Scholarship List

These eight scholarships of $5,000 each are offered to students who have shown by choice of curriculum and by grades to have an aptitude and an interest in science and related fields. These awards are given by the late Oris Possin and the late Elaine Altemus Possin. Elaine Altemus Possin taught chemistry and science at the High School for 41 years.

The American Association of University Women is a national organization, which was founded in 1882 to open doors of education for women and to widen opportunities for women to use their training. The local branch, established in 1934, pursues that goal while recognizing the need for equal opportunity. The Beaver Dam Branch AAUW awards two scholarships to students who reside in the Beaver Dam Unified School District. We dedicate our scholarships in memory of Barbara Ellefson, a long-time AAUW member.

American Bank awards one $1,500 scholarship each year to a member of the graduating class based on scholastic achievement, leadership, cooperation, and dependability.

This scholarship is endowed in memory of Arthur Heimler, a BDHS graduate, class of 1934. He was an active participant in football, basketball and track during his high school years.

The Beaver Dam High School Endowment Fund was established to provide citizens and groups in Beaver Dam the opportunity to contribute money in any amount to a fund that could earn interest for scholarships. Interest has accumulated sufficiently to award two college/university scholarships this year.

The Beaver Dam Education Association is proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and supports the belief that education should be a lifelong pursuit by offering two $1,500 academic scholarships.

On behalf of the Beaver Dam Lions Club, one academic scholarship of $2,000 and one technical scholarship of $1,000 are presented to seniors to further their education at a college or any institution of higher learning of their choice.

To encourage scholarship among the students of Beaver Dam High School and to assist in attaining a college education by worthy students, the Beaver Dam Noon Kiwanis Club offers a scholarship to a graduating member of the senior class who will continue his or her education. The award consists of $2,000 to be awarded in the amount of $1,000 the first year and $1,000 the second year of college.

The Optimist Club is pleased to present a $550 scholarship to a senior class member for continuing education at a two-year technical college of his or her choice.

In keeping with the slogan, "Friend of Youth", the Optimist Club offers a $1,000 scholarship to a member of the senior class for continuing education at a college of his or her choice.

Rotary Clubs throughout the world are united in their efforts to inspire, encourage, and help youth to further their education with the presentation of scholarships.  Rotary International presents scholarships for study at colleges and universities throughout the world. Two students are receiving scholarships from the Beaver Dam Rotary Club for use at a college, university, or technical college in the United States. These awards consist of two $1,000 scholarships offered to students who reside in the Beaver Dam Unified School District, but may not attend BDHS.

This $1,500 scholarship is awarded by the Beaver Dam Unified School District administrators to a graduate for scholastic achievement, community involvement and service, and for exhibiting potential for future achievement, leadership, and success, who wishes to continue his or her education at an accredited college, pursuing a degree in the field of education.

Members of the Beaver Dam Woman’s Club have supported and volunteered in the arts, education, conservation, and community projects for 109 years (1899-2008).  They have sponsored the Helen Mears Art Contest for 7th and 8th graders since 1927, and have participated in the high school scholarship program since 1957.  To continue this legacy of service, the Club is using a bequest it received in 1971 from the estate of member, Gertrude Friday, to endow scholarships for students pursuing a career in the arts.

These two scholarships are being presented to outstanding students going into the field of engineering, construction, metals, or drafting.

This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to provide financial support for a graduating student who wishes to pursue his/her education in fields that relate to careers in the manufacturing industry.  Scholarships are open to all qualified candidates; however, preference is given to qualified students who are dependents of Burgess-Norton employees (regardless of field of study) or a student who has been employed by Burgess-Norton.

These two scholarships of $2,000 are awarded to students who display a well-rounded, community-minded, friendly spirit.  The scholarship can be applied to any 4 or 2-year college program and presented to a student who also demonstrates strong character and values.

The Clint Byrnes Memorial Scholarship is awarded to college-bound students majoring in wildlife ecology, environmental science, environmental studies, or natural resources, who maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 in their college coursework.

Community Care Preschool & Child Care, Inc. believes children are our future.  As a leader in Beaver Dam in early care and education, they support a student who is choosing early care and education as their field of study.

Debbie was a lifelong resident of Beaver Dam, where she graduated from BDHS in 1976.  Among her many passions were her ornamental gardens.  These two $2,000 scholarships are given to qualified students interested in attending an accredited Wisconsin public institution.  Preference is given to the individuals interested in pursuing a career in ornamental horticulture, landscaping, botany, or other related field.

The DCHS, Inc. is awarding two $1,000 scholarships to deserving students seeking an education after high school.

The purpose of this scholarship is to honor a graduating senior for academic achievement, community involvement, and service; and for exhibiting potential for future achievement, leadership, and success.  The award consists of a $1,000 scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded in memory of George and Phyllis Triemstra, who were active in the Beaver Dam community and many of its organizations for over 50 years.  They both believed in a quality education and possessed a love for learning.  This award is given to an outstanding student who intends to continue his or her education at an accredited college, pursuing a degree in music.

This $2,500 scholarship has been endowed from the estate of Gilbert Koch, proud owner/operator of a long-time Beaver Dam family farm.

This $1,500 scholarship is awarded to a graduate who will be attending any University of Wisconsin system campus.  Ms. Fitzpatrick was a 1992 graduate of BDHS.  She had a calling to the teaching profession at a young age and worked diligently in meeting her educational and life goals.  She was a distinguished student at Carroll College, graduating Cum Laude in 1996, and was an accomplished, award-winning elementary school teacher in the States of Texas and Maine from 1996 until her death at the age of 31 in 2005.

Horicon Bank is proud to contribute to one of the many communities we serve by annually awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving graduate to help defray the cost of his or her education at a college/university of his or her choice.

Officer Hunter Timothy Scheel laid down his life, in the line of duty, on April 8th, 2023 while serving his community in Cameron, WI.  This scholarship is being awarded to honor the bravery and selflessness of this young officer.  Hunter was born on June 10, 1999.  Growing up Hunter was passionate about hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors.  He was committed to lending a helping hand, working hard, and being positive and uplifting during difficult times.  Hunter protected his country serving 6 years with the Army National Guard and completing one tour in Afghanistan in 2019-2020.  Becoming a police officer was his dream.  Hunter accomplished this goal by attending Northwoods Technical College in Rice Lake, WI, earning his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and completing the Police Recruit Academy, graduating both in 2022.  Hunter loved his job as a police officer.  His positivity, smile and laughter lit up a room.

Jim graduated from BDHS in 1940 and was interested in airplanes and free-hand drawing. This scholarship is given to a qualified student interested in attending an accredited Wisconsin public college or university. Preference is given to the individual interested in pursuing a career in aeronautical/space science, engineering, graphic arts, and seeks the opportunity to pursue a higher education.

Jerry's Automotive is proud of the accomplishments of our graduates.  This $1,500 scholarship is a result of the community's support at the BD Spirit Pump.

The John Moser Memorial Scholarship is being created to honor a longtime resident of Beaver Dam who has demonstrated years of community service, not only with various positions at WBEV/WXRO, but in many other community organizations.  John was active in working with his church and various groups and would always be available to help if anyone was in need.  If John was here today, he would be humbled and proud to have this scholarship in his name.  This scholarship focuses on a graduating senior who has an interest in furthering their education in the area of communications, education, or marketing.  The recipient must have demonstrated leadership, community service, cooperation, and dependability.

This scholarship is being awarded in remembrance of Karen Kuhn.  Karen was a 1980 graduate of BDHS and an active member of the Beaver Dam community.  This $1,500 scholarship is awarded to a student who has achieved academic success, is an active participant in their school and community, and is planning to attend a four-year college or university.  Preference will be given to an individual pursuing a degree in marketing and/or communications.

The Kirsh Foundry Scholarships are awarded for the purpose of encouraging young people of high scholastic ability and financial need to continue their education beyond high school.  They are granted to graduating seniors to attend a college or university of their choice.  One award consists of a $4,000 scholarship.  A scholarship to a technical college for $2,500 is also being awarded.

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduate who has demonstrated a caring need for helping others and desires to attend a four-year college/university to pursue a calling to the teaching profession in special education.  Areas of study may include any of the following: autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, impaired hearing/deaf, intellectual disability, learning and emotional disabilities, vision impairment, and speech/language pathology.

This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding senior who intends to pursue a career in therapy, special education, social services, counseling, agriculture or agribusiness.

