Tyson Engel, a senior at DePere High School, is the 2025 recipient of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship of Excellence. The $10,000 award, presented by the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation, is designed to inspire a student to succeed and provide meaningful financial support toward a college education.
The LaViolette Family, along with representatives from De Pere High School and the Greater Green Bay Chamber, surprised Engel in person at school to present the scholarship—an emotional and memorable moment shared with his classmates and teachers. Engel plans to attend UW–Madison, where he will study Biochemistry on a Pre-Med track with an emphasis on pediatrics.
In a note sent to the LaViolettes, Engel expresses his appreciation: “Thank you to the LaViolettes, and everybody else from the Greater Green Bay Chamber who was involved in the Brian LaViolette Scholarship,” Engel shared. “This has been an otherworldly experience, and I will hold it close to my heart for the rest of my life. I was incredibly touched learning about the amazing person Brian was, and about the resilience and kindness of the LaViolette family.”
Doug LaViolette, Brian’s father and president of the Foundation, reflected on this year’s selection: “Tyson is a fine young man who embodies so many of the qualities that mattered to Brian—kindness, determination, and a desire to help others. He walks the same halls that Brian and our daughter Kim once did, and it’s especially meaningful to honor Tyson in a place so close to our hearts. We truly believe he will go on to accomplish great things, and we’re honored to support him on his journey.”
Left to Right: Matt Rentmeester (Greater Green Bay Chamber), Kristin Kreuser (Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation Associate Director), Renee LaViolette (Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation Vice President), Tyson Engel (scholarship recipient), Doug LaViolette (Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation President), Stefanie Delahaut (Greater Green Bay Chamber)
Since 1992, the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has awarded nearly 1,200 scholarships to students throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, the United States, and beyond. The Foundation was created after Brian LaViolette, a De Pere High School student, lost his life in a swimming accident at age 15. His family made a vow “That in his name and memory, we would accomplish great things.” Thanks to the support of thousands, that promise continues to be fulfilled through each recipient who carries Brian’s legacy forward.
Students selected for the Brian LaViolette Scholarship demonstrate academic excellence, a strong sense of character, and leadership potential. They are team players with a thirst for knowledge, hallmarks of the values by which Brian lived.
The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has partnered with Partners in Education, a program of the Greater Green Bay Chamber, for the past 19 years. This program brings together leaders from businesses, K–12 and higher education, and the broader community to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and values to succeed in life and contribute to a strong and vibrant region.
For more about Partners in Education, visit greatergbc.org