News from the Brian LaViolette Foundation
This year's recipient of the International Scholarship of Honor in Poland is Natalia Roska. She is studying at Warmia and Mazury University in Olsztyn, majoring in Linguistics in Business.
Natalia is pictured with Sylwia Jaskulska - a member of the Board of the Marschal Office of the Warmia and Mazury Region in Olsztyn and Paweł Przybyłek - vice-Governor of the Nidzica County.
This scholarship is made possible by Dr. Mike and Sue Smullen
Allison will be attending Fox Valley Technical College to pursue a degree in Nursing. She is joined by 54 other scholarship recipients this year.
This year more than ever, Brian's Foundation was committed to award each and every one of our annual scholarships. With school closings and almost every detail of our scholarship application process and presentations in flux, we were able to continue to award scholarships in 17 states and 3 foreign countries. We did not do this alone. The school guidance offices, sponsors, presenters and scholarship applicants put in the extra mile to make it happen.
On behalf of 55 scholarship recipients, families and communities worldwide, we thank you.
Above and Beyond Scholarship: Oconto High School, WI- Alayna Westenberg
Ron Anderson: Suring High School- Stephanie Huth
Matt Atkinson: Green Bay East High School, WI- Joel Holzer
Bellin College Scholarship- Green Bay, WI- Brady Tanck
Ollie and Helen Bogsted: Suring High School, WI- Duncan Breed
Rachel Bosveld: Waupun High School, WI- Brelynn Billie
John Bradley: Appleton West High School, WI- Lindsey Vue
Andrew Brownfield: North High School, Akron OH- Ismita Rai
Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School, MN- Kennedi Coffman
James Cathey: Reno High School, NV- Christian Marquez
Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton, CO- Gabriela Gritz Moya
Danny Dietz: Austin High School, Austin TX- Isabelle Del Cueto
Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School, WI- Isabella Schabell-Barrera
Wendell and Shanna Ellsworth (2 scholarships): Belding High School, MI- Hannah Hummel and Trevin Springsteen
Nichole Frye: Lena High School, WI- Alexis Misco
Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY- Zachary Potter
Riley Garbe (2 scholarships): Freedom High School- Reeve Lambrecht and Colby McHugh
Sal Giunta: JFK High School, Cedar Rapid, IA- Kaylah Ajram-Wright
Joel Gentz: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN- To be awarded in the Fall
David Hatfield: Tunstall High School, Dry Fork VA- Matherly Eskey
Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School, WI- Allison Biese
Ken Hess: AC Reynolds High School, Asheville, NC- Sarah Fletcher
Nainoa Hoe: Schofield Barracks, HI- to be awarded in August
Thomas Hudner: Fox Valley Composite Civil Air Patrol-William Voelker
Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School, WI- Sarah Dehnel
Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School, WI- Paige Willer
Junior Achievement- Business Challenge-Maddie Burgess
Len Keller: Auburn High School, Rockford, IL- LaDarius Jackson
Ken Kubsch (2 scholarships): Manitowoc High School, WI- Garrett Holsen and Amaya Salek
Brian LaViolette: Green Bay Preble High School, Lauren Bonetti
LEAP School Science and Math, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa-to be awarded in the fall
Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School, PA- Dallas Plank
General George S. Patton: Pilsen, Czech Republic,- Martin Wolf
NWTC Scholarship (2 scholarships): To be awarded in Fall 2020
Nueske Family: Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, WI- Megan Gauderman
David Parmentier: DePere High School, WI- Lauren Hansen
Victoria Parmentier Scholarship: Ashwaubenon High School, WI- Caitlyn Phillips
Poland Scholarships: Nidzica Poland (2 scholarships)- September 2020
Robert Safford: Oconto High School, WI- Sean Durand
Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School, WI- Emma Mindock
St. Norbert Scholarships (2 scholarships): DePere, WI --October 2020
Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School, WI- Callista Morgan
"The Journey is the Reward" (2 scholarships) : Oconto High School, WI-Katrina Salewski and Aubree Buchegar
Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg Casco High School, WI- Holly Baierl
Brent Vroman: Omro High School, WI- Bryanna Laurent
Bernard Webber: MAST Academy, Miami FL- Alexa Venereo
Joe Welke: Rapid City Stevens High, Rapid City, SD- to be awarded in September
Ray Zimmerman: Green Bay West High School, WI- Abigail Vasquez Ortega
“Receiving the scholarship is an honor to me, but also it’s a great commitment for the future. I appreciate that someone can acknowledge my work with volunteer firefighters. It will definitely motivate me to do what I fully enjoy.” Martin Volf
Since 2011 The General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor has been awarded in Pilsen, Czech Republic during their annual Liberation Festival held the first week of May. As you might expect due to the pandemic everything changed this year, but we’re pleased to report that the Scholarship presentation was just delayed.
