Current Scholarships

Below you will find all of our current scholarships. Each scholarship was created by local community members and clicking the scholarship link will take you to that scholarship's story. We value all of the individuals who have funded scholarships through our foundation.

Welton Alm Memorial Scholarship

Amherst Coaches’ Club Scholarship

Amherst Area EMS Scholarship

Amherst Fire District Scholarship

Amherst Fire District Scholarship In Memory of Chief Hans V. Suomi

Amherst Scholars Scholarship

Amherst Youth Football & Cheerleading Scholarship

Charles and Helene Anderson Honorary Scholarship

Terry Anderson Community Scholarship

B.A.B.E. – Becoming a Better Educator

Eleanor Bartig Memorial Scholarship

Burton Benjamin Memorial Scholarship

Rachel Blake Memorial Scholarship

Walter Bohman Memorial Scholarship

Jerry and Rosemary Borgen Memorial Scholarship

Alexis Chandler Memorial Scholarship

Copernicus Cultural Foundation Scholarship

Steven Docka Memorial Scholarship

Velma Frizzell - Iva Leppen Memorial Scholarship

Frizzell Family Scholarship

Lynn and Bette Gordon Scholarship

Ross & Nelda Greaser Memorial Scholarship

Jerry Guyant and Bonnie Guyant Pacocha Family Scholarship

Winifred Harvey Memorial Scholarship

Dylan J. Heck Spirit Scholarship

Mary Helbach Jensen Memorial Scholarship

Helpline Scholarship

Frances Henke Memorial Scholarship

Heritage Fund Scholarship

Dave and Nettie Hintz Memorial Scholarship

Michael A. Holden Memorial Scholarship

International Bank of Amherst Scholarship

Fred Jastromski Memorial Scholarship

Robert J. and Joan C. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Bob & Gerri Konkol Honorary Scholarship

Judy Lamb Memorial Scholarship

Walter and Carla Leppen Memorial Scholarship

Anthony and Stella Loftis Memorial Scholarship

Richard Lutz Memorial Scholarship

Welton Alm Memorial Scholarship

Welton Alm was born near Nelsonville and graduated from Amherst High School in 1933. In 1936 he married Aileen Johnson whose family lived on the neighboring farm. Alm graduated from Central State College (now UWSP) and initially taught in rural elementary schools.

Later, he taught at Amherst High teaching English, history, geography, and math, coached baseball and junior varsity basketball and was the assistant principal. Alm was a large man both in size and stature. He required and received respect from the male students who felt their agenda was more important than that of the school. When a student decided to skip school, he would find where they were and bring them back to school and deliver the discipline required.

He was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish, and in the classroom his students could persuade him to tell a few stories about his adventures. In 1949, he established a game farm near Nelsonville now known as the Lake Elaine Game Farm. The game farm is still an area family business owned by Alm’s granddaughter, Carrie Wierzba, and her family. Alm retired from teaching in 1960 to concentrate on the businesses he had established.

Alm died prematurely in 1968 at the age of 53. He was a descendant of some of the early settlers in the area. Mr. and Mrs. Alm were the parents of two daughters—Patricia (Alm) Raddatz-Hagen (AHS class of 1961) and Jane Alm (AHS class of 1964). Alm was an industrious business person, educator, and community leader. Terry Anderson fondly remembers growing up with Alm in Nelsonville. Alm was his Sunday School religious teacher, employer at both the game farm and boys camp, and high school teacher and athletic coach.

Amherst Coaches’ Club Scholarship

The Amherst Coaches’ Club was organized by several coaches at Amherst High School in 1987 to raise money and support the Amherst schools in various ways.

The Coaches’ Club’s initial project was the construction of dugouts for the baseball and softball diamonds. After that, they purchased video equipment, weight equipment, playground equipment, wall mats, the logo on the new gym floor, and many other smaller pieces of equipment. They sponsored students for musical camps, government workshops, athletic camps, and numerous entry fees for grades 5 through 12. Their most noteworthy project was the installation of lights for the former athletic field – the task started with the purchase of a set of lights from Milwaukee County Stadium and continued with the purchase of wood poles, electrical equipment, security lights, a new scoreboard, and services of many members of the community. The lights were later relocated to the new track area.

Most of their funds came through brat fries, golf outings, and softball and basketball tournaments. They donated close to $300,000 worth of equipment and services over the years. For their final tribute to the community and the students of the district they were always proud to support, they decided to allocate their remaining funds to create the Amherst Coaches’ Club Scholarship.

This scholarship supports a two- or four-year post-secondary student pursuing a degree in a “helping profession” – one that nurtures the growth of or addresses the problems of a person’s physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

Amherst Area EMS Scholarship

Formerly the Amherst First Responders Scholarship, the EMS organization has offered a scholarship since 2002 to an individual pursuing a medical or firefighting related program.

Organized in Amherst in 1989, the group provides emergency medical services throughout eastern Portage County via a staff of 20 emergency medical technicians.

Amherst Fire District Scholarship

Since the formation of the Amherst Fire District in 1992, the District has strived to give back to its community. As fire service in general was geared more toward an emphasis on training and retention of firefighters, the District sought to accomplish both goals by establishing the Amherst Fire District Scholarship.

This scholarship is community-funded through various fundraisers and not with tax dollars. The District desires to reinvest dollars from community fundraisers to make the great community of Amherst even better.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and preference is given to an applicant pursuing a firefighting degree program, an emergency medical field program, or a general medical field program. Preference is given to demonstration of community and school involvement.

Amherst Fire District Scholarship In Memory of Chief Hans V. Suomi

This scholarship was established by Jane Suomi in memory of her husband, Hans Suomi. After graduating from La Center High School in La Center, Washington, Hans joined the U.S. Navy, proudly serving for 20 years. After retiring from the Navy, he began a second career with the Amherst Telephone Company where he worked for 26 years.

When Hans and Jane moved to Amherst, Hans wanted to give something back to the community, so he joined the Amherst Fire Department. He held the positions of secretary/treasurer and was the fire chief for five years. It was during his tenure as chief that the consolidated Amherst Fire District was formed. He also served as the District’s chief fire inspector and coordinated the Department’s fire safety education programs. He retired from the Amherst Fire Department after 27 years of service.

Hans was also a member of the American Legion Post 22, the VFW Post 11346, and past president of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 238. He was a member of the Amherst United Methodist Church and served as the church treasurer. He was the co-chairman of the American Cancer Society Amherst Relay for Life event. He also volunteered at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King making a difference in the lives of his fellow veterans. In 2006, Hans and Jane were honored to be named the Community Spirit’s “Person of the Year.”

Hans always took great pride in his work, whether it was serving his country in the Navy or with the Amherst Fire District and other organizations he was involved in over the years. He went above and beyond the call of duty in giving back to a community that held a very special place in his heart and always meant so much to him. It is the hope of the benefactor, Jane Suomi, that the student who receives this scholarship will go on to make a difference in their community as well.

Amherst Scholars Scholarship

This scholarship is Sharon Godfrey’s opportunity to return the joy she received from her students and the Amherst community who made her 40-year teaching career a life-fulfilling experience. She wants to thank the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation for the opportunity to invest in tomorrow’s scholars and for providing her a way to continue to be important in the life of a child.

Amherst Youth Football & Cheerleading Scholarship

Amherst Youth Football & Cheerleading is pleased to contribute scholarships to students that have previously participated in the Amherst Youth Football & Cheerleading program. The Football & Cheerleading program was established in 2006 and serves approximately 100 Amherst-area youth ages 7-12 each year.

