IN THIS EDITION
COLLEGEREADY GRAD ISABEL DREAMED OF TEACHING
NOW SHE’S MAKING IT HAPPEN AT UW-GREEN BAY
LAMP OF KNOWLEDGE EVENT LIGHTS THE PATH TO COLLEGE FOR LOCAL YOUTH
YOUR KINDNESS TRULY COMES FULL CIRCLE!
FAST FACTS ABOUT OUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS – THE CLASS OF 2025!
A TEACHER IN THE MAKING
AS A CHILD, ISABEL DREAMED OF TEACHING – NOW SHE’S MAKING IT HAPPEN AT UW-GREEN BAY
“Five years from now, I see myself using my best skill, which is helping people,”
CollegeReady grad Isabel explains.
Now a graduate of Green Bay East High School, Isabel always knew she would pursue a career in education, and worked hard in school with that goal as her guide. Extracurriculars like CollegeReady and National Honor Society kept her busy, although she devoted herself to studying and also found time for her friends.
Isabel is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree at UW-Green Bay, with the intention of teaching 4K through second graders. “They’re so wonderful and full of ideas,” she says. “I want to be part of the moment that they grow.”
After seven successful years in our college readiness program, Isabel and mom Elda shared a hug (see below) at CollegeReady Takes Center Stage! this past May. “I can’t believe I’m graduating from high school!” she said, laughing. Between Isabel and her two sisters, Elda is a regular at the CollegeReady family workshops. “My mom has talked about family workshops a lot,” explains Isabel. “I love seeing her share ideas and learn about my schooling.”
CollegeReady Takes Center Stage
Isabel found CollegeReady incredibly helpful, especially with supportive staff who helped her keep track of her grades and missing assignments. “You guys are so caring and really want us all to succeed,” she shares. “That has helped me a lot – knowing there are people who care about me in this program. This opportunity is so amazing, and I never knew that in my family’s circumstances we’d ever have something like this. I’m so grateful.“
Photo credit: UW-Green Bay
A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
INTRODUCING A NEW COLUMN DEDICATED TO SHARING THE STORIES OF OUR AMAZING
COLLEGEREADY ALUMNI.
From advanced studies to meaningful careers, these journeys show how your support comes full circle, creating lasting impact for students, their families, and the world around them.
LOCAL STUDENTS DREAM BIG, THANKS TO COMMUNITY SUPPORT
LAMP OF KNOWLEDGE CELEBRATION HELPS LIGHT THE PATH TO COLLEGE
CollegeReady proudly recognized 94 high school seniors at this year’s Lamp of Knowledge Celebration, held in July at Green Bay’s beautiful Meyer Theatre. This annual tradition honors the accomplishments of local college-bound students while inspiring them to continue on their path to higher education.
Laughter and smiles lit up the 2025 Lamp of Knowledge Celebration
The organization awarded more than $467,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and current college students this year, with a particular focus on welcoming the latest group of middle school students to join our college preparedness program for first-generation youth. Dressed in oversized graduation gowns, these young scholars crossed the stage to receive caps from our outgoing college readiness seniors – a touching ‘passing the torch’ moment that symbolizes the bright future ahead.
With special support from Eric Sponholtz as emcee, our students, families and community members enjoyed a film screening and keynote address from filmmaker and founder of Liminal Vision Films Max Hauser. A proud first-generation college graduate and CollegeReady scholarship recipient, Max debuted his short film Dreams Fuel Greatness, which tells the story of a young boy whose love of baseball fuels his grit and determination to pursue his dreams.
From the podium, Max reflected on the life-changing impact of scholarships and community support: “You’re not just funding education – you’re making stories like mine possible.” He encouraged students to embrace their passions, adding, Remember: You don’t need permission to dream big. If there’s no path in front of you, you get to make one.”
The 2025 Lamp of Knowledge Celebration was a true testament to the power of education, mentorship,
and community. Thanks to our community, CollegeReady students are building brighter futures, one big dream at a time.
CLASS OF 2025 FAST FACTS
CHECK OUT THE DETAILS FOR OUR 2025 HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS!
