SCHOLARSHIP HISTORY AND BIOS

Numerous administrators contribute to this scholarship, including but not limited to the superintendent, principals and vice-principals, human relations, and financial officers, building supervisors, etc. Three scholarships are awarded each year.  Students interested in pursuing education are strongly considered. Other students demonstrating those qualities Pewaukee focuses on, such as citizenship or character may be chosen.

This scholarship is funded by the current members of the Pewaukee School Board.  Four scholarships are usually given away each year.  

The board has no set criteria.  

PSD Board of Education Website

This scholarship can be applied for by anyone that has attended the Pewaukee School District from 4K through 12th grade without any interruptions. 

There will be two scholarships awarded each provided by an anonymous donor.

Community. Volunteer. Leader. Family and Friends. These are just a few words that describe Ann Wright. Currently retired, Ann was a 20 year employee of the Pewaukee School District. In addition, she has served the Pewaukee community for over 30 years in various capacities such as Pewaukee PTO President, PHS Blue Line Hockey President, two Superintendent Search Committees, Pewaukee School Board, 20+ years member and former President of Pewaukee Scholarship Fund, and an active volunteer for her church. Thank you, Ann, for your servant-leadership for the Pewaukee School District and the Pewaukee community!

Sanjay and Shefali Vallecha are beyond grateful to the Pewaukee School District for the outstanding shaping of their sons' (Swapnil and Sanshray) futures. To pay it forward, and to help others in their own educational journey, the family established the Vallecha Family Scholarship in 2023. This is an annual $1,001 scholarship to be awarded to a student that has a 3.0 GPA or better, has shown community involvement/volunteerism, and is in financial need.

Why is the family funding the scholarship for $1,001? The Indian rupee 1 is part of the North Indian Culture. It is an amount, or a shagan, which is given at the beginning of something. The number 0 signifies the end while the number 1 signifies the beginning. Because the number 1 is indivisible, it is seen as a permanent blessing to the person who receives it or the beginning of a new stage of life to others.

Harry Jack Koepp (Jack) was a 1941 graduate of Pewaukee High School. He attended Marquette University and went on to serve honorably in the army during World War II.  His life experience instilled in him a passion and commitment for family and the Pewaukee community. He was the owner of Koepp Realty, served on many boards over the years, volunteered for various organizations and did numerous things behind the scenes to make Pewaukee a better place to live and raise a family. Jack’s children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren have all graduated from Pewaukee High School or are currently students in the Pewaukee School District.  The Harry J. Koepp, Jr. Memorial Scholarship is available each year to any applicant that is planning to further their education at a two-year college, four-year college, or trade school. A record of community involvement and a strong work ethic will be key in determining the recipients. One scholarship will be awarded each year.

Pewaukee Kiwanis awards one scholarship for the Ken Coshun Memorial Scholarship  and four other scholarships. 

The recipients for all Pewaukee Kiwanis Scholarships must be a Key Club member with the $2,000 going towards a student who is very active with the club. 

In addition to funding scholarships, the Pewaukee Kiwanis sponsors the yearly honors banquet with $2,500. 

The Pewaukee River Partnership was formed in 2004 with a goal To Preserve, Protect, Promote and Enhance the Pewaukee River and its Watershed. The Partnership believes that education about the River and the issues affecting water quality are key to achieving those goals. The Environmental Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree in Environmental education, law or science. The amount may vary from year to year.  The Scholarship Board chooses the recipient.

Faith. Family. Community. Sports Enthusiast. These are a few words to describe Carly Tyggum. Carl was a teacher of history, physical and driver’s education, and passionate coach. He had a great love of athletics and sports excelling in baseball, basketball, and tennis where he is in the University of Wisconsin Whitewater’s Hall of Fame. He was the epitome of a Pewaukee Pirate fan, where you would always see him watching, supporting and cheering on basketball, baseball, soccer, football, and any athletic event. Carl and wife, Donna lived in the Pewaukee community for 18 years and his greatest joy was watching his four grandchildren, John, Joshua, Amy and Anna compete and excel in a Pirate uniform. Carl was a lifetime member and huddle leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes where he led many student athletes to the Lord. He was a great man of faith and loved Jesus. One of his well-known sayings was “Make Jesus look good,” which he did every day and touched so many lives. Coach Tyggum will always be loved, remembered, a part of our Pewaukee community, and missed dearly.

The Carl Tyggum Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to any student who has competed in at least one high school sport for four years.

