(BBB Wisconsin)
Better Business Bureau® (BBB) Wisconsin has awarded 15 Wisconsin high school seniors each a $2,500 scholarship as part of its annual statewide BBB Students of Integrity Scholarship program.
These scholarships are intended for post-high school education at any Wisconsin-based accredited college beginning in the fall; two of the 15 scholarships are reserved for students who will be attending two-year college programs, and two are reserved for students in the Milwaukee Public School system.
The winners are listed in alphabetical order along with their high school's name and intended college:
- Summer Carlson (Amery High School, University of Wisconsin - Superior);
- Ryleigh Farkas (Weyauwega-Fremont High School, Fox Valley Technical College);
- Sophie Gagnier (Milwaukee School of Languages, University of Wisconsin - Madison);
- Addison Gilbertson (Mauston High School, University of Wisconsin - Madison);
- Riane Hayden (Durand-Arkansaw High School, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire);
- Shanice Housen (Rufus King High School, Marquette University);
- John Karls (Waunakee Community High School, Milwaukee School of Engineering);
- Breyonce Keller (Destinations Career Academy, Madison Area Technical College);
- John Leatherbury (Hartford Union High School, University of Wisconsin - Madison);
- Olivia Lese (Waupun High School, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse);
- Sidhdhi Patel (Prairie du Chien High School, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh);
- Kaylee Peterson (Ithaca High School, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point);
- Hayley Pulkrabek (Amery High School, Northwood Technical College);
- Benjamin Schuler (Wausau West High School, University of Wisconsin - Madison);
- MaHailey Stephens (Shorewood High School, Marquette University.)
An independent judging panel comprised of college admissions counselors, community leaders, and a past scholarship recipient chooses scholarship recipients. The program's recipients are chosen primarily from letters of reference and a personal essay, which prompts students to discuss an ethical dilemma and describe how they dealt with that issue based on their understanding of integrity and ethics. This year’s scholarship winners discussed ethical dilemmas related to workplace ethics, family values, social injustices, and personal commitments.
In her winning essay, scholarship recipient Haley Pulkrabek stated, “Honesty does not mean being candor to the point of hurting someone else, but rather standing firm in what you believe and having the courage to speak up for yourself and others.”
“These students have proven to lead not only by example but also through their willingness to reflect, learn, and grow. By sharing their experiences, they inspire us all to strive for excellence and to hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards,” adds Julie Albrecht, Executive Director of the BBB Wisconsin Foundation, “The students and their families should be very proud.”
Since 2010, the BBB Wisconsin Foundation has awarded $177,500.00 in scholarships to these deserving BBB Students of Integrity. Funding for the 2024 BBB Students of Integrity Scholarship program is provided by the generous support of donors, including We Energies Foundation, Baird, Bartolotta Catering, Catholic Financial Charities, Concordia University, Dave Jones, Ellenbecker Financial Group, Green Bay Packers, Harley Davidson Motor Company, Johnson Financial Group, Kay's Cleaning Services, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Milwaukee Brewers, O’Leary & Anick, Plum Media, Roger & Shirley Schroeder, Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers, Town Bank and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the annual BBB Ethics Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. The Luncheon also honors winners of the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics™ and BBB Spark Awards™ for Entrepreneurship.