We welcome Bill Challoner to our advisory board!

William (Bill) R. Challoner is the Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at joined Smyth Companies.

Bill has extensive experience in Sales Management, Marketing, Business Development, Pricing methodologies/systems, IT System Development, Acquisition Integration and Team Building and was brought to Smyth to manage Sales and Marketing, Estimating and IT.  Prior to joining the Smyths, Bill was VP of Sales and Marketing at Pioneer Metal Finishing and held Executive positions at WS Packaging Group for over 13 years. 

Bill also serves on The Salvation Army Board of Brown County Wisconsin and participates on advisory boards for some local Green Bay, Wisconsin companies.  Additionally, he holds a Bachelors of Science in Business along with an emphasis in Paper Science and Engineering from Miami University –Ohio. He also received his Certificate of Leadership Development from the U.S. Army War College in June of 2013.

Outside of work Bill and his wife Kim enjoy spending time on the water with their daughters Jackie and Katie.  If not on the water you can find them at the tennis courts or at a music performance watching Jackie and Katie perform.

What it takes to be the Brian LaViolette Foundation

We say and believe we are a small foundation doing big things. But just how big-and small- are we?  Many of you know we established the Foundation in 1992 after my brother, Brian, died in a swimming accident.  With the memorial contributions, our family established a scholarship in his name and memory at Wisconsin's DePere High School.  That year, a committee of longtime friends and family came together to filter through the 20 plus applications, interview the finalists and make the selection of our first recipient.   One of our first newsletters The next year, we awarded three scholarships. Shortly after, we partnered with the Boys and Girls Club and with a local college and tech school... and as they say, 'the rest is history'.     A decade after what we thought would be one scholarship to remember Brian and assist our youth, became 25 different scholarships a year.   A decade after that, our numbers have doubled with over 55 being awarded annually--nearly 70% in honor of others. You can see a list of over 630 recipients to date here. But this isn't about the numbers, although we feel very blessed to have assisted so many through the years.  This is about the nuts and bolts. Or in our case- love and passion.  My parents, Doug and Renee are truly the core of the Foundation. The core of the Foundation- Doug and Renee LaViolette And the support and encouragement we receive from you is our "nuts and bolts."  We were completely volunteered based until 2006 (that's 14 years of growth, special events and logistics).  With the tremendous workload that came with spearheading the 2007 Medal of Honor Convention we knew we needed to hire someone. Building on my experience as Community Director of the March of Dimes, we "took the plunge" and hired the Foundation's first full time employee... me, Brian's sister, Kim. Kim LaViolette I have attended several conferences and workshops lately and after sharing the Foundation is a "small shop" with one employee, many ask how we do it.  My response? Our small organization is able to do 'big things' because of the love and passion we receive from our Board, our volunteers, our recipients and the families and communities we work with.  We have never taken rent or rented an office space to make these big things happen, yet we set up our homes to make sure we can continue to do what we do.  My parents, the core of the foundation, have never taken one penny for salary. Neither has our Board of Directors. We are able to carry on our mission because we have countless people who donate endless time and talent to the Foundation's cause. The Foundation is able to grow, because of your feedback, your financial support, your enthusiasm and -above all- your love and passion.  You truly are the "nuts and bolts" of this journey.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for traveling this course with us.

We are happy to announce our 2015 Scholarship presentation dates

Thomas Hudner: Fox Valley Civil War Patrol- April 11th

Joel Gentz: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN- April 24, 6:00 pm

Sal Giunta: JFK High School, Cedar Rapid, IA- April 27, 6:30

General George S. Patton: Pilsen, Czech Republic,- May 3

Rachel Bosveld: Waupun High School, WI- May 13, 7:00 pm 

Ken Kubsch: Manitowoc High School, WI- May 13, 7:00 pm

Victoria Parmentier Scholarship: Ashwaubenon High School, WI-May 13, 6:30

Joe Welke: Rapid City Stevens High School, SD- May 14, 7:00 pm 

Matt Atkinson: Green Bay East High School, WI- May 18, 7:00 pm  

Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton, CO- May 18, 6:00 pm

Samantha Rose Cuene: DePere High School, WI- May 19, 7:00 pm * First Annual Scholarship presentation 

