Prevea 5k on September 19th benefiting the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation!

Have you ever wanted to run on an airport runway? You now have a chance! The second annual Prevea 5K run/walk will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Austin-Straubel International Airport in Green Bay. 

Thanks to Jet Air Group, Brian's Foundation is one of the beneficiaries of the race! Sign up to run or volunteer here.  http://www.5kgrb.com. Please save the date and share with others!

Reasons to sign up now:Run on an airport runway!

• Party in a 40,000 square foot airplane hangar!
• Every participant receives a commemorative shirt and winged pin!
• Enjoy free food and beverages!
• Listen to live musical entertainment!
• Meet a Packer's legend and get their autograph!
• **Support our youth and the mission of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation!

A reflection from Brian's cousin and Foundation Board member, Jen Mulhall

"One person can make a difference, and everyone should try." -John F. Kennedy

During my last year of pharmacy school, I rotated through various pharmacy practice settings. One of my supervisors would often ask me at the end of the workday: "Tell me about a difference you made today." I have to admit that there were days I struggled to come up with something. I felt it was difficult to have much of an impact on someone's life while working in a very busy pharmacy.

Looking back, I admire his efforts in trying to reflect on the day in a positive way. We all have things that go wrong during the day. If we make an effort to think about a difference we made in someone's life, it helps to put those bad things in the background, and focus on the good. It doesn't have to be at work - it might be helping an elderly person in the grocery story, walking the neighbor's dog, or reading to a child.

I think my cousin Brian was very good at focusing on the positive, and as a result, was so likable. I wanted to be just like him! He was popular, good at sports, and really smart – yet I don't recall him ever being arrogant about those things. He wouldn't put someone down – on the contrary – he would build others up, support them, and help them become better.

If asked to talk about a difference he made in someone's life, I think Brian would have been able to describe occasions where he did just that on a daily basis. For a young person, that is remarkable. If we look over the past 22 years since his passing, the even more remarkable thing is that he continues to make a difference. Renee, Doug and Kim have taken Brian's positive ideals and spirit, and through the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation, pass those values along to graduating seniors who aim to make the world a better place.

I'm proud to be a part of the Foundation board. I would like to challenge you all to think about a difference you have made today, and to continue to support the Foundation, to help these extraordinary scholarship recipients make a difference in their careers. -Jen Mulhall

The first shots were fired in the Battle of Gettysburg on this signifiant day in history, July 1st 1863.  On the anniversary of this historic day, we are proud to present to you "Gettysburg-The Scholarship of Honor Story" through the eyes and reflection of James McEachin, a decorated Korean War soldier as he walks on Gettysburg's hollowed grounds.

We are forever grateful to the sponsors of this film, Lee and Kathy Anderson.

"We're proud to support the Brian LaViolette Foundation in creating the Gettysburg Scholarship of Honor story on this DVD.  We feel it is so important to share this incredible story that honors all who have served this country in uniform to protect the very freedoms we enjoy.

We would like to dedicate our contribution in memory and in honor of Sgt. Ralph F. Storm, WWII 92 Fighter Squadron, 81 Fighter Group and Captain Lance P. Sijan, Medal of Honor Recipient, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam, and as a special thank you to U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Adam J. Sherwood, for your continuing service ...WE WILL NEVER FORGET"

                                                                            Kathy and Lee Anderson Anderson

There is a more expanded version of the DVD available through the Foundation featuring interviews with Medal of Honor Recipient, Sal Giunta and George Patton Waters- General Patton's Grandson, as well as the full length documentary, "Return to Pilsen: Sharing an American Story".  For more details, please contact us by replying to this email or calling Kim LaViolette at 828-242-3790.