Martin Volf and Petra Liska
With family proudly looking on, Martin Volf became the ninth recipient in Pilsen during a special and impressive ceremony this week.
Martin is a graduate of The High School of Engineering, a high school professor at Svejcar and a member of the Volunteer Firefighters Corps Plzen-Skvrnany. In fact, three hours after the ceremony, he was called to extinguish a fire in the suburbs of Pilsen! Martin also devotes himself to uplifting children and youth programs.
Members of the Pilsen Scholarship of Honor Committee, lead by Chairman Petr Liska, along with the Mayor of the City of Pilsen, Martin Baxa and the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Czech Republic, Stephen B. King attended the ceremony and awarded Martin with the engraved Scholarship of Honor Medal and 1,000.00 USD.
Pat Waters, Brian LaViolette Foundation board member and grandson of General George S Patton, along with Doug LaViolette also had an opportunity to be involved and congratulate Martin through a live online connection.
First Row. United States Ambassador Stephen B. King, scholarship recipient, Martin Volf and City of Pilsen Mayor, Martin Baxa.
Along with proud Scholarship of Honor Committee members and the Volf Family who were in attendance.
“This scholarship is an absolute honor. To have seen so many mentors of mine receive the same scholarship before me, amplifies the honor of it. I am excited to honor Thomas Hudner and the Brian LaViolette Foundation through my pursuits in the future.”
William Voelker, 2020 Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor
Lt Col Koehler, Cadet Lt Col William Voelker and Col Stephen Kohler
William attended Pulaksi High School in Wisconsin and will be studying Aerospace Engineering at the United States Air Force Academy. He received this year’s Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor during a social distance presentation last week with the leaders of the Fox Valley Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol who help administrate the award.
Thomas J. Hudner
As a fighter pilot in the Korean War, Thomas Hudner routinely completed his missions by air. But in a dramatic rescue attempt of a fellow pilot, Hudner executed a wheels-up landing in enemy territory and found himself battling the elements on the ground. The snow and cold of December 1950 in North Korea found Hudner thinking not of himself or the enemy, but of one fellow Navy pilot, Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first African American aviator.
President Truman awarded Thomas Hudner the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 13, 1951 for his courageous actions.
The Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor is made possible by David Konrath, a United States Air Force Veteran.
By Doug LaViolette
May 29, 2020 was a special day for our family. Our grandson, Walker, turned two years old and as a family, we walked his age in miles through their neighborhood.
After one of our Board members, Darrel Burnett, heard we were doing this, he suggested we have a “Walk with Walker” to benefit Brian’s Foundation and challenged our Board of Advisors to pledge for each mile walked.
Clearly with only 2 miles no one could get too terribly hurt, and at the same time we could take a huge step (no pun intended) to help fund and fulfill our mission.
With that as a backdrop “Walk With Walker” was born and the journey began…
He was bright eyed and raring to go as he started from home. And that energy and joy carried throughout his entire walk. This is Walker on the final leg of his 2 mile “marathon” proudly showing his mom and dad the way.......