Ken Hess: AC Reynolds High School, Asheville, NC- May 19, 7:00 pm

David Parmentier:  DePere High School, WI- May 19, 7:00 pm *First Annual Scholarship presentation

John Bradley: Appleton West High School, WI- May 20, 6:30pm

James Cathey: Reno High School, NV- May 20, 7:00 pm

Wendell and Shanna Ellsworth: Belding High School, MI- May 20, 7:00 pm

Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School, WI-May 20, 7:00 pm 

Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School, WI- May 20, 8:30 am

Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School, WI- May 20, 9:00 am

Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School, WI- May 20, 6:30 pm 

Ray Zimmerman: Green Bay West High School, WI- May 20, 6:30 pm *First Annual Scholarship presentation

Brent Vroman: Omro High School, WI May 20, 6:45 pm 

Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY- May 21, 2:00

Jerome Hatfield: Tunstall High School, Dry Fork VA- To be announced

Len Keller: Auburn High School, Rockford, IL-To be announced

Andrew Brownfield: North High School, Akron OH- May 22, 8:30 am

Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School, WI- May 22, 9:00 am

Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg Casco High School, WI, May 26, 9:00 am 

Nueske Family: Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, WI- May 26, 7:00 pm  

Brian LaViolette: Partners in Education- To be announced

Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School, PA-- May 27, 7:00 pm 

Nichole Frye: Lena High School, WI-- May 27, 7:30 pm

Above and Beyond Scholarship: Oconto High School, WI-May 27, 7:30 pm 

Esther Cleveland Safford: Oconto High School, WI- May 27 7:30 pm

Robert Safford: Oconto High School, WI- May 27, 7:30 pm

"The Journey is the Reward": Oconto High School, WI-May 27, 7:30 pm

NWTC Scholarship: Oconto High School, WI- May 27, 7:30 pm

Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School, MN-May 28, 7:00 pm 

Ollie and Helen Bogsted: Suring High School, WI- May 30

"The Journey is the Reward": Suring High School, WI- May 30

NWTC Scholarship: Suring High School, WI- May 30

Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School, WI-June 2, 9:00 am 

Nainoa Hoe: 1Lt Nainoa K. Hoe Battle Command Training Center, Schofield Barracks, HI- August 28 

LEAP School Science and Math, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa--Summer of 2015

Poland Scholarships (6 Scholarships): Nidzica Foundation Award Ceremony, Nidzica Poland- September 2015

St. Norbert Scholarships (4 Scholarships): DePere, WI --October 2015 

New Scholarship at DePere High School remembering Sam Cuene

Samantha 'Sam' Cuene was a student at DePere High School and would have graduated in the class of 2014.  

Sadly, Sam died one month before her 18th birthday.  Sam was a passionate and giving person and now it's our turn to honor her memory through the Samantha Rose Cuene Scholarship. 

Sam loved to write and was talented on many levels. She had her sights on becoming a journalist.

She loved her friends and most of all her family. Sam would light up a room when she entered it and was incredibly funny, but she also had a very serious side.

Sam's scholarship will recognize a graduating De Pere High School senior for their compassion for others and desire to make the world a better place. It will acknowledge the goodness in this person's heart, and invest in the future good he or she will ultimately give back to their community.

The recipient of this award will take on the challenge of helping others through their genuine compassion and drive.  You can apply through the DePere High School guidance office or by clicking here.

First grade connection to new Scholarship at West High

When you were 7 years old, did you think that almost 30 years later you'd still be in touch with your first grade teacher?

I didn't either.  Not because I didn't love Mrs. Zimmerman (she remained my favorite teacher through my 17 years of schooling... shhhh don't tell the others :), but in first grade I was more concerned about our classroom goldfish and hamsters, learning how to write and talking with new friends.

Kim and Julie Hoerth with Mrs. Zimmerman (Julie also had her in first grade)

Mrs. Zimmerman (I still have a hard time calling her Gloria) and her husband Paul sponsor our South African Scholarship after visiting the country on a mission trip.  

This year, they wanted to sponsor a scholarship closer to home.  Paul met with Green Bay West High, his alma mater to established a scholarship in honor of his father, Ray, who was also a teacher there.

Paul's father, Ray, taught at West High School from 1935 - 1971.  

During that time he taught Social Problems and Industrial Arts and was a Jayvee Football Coach and an Assistant Track Coach. Mr. Zimmerman was dedicated to ensuring the academic success of each of his students. To that end he set high standards for both his students and himself.   

Paul and Gloria graduated from West in 1953 and 1954 and are pleased that they can "pay it forward" to the school that played a positive role in their lives and influenced them to become teachers.

Graduating Green Bay West seniors attending technical college or university in any field are eligible.  

Update from one of our Czech Republic Recipient

Kristyna Otaskova received the 2012 General Patton Scholarship of Honor Recipient, Pilsen Czech Republic.  We just heard from her and she is continuing to follow her passion of working in the social work field.  It sure takes a special person to do what she does and we are all lucky to have people in the world like Kristyna!  

“I have been working for 3 months in my new job, which I really enjoy.  I don’t know if you have this kind of work in the U.S.  I work with people who are homeless, drug addicts, unemployed, and/or self-supporting mothers. It means working with the lowest social level (i.e. social welfare) in the Czech Republic. Their benefits are supposed to cover the cost of living, hygiene, and clothing. It is very interesting work - I communicate with these people and try to help them find solutions for their living situation.  I really like the work, even though it is quite difficult...”  

Our advisory board is evolving!

Farewell Rick, a big Thank you.

There is no one out there quite like Rick Chernick.  His energy is contagious and through his sense of humor you will find a big heart.

  

He was one of the first people we invited to serve on our Advisory Board when we established the board in 2003. Rick is also one of the first to step up and support our events and has brought a lot of insights throughout the years.   

After a decade of serving on the Advisory Board, he will be stepping down from the board but shared with us that he will continue to support Brian’s Foundation. 

Thanks for all the years… and all the smiles Rick!

We welcome…

Jen Mullhall and James F. Robinson 

Jen Mullhall knew Brian from the get-go.  If she could remember the week she was born, she’d remember meeting Brian, as they were cousins. Brian, Kim and Jen spent a lot of their childhood together.

​Jen is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Primary Care at the VA Health Care Center in Green Bay.  She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, and has worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs since 2006. She really enjoys working with veterans, and is proud to be able to help our servicemen and women through her work.  

Jen and her husband Chase live in De Pere with their three daughters, Lizzie, Mikayla and Emma.

James Robinson

James ‘Jim’ Robinson is currently the executive vice president and general manager - sales of Camera Corner Connecting Point in Green Bay, WI.  He recently served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tufco Technologies, Inc., a $100MM contract manufacturer having operations in WI and NC. 

He also serves as a director on the board of Independent Printing Company, Inc., is the Chairman of the Board for the Transformation House, and is a member of the advisory boards of Bradford Equities Management.  Jim received a BA in Business Administration/Economics from Lakeland College, attended graduate school in Mexico, and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.  

He enjoys playing guitar, riding his motorcycle (WI weather permitting), and brewing specialty beers. 

Bellin Health remembers where it all began

January 23rd is a special day for our family and the Foundation. It is the day that Brian was brought into this world in 1977 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Brian meeting his little sister, Kim for the first time. Kim is the now the Executive Director of the Foundation.

On Brian's birthday we find it fitting to announce the Bellin College Scholarship, which will be awarded annually at Bellin College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This scholarship will be awarded every May to a nursing student.

"Bellin Health is honored to continue our partnership with the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation because of their commitment to provide opportunity, inspiration and support to students in our community.

We are pleased to award a scholarship to a Bellin College student that will help not only the student fulfill their dream but also help our health care community in the future."  George Kerwin, Bellin Health President

A true loss in this world

We lost a good friend and part of our Foundation family Monday.
Bob Nueske was a true gift to this world. 

He was a presence that was rarely forgotten. His quiet demeanor and calming presence remained through chaotic times and his big heart showed through his family, friends, employees and all his personal endeavors.  People strive to ‘be like Bob’ and we know they will continue to do so.

Bob served on Brian’s Foundation’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board.  He and his wife, Darlene, supported five annual scholarships (two in Poland, two in Wittenberg and one in honor of Rachel Bosveld in Waupun). He was a pivotal part in making the documentary, Return to Pilsen possible, which was the feature of our event on 11.12.13. 

He was a core supporter, motivator and ambassador of Brian's Foundation. He was a gift in this world, a genuine soul and truly cared about those he met.  

The service for Bob will take place this Saturday, the 17^{th .} Because of the anticipated size of the crowd it will be held in the Wittenberg Birnamwood High School auditorium, which we find fitting, as Bob and Darlene established two scholarships there last year, the Nueske Family Scholarships of Excellence. 

Service Details:

Saturday, January 17^th, 2015

Visitation starting at 9:00 am

Service at 2:00 pm

Wittenberg Birnamwood High School Auditorium

400 West Grand Ave, Wittenberg, WI 54499

Nikitha Murali is one of the over 635 individuals who have benefited from supporters like you.

By supporting Brian's Foundation today, your support will be with our recipients every step of the way.

The Community Magazine--Thornberry Creek, WI

Adrian Dean of "The Community", a monthly publication for the Thornberry Creek residents in Wisconsin, approached us on doing a story on Brian and the Foundation. His story ended up being the cover story for November!

We can't thank Adrian and his team enough for his support and dedication. He writes about the 'Journey'...please see his point of view at this link on page 12 and 13.  

Thanks Community!

Asheville Solider Remembered through a Community Fundraiser at local Texas Roadhouse

Ken Hess was a father, husband, brother, son and friend. He attended AC Reynolds High School and joined the Army when he was 20. Sadly, Kenny was killed at the age of 26 in the War on Terror. 

Since 2007, the Brian LaViolette Foundation has been awarding the Ken Hess Scholarship of Honor to a deserving High School Senior at AC Reynolds High who has plans on making the world a better place for all.

Please join our community at Texas Roadhouse on Hendersonville Rd on Sunday, November 16th from 11:00am-10:00 pm. They will graciously donate 10% of all meals of those who came in specifically for the fundraiser (for the entire day!) to Kenny's Scholarship. http://www.briansjourney.com/soh/scholarship-hess

A Heartwarming Story from Rapid City, SD

Dayna Dyce

Dayna Dyce graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in May 2014. She worked hard at her full-time job this summer, preparing for college at DSU in the fall. After all of her hard work, she wanted to donate part of her summer earnings to charity. 

Her proud father proposed a challenge.  He matched her contribution of $100 and asked a handful of others in the Rapid City Community to do the same.  This is how $1,175.00 was raised recently for the Joe Welke Scholarship of Honor.

Joe Welke

Joe was a 2003 graduate from Stevens High.  While in high school, Joe played football and earned the Greater Dakota Conference All Conference and Honorable Mention All State honors as a senior.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, weight training and cars.  Joe was proud to be a United States Marine.   His coach, Joel Hybertson stated, “If we need someone for our Country, I want someone like Joe Welke.  Sadly, Joe was killed in Iraq on November 20, 2004. 

The Joe Welke Scholarship of Honor has been awarded at Stevens High School since 2007 to a graduating senior who makes a true difference in this world. For more details, please visit:  Joe Welke Scholarship of Honor website

Connections Across the Globe

The Weyers Family Foundation has sponsored the Poland Scholarship since 2005. Renata Bruzdziak received our scholarship twice through the Weyers family.

Renata was accepted for the Polish-American Internship at Citigroup in New York City for the summer. She enjoyed the experience very much and a few weeks ago had the opportunity to meet some of the Weyers Family during their visit to NYC!

They had brunch at Tavern on the Green and then took a walk through Central Park. We love when worlds connect, like they often do, through Brian's Foundation!

Brian's Foundation has awarded over 65 scholarships to the students in Poland since we collaborated with the Nidzica Foundation more than a decade ago. It has been a joy!

This past Saturday, was their special presentation ceremony in Nidzica. The generous annual sponsors of the Poland Scholarship sponsor 2 students each year, with a $1000 each...truly life changing for their education. The recipients also received a special engraved Scholarship of Honor medal that hangs from a white ribbon to symbolize international peace.

Dr. Michael and Susan Smullen Family Sponsored: 

Krzysztof Szczephkowski- You will see an update from him below! Applied Linguistics, University in Gdansk, 4th year (they sponsored him last year, as well)

Aleksandra Magdalena Bojanowska, The Medical University in Bialystok Medical Analitics, 1st year.

The Weyers Family Foundation Sponsored:

Małgorzata Młyńska--Environmental Protection, University of Warsaw, 5th year. (they sponsored him last year, as well)

Tomasz Pisarski, The Warmia and Mazury University in Olsztyn, Economics, 3rd year

The Robert and Darlene Nueske Family Sponsored:

Daniel Traczewski: Economics/Finance and Accounting/Computer Science and Econometrics, University in Warsaw4th year (you sponsored him last year, as well)

Natalia Dawidczyk, The Warmia and Mazury University in Olsztyn, Economics, 1st year

Our 2014 Scholarship Recipients Thank YOU!

“I would like to express how thankful and how very honored I am to have received a scholarship from this foundation.  I will be pursuing a secondary education degree for social sciences at UW-Whitewater.  I can’t send enough thanks for the contribution to my education and goals of changing the world through teaching."

Shae Scharther, 2014 Jesse Thiry Scholarship of Honor

Sponsor: Whetter Law Offices

“I am really honored to get this scholarship. In reading Brian’s story he seems like a person I would of hung out with. I look up to Brian LaViolette because it shows me that you need to live life to the fullest and appreciate every second. I think that he did that, and that’s why I am honored to receive this scholarship. Thank you very much.

--Tyler Fisher, Journey is the Reward Scholarship-Suring High School
Sponsor: Sue LeTourneau



This scholarship means a lot to me because Ryan risked his life to help others and although I will not be joining the military, I too wish to follow his dream of helping others. This money is going to help me pay for my college tuition, so I can follow and pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I greatly appreciate everything this foundation is doing for all the students they support. I truly feel lucky to have received this reward.”

--Mercedes Dumas, Ryan Jerabek Scholarship of Honor
Sponsor: Premier Community Bank




“ I am humbled to have been recognized on behalf of Brian and LTG Robert Foley. Following in their footsteps will be a difficult journey, but their inspiration is leading me down the path to do all that I am able to help and assist those around me.”

--Charles Whitaker, 2014 Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor recipient
Sponsor: Brian LaViolette Foundation




"This scholarship is a blessing for me. It means a lot because it will help me with college and support my dreams to come true. Getting this scholarship is a great honor. Thank you.

--Phouthasone Sayarong, Andrew Brownfield Scholarship of Honor
Sponsor: Omnova Solutions Foundation




“Receiving this scholarship helps me fund my college expenses and can help me get one step closer to become a special education teacher. I want to help kids grown in their education and develop with their disability. I just want to make kids happy and enjoy life and learning.

--Mackenzie Busch, John Bradley Scholarship of Honor
Sponsor: Weyers Family Foundation

“To receive the Brent Vroman Scholarship is an honor to know I’m following in the footsteps of other great men and woman who served this country.  I’m very proud to have received it and I plan on using it as I attend UW Milwaukee and participate in the NROTC program at Marquette University.”

-Haley Garvens, 2014 Brent Vroman Scholarship of Honor

Sponsor: John and Kathy Lochner Family

“I am so honored to receive the Kyle Hemauer Scholarship of Honor. This scholarship will assist me in furthering my education and eventually entering the medical field. Thanks to the Brian LaViolette Foundation and the Hemauer family I will be able to achieve my life goal of helping others.”

--Marcus Wise, Kyle Hemauer Scholarship of Honor
Sponsor: Community of Chilton

There are so many words that come to mind when I think of Brian’s Foundation. The love expressed through Rachel Bosveld’s parents with the gift of their scholarship assistance and the endearing story of Brian will forever be a part of my own “story” as I chart my path to becoming the best registered nurse I can be. I choose the word “Gratitude” for helping me with my journey.

--Kelsey Thompson, Rachel Bosveld Scholarship of Honor
Sponsor: Bob and Darlene Nueske

“I cannot thank you enough for the generous scholarship and beautiful medal you have gifted me! With this scholarship I have the funds to accomplish so much in my college career, and for that I am wholly thankful. I am honored to have had my accomplishments recognized and my hard work rewarded in the way that this scholarship has recognized and rewarded me. Thank you again and again-the James Cathey Scholarship of Honor you have given me is a gift that I will make sure to put to good use.

Thank you for being so generous and for sharing the memory of Brian LaViolette and Lt. James Cathey with me.”
--Christiana Karcher, James Cathey Scholarship of Honor recipient
Sponsor: Remembering the Brave Foundation

“First of all it was an honor to receive this scholarship, especially knowing the meaning behind it. This scholarship will not only help me to further my studies but to continue to participate in volunteering through my future schooling. Ultimately preparing me for a career oriented towards helping and serving others.”

--Peggy Campbell, Mike Colalillo Scholarship of Honor
Sponsor: Guy J. and Karen R. Smith

“I’d like to start off with a huge thank you to yourself and the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation for choosing me as the recipient for the Esther Cleveland Safford Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship was a great honor and privilege to me. I greatly appreciate that you have chosen me to receive this scholarship.
 
--Samantha Beekman, Recipient of Esther Cleveland Scholarship
Sponsor: Victoria Parmentier

“This scholarships means that I have a name to live up to. I hope to bring great honor and pride to Elmer Burr and Ken Stumpf.

--Nathan Hutter, Ken Stumpf and Elmer Burr Scholarship of Honor recipient
Sponsor: Guy J. Smith, Suburban Electrical Engineers/Contractors Inc




“I would like to thank the men and women who have given their lives for the freedom and liberties I am able to possess. I am honored to receive this scholarship to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical field in order to serve my community.”
--Claire Gray, Jerome Hatfield Scholarship of Honor
Sponsor:  Endowment Drive Underway



“Thank you so much for choosing me to be your scholarship recipient. I am currently attending nursing assistant classes and I am also enrolled in LPN course for the fall of 2014 at the College of Menominee Nation. This scholarship will help me out a ton! Thank you so much.”

--McKenna Pyawasit, Ollie Bogsted Scholarship recipient
Sponsor: Family of Ollie Bogsted



“Thank you again for this opportunity and your generosity towards my further education. I am eager to enter the college of Liberal Arts at the U of M in the fall. My family and I eternally grateful to you for selecting me for your scholarship. I am determined to succeed in school and do my best to make a difference in the school system and the in many students’ lives.

--Shaina Dodson, Ben Edinger Scholarship of Honor recipient
Sponsor: John Maino and Nick Show and Friends and Family of Ben Edinger

“This scholarship means a lot to me, much more than you’d normally expect. I’m extremely grateful and honored to be receiving this scholarship. It means even more because I received it based on my school involvement rather than athletic or academics”

-Blake Champshare, Above and Beyond Scholarship
Sponsor: Sue LeTourneau

“This scholarship opens a new chapter in my future that allows me to make a difference in the animal community and influence future generations that you can achieve goals you set for yourself”

--Katy Koeppel, Nueske Family Scholarship of Excellence-Veterinarian Medicine
Sponsor: Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats

“Receiving the Danny Dietz Scholarship of Honor means more to me than anyone will ever know.  I’m forever thankful to the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation for giving me the opportunity to venture into college and start the life that I know is destined for me.  The financial burdens of college are lessened with the help of the Scholarship Foundation and I’m very grateful. 

The scholarship not only provides financial help, but also support from amazing people throughout my journey to become a caretaker.  The family of Danny Dietz continually inspires me not only with their kindness, but also in their knowledge that people can change the world, like their son. 

Danny Dietz is a hero who supported his country in a very important and real way and I ‘ll be lucky if I’m to ever life up to his reputation.  His dedication and courage will forever remind and encourage me to help the world and my country by become a doctor and helping the communities around the world.”

-Michelle Mai-Danny Dietz Scholarship of Honor recipient

Sponsor: The Mader Family and the friends and family of Danny Dietz

Door County resident Bill Welter has joined the our Advisory Board.

"I was impressed with the Brian LaViolette Foundation,” Bill Welter said., “To tragically lose a child who had so much potential to do good in life and see how this family has literally poured their life into doing something good in Brian’s memory, is to me what life is all about.”

Welter may be best known for being the driving force behind the one of the most memorable advertising campaigns in history, “Where’s the beef?” for Wendy’s.

He has been in marketing for much of his career. He has earned three CLIO international marketing awards and has chartered new avenues of promotion and public relation success in the competitive restaurant market.

He is the founder of Santa Silent Helpers and is actively involved in his church and other community efforts, including the Door County Humane Society and the Third Avenue Playhouse board in Sturgeon Bay. He also serves on the board of an Internet startup, Celebrating Legacy. Welcome aboard Bill!

56 Journeys

Over the years, we all have learned that ONE person can truly make an impact out there, influence those they meet and inspire others in the endeavors they choose to be a part of.

As a Foundation, we are assisting 56 students this year on their journey. Those 56 individuals are from varying cultures, have different family backgrounds, unique dreams and have set out to make a difference in this world. 

If one person can make such an impact, just think what 56 offer this world! 

As a 'Foundation Family', we are ALL a small part of the following journeys. 

Our 2014 scholarship recipients shown in bold. (in order of presentation date)

