy of generosity and support for our students by contributing to the 2024 Scholarship Drive.

William “Bill” Crook’s legacy thrives through the William Crook Memorial Engineering Scholarship. A Ripon High School alum alongside his wife Janet, Bill’s career as an engineer at Speed Queen was rooted in a passion for engineering and building—interests that shaped his life and career. To honor Bill’s memory and his multifaceted interests, Janet established this scholarship to support aspiring engineers and innovative thinkers from Ripon High School in their pursuit of higher education.

Bill's journey from a Ripon High School graduate to a respected engineer, thanks to his degree in electronics from Oshkosh Technical Institute, highlights the impact of targeted educational support. The Crook family's commitment to giving back to their alma mater reflects a legacy of community support and belief in the power of education.

As we celebrate the contributions of Bill and Janet Crook and their dedication to fostering the next generation of engineers, we invite you to support the dreams of Ripon High School students. Donate to the 2024 Scholarship Drive today and be part of sustaining a legacy of educational excellence and opportunity.

Interested in leaving a lasting legacy? Consider starting a scholarship in honor of someone special or for students pursuing a specific area of study. Together, we can create opportunities for Ripon High School students to pursue their dreams, just as Bill and Janet Crook envisioned.

The Ripon Education Foundation is thrilled to spotlight Charlise Bruins, one of the seniors participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, as she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communications at UW-Madison, with the ultimate goal of becoming a school counselor for elementary students.

Charlise shares her vision, stating, "My goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Communications and then move onto graduate school to become a school counselor for elementary students. Working with kids the last two years has made me realize the difference I can make in so many lives. With this job, if I can be a safe place for just one child, I will have pursued my dream." 

Congratulations, Charlise! Your aspiration to be a guiding light and a safe place for children as they navigate their early years of education is both noble and inspiring. We are excited to see the incredible difference you will make in the lives of many young students.

Please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive to support students like Charlise.

We are delighted to introduce Ronia Leavitt, an enthusiastic participant in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, who is considering a future in either Education or Psychology at Minnesota Duluth or Edgewood.

Ronia expresses her ambition with a heartfelt message: "I really want to be a part of educating the next generation of students in some way. I really enjoy working one-on-one with students, being able to help them individually in whatever way they understand and comprehend."

Congratulations, Ronia! Your eagerness to engage deeply with students and contribute to their educational and personal growth is inspiring. Whether you choose Education or Psychology, your future efforts promise to enrich the lives of those you encounter.

To support aspiring educators and psychologists like Ronia, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

Tracy O’Brien was a life-long educator who prided himself in helping students become quality citizens. He loved teaching about the history of Ripon and the state of Wisconsin. South Woods was an extension of his classroom, and he encouraged students to respect the environment, and take in the beauty of nature as they walked the trails. He was an energetic coach, mixing his interest and knowledge of sports, with the ideals of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Tracy was an inspiration to countless young people, challenging them and helping them reach their potential. He proved not all education takes place in a classroom.

Tracy was also a life-long ambassador for Ripon. He loved his hometown and shared his time and talents with the people in his community.

Tracy would be proud to know that his impact continues by assisting students as they continue down their educational path.  His family is honored to remember him through the Tracy O’Brien Memorial Scholarship.

Tracy lived with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He was a friend to all. To further this legacy of impact and inspiration, please consider supporting the 2024 Scholarship Drive, helping more students pursue their dreams and honor Tracy’s lifelong dedication to education and community.

The Ripon Education Foundation proudly showcases Madelynn Schuld, a motivated student taking part in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, as she sets her sights on a future in Art Therapy at UW LaCrosse.

Madelynn combines her passions, stating, "Throughout school, I have really enjoyed art and my volunteer time with children. Therefore, I'm going to pursue the field of art therapy. I hope to help those struggling by using art as an outlet."

Congratulations, Madelynn! Your commitment to exploring art therapy as a means to assist and heal demonstrates a deep understanding of the power of creativity in fostering well-being. We look forward to the positive impacts you will undoubtedly make in the lives of those you work with.

To support students like Madelynn, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

We are excited to feature Willow Nitzke, a student participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, who is set to explore the field of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Willow explains her motivation: "I'm pursuing a career in psychology so that I can benefit others by helping them navigate through adverse events that have happened throughout their lives." 

Congratulations, Willow! Your determination to pursue psychology with the goal of assisting others through their challenges is commendable. We anticipate the profound influence you will have on the lives of those you will help.

To support passionate students like Willow, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

For more than two and a half decades, REF has dedicated itself to supporting the academic dreams of Ripon High School seniors. As we promote our 2024 Scholarship Drive, we're taking a moment to revisit the stories of past scholarship recipients and their achievements.

This year, we caught up with Shelly Barrell (Schaub). A 2008 RHS graduate, Shelly attended UW-Eau Claire where she majored in Elementary Education. Today, Shelly is making a difference as a middle school science teacher in Indiana.

Shelly shares, "Thank you so much for helping me become an educator. Each day, I get to learn something new and pass on my passion for learning."

We extend our deepest thanks to Shelly for sharing her journey. Stories like hers highlight the importance of supporting RHS students as they pursue their aspirations. Join us in this endeavor by contributing to the 2024 Scholarship Drive today!

