Tobola Fund gives away first scholarships

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Tuesday, September 9, 2008 10:00 AM CDT

For the Herald

Students in the graduating class of 2008 have been chosen as the beneficiaries of the newly created Tobola Educational Fund Scholarships. Tom and Helen Tobola of Cadott cherished the quality of life in Cadott and surrounding communities. Before they died, the Tobola’s established a fund as a perpetual gift for the places they loved.

Beginning with the Class of 2008, the $1.7 million Tobola Educational Fund will award approximately $30,000 to each of three area schools: Cadott High School, Stanley-Boyd High School and Thorp High School.

Each student will be given a $2,166.61 scholarship award. This scholarship will be available to some students for up to four years of post-secondary education. There probably will not be this many new scholarships available to students each year with the funds being renewable for up to four consecutive years.

Tom Tobola believed that education beyond high school was essential to being successful. He hoped the scholarships would help kids who might not have the means for continuing their education, and that these kids would, in turn, give back to their communities. The Tobola Educational Fund stipulates that the scholarships be awarded to students based on “personal initiative, a sense of personal and social responsibility, scholastic ability and financial need,” as well as those seeking an occupation, trade, or career in the private sector, as opposed to tax-supported services.

First preference is to be given to students wanting to attend a technical school, with the next preference going to students wanting to attend a private university in the United States; after which, scholarships may be awarded to students desiring to attend any institution approved by the selection committee.

The students and their career choice and choice of post-secondary institution are as follows:

David Balko, fisheries manager at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point;

Jaimie Chapek, psychology/theology at Saint Mary’s University;

Noah Dulmes, chemical engineering at the University of Minnesota-Duluth;

Garrett Evans, agri-science technician at Chippewa Valley Technical College;

Heidi Frisinger, biology/pre-med at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire;

Jake Goettl, engineering at Chippewa Valley Technical College;

Vance Lautschbaugh, food science and technology at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls;

Natasha Pilgrim, pre-med at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire;

Alexa Plass, bio-chemistry at Luther College;

Jenna Ramseier, business administration at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay;

Danielle Roth, physical therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County;

Jacob Rygiel, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration at Chippewa Valley Technical College;

Alexandria Seeley, undecided at the College of Saint Scholastica;

Amanda Sonnentag, respiratory therapy at the University of Minnesota;

Stephanie Staszcuk, music at North Central University;

Ryan Wilson, wildlife ecology/biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.