2023 WASBO Scholarship Recipients

$4,000 Student Scholarship - EMC Insurance Companies

Madeline Hensel, Pittsville School District

Madeline Hensel, of the Pittsville School District, is the recipient of the $4,000 Student Scholarship, sponsored by EMC Insurance Companies and the WASBO Foundation.

This fall, Hensel plans to major in Education at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point at Marshfield. Her high school activities included serving as president of her senior class, serving as the student representative on the school board, and being a member of the National Honor Society and FFA. She also coordinates a horse powered reading program using social emotional learning and academics to build confidence. Hensel was selected by Holstein Association USA as a National Distinguished Junior Member Semi-Finalist and will represent Wisconsin at the National Convention this summer. She also works in event & camp coordinator, program development and marketing at Memory Lane Farm, a faith-based nonprofit in Marshfield that hosts education youth camps, a mentoring program, and other community outreach events.

This scholarship carries with it a $4,000 award to provide financial assistance to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited college or university (public or private). The scholarship is sponsored by the WASBO Foundation and EMC Insurance Companies. Hensel was awarded her scholarship certificate in conjunction with her district’s award recognition. WASBO encourages districts to share this news on social media and to local news outlets.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$3,000 Student Scholarship - BMO Harris Bank

Brooke Stanley, Hamilton School District

Brooke Stanley, of the Hamilton School District, is the recipient of the $3,000 Student Scholarship, sponsored by the WASBO Foundation and BMO Harris Bank.

This fall, Stanley will be majoring in biomolecular engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on the pre-med track. She hopes to someday become an emergency medicine physician.

Outside of school, Stanley enjoys spending time outside, working at her local hospital as an emergency room technician, drinking iced coffee, playing worship music at her church, spending time with her Bernese Mountain Dog, and traveling.

This scholarship carries with it a $3,000 award to provide financial assistance to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited college or university (public or private). The scholarship is sponsored by the WASBO Foundation and BMO Harris Bank. Stanley was awarded her scholarship certificate in conjunction with her district’s award recognition. WASBO encourages districts to share this news on social media and to local news outlets.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$3,000 WASBO President's Scholarship - United Healthcare

Ariana Rodriguez, Sun Prairie Area School District

Ariana Rodriguez, of the Sun Prairie Area School District, is the recipient of the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials President’s Scholarship, sponsored by the WASBO Foundation and UnitedHealthcare. This scholarship is awarded in honor of the 2022-23 WASBO President Philip Frei, Director of Business & Finance, Sun Prairie Area School District.

Frei said that over the years, he has donated funds via WASBO’s scholarship fundraisers like many WASBO members, and he was lucky to be able to see what good those scholarships can do. Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico before moving the United States when she was 11, speaking no English.

“She quickly learned English and has done well in school,” Frei said. “She also works at Walmart 30-plus hours a week during the school year.”

This fall, Rodriguez said she plans to enroll in Madison Area Technical College’s Early Childhood Education Program then transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“Because of my background and upbringing, I want to become a bilingual teacher in the elementary grades,” Rodriguez said. “This is because culture and language take a big part in my life, and I am sure it will also play a big role on students I will teach. I’m ready to start making a difference in education.”

This scholarship carries with it a $3,000 award to provide financial assistance to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited college or university (public or private). The scholarship is sponsored by the WASBO Foundation and UnitedHealthcare. Rodriguez was awarded her scholarship certificate in conjunction with her district’s award recognition. WASBO encourages districts to share this news on social media and to local news outlets.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$2,000 Bambi Statz Scholarship - Performance Services

Amanda Tutor, School District of Ashland

Amanda Tutor, business manager for the School District of Ashland, is the recipient of the $2,000 Dr. Bambi Statz Academic Scholarship, sponsored by Performance Services. This scholarship is presented to an individual who is currently working toward a degree and certification in school business management in Wisconsin. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited university graduate program in Wisconsin leading toward initial 08 Certification. Tutor is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree through University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

“My work prior to coming to the School District of Ashland was in the contract food service world for both Higher Ed and K-12. I’m originally from Indiana but have lived in Wisconsin for over 20 years and love living on the North Shore of Wisconsin,” Tutor said. “I am very honored to be part of WASBO and to have met so many people across the state. I have never worked for an organization so full of people that want you to succeed. I look forward to one day being able to share my knowledge with others as well.”