This scholarship has been endowed from the estate of Dr. Henry C. Ahrnsbrak in memory of his wife, Mildred Elser, descendent of a pioneer family of Beaver Dam.  Dr. Ahrnsbrak was a teacher and principal at BDHS from 1929-1945.  He was an innovative, creative, and visionary educator who encouraged a strong curriculum at BDHS not only in the college preparatory field but also in the technical education area.  Dr. Ahrnsbrak continued his service to education in the University of Wisconsin system.  This $1,500 scholarship is for a talented graduate of BDHS who will attend a college in the University of Wisconsin system.

MITTERA Wisconsin is proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship to a senior class member to help defray the cost of their education.  Award will be given to a student pursuing an education at a 4-year or technical college with an interest in printing, electrical, or mechanical trades.

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to encourage postsecondary education.  A $1,500 award will be made to one graduating member of the senior class who continues his/her education at a college or university of his/her choice.

With great pleasure and satisfaction, Napleton Auto Group would like to encourage graduating seniors to pursue higher education by offering a scholarship.  A $2,000 scholarship is offered to a student planning to pursue a degree in the automotive industry.  This also offers an opportunity to work as a paid intern while attending school.

National Exchange Bank Foundation is proud to award this $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding senior to assist in the pursuit of his or her education at an accredited college or university.

Northwoods Commercial Properties is proud to contribute to one of a few communities they serve by awarding three $1,000 scholarships to deserving graduates to help defray the cost of an education at a college/university of his or her choice. Preference is given to qualified students interested in engineering first, then business.

The Preferred Dental Partners Scholarship has been established for a graduating senior from Beaver Dam High School planning to pursue an education in the dental field.  The scholarship is not limited to a four-year college or university but is also open to students wishing to enroll in technical schools who register in courses of advanced study beyond high school credits.

It is Schumann Printers, Inc. desire to encourage all students to continue their education past the high school level.  These two scholarships, in the amount of $1,000 each, will help to defray the cost of this education.  We trust the recipients of these scholarships will use it to the best of their ability that will give them the benefit of employment in the future.

Gary and Darlajean Spielman are longtime supporters of education and the Beaver Dam School District.  Gary has served for 30+ years on the Beaver Dam School Board and their two children serve as school administrators in Wisconsin.  The award consists of a $1,200 scholarship.

These two scholarships have been endowed from the estate of Mary M. Swan (1907-2003), daughter of Dr. George and Mary Swan, an influential family in Beaver Dam.  Ms. Swan was an educator and generous benefactor in the community.  In 1999 she was awarded the "Friend of Education" award by the Beaver Dam Unified School District.  The Swan Scholarships are presented to students pursuing an education at a four-year college.

Vintage Parts, Inc. offers a scholarship of $2,000, payable at $500 per year over four years, to a senior who has shown outstanding achievement in scholarship and citizenship.  Vintage Parts, Inc. also offers a technical college scholarship of $1,000, payable at $500 per year over two years to a senior who has shown outstanding achievement in scholarship and citizenship.

This $1,000 scholarship will be given to an outstanding student who intends to pursue a career in the health sciences.

This scholarship is awarded in honor of Walter "Wally" and Lydia Schweitzer, who had served friends and residents of the Beaver Dam area for over 50 years.  This award is given to an outstanding student who is pursuing his or her education at a technical college.  This student has exemplified Mr. & Mrs. Schweitzer's acceptance of challenges, determination to complete tasks, and endless generosity to others.  The scholarship of $1,000 is presented by their family.

The Beaver Dam Chapter of Wings Over Wisconsin is pleased to offer a $750 scholarship to a student attending a 4-year institution majoring in a career related to the environmental sciences. Wings Over Wisconsin is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to natural resource preservation and education through youth and community involvement. The Beaver Dam Chapter has sponsored bird seed giveaways, "Learn to Hunt" programs, and Kids Fishing contests in the past.

To encourage young people to enter the field of business, the Women's Affiliate of the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce offers two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors majoring in business administration or a related field at a four-year college.  Also, the Women's Affiliate of the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce is awarding the $500 Gene Boyer Memorial Scholarship in honor of its founder and in acknowledgement of her contribution to global business.  This $500 scholarship is given to a student pursuing a business-related career.