Kindness continues through Matt's legacy
Everyone who had the pleasure to meet Matt during his short life knew he had a big heart. He was always there for anyone at any time and was quick to give them everything he had. He was one to always give, and never to take.
In his last few months, Matt took a leap of faith, quit his job and decided he wanted to share the love that he found in Jesus on a mission trip to the Appalachian Trail. Before the start of his adventure, a few days before he was supposed to leave, Matt passed away in a car accident on March 31, 2016.
Even though he wasn't able to share his story in the way that was anticipated, his death enabled so many to not only be moved and impacted by the message he planned to share, but also by the person that he was. On top of that, as his final act of kindness here on Earth, Matt donated his organs so that six people could continue his legacy.
The first annual Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship will be presented this Spring to a Young Life Student in Green Bay who exemplifies the legacy Matt left here on earth.
To learn more about Matt and the scholarship in his name, please our website here. Thank you to the Schmidt Family and scholarship sponsor, the Matt Schmidt Faith Foundation.
Promise Made, A Promise Kept
There is no doubt 2020 was a unique and challenging year. This year, Brian's Foundation presented 55 scholarships. Even though the presentations looked different, one thing remained a constant... each individual is already making a difference.
This is just a fraction of the Brian LaViolette Foundation's 2020 Scholarship recipients. We are very proud of each and everyone of them!
We assure you that with your help, Brian’s Foundation will continue to be a source of inspiration as we invest in leaders who continue to make this world a better place.
Thank you.
This Thanksgiving seems to be unlike any other in our lifetime. Clearly, “thanks” takes on a whole new meaning in 2020. But it does seem like the perfect time to reflect and remember someone who has positively touched so many lives.
It’s been a little over a month since the Green Bay area lost an incredible human being, Jack Riopelle.
Sadly, Jack passed away on October 17, 2020, from Primary Progressive Aphasia. His obituary reflects on his extraordinary life: Jack Riopelle cared about others. He was a generous man with a great laugh who loved to tell stories. He saw the best in people, valued relationships, and sought to help make the lives of others a little better. He was the rock his friends and family could lean on - always there to lend a hand or an ear, no matter the circumstances.
The LaViolettes know that firsthand but what most people don’t realize is it was Jack who suggested having a scholarship fund in Brian’s memory. Even during our darkest hour, Jack had a clear vision that we could help others through scholarships, and he was determined to help in any way he could.
Not only did Jack give us the inspiration to create a Scholarship Foundation, but right after Brian died Jack and his wife Ginny made a visit to the LaViolette’s home every single night for months. We would share stories about Brian with them, talk about how hard the days seemed and they also made us smile and, in some cases, laugh with Jack’s talent for fun storytelling!
Jack Riopelle and his family have touched so many lives with their kindness, including ours, and for that we will be forever thankful.
Doug, Renee and Kim
Photo by Zander Studio, Shawano
Because of you, I believe I became braver and more confident in myself than I ever was.
I'm writing you this email to tell you about what happened since the day I received a scholarship from you last year in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
For the first time, the university I attend announced the opportunity to take part in studying abroad in the United States. After applying and completing interviews, I was lucky enough to get chosen to participate in the study program.
I am currently attending Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. I will be staying here for the fall semester. I will be here until early December. As a right now, I have been attending classes for over a month. In my free time, as much as I can, I am trying to explore more of the American culture and traditions.
Even though the current situation in the world is not ideal, I always try to find the good in it. In times like this, we never appreciated the hard work and resilience of our nurses, doctors, medical staff and firefighter more than we do now. It is truly incredible what people can do to help other people.
I wanted to thank you again for choosing me for your scholarship. Because of you, I believe I became braver and more confident in myself than I ever was. Thanks to you, I can financially support myself in here, learn and get better not only in language, and created friendships with Americans and international friends for life. The least I can do is to thank you all over again and send you some pictures from my stay here.
The journey is truly the reward.
Adéla Machová
Adéla received the 2019 General Patton Scholarship of Honor in Pilsen, Czech Republic. She is studying medicine and plans to focus on cancer research. She also plays guitar and she is voluntary firefighter.
The 2019 General Patton Scholarship of Honor presentation during the Liberation Festival in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Pictured here is Pat Waters, Doug LaViolette, Adela Machova, Justin Nueske and Jana Poncarova.
The change this world needs
“It is truly an honor to have received this scholarship in honor of a Luxemburg-Casco High alum as selfless and courageous as Jesse was. He gave everything for his country and his community and I hope that one day I can be remembered in such an honorable way.
With the help of this scholarship I will be able to begin paying for my education at UW Oshkosh to pursue a degree in nursing so that I can do my part to help others.”
Holly Baierl, 2020 Jesse Thiry Scholarship of Honor recipient. This scholarship is made possible by sponsor, Dan Whetter, Whetter Law Office.
Holly is one of 19 scholarship recipients through Brian's Foundation, just this year, who will be pursuing a degree in the medical field.
Now more than ever, these scholarship recipients, their family and our schools need our support. Each scholarship changes a life and the impact that these recipients make in the lives of others.
Thank you all for being a part of the change this world needs.
International Scholarship of Honor in Poland
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
A class act… the Class of 2020
"To me this scholarship means that others have my back, they believe in my dreams, and are willing to help me get there."
Allison Biese, 2020 Kyle Hemauer Scholarship of Honor, Chilton High School
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.
Congratulations to our 2020 Scholarship Recipients!
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
9th annual General Patton Scholarship of Honor
“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.
2020 Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor recipient, William Voelker
“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.
Walk with Walker
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
Front Yard Scholarship Surprise
"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
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:
First Scholarship of 2020
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!
2.22.22
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!
One family's annual donation gives back what was received in Scholarship award
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."
Get 2 the Point Podcast
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.
Awarding Scholarships at St. Norbert College Scholarships since 1992
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.
2019 Robert Foley Scholarship at West Point
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.