The $2,000 scholarship is in recognition of Dr. Bambi Statz’s contributions to the school business management profession and is fully funded by Performance Services. Tutor was recognized during the 2023 Spring Conference in Madison on May 12, 2023.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$1,500 WASBO School Business Manager of the Year Award Scholarship - WASBO Foundation

Caris Dirkse, Oostburg School District

Caris Dirkse, of the Oostburg School District, is the recipient of the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials School Business Manager of the Year Award Scholarship, sponsored by the WASBO Foundation and M3 Insurance. This scholarship is awarded in honor of the 2023 School Business Manager of the Year Award recipient Kris De Bruine, Director of Finance and Personnel for the School District of Oostburg.

Dirkse plans to pursue nursing at Grand Canyon University this fall. In high school, she has played varsity volleyball all four years and has received all-conference awards each year. She also competed in national robotics competitions her freshman and junior year and completed Youth Apprenticeship program through Lakeshore Technical College this year, which allowed her to work at her local hospital as a nursing assistant.

This scholarship carries with it a $1,500 award to provide financial assistance to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited college or university (public or private). The scholarship is sponsored by the WASBO Foundation. Dirkse was awarded her scholarship certificate in conjunction with her district’s award recognition. WASBO encourages districts to share this news on social media and to local news outlets.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$4,000 Joel Konze Memorial/Facilities Management Conference Scholarship - First Onsite Property Restoration/Stalker Sports Floors

Teagan Pickett, Stoughton Area School District

Teagan Pickett, of the Stoughton Area School District, is the recipient of the $4,000 Joel Konze Memorial/Facilities Management Conference Student Scholarship, sponsored by Stalker Sports Floors and First Onsite Property Restoration.

Pickett plans to attend the University of Wisconsin – Platteville this fall to pursue a major in civil engineering. Throughout high school, she was a tri-sport athlete (basketball, volleyball, and softball) and was a member of multiple clubs such as student council and key club. She also served as the senior class president and attended multiple leadership conferences.

This scholarship carries with it a $4,000 award to provide financial assistance to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited college or university (public or private). The scholarship is sponsored by the WASBO Foundation, Stalker Sports Floors and First Onsite Property Restoration. Pickett was awarded her scholarship certificate in conjunction with her district’s award recognition. WASBO encourages districts to share this news on social media and to local news outlets.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$3,000 Student Scholarship - Nexus Solutions

Meagan Hall, Platteville School District

Meagan Hall, of the Platteville School District, is the recipient of the $3,000 Student Scholarship, sponsored by Nexus Solutions and the WASBO Foundation.

This fall, Hall plans to major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Sustainability at the Rose-Hulman Institute for Technology. Hall hopes to eventually obtain a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. “I love math and physics and am fascinated by energy efficiency,” Hall said. “I’m looking forward to expanding my engineering knowledge and using my education to create real-world solutions that benefit society.”

In high school, she was involved in girls’ soccer and basketball, band, math team, key club, National Honor Society, High Schoolers Uniter with NASA to Create Hardware (NUNCH), and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She’s also been a Youth soccer coach and referee for years, has attended State Solo & Ensemble for three years, medaled at multiple math competitions, was a First-Team All-Conference Midfielder last spring, and is a National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student.

This scholarship carries with it a $3,000 award to provide financial assistance to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited college or university (public or private). The scholarship is sponsored by the WASBO Foundation and Nexus Solutions. Hall was awarded her scholarship certificate in conjunction with her district’s award recognition. WASBO encourages districts to share this news on social media and to local news outlets.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$1,500 Wallace E. Zastrow Award Scholarship - Community Insurance Corporation

Braeden Hill, School District of Onalaska

The Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) is proud to announce Kent Ellickson as the recipient of the 2023 Wallace E. Zastrow Award. Ellickson was recognized during WASBO’s 2023 Spring Conference in Madison, Wisconsin on May 11, 2023. Earlier this year, Ellickson retired from the School District of Onalaska after serving as the Director of Finance and Business Services for years.