Joel Gentz Scholarship: Charles Logsdon, United States Air Force

Sal Giunta Scholarship: Shelby Chostner, Nursing

General George S. Patton Scholarship: Barbora Petermannova, Nursing

Matt Atkinson Community Scholarship: Emily Whitston, General Studies

Joe Welke Scholarship: Chassandra, Marine Corps

Ron Sager Scholarship:  Sara Riehle, Nursing 

Victoria Parmentier Scholarship: Carleigh Sachs,Education

Rachel Bosveld Scholarship:  Kelsey Thompson, Nursing 

Kyle Hemauer Scholarship: Marcus Wise, Pre-med

Jerome Hatfield Scholarship: Claire Gray, Pharmacy  

Andrew Brownfield Scholarship:  Phouthasone Sayavong, Education

Isaiah Hunt Scholarship:  Andrew Wojkiewicz, Marine Corps

Danny Dietz Scholarship: Michelle Mai, Pre-med

Robert Foley Scholarship: Charles Witaker, United States Army

Len Keller Scholarship: Raven Wainwright, Pharmacy 

Brian LaViolette Scholarship: Kelly Szczepanski, Nursing

Ellsworth-LaViolette Scholarship: *first annual presentation 

    Brady Blasher, Agriculture

    MacKenzi Krieger, Physical Therapy

    Cheyenne Paulson, Classical Archaeology

    Japheth Willmore, Physical Therapy

Ryan Jerabek Scholarship: Mercedes Dumas, Nursing

Ben Edinger Scholarship: Shaina Dodson, Education

John Bradley Scholarship: Christian J. Filipiak, Physician's Assistant 

James Cathey Scholarship:  Christiana Karcher, Pre-med

Brent Vroman Scholarship: Haley Garvens

Jesse Thiry Scholarship:  Shae Schartner, Education

Ken Hess Scholarship:  Ashleigh Parton, Nursing

Ollie Bogsted Scholarship: McKenna Pyawasit, General Studies

"The Journey is the Reward" Scholarship: Tyler Fisher, General Studies

NWTC Scholarship-Suring High School: Jacquelyn Lenz

Ken Kubsch Scholarship: Michaela Schmidt,  Nursing

Eric McColley Scholarship: Dakota Peterson, Criminal Justice

Nichole Frye Scholarship: Olivia Storm, Criminal Justice 

Nueske Family Scholarship of Excellence: *first annual presentation 

    Katelyn Koeppel, Veterinarian 

    Brendan Lehman, Pharmacy

Above and Beyond Scholarship: Blake Campshure, Engineering

Esther Cleveland Safford Scholarship: Samantha Beekman, Education

Robert Safford Scholarship: Conner Moe, Business and Finance

"The Journey is the Reward" Scholarship: Kyle Krueger, Pre-med

NWTC Scholarship-Oconto: Carli Meyer, Graphic Design

Mike Colalillo Scholarship: Peggy Campbell, Nursing

Ken Stumpf-Elmber Burr Scholarship: Nathan Hunter, United States Army

South Africa Scholarship: Brian Ntshikila, Teaching  

Tom Hudner: To be awarded in August

Nainoa Hoe Scholarship: To be awarded in August

Poland Scholarships (6 students): To be awarded in September

St. Norbert Scholarships (4 students): To be awarded in October 

Junior Achievement-Awarded during Business Challenge to Amanda Charles in February

Pulaski High School Student is Awarded Brian LaViolette $10,000 Scholarship

Kelly Szczepanski , a graduate of Pulaski High School has been named the winner of the 2014 Brian LaViolette Scholarship.  She will be awarded $10,000 over 4 years towards her tuition at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  She will be pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.

Kelly was chosen from a group of 17 applicants by the Partners in Education committee and LaViolette family following considerations of an essay submission, interview, community service activities and leadership positions.

She is pictured here with her parents Daniel and Shirley

The one word

We asked what word you would use to describe Brian's Foundation.

Brian LaViolette Spirit Award

Last week we gathered with some very special people at our Spirit Award Luncheon to honor 6 individuals.  

The Brian LaViolette Spirit Award is our way to say 'thank you' to those individuals who give selflessly to improve their community and Brian's Foundation.

We were honored to present it to the following:

Darrel Burnett-our voice of the Foundation. He has been the Master of Ceremonies at all of our events and has helped us endlessly with copy edits and insights.  Darrel also sits on the Foundation's Board of  Directors and Advisory Board

Bill and Connie Schuler- our 'go to' team.  These two take responsibility without question and are the key to the success of our events. Connie also sits on our Advisory Board.

From left to right: Gregg Schneider, Ron and Colleen Weyers, Darrel Burnett, Connie and Bill Schuler

Gregg Schneider- our behind-the-scenes guy. Everything you have seen or held in your hand that showcases the Foundation has been designed by Gregg.  He has donated his design talent since the first day we became a Foundation.

Ron and Colleen Weyers-key supporters and believers in what we do. The entire Weyers family goes above and beyond to ensure the success of Brian's Foundation.  Their foundation has also sponsored several scholarships.