Joan (Franz) & Walter G. Kobielus Memorial Scholarship
The Joan (Franz) and Walter G. Kobielus Scholarship was established to memorialize the contributions of this popular couple in the Merrill, WI community. Joan and Walt both worked and raised their family in Merrill, recognizing that higher education was a pathway to the future. This scholarship, open to high school seniors planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus was created to give back to the community this couple so loved so that others may also be able to afford a college education. Every year, in perpetuity, from 1-4 scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded, depending on the number and suitability of applicants applying. Scholarships will be awarded to applicants intending to major in the fields of education, pharmacy, business or journalism.
These fields are some of the most impactful in our world today, offering students the opportunity to explore their interests while making a difference in their communities. Teachers are responsible for shaping the next generation, molding young minds, and preparing them for the future. Pharmacists protect the health and wellness of their communities, ensuring safe medication is readily available. Businesses are the lifeblood of towns, providing essential services and stimulating economic growth. Journalists are needed to ensure delivery of factual information during a time when misinformation and propaganda threaten our freedoms.
This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about making a difference in the world and pursuing higher education.
Any high school senior attending in-person classes at Merrill Senior High School in Merrill, Wisconsin, may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are pursuing degrees in education/teaching, pharmacy, business or journalism, and, if they will go to University of Wisconsin-Madison.
To apply, complete a short essay telling us about a problem that needs to be addressed and how you would help solve that problem after college. Please also include the names/cities of the K-12 schools you have attended/are attending. Feel free to share specific information or circumstances, including your financial needs, that you would like us to consider as part of your application.
Please identify a problem that you feel needs to be addressed in America, and what you feel you could and would contribute to help solving that problem after you graduate college. This problem does not have to be associated with your career choice.
At the end of your essay, please also include a sentence(s) listing the names of the K-12 schools you have attended/are attending, and what cities the schools were in.
Feel free to share specific information or circumstances, including your financial needs, that you would like us to consider as part of your application.
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FAQ
The application deadline is Mar 31, 2027. Winners will be announced on Apr 30, 2027.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Apr 30, 2027. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.