Charles and Helene Anderson Honorary Scholarship

Helene (Henke) Anderson was raised on a dairy farm on Grayson Road in the town of New Hope. (The farm was homesteaded by her grandparents in 1881 and is still owned by a Henke.) Helene graduated from Amherst High in 1938 and moved to Chicago after graduation to seek employment.

Charles Anderson was a 1937 graduate of the Rosholt school system, but all of his ancestors were early settlers in Tomorrow River country dating back to the 1850s. Charlie’s drive toward making a success of his life became apparent in early adulthood.

It was in Chicago that Helene met Charlie and they were married in 1939 and started their life together. The family moved to Nelsonville in 1941.

By the middle of the 1950s, Charles had served in the military and undertaken several small businesses, including operating the feed mill in Nelsonville. Before the age of 30, he was president of the Village of Nelsonville, held the office of Portage County Treasurer and served on the Portage County Board, eventually becoming vice chairman of the board. He was even a member of the Tomorrow River School Board. In 1951, at the age of 32, Charles started a career in banking as cashier of the Security State Bank (now Citizens Bank). In 1955, he left the bank and established an insurance and real estate agency and auction service which he operated out of the family’s home in Nelsonville. During this time, he worked with contacts in the Lions Club organization to help the Wisconsin Lions purchase what is now known as the Lions Camp in Rosholt.

Charles’s service and financial business experiences would prove to be his niche for his future business career. In 1961, the Anderson family of four left Nelsonville and moved to Wausau so Charles could start a new bank for a group of investors who had determined that Wausau could use another bank.

Wherever he was, and wherever he went, Charles told people about his love for Nelsonville. The family came back frequently to visit, and Charles always yearned to return.

In 1981, Charles retired as President of the Peoples State Bank of Wausau due to declining health and passed away in 1989 at the age of 69 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Charlie had no formal education beyond high school. When asked what college he had graduated from, he always responded that he got his college education from “the school of hard knocks”. But both of Charles and Helene’s sons have bachelor’s degrees and pursued careers in banking.

Terry Anderson Community Scholarship

Terry graduated from Amherst High School in 1958, and from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration. After a distinguished banking career which carried him throughout Wisconsin, he returned to the area as president of the local F & M Bank in 1990.

Education and community service were always very high priorities for Terry. He served on countless non-profit boards of directors and was involved in numerous fund-raising campaigns benefiting the local area. He was especially active in Amherst High School athletics and a proud supporter of all Falcon sports teams. Several trophies bearing his name still adorn the trophy case in the Amherst High School commons area.

Terry is perhaps best known for being the primary “mover and shaker” behind the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation, Inc. from its humble beginnings in 1994 with four scholarships awarded. Terry maintained a very sincere love of the foundation and was willing to do “whatever it takes” to allow the foundation to grow and prosper.

The Terry Anderson Community Scholarship requires a high level of community involvement, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and a high level of participation in school activities including sports, clubs and other extra-curricular activities.

B.A.B.E. – Becoming a Better Educator

This scholarship is established in honor of Isabelle Paugel, known to her close friends and relatives as Babe, who lived and worked in northern Wisconsin.

Isabelle was the mother of three children, one of whom is former Amherst Elementary teacher, Celeste Paugel. Celeste honors her mother with this scholarship, remembering Isabelle as the strong and focused woman who kept the family together through difficult times. Isabelle was an example of persistence, patience, and fortitude while facing adversity.

Years later, Celeste exhibited some of the same qualities: When married with two young children and few lucrative employment opportunities, she decided to pursue a teaching degree. For ten years she worked in Amherst as an elementary teaching assistant while taking night classes at UWSP. Celeste graduated and became a fully certified, licensed teacher at Amherst Elementary School.

It is our hope that this scholarship will encourage others to persist and obtain their own college degree in the field of education.

Eleanor Bartig Memorial Scholarship

In 1947, the Wisconsin State Journal carried an article with a headline encapsulating that Eleanor Bartig was the lone woman with 114 male students in an agricultural extension program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Eleanor referred to her role in life as a “domestic engineer” and would enjoy knowing that both women AND men would be taking courses in early childhood development, parent education, as well as agriculture. This scholarship is given in her honor.

Burton Benjamin Memorial Scholarship

Burton Benjamin was successful in many endeavors during his lifetime. Coupled with a keen interest and knowledge of birds was a lifetime desire to fly. He accomplished this goal, at the age of 50, when he earned his private pilot’s license. He then built a hangar and runway in his backyard. He owned a 1966 Cessna Skyhawk 172 and then a 1940 Piper Cub J3. His last flight was in the Piper Cub, with his wife, Carol, at the age of 74.

Burton shared his love of flying with many family members and friends. This scholarship is to continue his love of flying. This scholarship is given to an Amherst High School graduate pursuing an education related to the field of aviation or a profession that requires a private pilot’s license.

Rachel Blake Memorial Scholarship

Rachel Blake was a career school teacher and taught English, forensics, dramatics, and directed the completion of the annual school yearbook from 1948 to 1968. She received her teaching degree from Central State Teachers College (now the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) in 1923.

Rachel and her husband Melvin had three children – two of whom were teachers and the third a doctor. Melvin passed away very early in the couple’s retirement and Rachel then went to live with her daughter and family for the following 30 years. She passed away on December 18, 2004, at the age of 101, alert to the very end.

Mrs. Blake was known to her students for her easy-going nature and stoic personality. Every student who was in a Rachel Blake class had vivid memories of events that took place in her class. Mrs. Blake was known as the warmest, kindest, and most gentle person any student ever had for a teacher. Because forensics and dramatics were extracurricular activities, her students who participated in these activities were rewarded with her direct attention and coaching.

Mrs. Blake’s daughter has said that Mrs. Blake considered this scholarship in her name to be her greatest honor. Because of her twenty years of service to Amherst High School and her numerous contributions to education and others, the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation is proud that an endowed scholarship was established in the name of Rachel Blake.

Walter Bohman Memorial Scholarship

Walter Bohman was a prominent figure in the education of at least three generations of Tomorrow River School District students as a teacher, coach, high school principal and district administrator. During his tenure as district administrator, the Tomorrow River School District as we know it today was formed with the consolidation of area rural schools with Amherst High School as the hub.

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who has maintained a 3.7 GPA in college prep courses.

Jerry and Rosemary Borgen Memorial Scholarship

Established by former Amherst residents Jerry and Rosemary Borgen, this scholarship is awarded to individuals who, through self-help, have continually improved themselves and others with hard work, determination, and creativity. In effect, individuals who make the most of their gifts to better mankind.

Alexis Chandler Memorial Scholarship

The Alexis Chandler Memorial Scholarship is given to memorialize the precious daughter of Scott and Jennifer Chandler who left this world unexpectedly in 2005 as a result of Sudden and Unexplained Death of a Child Syndrome.

Lexy loved to play outside on her swing set. She also loved all animals – especially horses – and loved to play dollhouse with her big sister, Ashlyn. She was advanced at a young age and always had a cheerful spirit. Money raised from donations by family and friends, as well as a memorial softball tournament in Lexy’s honor, have established the fund from which this scholarship is given. Lexy is loved and missed greatly and her family hopes to keep her spirit alive through helping others each year with this scholarship.