It took a little longer than we expected, 1 hour and 45 minutes, because Walker stopped so many times to read letters on yard signs or anything he could find…
And what an amazing success it was… Our board really stepped up to a point where we raised enough money to fund two scholarships we awarded this year.
With Walker’s Walk taking place in Asheville, North Carolina, it seemed fitting that we remember and honor the memory of a fallen Asheville soldier Ken Hess at AC Reynolds High School.
Ken was very proud to serve his country and had plans of making a career out of the Army. Ken served in the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team based out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He was a father, a husband, brother and a friend.
Sadly his life was lost after 6 years of service in April 2006.
NWTC recipient, Dustin Olsen
At the same time, we looked once again to the future and the great work of the students in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Brian’s Foundation has awarded scholarships at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College for the last two decades. We support all they do in shaping new generation of students pursuing their passion and life’s calling.
We’re truly blessed…Doug and Renee LaViolette
"I understand the importance of carrying on not only the legacy of Brian, but the service to community, leadership, and sportsmanship which represents the goals of the foundation." -Lauren Bonetti
Yesterday, Lauren Bonetti, a senior at Green Bay Preble High School was presented with the Brian LaViolette Scholarship during a surprise social distancing yard party. There were representatives of Brian's Foundation, school administrators and educators, along with Partners in Education of the Greater Green Bay Chamber.
Doug and Renee LaViolette surprise Lauren
This scholarship awards $10,000 towards Lauren's education at Marquette University where she will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. She plans to continue her education as a participant in ROTC for the U.S. Air Force and serve with the Air Force after graduating with her bachelor's degree.
Lauren with her parents Donell and Mark (left) and Doug and Renee LaViolette (right)
Through the administrative help of Partners in Education, one student was selected from about 4,000 Seniors in the Green Bay district. A student from each of the 17 schools applies. The committee narrows it down to 5 and our family, along with April and Cherie of Partners in Education interview the finalists. This year that was done virtually.
A big group came out to surprise with her
The scholarship recognizes a student who has shown exemplary achievement throughout his or her high school career, and who has a thirst for knowledge, the ability to be a team player and the desire to be a future leader.
We have no doubt that Lauren will continue to do great things.
75 years ago on May 6th,1945, General Patton's 3rd Army liberated the City of Pilsen, Czech Republic. And each year the citizens of Pilsen celebrate the liberation and the American soldier during a very special Liberation Festival.
For the last 10 years, Brian's Foundation has awarded the General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor. Not being able to meet in person this year, the City of Pilsen held a 7 hour live streaming for the world to take part in.
Our very own Doug LaViolette shared a message with them..
We believe everyone should be given the opportunity to clearly understand the sacrifice of the American soldier, as well as those of the Czech people who helped liberate their city on this joyous anniversary.
In 2013, Green Bay's Fox 11 news created a very special 28 minute documentary on the history of the Liberation Festival and the General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
"Return to Pilsen, An American Story" will re-air tonight at 10:35pm on WLUK-Fox 11 after the 10:00pm broadcast.
If you are not able to catch it live you can view it here:
Ysabella Brabazon and Madalyn Burgess, both of Notre Dame Academy ,won this years' Junior Achievement Business Challenge, receiving the first prize Scholarship through Brian's Foundation. Their mentor, Tom Burgess is pictured here with them. Their smiles say it all!
It seems fitting that on today, 2.20.20, we roll out a very special date for you to put on your calendar…
In the weeks, months and in this case, years to come you'll discover more exciting details.
As Brian believed, The Journey Is The Reward!
Austin, 1995
Austin Rios received the Brian LaViolette Scholarship in 1995 from DePere High School for the amount of $2,500. His family graciously donates $100 every year to the Foundation on Brian's birthday. They have now given more than what was awarded to Austin 25 years ago.
