The Hillsboro Excellence in Education Foundation had the honor of being one of the many organizations to award scholarships to graduating seniors of Hillsboro High School at the recent graduation ceremony.
Although this organization has only been in existence for two years, many selfless donors and volunteers in the community have created some outstanding momentum to make these awards possible.
This organization’s roots were dug a little over a year ago when Curt Bisarek, superintendent of Hillsboro Schools, pulled together a group of community members to discuss creating permanent funds that provide scholarships to graduating seniors and grants to teachers. With unanimous agreement that these funds are essential, this group, along with countless volunteers, got to work.
With support from many generous donors, who are recognized on the donor wall outside the High School gymnasium, the Hillsboro Excellence in Education Foundation shattered their first-year goals. These successes continued into this past year allowing the organization to award four scholarships to Hillsboro High School graduating seniors totaling $2,700.
The scholarship committee was comprised of board members who have no direct relation to any of the graduating seniors. This group consisted of Bob Potter, Al Picha, Carol Wolfenden and Natalie Adams.
Scholarship criteria is based on students planning to pursue a post-secondary education at an accredited technical, two-year or four-year college or university immediately following graduation; show leadership in extra-curricular activities; demonstrate service and commitment to their community; financial need and hardship were considered; and a required short essay explaining what influence living in a small community has had on his or her life.
Two $500 scholarships were awarded to Macy Mislivecek and Brandon Stanek, one $700 scholarship was awarded to Kelsey Skala and one $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Elsie Griffin.
Thank you to the donors and volunteers who made this possible. The loyalty and dedication so many of you have shown to the future generations of Hillsboro Tigers is unparalleled. Congratulations to the scholarship recipients and good luck to the graduating class of 2014.
The Hillsboro Excellence in Education and Hillsboro Scholarship Fund are components of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, Inc., a tax-exempt public charity.
For more information or to make a donation to the Funds, contact school district administrator Curt Bisarek (Curt.Bisarek@hillsboro.k12.wi.us or 608-489-2221) or Barb Daus (barb@cfsw.org or 608-778-3344). Donations can also be sent to Hillsboro Excellence in Education & Scholarship Funds, PO Box 526, Hillsboro, WI 54634 or can be made online at www.cfsw.org.