2015 Scholarship Recipients!!

Recipient	Scholarship	Field	School
Christopher Beckman	Above and Beyond	Engineering	Michigan Tech
San Kay Thee	Andrew Brownfield	Early Childhood Education	University of Akron
To be awarded in October	Bellin Health
Katie Clark	Ben Edinger	Criminal Justice	NWTC
Jordan A King	Brent Vroman
Donglin “Linda” Zhang	Brian LaViolette	Bioenginnering Pre-Med, Public Health	Williams College
Janeen Plomondon	Danny Dietz	Secondary Education	Uni-CO Boulder
Nicole Giesen	Danny Dietz 2nd	Biomedical Engineering	Colorado School of Mines
Emma Bahm	Eric McColley	Criminal Psycology	Liberty University
Brooke Woodford	Esther Cleveland	Elementary Education	UWGB
Kaily Goddman	Isaiah Hunt	Nursing	UW-Oshkosh
Christiana Adame Delgado	James Cathey	Pre-dentristy	University of Reno
Landon Holley	Jerome Hatfield	Biomedical Engineering	University of SC
Jesse Erickson	Jesse Thiry	Army ROTC	St. Norberts
Bradly Blansett	Joe Welke	Chemistry and Military Science	SD School of Mines
Jonah McCrorey	Joel Gentz	Air Force	Purdue University
Sydney Wayner	John Bradley	Dietetics	UW-Stevens Point
Tori Hipke	Journey-OHS	Nursing	NWTC
Darian Rose Bowman	Journey-Suring	NWTC	Nursing
Michaela Bissinger	Ken Hess	Nursing	Garder-Webb
Cassidy Ryan	Ken Kubsch	Speech Pathology	UW-Stevens Point
Parker Blob	Ken Stumpf	National Guard	Oshkosh
Renee Schmitz	Kyle Hemauer	Biology	UW Madison
Phallen Lambert	Len Keller	Nursing	Collage of Dupage
Clarissa Skaletski	Matt Atkinson	Art Education	UW Oshkosh
Benjamin Rouse	Mike Colalillo	Law Enforcement	Fondulac Tribal and Community College
To be awarded in August	Nainoa Hoe
Sierra Demmith	Nichole Frye	Early Childhood Education	Rasmussen College
Amelia Nievinsk	Nueske Family Scholarship of Excellence	Physchobiology	Ripon College
Doug Exworthy	NWTC-Oconto	It Computer Business	NWTC
Darian Rose Bowman	NWTC-Suring	NWTC	Nursing
Mackenzi LaMarre	Ollie and Helen Bogsted	Social Work	UWGB
Alena Vebrová	Patton	Social Work
To be awarded in September	Poland Scholarships
Taylor White	Rachel Bosveld	Exercise Science/Therapeutic Recreation	UW-LaCrosse
Ramadan Raji	Ray Zimmerman	Chemical Engineering	UWGB
Douglas Exworthy	Robert C Safford	It Computer Business	NWTC
Leora Reyhan	Robert Foley	Army	USMA
Hannah Heyer	Ron Sager	Education	Martin Luthern College
Kayla Gracyalny	Ryan Jerabek	Elemenary Education	St. Norberts
Daheun Kim	Sal Giunta	Humanities	University of Northern IA
Carly Cerrato	Samantha Cuene	Health Promotion	Stevens Point
Recipient	Scholarship	Field	School
To be awarded in July	South Africa Scholarship
To be awarded in October	St. Norbert College (4 Scholarships)
Lennon J. Mauel.	Tom Hudner	Marines
Clare Cuene	Victoria Parmentier	Education	St. Norberts
Andrew Clements	Wendell and Shanna Ellsworth	Business	Grand Valley State Univeristy
Hannah Linebaugh	Wendell and Shanna Ellsworth	Nursing	Michigan State University

2015 Recipient of our $10,000 scholarship SURPRISE!

Last week, we had the privilege of suprising our 2015 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient, Donglin "Linda" Zhang with the news that she received our $10,000 scholarship during her first period Spanish class. 

Her whole family joined in on the surprise as well! What a joy to meet them all and welcome Linda to our Foundation family.

The impact one scholarship can have

"If the love of what you're doing exceeds the labor of doing it... success is inevitable."- Bob Nueske All of our scholarships have an impact that is not easily measured.  We were reminded of that a few weeks ago in the Czech Republic.   Our General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor recipients: Adela Tanzerova (2013), Barbora Petermannova (2014), Alena Vebrova (2015), Kristyna Otaskova (2012) It was a special time for Brian's Foundation for many reasons in the city of Pilsen earlier this May. Not only did we award our 4th annual General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor to Alena Vebrova, but over 20 friends of the Foundation from the States shared the experience together.  20 people that would not have thought to spend their vacation in the small city in the Czech Republic if it wasn't for Bob Nueske's vision and dedication to share Pilsen's story and help create a scholarship to its students. During this time, my Dad Doug LaViolette presented the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award on My 4th, 2015 at the Foye residence during a Scholarship of Honor reception with over 100 people in attendance. Since 2011, the Brian Laviolette Spirit Award has served as a permanent recognition for a select group of individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment and extraordinary compassion.  The recipients give of themselves to improve their community and to Brian's Foundation. Sadly, Bob Nueske passed away earlier this year.  With plans to bring his whole family with him this year, they decided to still make the visit to experience where Bo's passion grew. Doug presented the family of Bob Nueske the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award for Bob's dedication, encouragement and talent to inspire the Brian Laviolette Foundation to love what it's doing. Brian's Spirit Award was also presented to Barb and Patrick Foye-an American couple who has lived in the Czech for over two decades, as the General Patton Scholarship would not be feasible without them.  They truly are an instrumental part and go above and beyond in all that they do. Success can mean different things for different people but for us it is when people connect, inspire and love wha they are doing.

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