This scholarship is given to an AHS student or graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who participates in one or more extra-curricular programs.

Copernicus Cultural Foundation Scholarship

The Copernicus Cultural Foundation was established in 1959 by Edmund Bukolt of Stevens Point. Mr. Bukolt was a longtime area businessman, and president of the Lullabye Furniture Company. He had a strong interest in the musical arts throughout the state of Wisconsin.

The Foundation’s purpose is trifold:

1. To be caretakers for the instruments known as the “Quintet of the Masters.” The Quintet included a violin crafted in 1595 by Amati for King Henry IV of France as well as other instruments (violin, viola, cello and bass) constructed in the mid-1700s. The Amati is on display at the National Music Museum in South Dakota, and the other instruments are currently in the possession of faculty members at UW-Stevens Point.

2. To promote the fine arts through the establishment of scholarships to “students eligible for further study by virtue of their aptitude, talent, and character...in the realm of education and cultural arts.”

3. To aid in the education of Catholic priests in the Diocese of LaCrosse.

The Copernicus Cultural Foundation is comprised of a Board of Directors and meets semi- annually in Stevens Point. The Foundation provides scholarship funds for UWSP music majors and for graduating seniors at Almond-Bancroft, Amherst, Pacelli, Rosholt, and Stevens Point Area Senior High Schools.

Steven Docka Memorial Scholarship

Steven L. Docka was a young man with an unimagined future ahead of him. Steve earned a technical degree in electronics and he had contemplated a military career at one time. He had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Steve also worked on a neighbor’s farm to help pay for his technical school education.

Steve’s parents, Carl and Marge, view this scholarship as the beginning of a career and a means for opening the door for continuing education for the recipient. This scholarship is in memory of Steven’s pursuit of a technical degree and will be offered to a student who will attend a technical school.

Velma Frizzell - Iva Leppen Memorial Scholarship

Velma Frizzell and Iva Leppen were the best of friends.

Velma lived from November 13, 1907 to February 10, 1999. She lived most of her life in the Amherst area. She always valued education a great deal. When she graduated from 8th grade, her father, Willie Kjer, felt it unnecessary for a female to continue her education. For a whole year she pleaded with him to allow her to attend Amherst High School before being allowed to go. After graduation from Amherst High, she went on to attend Wisconsin State Normal School (now UWSP) in Stevens Point. After completing one year of required courses she traveled to Phelps, Wisconsin, where she taught school and met her husband, Bill. Soon they returned to the Amherst area where they raised their four children, all of whom graduated from Amherst High School.

Iva Olson lived from May 13, 1922 to January 30, 2007. She graduated from Amherst High School. Her primary career interest was food preparation and service. She was very pleased to be able to establish the Meadow Inn Restaurant with Estelle Damrau. Iva married Ernie Leppen later in life. So full was her desire to prepare food that upon her death she requested that a frying pan and apron be engraved on her tombstone.

Velma and Iva were both members of Nelsonville Lutheran Church. In their shared faith and friendship they often traveled to church, Ladies Aid, the hair dresser, and to visit shut-ins. Their families feel it is extremely fitting that best friends Velma Frizzell and Iva Leppen share the name of this Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation endowed scholarship.

Frizzell Family Scholarship

Bill and Ida (Rosin) Frizzell engaged themselves in public education the majority of their professional lives teaching in various areas of Wisconsin and with the US Department of Education-France. Both secured BS degrees from WSTC (now UWSP). Each secured MS degrees from UW-Madison and UWM respectfully. Their daughter Nicole received RN certification from Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Nicole served patients at the Wild Rose Hospital in Wild Rose, Wisconsin. Bill, Ida, and Nicole all are Amherst High School graduates.

This scholarship is available to anyone interested in advancing their education in an area of their choice and respects our country.

Lynn and Bette Gordon Scholarship

Lynn Gordon grew up on the Gordondale Dairy Farm in Nelsonville, WI. He attended the Jerome Nelson Stare Graded School and graduated from Amherst High School in 1951 where he participated in various activities and team sports. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering.

Lynn was a “critical skill specialist” at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, Maryland, in 1956 and 1957. In 1957, he returned to work at the Mosinee Paper Mill in various jobs for 34 years with the last 14 years before retirement as Vice President of Manufacturing-Engineering-Maintenance. He is a 50+ year member of TAPPI and PIMA (professional organizations dedicated to the pulp and paper industries), the American Chemical Society, and the Mosinee Lions Club.

On June 10, 1965, Lynn married Bette Orella in Green Bay, where she was a registered x-ray technologist at Bellin Hospital and taught x-ray classes at the hospital. Their son Gary (Deena) has an MS in Industrial Management from UW-Stout and is a father to a Gordon grandson. Lynn and Bette’s daughter Gina (Fred) Pamenko has a BS in Industrial Engineering from UW-Madison and is a mother to three Gordon grandchildren.

Lynn hopes these scholarships will give some scholars a start in the chemical and biological engineering fields at UW-Madison.

Ross & Nelda Greaser Memorial Scholarship

The Greasers ran Ross Service and Marine in Amherst for 33 years and were very thankful for the acceptance, support, and friendship of the community. This scholarship is in appreciation for those things. It is their will that the funds be used for technical school scholarships, as they felt that technical training is very much needed in today’s workforce.

Jerry Guyant and Bonnie Guyant Pacocha Family Scholarship

Jerry Guyant, a 1960 Amherst High School graduate, established the Jerry Guyant and Bonnie Guyant Pacocha Family Scholarship in 2006.

Guyant, the son of Gerald “Soccer” and Ethel Guyant, grew up in Amherst and participated in many high school activities, particularly student government. He was the student body president his senior year. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1965 with majors in economics and social science. After four years in the U.S. Navy he entered commercial banking, specializing in real estate finance for C&S Sovran Bank (Bank of America). Residing in Richmond, Virginia, he is currently engaged in real estate development and investment.

This scholarship goes to a second-year or greater student at an accredited college or university in Wisconsin.

Winifred Harvey Memorial Scholarship

Winifred Harvey was born in Amherst in 1900 and lived in the village nearly all her life, growing up amongst the pioneers of our community. She attended schools in Amherst and then Lawrence University in Appleton. She also attended the American University in Washington, DC, Drexell Institute in Philadelphia, PA, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Connecticut, and Northwestern University. Miss Harvey traveled widely in North American and Europe.

Miss Harvey served the Amherst schools for 53 years. Four generations of students remember Miss Harvey as their history teacher or librarian. She also taught social studies, economics, sociology, geography and agriculture. Miss Harvey served as advisor to many classes, glee clubs, and student councils. She was instrumental in arranging for American Field Service students to attend Amherst High School. As a teacher, Miss Harvey was dedicated and sincerely interested in her students.

As a librarian, Miss Harvey was hardworking, efficient, and creative. She was praised by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for her selection of books and operation of the Tomorrow River Schools library.

Miss Harvey was an active member of the Amherst community. She participated in multiple organizations and activities. Her church, United Methodist Church, presented her with a silver bracelet in recognition of the fifty years she served as church organist. She also served her church as a Sunday School teacher and board member. Miss Harvey served the Amherst Library Board, Amherst Woman’s Club, Portage County Historical Society and Tomorrow River Historical Society.