REF continues to support the dreams of Ripon High School seniors as we launch our 2024 Scholarship Drive. This year, we are sharing the success stories of past scholarship recipients to highlight the impact of community support on their academic and professional achievements.

We are pleased to feature Ryan Cody, a 2018 RHS graduate who attended UW-Madison, where he studied Industrial and Systems Engineering. Ryan is currently making his mark as a Senior Business Analyst at Kearney, a global management consulting firm based in Chicago.

Ryan shares his appreciation for the REF scholarship, stating, "The REF’s scholarship program enabled me to pursue my engineering degree at the top university in the state. The financial assistance provided by the scholarships was a key catalyst not only for my ability to attend college but also to thrive there. It allowed me the freedom to explore all my interests and engage in extracurricular activities that connected me with a network of young professionals. This ultimately helped me secure my dream job in Chicago. I’m confident that the REF’s scholarship program has similarly opened countless doors for others as well."

Ryan's journey exemplifies the transformative power of the scholarships awarded by REF. His achievements serve as an inspiration to our community and a reminder of the importance of continuing to support the educational aspirations of our students.

Please join us in making a difference in the lives of more young scholars like Ryan by contributing to the 2024 Scholarship Drive.

The Ripon Education Foundation is pleased to spotlight Miya Grunert, a student participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive and aspiring photographer.

Miya shares her vision and enthusiasm: "While photography is my main passion; combining my love of photography with technology, art, and creativity, I will be pursuing Graphic Design at Moraine Park Technical College." Her commitment to blending her talents in photography with her interest in graphic design highlights her innovative spirit and dedication to her craft.

Congratulations, Miya! Your passion for photography and graphic design promises a bright future in the creative field. We're excited to see the remarkable work you will create and the impact you will have through your artistry and vision.

To support students like Miya, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

The Ripon Education Foundation is proud to highlight Lindsay Winkler, an exemplary student participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive, as she prepares to embark on a journey in the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Marian University.

Lindsay articulates her anticipation and goals: "I am excited to be challenged, work in healthcare, and be able to volunteer my time outside of school. I value working closely with people and helping to better their lives." Her commitment to healthcare and making a positive impact on individual lives exemplifies the spirit of service and excellence we celebrate.

Congratulations, Lindsay! Your dedication to advancing in the medical field and your eagerness to contribute meaningfully to people's health and well-being are truly inspiring. We look forward to witnessing the contributions you will make to healthcare and to the lives you will touch.

To support dedicated students like Lindsay, please consider donating to the Scholarship Drive.

For over 25 years, the Ripon Education Foundation has been awarding scholarships to graduating seniors from Ripon High School. In light of this year's Scholarship Drive, we reconnected with some of our past recipients to see where their journeys have taken them.

Among those we caught up with in 2024 is Caitlin Niggemeier (Bauman). Caitlin, a 2009 RHS alumna, pursued her higher education at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, majoring in Marketing and Communications. Today, she excels as a Sales Manager at Altria Group Distribution Company.

Caitlin reflects on the impact of the REF scholarship she received stating, "Being a Ripon Education Foundation Scholarship recipient provided significant financial relief, helping me to graduate college debt-free."

A big thank you to Caitlin for sharing her story. Please help us continue to support RHS students in their educational pursuits by contributing to the 2024 Scholarship Drive today!

As we honor the accomplishments of our graduating seniors, we are excited to showcase Karsyn Bauman, a participant in the 2024 Scholarship Drive.

Karsyn is poised to attend the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, with aspirations to major in Sports Management. She shares her motivation: "I want to work in the sports management field because sports have had such a positive influence on my life. By carrying out my passion for athletics, I hope to foster that same passion in the younger generations of athletes."

Congratulations, Karsyn! We are eager to see the influence you will have on the world of sports management and on the generations of athletes who will surely benefit from your passion and leadership.

To support our future leaders like Karsyn, consider contributing to the Scholarship Drive.

Funds raised during our Scholarship Drive empower future leaders through opportunities like the REF Merit Scholarship, rewarding students who've actively participated in our efforts and exemplify outstanding character, scholarship, and leadership, and the REF Initiative Scholarship, honoring students who've shown exceptional initiative, overcome obstacles, and demonstrated a clear vision for their educational and career futures. We also award eight lottery scholarships each year to students who have participated in the Scholarship Drive.

Pictured here are some of this year’s participating students helping to assemble Scholarship Drive mailings.

Help us continue to offer these life-changing scholarships by contributing to our goal of 135 or more donations. Donate today and make a difference!

As we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class, we are proud to feature Madilyn Kasuboski, one of the seniors participating in the 2024 Scholarship Drive.

Madilyn is on her way to the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh to pursue a major in Elementary Education and Special Education. In her own words, Madilyn shares her passion: "I chose to be an Elementary Education teacher to simply make a difference. It is an important goal of mine to make as many positive impacts on as many lives as I can."

Inspired by the teachers who have shaped her journey, Madilyn is poised to become a guiding light for her future students, advocating for their needs and fostering an environment where they feel safe, challenged, and supported.

Congratulations, Madilyn! We are excited to see the impact you will make in the world of education.