Ken was a member of the Pewaukee Kiwanis for 58 years. He held many positions in the club and for several years he was the liaison between the Kiwanis Club and the Key Club members until the school started meeting online. Ken passed away in January of 2019. This scholarship honoring Ken is intended for a student of the Key Club who has given his or her time and service hours to the club to help others in need. (Photo: Ken Coshun launching canoes and kayaks at the Kiwanis annual RiverRun in 2017)

Allan A. Anderson was one of the original Pewaukee Scholarship Fund board members. He spent many years on the board with Joseph Ryan. Allan worked as a guidance counselor at Pewaukee HS and was very supportive of the scholarship fund in the hopes that the students who received so much from Pewaukee would one day return to give back. This scholarship was established in his memory.  There are no specific requirements and the scholarship board chooses the recipient.

This is usually two $1000 scholarships. The recipient is selected by Post 71 in Pewaukee. Originated in 1990, this scholarship goes to those whose family members have served our country in the armed forces. Two scholarship winners are selected based on their leadership ability and pride in serving others. The preference is for a student who has a relative at post or who has military service.

Hans graduated from Pewaukee in 1980 and died that following summer. He was interested in his family’s tool and die business but also wanted to pursue his love for athletics. His parents Dietrich and Ingrid Wienss established a scholarship in his name in 1981 to encourage others to pursue their dreams. This scholarship is awarded to someone pursuing a degree in Tool & Die or as an Athletic Trainer.  The preference is for someone attending a trade school. 

Lauree and Terry Frett established this scholarship in honor of Terry’s father Gene who spent his career with Binney and Smith Crayola Crayon Company. He was a salesperson that marketed art supplies to school districts. He enjoyed seeing his three grandchildren participate in activities including sports events at Pewaukee HS. Gene passed away in Pewaukee in October, 2021. Recipient selected by a committee of artists from the community.

The lodge continues the support of education in our community begun by Pewaukee Masonic Lodge. In cooperation with the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation, one academic scholarship and two technical scholarships are provided to qualified students who have been selected by the Scholarship Board as having demonstrated active contribution to the community. 

Joseph E. Ryan was instrumental in founding the Pewaukee Scholarship Fund, Inc. in 1968. In addition to serving as President of the Scholarship Fund, he was a community activist, serving also as School Board President, volunteering his time and energy wherever he saw a need. 

Upon his death, he and his brother Henry Ryan, bequeathed a “goodly sum” to the Pewaukee Scholarship Fund, Inc. and left their 100 year-old farm to the residents of Waukesha County to serve as a nature park. 

The top award winner each year receives the scholarship named for Joseph E. Ryan in memory of his dedicated community service and his goal of assisting others in pursuing future opportunities. There are no specific requirements for this scholarship. The Scholarship Board chooses the recipient. 

Terry and Carolyn Trotier are lifelong educators, beginning their educational careers as high school band and choir directors respectively. Carolyn continues to teach private piano lessons and plays flute in a local orchestra. Terry ultimately left music education (but never music) and became a school administrator, beginning as Vice Principal at Kettle Moraine High School and ending his career as Assistant Superintendent in the West Allis West Milwaukee School District. 

Terry spent most of his career in the Pewaukee School District from 1975-1990 as Principal of Pewaukee Middle School and Pewaukee Lake Elementary School. He also began the Summer School program in our district. 

The Terry and Carolyn Trotier Scholarship is intended for a student pursuing a career in education, with preference given to music education students.

Kirk Imse attended Pewaukee Public Schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. He was a 1966 graduate of Pewaukee High School. During his high school years, Kirk sang in the choir under the direction of Margaret Hawkins. She inspired students to believe in themselves, to dream big, and above all, to have a love of music. The student who receives the Kirk Imse Memorial Scholarship should have a love of music with plans for music to be part his or her future.  Music teacher, theatrical major, musician, musical therapy are all a good fit for this scholarship.

Don Koepp attended Pewaukee High School where he played varsity football. He attended Carroll University and graduated from Northwestern University with a business degree in 1949.  Mr. Koepp was a successful businessman and charitable fundraiser. One of his greatest accomplishments was leading the fundraising campaign for LifeStriders Therapeutic Riding Center which provides horseback riding experiences for people with brain injury, autism, and PTSD.  Don served the community in numerous ways and will be remember for his love of numbers and exceptional business practices. The ideal recipient of this scholarship should maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and plan to attend a two- or four-year college for business and/or accounting.