Dylan J. Heck Spirit Scholarship

Dylan transferred to Amherst High School as a freshman. He was known for his huge smile, great hugs, and big heart. He was everyone’s friend. Dylan was quick with a joke, witty, intelligent, and he loved helping others. He strived for perfection and graduated from AHS with a 3.96 GPA. He was a percussionist, member of Math League, and part of the amazing football team that took home two gold balls and one silver – his greatest pride.

Though brief, Dylan accomplished so much in his life. He graduated Army basic training as a Distinguished Honor Grad and became a Specialist in Field Artillery – his howitzer team taking top state honors. He was posthumously awarded the Army Medal of Excellence, a recognition given to the best of the best, as only 10% of military receive the honor.

Dylan rebuilt a 1968 Chevy pickup in high school, showing it at the Iola Old Car Show. He rebuilt three motorcycles, modifying them to his term of “perfection”. He was attending UW-Platteville for Electrical Engineering and was part of the Waupaca Foundry Research and Development team.

All of this was accomplished by the age of 20. His life was full of purpose and achievement. He rarely finished one thing before starting another. Above all else, he loved God, his family, and numerous friends. He truly loved this life.

Mary Helbach Jensen Memorial Scholarship

Mary Jensen first got a degree in interior design, but after tearing down wallpaper in her parents’ office and a year-long adventure in Wyoming, she realized what she really wanted to do was be a speech and language pathologist. She got her master’s degree from UW-Stevens Point and taught at the Waupaca Learning Center for over 20 years.

There were some long nights of paperwork but interacting with her kids and teaching them how to express themselves was always worth it for Mary. This scholarship is to be given to an individual who has the same caring nature Mary showed every day inside and outside of work.

Helpline Scholarship

In honor of Lisa Waldoch’s brother, David Jay Helbach, and sister, Mary Helbach Jensen, both of whom passed away early in life. This scholarship is awarded to a student going into a medical field.

Frances Henke Memorial Scholarship

Frances Helgeson was born in 1893 in Iola. She was the youngest of nine children of Thor Helgeson, the noted Norwegian immigrant, author, and religious teacher. In 1915 she married Albert Henke of Amherst Junction, and together they operated the Henke dairy farm and raised three children.

Frances was widowed at the age of 44 but continued to co-manage the farm with her son Allen until age 55. In 1948 she moved to Stevens Point and became a home helper/housekeeper for a widower and his extended family. She retired from full-time employment at the age of 80 and moved to Nelsonville. She would reside in Nelsonville for the next ten years, passing away in 1983 at the age of 90.

When Frances lived in Stevens Point she would spend almost every weekend in Nelsonville in close fellowship with her children and nine grandchildren having a profound influence with the interest she showed in their lives. All nine grandchildren were born in the Tomorrow River School District and attended the two-room elementary school in Nelsonville. Eight of the nine grandchildren graduated from Amherst High School and all nine grandchildren attended college, with the youngest seven earning bachelor’s degrees.

After the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation was formed, it was an easy decision by her grandchildren to start a memorial endowed scholarship in her honor. All of her children, grandchildren and some great-grandchildren have been contributors to her endowed fund at the Foundation. Two grandchildren and one great-grandchild either are or have been Foundation board members. The Frances Henke Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is going into a field designed to help children with special needs.

Heritage Fund Scholarship

The Heritage Fund Scholarship is a general all-purpose scholarship established by Terry Anderson who was instrumental in creating the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation in 1994.

The Heritage Fund Scholarship was established in approximately 2005 and is currently used as an educational tool in the Tomorrow River School District to teach students basic investment skills as part of the business curriculum. Terry felt that by allowing students an opportunity to learn through hands on investment decision making, they would be better prepared for investment decisions in the future.

Dave and Nettie Hintz Memorial Scholarship

The Dave and Nettie Hintz Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 by their family to honor their commitment to helping others.

Dave and Nettie were both raised in the Amherst area and spent their entire lives in the village working and raising their four children. Dave was a milk hauler and school bus driver. He was very active in the Conservation Club, Lions Club, volunteer fire department and Village Board. He loved to hunt and fish. Nettie was a homemaker and was very active in her church. She loved to cook, bake, crochet and knit, generously sharing her gifts. She was always there with a helping hand.

Dave and Nettie were strong proponents of working hard, using their God given talents to help others and encouraging education. With this in mind, this scholarship is to go to a student with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 with a future career in natural resources, the health field, or education.

Michael A. Holden Memorial Scholarship

Michael Holden was a man who loved his family and anyone who surrounded his family. He was known as “Uncle Mikey” to the friends of his daughters through their elementary and middle school years.

His motto was always “student athlete” – you are in school: student (grades) comes first, athlete comes second. It may have been a close second when it involved girls’ basketball. He loved coaching to make the girls better players, on and off the court, and especially in the game of life. His favorite sayings were “games are won and lost on the free throw line” and “you gotta make those bunnies!”

Uncle Mikey’s life was extremely short lived due to his battle against leukemia. His love for life, academics, and sports will live in the minds and hearts of so many students he entertained through his years in Amherst. This scholarship is set up to give someone a little extra “push” in the true game of life as a college student.

Set goals, strive to meet those goals but don’t forget to enjoy the game of life. Live – like there is no tomorrow...laugh – each and every day...and love – knowing you can make a difference in someone’s life like never before.

International Bank of Amherst Scholarship

The International Bank of Amherst has sponsored one or more scholarships each year since the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation was established.

The bank’s only office is in Amherst, and the bank has been at the same location since its founding in 1893. The International Bank of Amherst is locally owned and operated. Its leaders are committed to serving the Tomorrow River community and are delighted to support the students of Amherst.

Fred Jastromski Memorial Scholarship

Fred Jastromski was a local business owner for over fifty years in downtown Amherst. Fred was a huge supporter of all Amherst high school athletics and youth sports and helped create the Amherst Booster Club. In the 1970’s thru 1990’s It was rare to not see Fred sitting in the front row at all Amherst games.

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who participated in baseball or softball for all four years of high school.

Robert J. and Joan C. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Robert “Bob” Johnson and Joan (Loberg) Johnson are the benefactors of the Robert J. and Joan C. Johnson Memorial Scholarship.

Bob moved to Amherst in the 1950s to help his father operate the Amherst Feed Mill which at the time stood at the current site of the Amherst Village Hall on the Tomorrow River. Bob and Joan established and successfully operated Johnson Towing Company for 46 years. Bob and Joan were active in the Amherst community and cared deeply for the residents of Amherst.

Bob & Gerri Konkol Honorary Scholarship

The Bob & Gerri Konkol Honorary Scholarship was established by Bob Konkol in memory of his late wife, Gerri. Gerri was the co-owner of Bob’s Plumbing & Heating of Central Wisconsin, Inc. and an ardent supporter of the Amherst community. She had a strong belief in giving back to those around her who needed it the most. She believed in hard work, supporting the skilled trades, and helping the younger generation find their passion for working with their hands. Gerri was also a firm believer in supporting the underdog, the dreamers, and those who don’t want to follow the traditional path of a four-year college after high school.

Judy Lamb Memorial Scholarship

Judy Lamb was born December 21, 1948 in Stevens Point. She grew up in and attended school in Almond.

Shortly after graduating from Almond High School, Judy began working at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. She began as a certified nursing assistant and then, after graduating from Mid-State Technical College, worked as a licensed practical nurse. She later became a scheduling supervisor, before retiring with 36 years of service. Judy was a very dedicated employee receiving many meritorious awards and accolades.