After high school graduation, Austin attended Davidson College in North Carolina. For the past 8 years, he has lived in Rome, Italy and is an Episcopal priest at St. Paul within the Walls.
Austin and Brian, 1992
Austin reflects on Brian and the time he received the scholarship 25 years ago... "I had the privileged to know Brian. We moved from Texas to Wisconsin and it felt like a foreign country to me. I felt alone and not sure if people would understand me. I remember sitting next to Brian in 8th grade and we instantly became friends. I could tell he was witty, and he was willing to ask questions others were not. And I found that really interesting and attractive. It was a really wonderful friendship for me. He was my best friend. And in a time, I really needed a best friend. He made me feel at home."
"I was very honored to be one of the first recipients of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship. Brian's friendship meant a lot to me and the scholarship was helpful in pursuing my undergraduate degree at Davidson. Currently I am enjoying being a father, husband and Episcopal priest.
I don't think anyone would have guessed that what started out as a single annual scholarship would grow large enough to offer both national and international awards. I am proud to be one of the now many recipients of this award and wish future recipients the best in pursuing their goals and dreams."
Austin's wish is coming true through their thoughtful donation every year in honor of Brian.
"To give back to the Foundation what was awarded to Austin is admirable. It shows that it made a difference in his life and he wants to pay it forward," says Kim LaViolette Mosteller, executive Director of the Brian LaViolette Foundation. "Their support is helping future recipients follow their educational dreams."
Doug LaViolette
Photo by Nick DelCalzo
Cami Rapson of WBAY-TV 2 featured our very own Doug LaViolette on this 30- minute podcast, Get 2 the Point.
It was released yesterday, which would have been Brian's 43rd birthday. Doug shares more about Brian, the start of the Foundation and where the Foundation is today. You will also hear about one recipient who is making a difference.
You can find the podcast under Get 2 the Point or at this link here: www.wbay.com/podcast
"It just seems unimaginable that our boy is 43...I think it's hard for Renee and I to put our head around that. He's forever young."
Doug has been able to witness what he calls "the good stuff", the impact Brian's foundation has on young people.
"It was our way of channeling our grief in part, so we could 'do good' in Brian's name. So he wasn't forgotten,"
Thank you to Cami and WBAY for providing this opportunity to share more about Brian and the Foundation.
St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin has been the work of nurturing leaders, alumni, faculty, and friends for more than a century. Since 1992, young men and women who are the brightest and best have had a chance to pursue their goals and dreams with the help of Brian’s Foundation. These awards are open to DePere High School graduates and are based on academic and extracurricular excellence.
This years recipients are Kelsey Keast and Grace Beno.
Kelsey is a senior studying sociology human services and psychology. This year, she has an internship at CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, where she works directly with children who under the legal protection of the court system because they are deemed abused and/or neglected. After graduation, she plans to go to graduate school to get my Masters of Social Work, and eventually hope to work as an adoption social worker.
Grace is an art major and has three on-campus jobs. One is a TA position in the Art Center. Her favorite class is Printmaking. It is one of her favorite mediums of art because it works so well with illustration, which is her main passion and focus as an art student.
Camm Johnson received this years' Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at West Point. He is pictured with BG Buzzard who is presenting the Scholarship of Honor medal.
Camm took the semester off to assist his sister and family after their mother passed away from cancer. His father had also passed away from cancer earlier in Camm’s Cadet career. Camm truly represents the best that West Point has to offer. He “Lives Honorably, Leads Honorably and Demonstrates Excellence” in all that he has done here at West Point.
As a member of the USMA Class of 2019, he lives “Duty, Honor, Country” in all that he does and he there is no doubt that he will be a superb Engineer Officer.
LTC David , Camm Johnson, BG Buzzard
General Robert Foley, photo by Nick DelCalzo
United States Army Lieutenant General Robert Foley graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1963. He joined the infantry and went through Airborne and Ranger schools. By 1966, he was a twenty-five-year-old captain and company commander in the 27th Infantry in Vietnam. He earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War on November 5, 1966. President Lyndon Johnson awarded it to General Foley on May 1, 1968.