The purpose of the award is to honor the legacy career accomplishments, outstanding contributions, and years of service of active WASBO members who have displayed visionary leadership, commitment and dedication. Award recipients like Kent Ellickson have made significant contributions to better the profession, public education, the school districts they serve, and WASBO. Ellickson was recognized for his tireless service to his district, the association, and the profession. He is a past president of WASBO, has served on numerous WASBO committees for years, continues to be a mentor to many business managers, and is a constant advocate for his community and education in Wisconsin.

This honor carries with it a $2,000 cash award, sponsored by the Wisconsin Investment Series Cooperative, for continuing professional development. Ellickson also has the privilege of presenting a $1,500 scholarship, sponsored by Community Insurance Corporation, to a 2023 graduating senior in the School District of Onalska. Ellickson awarded the scholarship to Braeden Hill, a senior who graduating from Onalaska High School later this month.

Hill plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire this fall to pursue a major in business administration with a minor in history. He eventually plans to earn a Juris Doctor degree. He says he wants to find a career in law and perhaps some work in journalism.

While attending Onalaska High School, Hill took the opportunity to enroll in many AP courses including AP Physics, AP English Language, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP US Government and Politics, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, and AP World History. In addition to rigorous academics, he participated in a diverse group of clubs and activities including Express and Hilltopper Show Choirs, Baseball, National Honor Society, and Quiz Bowl. Hill also has been employed at New Castle Title and with the La Crosse Loggers baseball team.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers, and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$1,000 Student Scholarship - National Insurance Services & Miron Construction 

Riley Talmage, Sauk Prairie School District

Riley Talmage, of the Sauk Prairie School District, is the recipient of the $1,000 Student Scholarship, sponsored by the WASBO Foundation, National Insurance Services, and Miron Construction Co, Inc.

This fall, Talmage will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in Biology with a minor in Behavioral Biology after she graduates as the valedictorian of her class.

She is an active swimmer, qualifying for the State Championship the last four years. Talmage also is a past president of her school’s Key Club and assisted in the formation and implementation of a new mental health peer leader group called Sources of Strength.

This scholarship carries with it a $1,000 award to provide financial assistance to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited college or university (public or private). The scholarship is sponsored by the WASBO Foundation, National Insurance Services, and Miron Construction Co, Inc. Talmage will be awarded her scholarship certificate in conjunction with her district’s award recognition. WASBO encourages districts to share this news on social media and to local news outlets.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By:

$1,500 WASBO School Business Manager of the Year Award Scholarship - WASBO Foundation

Mary Konz, Monona Grove School District

Mary Konz, of the Monona Grove School District is the recipient of the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials School Business Manager of the Year Award Scholarship, sponsored by the WASBO Foundation and M3 Insurance. This scholarship is awarded in honor of the 2023 School Business Manager of the Year Award recipient Jerrud Rossing, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. Rossing formerly was the Director of Business Services for Monona Grove before moving to Middle-Cross Plains last year.

Konz will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison in the fall studying either Political Science or International Relations. In high school, Konz is a National Honor Society Member, President of her school’s Model UN, Show Choir Dance Captain and is a member of the Dane County Youth Environmental Committee and the Monona Grove School District Sustainability Committee. Konz said her biggest achievement during high school was spearheading a school/community fundraiser through Model UN that raised over $20,000 for CARES Ukraine Crisis Fund.

This scholarship carries with it a $1,500 award to provide financial assistance to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited college or university (public or private). The scholarship is sponsored by the WASBO Foundation. Konz was awarded her scholarship certificate in conjunction with her district’s award recognition. WASBO encourages districts to share this news on social media and to local news outlets.

The WASBO Foundation matching funds for this scholarship is made possible by donations, WASBO Service Affiliate Sponsorships, WASBO Foundation Scholarship Golf and Bike Fundraisers and other Foundation revenue-generating activities.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

Scholarship Sponsored By: