IN THIS EDITION
HARD WORK, PASSION MOTIVATES LUIS TO HELP OTHERS
This NEW Scholar is excited for what lies ahead in his journey to becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree
COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY
We recognized aspirations and accomplishments at the 2023 Lamp of Knowledge Celebration
JOSEPH FINDS COMRADERY AND FRIENDSHIP
Your generosity allows this recipient to study and get involved in the UW Marching Band
HARD WORK, PASSION MOTIVATES LUIS TO HELP OTHERS
THIS NEW SCHOLAR IS THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE A FULFILLING CAREER IN NURSING
Luis has always worked hard for what he wants. A 2022 Green Bay East High School graduate, he spent his high school career juggling sports, school work and extracurricular activities, and was so successful that he earned enough credits to graduate a full school year early.
Many college students hit a roadblock when making big decisions about the future. But Luis was always interested in the medical field and enrolled in NWTC’s Nursing program right after high school.
Now in his second year at NWTC, he has never regretted his decision. “Other than the rewarding feeling of helping others during their most vulnerable moments, nursing is very difficult,” he shares.
But because Luis is so interested in what he’s studying, he finds his coursework engaging and fun.
“During my first clinical, one patient held my hand and told me that my fellow classmates and I had very kind hearts, and that is just what patients need,” he says.
In that moment, Luis felt like he was doing just what he was meant to do.
“By choosing nursing as a career, I am acknowledging that it is a lifelong commitment to learning,” he explains.
But he’s ready for what’s next, and welcomes it with open arms. “I’ve met some awesome people this last year, and have experienced new things that make me look forward to what’s to come with excitement,” shares Luis, with a grin.
That fearless attitude will only make the challenges ahead easier to face, since he is likely to pursue more education after earning his Associate degree this spring.
“I want to thank CollegeReady for leading me throughout this long journey which started when I was a 6th grader joining NEW Scholars,” he says. “I remember when the program started and I met everybody; now I will remember the moment in which I finished the program and walked the stage.”
STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY
LAMP OF KNOWLEDGE CELEBRATION INSPIRES FUTURE LEADERS
CollegeReady was proud to highlight college-bound students at our 2023 Lamp of Knowledge Celebration on July 12. Onstage at Green Bay’s beautiful Meyer Theater, this year’s high school graduates received their scholarship awards, and the NEW Scholars Class of 2030 was introduced to the community as the latest group of students to join the program.
Emcee Bill Jartz of WBAY-TV2 kept our audience laughing and applauding all evening, while previous scholarship recipient and software designer Feliks Albright offered wisdom and encouragement, and shared his inspiring message as our keynote speaker.
Feliks overcame significant hardship in his youth, yet sought help and guidance to pursue his dream of attending college. “I relentlessly applied for scholarships, and eventually, I was invited to my own Lamp of Knowledge in 2013,” he remarked.
After graduating from UW-Madison, Feliks mentored youth and young professionals as his way of paying forward all the kindness that others had showed him. “This room is full of people who helped me,” says Feliks. “Complete strangers at CollegeReady changed my life, and I am forever grateful.”
Those words echoed loudly after the event concluded, as attendees gathered at our post-event reception, where we introduced scholarship recipients to the individuals responsible for funding their scholarship.
“This was our first time offering a scholarship, and we enjoyed the whole experience,” explains CollegeReady board president and scholarship donor Susan Schoenberger. “It was special to make a connection with our recipient and her family.”
Click here to view the event photos and learn more!
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT JOSEPH MAKES LIFE-LONG FRIENDS IN THE UW MARCHING BAND
YOUR GENEROSITY ALLOWS HIM TO STUDY AND GET INVOLVED
“The best experience I have had at college is joining the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.
Being a part of it has provided me with such great tools for getting accustomed to school, such as the wonderful friends I have made, the incredible feeling of performing in front of 70,000 people on those Saturday nights, and above all, the sense of comradery coming from everyone that makes you feel like you belong.
It makes me feel proud to be part of something that so many people respect.
As a scholarship recipient, I am honored to be recognized for my hard work. I am pursuing a career in medicine, and hope to become a pediatrician. This scholarship will help me complete the first step on that long journey, and for that, I am so grateful.”
JOSEPH
UW-Madison, Molecular Biology major
Pulaski High School 2022 graduate