He remained in the Army until 2000, attaining the rank of lieutenant general. He ended his thirty-seven-year military career as the commander of the Fifth Army, then became president of Marion Military Institute in Alabama, the nation’s oldest military preparatory school and junior college. General Foley continued to serve U.S. Army soldiers and their families as director of Army Emergency Relief, a private nonprofit organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C. until his recent retirement.
By Craig and Karen Dickman
"When we learned more about the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation we saw vision, purpose and passion and knew, immediately, that it had the potential to make an impact on both lives and the community.
And when you consider the deep impact that the Foundation has had - on the lives of individuals through scholarships, on the quality of community through connections, and in the deep sense of pride and patriotism - you realize it has had a tremendous effect on an immeasurable amount of people.
We are proud of our connection to the Brian LaViolette Foundation and of how its impact has grown over the years. We have been specifically inspired by the Scholarships of Honor and the recognition of those who have served and sacrificed by the Foundation. We also have seen the Foundation establish unique connections to Green Bay, such as the Czech Republic that have extended Brian's legacy to have global impact
We believe that Brian's Foundation not only does good work but does it in a manner that makes you proud to be involved."
"Eighteen years ago I wrote a letter to Doug LaViolette after having spent one hour with him while in the process of purchasing office furniture. The encounter was brief, but I remember it having a profound impact on the rest of my day.
I wanted to reach out directly to Doug and share with him what our conversation had meant to me and how impressed I was with the dedication and devotion of The Brian LaViolette Foundation. In fact those were two of the exact words I used to describe his work, "dedication and devotion." I went on to tell him "I commend you and your family to have the strength to create such wonderful contributions out of what seems senseless misfortune."
It was an honest letter written to convey a sense of appreciation. The Brian LaViolette Foundation is a great platform for our community.
Those closest to Brian, would tell you he was a soul beyond his years. Always writing and collecting inspirational messages, Brian once wrote down the phrase, "The journey is the reward" and it has since become the hallmark of the foundation.
The Burgess family; Tom, Maddie, Ben, Emily and Kate, with puppies Beatrice and Honey
In reflecting on both Brian's words and my own personal experiences in the years since that afternoon conversation with Doug, it is remarkable to know how those words have had the power to impact my life.
There is an immediate sense of how one might think about the value of life and the importance of family and how quickly those things can change. My wife Kate and I were not yet parents when Brian died and now we have three children of our own, one of whom is set to begin her first year of college this fall.
Then, several years ago while traveling through Rome, we were able to stop at a church where one of Brian's best friends at the time of his death had gone on to enter into the priesthood. It reminded us that regardless of where you are in the world, how we can maintain the ability to identify people who are part of our tribe, so to speak, and have remained connected by Brian's life.
My family's relationship with the LaViolette family has only grown in the years since I wrote that letter and I am moved by their passion to continue the words of their son and brother.
It is particularly remarkable to me how well the phrase, "the journey is the reward" has been translated into action many times by the foundation.
Kate and I have attended many gatherings in support of the foundation and have often spoke with others regarding its continuous impact on the lives of the youth and families in our community.
Enough time has passed, that our own organization, Elevate97, has been blessed to employ the services of a former scholarship recipient.
The strength of The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation can be found in the heart of its values; it is truly an organization that allows people to develop their own abilities to succeed. Its ability to remain sustainable can be directly attributed to all the ways in which it continuously fosters new pathways for the community it serves.
There is a deep sense of commitment within its leaders as it sets out to both create opportunity and cultivate new resources and services... the goals of the foundation will continue for years to come.
Brian's story is one I will carry with me always because truly..."the journey is the reward"
By Scot Madson, Board of Director
"Whenever a person decides to get involved in a charitable organization, there are a number of questions that he or she ask of themselves. First of all, who deserves charity? Why be charitable? Who is going to benefit from this donation?