Judy enjoyed her career of caring for the elderly at King. She lived in Amherst for many years with her husband, James. She raised two children, a son Jerome and a daughter Jolynn, both of whom graduated from Amherst High School. Judy attended numerous sporting, musical, and other events at Amherst High School through the years and loved the community. Judy passed away on April 16, 2014.

Walter and Carla Leppen Memorial Scholarship

Walter Leppen and Carla Kjer were married in 1952 after Carla had recovered from tuberculosis.

Walter and his six siblings were born and raised on a farm on the edge of Nelsonville. He graduated from Amherst High School in 1931 and played on the basketball team. Walter enlisted in the Marines in 1941 and served until the war ended in 1945. Much of Walter’s military service was spent in the Northern Mariana Islands which experienced some of the most intense fighting of the war.

After serving his country with great valor and distinction, he returned to Nelsonville and became a partner with his first cousin, Joe Waller, in Waller’s Market and Locker Plant. Walter was active in veterans’ groups, including the VFW in Amherst, and in later years, attended national veterans’ conventions.

Walter was known for his incredible ability to remember and tell jokes which could be heard any day if you stopped at the store and took time to have a cup of coffee. Walter was a long-time member of the Tomorrow River Lions Club and each year at their Christmas party recited his Christmas story from memory to the delight of the attendees.

Carla (Kjer) Leppen and her ten siblings were raised on a dairy farm in rural Amherst Junction. Carla was valedictorian of her eighth-grade class and, after the completion of eight grades, she wanted to further her education at Amherst High but was required to stay at home and work on the farm. Carla then moved to Chicago for employment and sent money home so her siblings could attend school. Upon the death of her first husband, she moved back home to the Kjer farm with children Linda and Jonathon.

Carla and Walter raised four children at their home on the banks of the Tomorrow River in Nelsonville: Linda Carey, Jonathon Oberman, Judy Larson, and Walter (Wally) Leppen. All four children earned post-high school educations.

Anthony and Stella Loftis Memorial Scholarship

Anthony (Tony) and Stella Loftis held the people of the Amherst area in very high regard. They believed that with some knowledge, dedication, and hard work there was nothing that could not be accomplished. They, and their peers of that generation, bore out this belief during their lifetimes.

Everyone that knew Tony and Stella quickly came to know of their dedication to their God, their family, and their community. Tony spent his entire life in the dairy business helping farmers realize their greatest potential from their dairy herds. Stella worked tirelessly to support her church and missions throughout the world.

As the world grew more complex, Tony and Stella constantly imparted to their children their belief that a college education was the portal to success in this vast, rapidly changing world. Their children are therefore most pleased to sponsor this scholarship to perpetuate their belief in the people of the Amherst area and the students of Amherst High School.

Richard Lutz Memorial Scholarship

Richard Lutz was born and raised on a farm near Amherst Junction. The Lutz farm is on the sixth generation of dedicated farmers. Richard graduated from Amherst High School in 1955. While in school, he was active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He also attended the Farm Short Course at UW-Madison in 1956.

Richard’s wife, three children, and six of his grandchildren are all also graduates of Amherst High School. He enjoyed attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He was known for his smile, quick wit, and positive attitude.

Richard dedicated his whole life to farming and helping others. When Richard passed away in 2012, his family wanted to continue his legacy of helping others by establishing a scholarship to be awarded to an individual pursuing an agriculture-related field.

Daniel McDowell Memorial Scholarship

Dan graduated from Oconto High School, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and the University of Denver with a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He taught in Denver, CO, and Elkhorn, WI, before being hired at the Tomorrow River Schools in Amherst. There he taught biology before becoming the guidance counselor and served in that position until his retirement in 1987. Dan really enjoyed his 31+ years working with the students and enjoyed hearing from some of his former students from time to time after his retirement.

Dan loved the outdoors and was happiest when he was working in his vegetable garden or tending to his flower beds. When living on Rollofson Lake, his yard was the envy of the neighborhood.

He enjoyed fishing in the evening and teaching his granddaughters to fish. He was very patient when helping put worms on the hook or removing a fish! The girls were always ready to go for a boat ride with “Papa” whenever they were around.

Even after he had to be at Living Oaks and The Willows, Dan always wanted to be kept up to date on what “the girls” were doing in their dance class or sports. He was very special to many people.

Heather Nooyen Memorial Scholarship

Through awarding a bright, young girl heading into an education in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), the Heather Nooyen Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy Heather Nooyen established in her life. Raised in New Franken, WI, Heather and her husband, Tyler, moved to Amherst after completing their degrees in Accounting and Engineering. Heather was always found helping others, but she especially had a passion for empowering young girls to grow into young women with confidence. One of the ways she did this was by encouraging their interest in STEM fields. As she raised their two girls, Samantha and Jacqueline, she always encouraged STEM based toys and hands-on learning activities. One example of which was youth snowmobile racing; the family raced snowmobiles for nine years. She also was a large proponent of team sports. She played volleyball while in high school and supported Amherst’s youth program by coaching 5th and 6th graders. Her family, supported by the large community of family and friends Heather’s life has touched, is honored to provide a scholarship in Heather’s name to a female student who is enthusiastic about helping others and studying in a STEM field.

Page-McKenzie Honorary Scholarship

The Page-McKenzie Honorary Scholarship was originally established in 1991 to provide funding to graduating seniors or alumni of Amherst High School. Recipients are selected based on extra-curricular activities, community involvement, strong career motivation, and financial need.

This scholarship was established by Beverly and Duane Pede to honor their son, Mark McKenzie, and other heroes who live with a learning disability. These students work so very hard for their academic achievements.

Mark wanted to include the name of a special teacher, Rosemary Page, who was so inspirational in his successes in high school. Mrs. Page helped Mark a great deal, and they continue to celebrate a special friendship. At one awards presentation, Rosemary told an audience that while she thought she knew about being a good teacher, “Mark taught me about learning differences and how to become a better teacher.”

In 2002 the Pedes decided to bring this scholarship under the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation umbrella as an endowed scholarship. Beverly Pede was a teacher in the Tomorrow River School District from 1973 to 1991.

Irene and Albert Pavelski Memorial Scholarship

The original Pavelski farm was settled near Amherst Junction in 1863 by August Pavelski, grandfather of Albert Pavelski, when he emigrated from Poland. Today, this farm, Hartland Farms, Inc., has expanded to over 14,000 acres, and ranks as one of the largest farms in the state of Wisconsin with sales in excess of $23 million.

These scholarships are awarded to individuals pursuing agricultural related programs. As one of the foundation’s largest endowed scholarships, it is typically awarded to two or more recipients.

Beverly and Duane Pede Honorary Scholarship

Beverly and Duane Pede met and were married in Superior, Wisconsin, and came to Amherst in 1973 when Beverly accepted a teaching position at Amherst Elementary School.

In 1985, Duane started Scoreboard, a sports information business. In 1995, Beverly and Duane were a driving force in the establishment of Signature Press, Inc., a commercial printing company. Their imprints in the Amherst community are stamped by their accomplishments in the development of the theater company, youth baseball, education, and two businesses. Beverly was a founding member of the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation board of directors.

Some people say business and friendship do not mix, but what sets Bev and Duane apart from others is how they are regarded by their business associates. The Foundation challenged Bev and Duane’s associates to establish a scholarship in their name and the associates responded.

The Pedes have requested that this scholarship be awarded to a student based on need and extracurricular involvement.

