Investing in Community Education

EEF Awards 31 Scholarships on behalf of Community Partners

Posted by Elmbrook Education Foundation on June 6, 2012

Holly Christina Stahl 'Love Life' Scholarship Fund:  This scholarship was first awarded in 2011.  Holly was a BCHS 2009 graduate who passed away in December of 2010 in a car accident on the way home from college to visit her family for the holidays.  She had a sincere zest for life and an indominable spirit.  She was always in the front row with an infectious smile raising her hand to help with anything and everything.  Her motto was 'Love Life'.  She valued her education and worked hard to overcome a reading disability to achieve personal goals.  This scholarship is awarded to someone who approaches their life and education with the same passion that Holly did.   

Bil Zahn Honorary Scholarship Fund:  Bil Zahn personally sponsored this scholarship in 2012 in honor of his retirement after 27 years of service AND in recognition of the excellent education all three of his children received in Elmbrook. The Burleigh PTO is in the process of conducting an appeal in Bil’s honor to continue this scholarship fund. If successful, a Burleigh graduate with a passion for working with children and/or helping their peers overcome obstacles will receive a scholarship in Bil’s honor until his last kindergarten class graduates in the year 2024. 

Irven Hoesly Memorial Scholarship Fund:  Irv was the first principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School and served in that capacity from 1958-1985.  He strong believed that administrators and staff were partners with students and parents in providing an excellent education.  He always put the interests of students who showed a passion for their education above all others.  He believed in Elmbrook as a critical component of a vibrant community and was committed to sustaining the quality of education here throughout his career.  All 3 of his children and 4 of his grandchildren attended Elmbrook Schools.

Jim Briscoe Honorary Scholarship Fund:  This endowed fund was established by a single anonymous donor who wanted to honor Jim for his many years of leadership at BCHS as principal from 1996-2002.  Jim is remembered as having attended all school functions to show his support of his students.  This fund is permanent in that a scholarship is awarded out of the proceeds that this fund generates on an annual basis.  This scholarship rewards the development of a successful character above academic achievements. 

Charles Turner Honorary Scholarship Fund:  This fund was established to honor Charles for the amount of support and encouragement he provided Brookfield Central’s athletes as physical education teacher and coach from 1965-2003 (officially retired in 1989). This fund provides a scholarship to a BCHS student who has been active in track or cross country each year.

Nancy Marsho Honorary Scholarship Fund:  This scholarship was first awarded in 2004 to honor the retirement of Nancy Marsho who had been the principal at Tonawanda El for 12 years. Students who attended Tonawanda between 1992-2004 will remember her fondly.  Nancy's educational philosophy and belief was always "what's best for kids."  She believed in Tonawanda as part of the Elm Grove community.  It was at her direction that retirement gifts be donated to the Elmbrook Education Foundation for the benefit of Elmbrook’s students.  Tonawanda has pledged support for this scholarship through 2016 when the last of Nancy's students graduate from BEHS.  In addition, the Botcher Family funded an additional scholarship in her honor this year to honor her for her leadership during the time their children attended Tonawanda.

Brookfield Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund:  This fund was established in 2006 when the club disbanded after 62 years of tireless service to our community. The club wanted to do something that would benefit the community for years to come. Given the School District of Elmbrook is a key resource for our community, they decided to donate their reserves to the Elmbrook Education Foundation to fund a scholarship at each High School from 2006-2014.

2012 Ramiah Family Foundation Scholarships

In addition, the Ramiah Family partners with the Elmbrook Education Foundation to select the recipients of the Ramily Family Scholarships which provide a four year full scholarship to eligible minority students.  The following students were awarded the Ramiah Family Scholarship this year: 

• Beatrice De Leon (BCHS), Jade Race (BEHS) 

2012 Brookfield Central High School Recipients:

Top:  Wesley Vann, Aaron Davis, Collin Hubler, Matthew Post, Gabe Poser, TJ Reuteman, Dylan Goetzke, Andrew Denu

Bottom:  Michelle Lehnhoff, Laura Wilk, Dee Luo, Beatris De Leon, Kriya Patel, Abigail Heckman, Allison Banach, Katherine Stamborski

2012 Brookfield East High School Recipients

Left to Right:  Luke Reuteman, Kara Daily, Thomas Merz, Chang (Alyce) Ge, Advik Shreekumar, Nathan Simons, Erica Engstrand, Erich Vlach, Jennifer Vosters, Brianna Dillon, Meredith Klinker, Alyssa Loepfe, Elaine Andersen, Amanda Kalupa.  Not pictured:  Maxwell Kasun, Ellen Stueckroth, Jade Race

STAY CONNECTED!  For additional pictures and coverage on recent honorariums, awards, alumni offerings, etc., 'like' the Foundation at www.facebook.com/EEFWI and/or subscribe to the Foundation quarterly eNewsletter via www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com.   

If you are interested in more information on how to establish an honorary/memorial scholarship fund, please contact the Foundation's Executive Director, Laura Schmidt, at elmbrookeducationfoundation@gmail.com.