Answering these questions, everyone has to personally decide what is important to them and how important it is to others. In the past whenever I have been involved in a charitable organization, either as a donor or as a member of the organization requesting donations, I always seem to favor children over adults. Children cannot control the situation that they are in, where adults can.
In the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation, I found that the young adults who have received these scholarships, are not only very worthy, but the scholarships change their lives. The unfortunate tragic accident that took the life of Brian at a very young age, has turned out to be a tremendous benefit for many other young people. The inspiration that Brian LaViolette has been to other people has been phenomenal. The foundation awards scholarships in different denominations all over Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.
We found that the scholarships change students' lives, as it gives them the opportunity to pursue a career in service whether it be a military service or service to others. What we would like to see is continual charitable contributions that allow young people to go on to do great things as Brian would have done.
What is in your heart? What is important to you? Why help those who cannot help themselves? These are all great questions that we have to wrestle with in dealing with financial request. Giving can be done in many ways; 1) cash donation once or over time by pledging, 2) transfer of stock (most effective are stocks that appreciate in value), 3) beneficiary of a life insurance or annuity policy, or 4) a gift of real estate.
The scholarship recipients in the past have gone on to do great things in many fields of business, industry, military and social work. We never know what direction a young person's life is going to take, all we can hope, is to impact it in a positive way."
By Zach Sites, 2007 Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor recipient
"I remember being notified that I was selected to be the very first recipient of the Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor at Gettysburg High School. My first reaction was that I did not feel worthy to be a representative of such a noble cause. Since the evening of the scholarship award in May of 2007, I have felt the support of the Foundation on a continuing basis."
Zach Sites received the first annual Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor over a dozen years ago. He continues to be inspired by Eric and Brian's Foundation.
Medal of Honor recipient USMC Wes Fox was a part scholarship presentation
"It is truly astounding what the Brian LaViolette Foundation has become. We will never know how many lives have been touched by the wonderful things you all have accomplished. Not just financially, but emotionally, intellectually or otherwise. These special relationships, having been formed in the names of those honored by the foundation are what push us to continue on. I am truly blessed to be able to say I'm a small part of such a wonderful mission."
"Since receiving the Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor, I attended college to become nationally registered as a paramedic. I was hired at Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue in 2012. Since being hired, I have become actively involved in various programs in the department. Some of these programs have included becoming an instructor for High Performance CPR, Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic. In addition, I have competed for and been successful in two promotions, rising to the rank of Lieutenant in January 2019."
USMC Sgt Eric McColley
Eric McColley joined the Marines on the delayed entry program prior to graduating from Gettysburg High School in 2000. While in high school, he excelled on the swim team and in other team sports including soccer and baseball. Outside of school, his commitment to helping others could be seen in his work as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and swim coach at the Gettysburg YWCA. The thing Eric was most proud of was being a Marine. He had re-enlisted and intended to go to military police school and hoped to pursue a career in law enforcement in civilian life, when he was killed on February 17, 2006 off coast of Africa in Helicopter crash at the age of 23.
Stan Clark, of Gettysburg, committed to raising funds to endow the scholarship in Eric's honor. Over 150 people in the small community contributed $42,000 for the scholarship fund making it a reality. To date, $25,500 has been awarded to the students of Gettysburg High School. Each year, the Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor recognizes a graduating high school senior with plans to enlist in the military or pursue a career in public safety or community service while keeping Eric's spirit alive. Recipients, like Zach, make this world a better place.
"The year was 1999, and Packers Quarterback Brett Favre was opening a restaurant bearing his name not far from Lambeau Field. Favre would be there for an event to kick off the opening. His name was certainly a draw for many guests that night in March.
The big event that night was not just the opening of the restaurant, but a fundraiser for a local scholarship fund. Little did I realize at the time that Favre would be the one ultimately to introduce me to the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation.