Michael J. Peterson Memorial Scholarship

The Michael J. Peterson Memorial Scholarship is presented with pleasure in memory of Michael J. Peterson — a son, brother, and friend. Mike was a man who loved his family and friends, was a hard worker, and enjoyed his life. He worked as a truck driver and had many interests, such as NASCAR racing, football, professional wrestling, and throwing darts.

Mike had many friends, and it is because of those friends that this scholarship is given through the efforts of the Lake Emily Dart League Annual Memorial Dart Tournament. This scholarship is intended to provide help to a student planning to go to a technical school.

Vernon Pieper Memorial Scholarship

Vernon Pieper was born and raised in New London and received his college degree from Lawrence College in 1953. He and his wife, Joan, came to Amherst that year when he accepted the position of Director of Instrumental Music. He also taught English. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Marine Corp and active in the Marine Band.

When Mr. Pieper came to Amherst, all of the school district rural areas were served by one- or two-room schools. He traveled to these rural schools and gave lessons to those students who showed interest in the band. He could play all of the mouthpiece and reed instruments and demonstrated them to the students on his trips to the schools.

In 1953, there were only 175 students in the high school and 33 in the band, and that included some eighth-grade students from Amherst Elementary School. By 1960, Amherst High had 179 students and 54 in band. In a few short years, the Amherst High Concert and Marching Bands ratings had risen from C to A ratings.

In 1960, Vernon, Joan, and their three children, left Amherst when he accepted the band director position at Middleton High School. He served Middleton High School for 26 years. He passed away in 2001 from heart disease.

Vernon Pieper’s list of accomplishments both state-wide and nationally, are numerous. His honors include Wisconsin Outstanding Bandmaster Award, Guest Conductor of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band for the playing of the national anthem at a Wisconsin Badger football game at Camp Randall, and as Parade Marshall for the annual Middleton Good Neighbor Festival.

In retirement, he became a reader in Mrs. Brown’s first grade class in Middleton. Mrs. Brown delivered his funeral eulogy and told the audience how immensely popular he was with the children. The Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation was listed as a recipient for memorials in his honor, and among the memorials the Foundation received was a donation from Mrs. Brown’s first grade class.

Vernon was known for keeping in touch with Amherst over the years and came to numerous class reunions. After his endowed scholarship was established in 1998, he would come to the Foundation’s awards night and present his named scholarship. He told us, both in letters and personally, that the endowed scholarship in his name here at the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation was his greatest honor and tribute.

His ability to instill the love of music in his students is what set him apart from his peers. Because of his contributions to students and music, the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation is proud to have an endowed scholarship established for Vernon Pieper.

John Pitt Memorial Scholarship

John grew up in Amherst Junction, the son of Pat and Connie Pitt, who were also lifetime community members. John worked at Pavelski Farms during the summers while attending high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Judi Suski, and they raised their children in Amherst. He enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren throughout all life’s endeavors. He became very involved in the community through Amherst athletics and rarely missed an opportunity to watch his kids’ or grandkids’ events. The community became his family and he enjoyed visiting with others, sharing stories and lots of opinions. He worked as a millwright for 35 years and retired to care for Judi while she battled ovarian cancer. John loved to see students and athletes excel and stay involved in the community. He believed strongly that athletics helped build the foundation for so many lifelong skills. He would be honored to help support a student’s dream by providing this scholarship opportunity.

Judi Pitt Memorial Scholarship

The Judi Pitt Memorial Scholarship is given to scholars who have a strong record of community service. It honors the memory and all-too-short life of a great community servant, who was a friend to many and provided community service through church, school board, scholarship foundation board, and countless other worthwhile endeavors.

The endowment was established through the Pitt family and friends, as well as a generous match from Gannett Publishing.

Pat & Connie Pitt Family Scholarship

Family and friends established the Pat Pitt Fund upon his death. In 2007, the Pitt family added Connie’s name to the scholarship.

Pat and Connie were a team for more than 65 years, dating back to their years at Amherst High School. They can be described as good neighbors and good citizens, as they always had open hearts and open hands to help both neighbors and strangers.

Academics is important in education but being active and involved in the community is also vital. This fund will recognize people who are active in the school and community as well as maintaining a commensurate grade with their ability. A “special person” of non-traditional education may also qualify.

Roger Pitt Memorial Scholarship

As an infant, Roger was stricken with polio-myalitis and spent an extended period in the hospital. After he was released, he spent years in speech and physical therapy. As a result, Roger was not able to compete at the same level as other children. He did play a pretty good first base, but in his own words, “I had to hit the ball a long ways to get a single.”

When Roger started high school, he became part of the Falcon Flier staff (weekly high school news). The editor of the Amherst Advocate saw some of his articles on high school sports and recruited him as a reporter. From that time forward, Roger’s dream was to be a journalist. He attended UWSP and majored in journalism and English until an ad appeared in the Appleton Post Crescent for a regional reporter. Roger applied, interviewed, and was hired mainly because of his articles from the Flier and Advocate.

Roger spent 41 years as a regional reporter, sports reporter, outdoor editor, and sports editor. He would be very proud to have his scholarship awarded to a student whose interest is in journalism, English, or other fine art majors.

Butch Pomeroy Honorary Scholarship

H.B. “Butch” Pomeroy is a lifelong Amherst area resident. Butch is a community leader and active in many civic, governmental, educational, charitable, and professional organizations. He graduated from Amherst High School in 1971, earned a BS at Carroll College, completed the Graduate School of Banking program at UW-Madison, and attended two post-graduate sessions.

Butch’s banking career started at the International Bank of Amherst as a college student in 1974 and he was named Chief Executive Officer at the age of 35 in 1988, becoming the fourth successive Pomeroy to manage the bank co-founded by his great grandfather in 1893. He was honored to be named the Wisconsin Community Banker of the Year in 2008.

Colleen Evans-Pomeroy Honorary Scholarship

Colleen Evans-Pomeroy, Ph.D., is a career educator retired to the Amherst area. As a life-long educator at both the elementary level and teacher educator at the university level, she is passionate about quality teachers for tomorrow’s youth.

Quality teachers are the most important school-related factor influencing student achievement. This scholarship is awarded to a teacher education major who has applied and been admitted into the school of education at a Wisconsin college or university.

Louie & Pat Pomeroy Scholarship

The Pomeroy family has deep roots in the Amherst area, dating back to 1853 when they homesteaded a farm in the Town of Lanark.

The International Bank of Amherst was established in 1893 by Louis A. Pomeroy (grandfather of Louie) and others. There has been a Pomeroy family member affiliated with the bank since its inception – five generations so far!

The future of the youth of the community is important to the Pomeroy family. The people in the Amherst area have been loyal and supportive to the Pomeroy family and to the bank. This endowment scholarship was created in 2005. The Pomeroy family appreciates the existence of the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation.

Repinski Family Memorial Scholarship

Raymond Repinski was born and raised in the Amherst area. Ray graduated from Amherst High School in 1957, as did his wife Mary Ann (1958) and their three sons (Mark 1982, Keith 1983, David 1985). Ray and Mary Ann have a daughter-in-law (Mary Beth 1983) and four grandchildren (Matthew, Maureen, Jeremy and Andrew), all of whom have or will also graduate from Amherst High School.