WaterStone Bank will offer one scholarship to be utilized by a student who needs financial encouragement for further education. This scholarship is available for a student who demonstrates the desire and character to achieve further education, whether at a college, university, vocational school or other institution of higher learning. Particular attention will be given to students who have recently shown a trend toward improved performance or interest, thus demonstrating growth and potential. Attention will also be given to students who are interested in pursuing a career in the area of finance to aid our community in the future. 

Please note, the scholarship is not renewable. This is a one-time scholarship that will be paid directly to the higher education institution of choice. WaterStone Bank/the Waukesha County Community Foundation will provide scholarship funds directly to Pewaukee High School, who will then distribute scholarship funds directly to the higher education institution of each scholarship recipients’ choice.

Eli Hansen (2.2.12-12.29.22) attended Pewaukee School District from 4K through part of 5th grade. He was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, in spring before he entered 4K and was in treatment his entire educational career. He loved school, sports, video games, family, friends, and really just loved life.  He overcame huge obstacles in his short life and was an example of perseverance in the face of adversity. 

This scholarship will be awarded to a senior with plans to further his/her education in any capacity. There are no specific requirements, but special consideration will be given to someone who has persevered in the face of some type of adversity (cancer diagnosis, mental health, critical illness, or difficult life situation, etc) him/herself or that of an immediate family member. 

Margaret Schallitz was described by friends as a stately woman with simple tastes. During the 1950’s she moved to Pewaukee and married Herbert Schallitz. She was active at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Pewaukee. During her life she donated generously to charitable causes, often doing so anonymously. Sixteen charitable organizations benefited from Margaret Schallitz’s bequests upon her death in 1990 at the age of 94. Her dedication to friends and those in need continues each year as a scholarship is awarded in her name. There are no specific requirements for this scholarship. The Scholarship Board chooses the recipient.

The Dorothy Mae Brouwer Memorial scholarship was established in 2003. Dorothy and her husband Lester Winkelmann managed a dairy farm and cared for many goats on the farm that is located northwest of Highway 16 and Ryan Road. She was widowed and remarried yet had no children. Dot’s final resting place is in the Forest Hill Cemetery, close to the schools and her endowment will impact those who pass through the schools for a long time to come. There are no specific requirements for this scholarship. The Scholarship Board chooses the recipient. 

Corbin Brey a 2009 PHS graduate, AP art student and art major at UW-Milwaukee, was a lifelong learner, and patron of the arts.  Like most art students, Corbin didn’t limit himself to the study of one genre of art.  While in high school, he participated in choir, photography, drawings, paintings, computerized art, and physical art.. At college, Corbin continued his study of the arts.  His love of music was enhanced with the personal study of many forms of music.  When his body no longer allowed him to create art, he used his gift of writing to further the imagination and inspire. Corbin could often be found at a concert, art museum, local art fair, or movie. His learning and appreciation went well beyond his physical abilities.  The Corbin Brey Fine Arts Scholarship is being offered to those graduating seniors who are pursuing a major or minor in vocal, visual, performance, or supporter in the field of art. This scholarship will be an annual scholarship. 

Michael Mensinga was a graduate of Pewaukee High School and continued his education in political science, French studies, and business development. Michael was a food enthusiast, enjoying planning, prepping, and presentation of gourmet meals. He sadly passed away in April 2023.

An annual scholarship will be awarded to a person going into culinary arts. The recipient must have a 3.0 GPA and must be involved in volunteering in the community (not school-related).  A minimum of 10 hours volunteering at a food pantry, serving a church meal, etc. is required.

Roberta Opie was a longtime resident of Pewaukee.  This scholarship was established in her memory and is awarded to someone planning to pursue a nursing major. 

Curly’s Waterfront has been a proud supporter of the Pewaukee High School for over 20 years.  The current owners, April and Ryan Gardner, wanted to form this scholarship fund to support students that are focusing on an occupation to support kids or adults with special needs or disabilities.  They have a son with special needs and knowing all the different occupations that help them with their daily journey is the reason behind this.  

The students who receive the Curly’s Waterfront Scholarship should have a passion to work with special need individuals and plans to work in this field in their future. Special Education Teacher, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Social Workers are all good fits for this scholarship.  The individuals should maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and explain in their essay why special needs is important to them.

Four scholarships will be awarded each year.