At the time I was anchoring the news at WGBA-TV and went by in between broadcasts to cover the event. My visit was short, but what I remember clearly is Favre making an appearance and playing drums with a band front and center in the crowded room.
Other than running into Favre in the back hallway of the restaurant it was not unlike numerous other events I've covered. Keep in mind at the time he was already a Super Bowl winning, MVP, NFL quarterback. And even though I had, at that point, interviewed Favre on at least three other occasions over the years for sports related stories, it was still a thrill.
Fast forward three years when I met with Doug LaViolette. I was impressed with how far the foundation had come in a relatively short period of time. I told Doug I'd be thrilled to help.
It started with The Business News articles, then working on foundation brochures, newsletters, correspondence to potential supporters. We shared a lot of ideas.
The foundation's work gave me the opportunity to be on the forefront of news making events. While in my current job at WLUK-TV, I traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to interview Medal of Honor recipient Sal Guinta and the awarding of the inaugural Sal Guinta Scholarship of Honor through the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. There was a trip to Long Beach, California to celebrate the USS Green Bay being put into service. And we traveled to Pilsen, Czech Republic in 2013 for the city's annual Liberation Festival celebrating American World War II veterans and their role in granting them freedom. The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation presents a scholarship award during the festival, sponsored by friends of the foundation and by the grandson of General George S. Patton.
Brian's foundation, under Doug's leadership, the watchful eye of his wife Renee, and managed day-to-day by Brian's sister Kim for over two and a half decades, continues to find new connections to people and places. It continues to change lives and encourage people to make their world a better place. It's why the foundation's motto-"The Journey is the Reward" is so fitting. The saying was one Brian had in his room.
When Doug LaViolette asked me to be a part of the Foundation, I had no idea where the journey would take me. I wasn't looking to get anything out of it, I was more focused on how I could help. And that as I discovered has truly made the journey, the reward.
And to think, it all started with Brett Favre.
Photographer Nick Del Calzo travels the country. His photography tells personal, deeply emotional stories.
Nick started as a journalist and moved to public relations yet he felt unfulfilled until he picked up a camera . He has photographed Holocaust survivors and Medal of Honor recipients. Last week, Nick photographed Doug LaViolette as part of his portraits of people who inspire and impact him.
"I'm thrilled to have that opportunity to do it as a gift for them for what they've helped me do," says Nick.
Nick DelCalzo
Doug LaViolette is the President of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. In 1992, Brian died in a swimming accident when he was 15-years old. His family made it their mission to honor Brian's life by helping others succeed.
“When I receive the phone call from Nick DelCalzo a couple of months back that he wanted to photograph me I was stunned. I believe I actually laughed out loud and said “why me of all people?” After Nick explained more details that he is creating a series of portraits of individuals who have made an impact on his life I was clearly moved.
It was such a humbling experience to be included in the company of the extraordinary people whom he has photographed. Nick did not disappoint with his attention to detail, thoughtfulness and incredible care in creating my portrait. It was wonderful because it gave us a chance to have a lot of quiet time together, something we’ve really never experienced in the decade and a half since I’ve known him.
Please click on the link below for the full story by Sarah Thomsen that aired on WBAY-TV2 this past Friday.
At Brian's funeral came a promise to accomplish great things in his name and memory. The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has granted 892 scholarships to students.
These people receive these scholarships and ... did that impact that for a higher purpose? I don't know," says Doug. "But it is pretty amazing."
Doug is still emotional to talk about his son. However, Doug is smiling in his portrait. He's proud of what he's accomplished in Brian's name. He also holds a sculpture depicting the void a family feels when losing a child.
The ripple effect of these good deeds are felt far beyond the room. "It goes on and on and on. It really does," says Doug.
The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation is proud to have received the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator.
This four-star rating designates Brian’s Foundation as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria.