Following graduation, Ray and Mary Ann moved to Milwaukee. In 1968, Ray and Mary Ann moved back to the Amherst area to raise their family and utilize the Amherst school district to educate their sons. Ray was an avid supporter of the school system, spending numerous hours attending activities such as sporting events and concerts. Ray and Mary Ann both enjoyed supporting school activities, primarily because of the efforts of the students.

Ray worked at the Waupaca Foundry for more than 32 years. He also had a passion for working outside in his free time, especially doing yard work such as landscaping and maintaining home gardens.

When Ray passed away, his family decided the best way to honor his memory and continue to have his name support students was to establish a scholarship fund to help a deserving student to further their education. Ray’s immediate family has experienced the rewards of this foundation firsthand, which motivates the family to give back so others may have the same experience. The ultimate reward of this action is knowing you have helped to provide a means for a student to take the step toward becoming a contributing citizen in our society. When you hear “thank you” from that student, one realizes how rewarding these contributions are.

Robert E. Lea Junior Memorial Scholarship

Robert E. Lea Jr. was an alumni of Amherst who passed away September 7, 2015 from mesothelioma which is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Not only did his family and friends feel the loss of Robert, but the entire community felt the loss of him and it was best said by a community member, “Amherst lost one of the good guys.” Robert was survived by his 3 beautiful children: Nicholas, Jared, and Eden and his wife Shawn.

Robert’s Rendezvous Scholarship

This event was held several times in memory of Robert E. Lea Jr. who passed away September 7, 2015 from mesothelioma which is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Not only did his family and friends feel the loss of Robert, but the entire community felt the loss of him and it was best said by a community member, “Amherst lost one of the good guys.”

Robert’s Rendezvous was dedicated to providing financial support to our community through scholarships, donations to community projects with unmet financial needs, to asbestos prevention, and mesothelioma research.

Jon Schlutter Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in honor of Jon Schlutter, an avid bowler, sports fan, and outdoorsman. Jon was a generous man who wanted nothing more than for the people around him to be enjoying life as much as he was.

Jon started his bowling career at the age of 8. He was hooked when he first heard the crash of the pins as he threw his first strike at Skipps Bowling Center in Stevens Point. As the years went by, Jon continued to progress as a bowler. He made tournament appearances in Reno, Nevada, and other tournaments across the upper Midwest.

Jon was known for his “double ball bounce.” When Jon would walk up the approach and release the bowling ball, it would always bounce twice before it would make the big curve into the pocket. Those bowling balls found the pocket many times including multiple 300 games and 700 series. Many of the bowling alley owners worried Jon’s bowling ball would bounce so hard that it would go through their lanes. Jon just smiled and continued letting the ball crack the pins.

Jon purchased a new bowling ball for each of his nieces and nephews so they could have a chance to enjoy a hobby that he had loved so much.

During his time away from bowling, Jon would spend time following Wisconsin sports teams while watching the wildlife enjoy his 80 acres of prime hunting land. Whitetail deer and turkeys were always found eating at one of the food plots Jon had planted for them. An avid bow and rifle hunter, Jon harvested many deer from his property. As the family grew, family members and friends became old enough to hunt. Jon always said, “as long as you help maintain the land, you’re welcome to hunt out here anytime and to always harvest a buck bigger than your previous one.” He loved to see people enjoy his land just as much as he enjoyed his land.

As the bowling slowed to only a few times a week bowling in leagues at Whitetail Lanes, Jon decided to start giving back by helping coach the Amherst bowling team. He brought a fun atmosphere to the team year in and year out and traveled to tournaments across Wisconsin.

The Schlutter family hopes the recipient of this scholarship represents it in a way that Jon would if he would have received it. Jon was a great man who wanted nothing more but to make sure the people around him were always enjoying life as much as he had.

Ruth Schmatz Memorial Scholarship

Ruth Hofer Schmatz attended a one-room rural school where her teacher, Florence Stead, fired her love of learning. With Mrs. Stead’s support and encouragement, Ruth began to work with younger students. She decided to be a teacher and never looked back. She always said her happiest hours were in the classroom.

After receiving her BA, Ruth attended the University of Minnesota for post-graduate work – very unusual for a woman in the 1940s – and received a MA in Educational Psychology. Ruth taught at every grade level from kindergarten to university, and privately tutored both children and adults.

In retirement, she was an active volunteer for a variety of educational and community organizations. She contributed thousands of hours of service to Amherst’s Lettie Jensen Library, with a focus on the juvenile and young adult collection.

The Ruth Schmatz Scholarship is available to any incoming freshman college student or first year technical school student.

Schmutzler Family Scholarship

Mark and Sandra Lynne are retired educators who relocated to Amherst Junction after residing and working in both rural and suburban communities in several states. This scholarship is intended to give back to the Amherst community that has embraced them in retirement. Their career paths and experiences were unusual, so this scholarship is to support a student whose background or expectations address “a path less traveled.”

Guy Scudella Memorial Scholarship

The Guy Scudella Memorial Scholarship is presented in the memory of Guy Scudella, a Fond du Lac native who called the Amherst area his true home.

Guy held a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from UW-Oshkosh and spent his working years in the graphics and printing industry. He saw the beauty in the world around him and enjoyed sharing it with others. Guy enjoyed all forms of the arts, fishing, the weather, and travel. He especially enjoyed exploring our great nation on his Harley Davidson. Guy’s contagious smile and lust for life is truly missed by his family and friends.

LaVerne Slais Memorial Scholarship

LaVerne Slais was one of the founding members of the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation, serving as treasurer from 1994 until 2016, and continuing as a member until her passing in 2021. LaVerne was in the banking business for 39 years. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she served as Sunday School teacher, preschool helper, and treasurer of St. Paul’s Memorial Fund. LaVerne was also a member of the Tomorrow River Lioness Club and the Amherst Junction Women’s Club. She enjoyed playing cards weekly; watching the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers football; reading; and collecting plates, stamps, and coins.

George & Susan Sroda Memorial Scholarship

George Sroda was an enigma in that he was most comfortable in his private life with a few close friends and family but was at ease in the limelight performing before large audiences. He began his own dance band while a student at Amherst High School and later entertained millions as the “Worm King” on national television including the Tonight Show and the Merv Griffin Shows. George also left a legacy of photographs of the Tomorrow River area.

George established this fund upon the death of his wife, Susan. A scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who has completed at least two years of study at an accredited four-year college, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Dean Struble Memorial “Perseverance” Scholarship

Dean Struble was a math teacher for the Beaver Dam school district for 35 years. For most of those years, he also coached football, wrestling, and track. After retiring and relocating to Amherst with his wife Carla, Dean continued to dedicated time to education as a frequent substitute teacher in Amherst for several years. Throughout his career as a teacher, Dean always took a special interest and pride in those students who were not naturally gifted, but “over achieved” in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities through a consistent pattern of superior work ethic, resilience to adversity, and determination.

Kayla Joy Toelle Scholarship

Kayla Joy Toelle loved learning, teaching, and being around kids. Putting those three traits to use in the field of education after high school was a goal of Kayla’s. Her participation in school activities, love for the school environment, and family tradition of being in education also influenced her career choice and desire to be an educator.

As a student in the Amherst school district, Kayla Joy was around the elementary classrooms and after school program for many years. She volunteered for the kindergarten summer school program, was part of the Big Buddy program, and in 2012 was officially employed by the Tomorrow River School District as a Teacher Assistant in the After School Program. In addition, she obtained the Red Cross Babysitting Certification so she could also work with kids outside the school setting.

Kayla’s parents, Mike and Kris Toelle, are honored to provide a scholarship in Kayla’s name to a student who is enthusiastic about kids and studying in the field of education.

Michael Toelle Memorial Scholarship

Michael Toelle accepted a position with the Tomorrow River School District as their junior/senior high school principal in 1998. With his time spent at the Tomorrow River School District, he was the high school principal for two years, middle school principal for ten years, elementary school principal for seven years, and the charter school principal for four years. Mike also served as curriculum coordinator, special education designer, and ELL coordinator. The next step in Mike’s administrative career was in 2017 when he accepted the position of District Administrator for the Tomorrow River School District. His famous quote depicting his leadership style, “Every Teacher, Every Day.”

Along with his academic achievements, Mike also served as a football coach on all levels in Amherst, coaching many athletes through the years. He enjoyed being able to coach both of his sons through their school years and being a part of school athletics. Mike was excited to be involved with the Falcon Pride Project and wanted to see a brighter tomorrow for all of the Tomorrow River Community.

Tomorrow River Business Association Scholarship

The Tomorrow River Business Association is an association of businesses from the communities of Nelsonville, Amherst Junction, and Amherst. Members see Amherst’s future as open, available, and inviting to everyone through working together, cooperating, and collaborating local events to bring growth and enrichment to local businesses. It is an energetic, vital community for our citizens, visitors, and surrounding area.

Tomorrow River Lioness Club Scholarship

The Tomorrow River Lioness Club is proud to support the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation to continue the legacy of community service.

The Tomorrow River chapter of Lioness’s was organized in 1983 to provide an opportunity for women in the community to become actively involved in humanitarian service through Lionism. Their goal is to assist groups and organizations in the Tomorrow River area to foster projects and programs which benefit education for families and children. They strive to continue their support through this yearly scholarship for higher education.

Tomorrow River Lutheran Parish Faith Scholarship

The Nelsonville Evangelical Lutheran Church is pleased to offer this scholarship. Beneath its old world Norwegian-Wisconsin exterior, the Nelsonville Church has a relaxed family atmosphere. On any given Sunday, expect to be surprised by how openly members and guests socialize and share their lives with each other.

Steeped in tradition and history, Nelsonville Lutheran remains deeply rooted in the community, while also evolving as a relevant expression of Christian faith. Our wish is that everyone involved with our church would come to grow in faith while finding family ties that they never before knew existed. Our “family” includes people from all walks of life who bring diverse experiences, insights, and needs to the congregation.

As we ourselves grow in faith and appreciate the forgiveness received through grace, we open our doors to others who are seeking a closer walk with Jesus Christ. Feel free to drop in for any Sunday service (starting at 10:30 am), or any of our special services throughout the year. We’ll do our best to make you feel welcome whether you are a casual visitor or someone seeking a new church home. May you be blessed by our family!

Tomorrow River Scouting Scholarship

The Scouts BSA Troop 296 and Pack 296 have been in existence for over 40 years serving the needs of approximately 50 young people, predominately in the Tomorrow River area. Based in Amherst, the Troop and Pack endowed their scholarship in 2020.

The scholarship is now awarded annually to a person who participated in the Troop or Pack for four or more years and is continuing their education at a university, or technical/vocational school. To be eligible an individual must also write an essay on how scouting has influenced one’s life and the lives of others.

In addition, a “C” average and leadership activity within the organization are looked upon for selection of the recipient.

Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation Scholarship

A private citizen and former graduate of Amherst High School had a vision of creating a foundation that would support higher education sought by other AHS graduates and residents of the Tomorrow River School District. As a result, the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation was created in 1993 through a generous donation.

Anton (Tony) Trzebiatowski Memorial Scholarship

In 1999, the Anton (Tony) Trzebiatowski Scholarship Fund was established in his honor, by his family. The main objective of the scholarship is to carry on Tony’s legacy, with sharing in ways possible to encourage others to pursue higher education, as he was not given that opportunity.

Throughout his lifetime, Tony offered a helping hand, cared for others, and shared the fruits of his labors whether it was food from his family farm, the fresh fish from area lakes, the berries from the forest, or the asparagus from the wayside.

With his attitude in mind, Tony’s family looks to the recipient of this scholarship to pursue a future in natural resources, agriculture, or a career in helping and serving others in need.

Eugene A. Uhl, III Memorial Scholarship

The Uhl family established this scholarship in the memory of their son, Sgt. Eugene A. Uhl, lll. Eugene believed everyone should have the opportunity to get an education and himself had the intention of going on to school when he came home from Iraq. Unfortunately, he did not come home alive, so the family hopes to give someone else the opportunity to further their education. Eugene has made his family proud in his short life.

“We Remember” Scholarship

The “We Remember” Scholarship pays tribute to Tomorrow River community members who have died in military service during times of conflict. The scholarship is provided to recipients who honor the memories of those lost through their citizenship and a commitment to the ideals of a democratic society. It was initially endowed through an anonymous gift, and dozens of community members have contributed to grow the fund over the years.

Erin Wolding Memorial Scholarship

Erin Wolding was a very unique girl indeed, born a twin and three months premature in 1986 and passing peacefully in 2011. She lived in the Amherst area all of her life and touched the hearts of many with her warm smile and bubbly nature.

Although Erin was hampered by disabilities throughout her life and could not walk nor communicate conventionally, she impacted many lives and taught various people the art of caring and acceptance for people in special circumstances.

In recognition of the special care and education she received in the Tomorrow River School District and the Tomorrow River community, the Wolding family is pleased to present a scholarship in commemoration of her life.

Evelyn & Herbert Wolding Family Scholarship

Initiated by their children, the Evelyn and Herbert Wolding Family Scholarship was established as a way to honor their parents for being such great role models and to recognize their contributions to the Tomorrow River community. As the Woldings have spent their entire lives in the Tomorrow River community, the scholarship is also a means to give back to the community in appreciation for all of the ways the Woldings have benefited from having lived in the area.

As one of the initial scholarships of the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation, the Evelyn and Herbert Wolding Scholarship was first issued in 1995 and continues today with the intent of assisting an individual from the Tomorrow River community in his or her pursuit of a secondary education.

H. O. Wolding, Inc. - Bison Transport Scholarship

Originally established in 1995 as one of the inaugural Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation awards, the H.O. Wolding Scholarship has undergone a transition following the acquisition by Bison USA. Having been an integral part of the Tomorrow River community for over 70 years, H.O. Wolding depended on the local talent from the Amherst area to fuel its success. Now, under the stewardship of Bison Transport USA, this scholarship continues to uphold the legacy of supporting the community that contributed to its prosperity. The intent of this scholarship is to assist an individual from the Tomorrow River community in pursuit of a secondary education, preference given to those in pursuit of a secondary education at a technical college.

Worden-Shaw Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Prevention Scholarship

The Worden-Shaw Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Scholarship was one of the original scholarships awarded by the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation.

Established in 1995 by the Worden and Shaw families, the scholarship is in memory of James M. Worden, a 1976 graduate of Amherst High School. A recipient of this award must meet certain criteria, including but not limited to having lived a drug-free lifestyle, and desire to pursue higher education leading to a career as a helping professional. Those who receive this scholarship must be intent on using their unique talents to prevent and educate others about alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and assist others in leading productive lives.

The scholarship has been generously funded by family members, friends, and others who may have experienced the pain of dealing with a loved one afflicted by an alcohol or drug-related addiction.