SCHOLARSHIPS
Every spring, the Ripon Education Foundation awards dozens of scholarships, ranging from $500 to $5,000, to graduating Ripon High School seniors pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited four-year college, university, or community or technical college. Since 1999, we have awarded more than 400 scholarships totaling over $423,000.
Scholarship recipients are selected by the Ripon Education Foundation Scholarship Committee according to the specific criteria for each scholarship. Scholarships are described below.
The application process is hosted by our partners at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation through the online Fox River Scholarship Center. The deadline for applications is typically at the end of January each year. Recipients are announced at Senior Recognition Night, held in May.
In addition to any specific requirements listed, successful applicants must exhibit a combination of outstanding character, citizenship, leadership, school and community involvement/service, and academic achievement.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Eligible students may apply for these scholarships through the Fox River Scholarship Center. You will be asked to complete a short online interview about your background and plans, review matching scholarships and add scholarships to your “basket”. Applications are typically due at the end of January. For more information, contact a Ripon High School District guidance counselor.
Justin Krueger Trade School School Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $5000
Number awarded each year: 2
These two scholarships are offered to graduating Ripon seniors who plan to attend a Post-Secondary Technical College, University or Trade School and major in a trade field (example: welding, construction, machine tooling, electrician, mechanical engineering).
Justin Krueger, a 1997 Graduate of Ripon High School, has successfully completed more than $500 million of construction in the affordable housing and private sectors.. His mission is to create safe and comfortable housing by providing quality renovations within Affordable Housing communities.
More About Justin Krueger
Justin Krueger, RHS Class of 1997, overcame a rocky academic start to become a successful business owner. With roots in Ripon, where his father worked for the school district, Justin developed a strong work ethic and a desire to give back.
Reflecting his belief in the value of skilled trades, Justin’s company, ICON National, established the Justin Krueger Trades Scholarship. This scholarship supports RHS students pursuing careers in trades like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work. By investing in future tradespeople, Justin hopes to empower Ripon’s hard-working young adults to succeed.
Past Winners
2025 (Trade School) Tiffany Ferguson
2025 (Trade School) Collin Mancl
2025 (Trade School) Savannah Hageman
2024 (Trade School) Tyler Bradley
2024 (Community Service) Brett Johns
2023 (Trade School) Jaxson Banks
2023 (Community Service) Samuel Krueger
2022 (Trade School) Caleb Hopp
2022 (Community Service) Colin Schneider
2021 (Trade School) Garrett Mitchell
2021 (Community Service) Dan Zimmerman
2020 (Trade School) Mason Felton
2020 (Community Service) Theo Rauch
William Crook Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $3000
Number awarded each year: 1
Inspired by William “Bill” Crook’s lifelong curiosity and dedication, this scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate who has shown excellence in academics and has a preference for a career in engineering or a related field.
Bill, a Ripon High School graduate, was fascinated by engineering and spent his career at Speed Queen designing washing machine parts. He and his wife Janet, also an RHS graduate, wanted to give back to Ripon students. After Bill passed in 2016, Janet established this scholarship in his memory.
More About William Crook
William “Bill” Crook was a jack of all trades. As his wife Janet explained, “Bill was one of those people who liked to learn how to do lots of things.” Among the many hobbies and interests he had over the years, engineering and building were two of his lifelong fascinations. It was this interest in engineering along with Bill’s lifelong career as an engineer at Speed Queen that led Janet to establish the William Crook Memorial Engineering Scholarship.
Bill and Janet both graduated from Ripon High School in 1962 and got married the same year. After graduation, Bill attended Oshkosh Technical Institute and got a degree in electronics, which allowed him to spend his career designing washing machine parts for Speed Queen.
Having been Tigers themselves and having raised their son, Wiet, also as a Tiger (class of 1992), Bill and Janet talked before he passed in 2016 about giving back by establishing a scholarship for Ripon High School students. Janet made this dream a reality, and now the William Crook Memorial Engineering Scholarship helps support future engineers and “big thinkers” like Bill from Ripon High School as they pursue higher education.
Past Winners
2025 Nex Glover
2024 Brandyn Beahn
2023 Dylan Kamin
2023 Kaiden Pollesch
2022 Drew Kastenschmidt
2022 Breana Patzlaff
2021 Micah Schoff
2020 Max Beuthin
2019 Kyleigh Collins-Krueger
2018 Ryan Cody
2017 Chris Lyke
2016 James Klemm
Tracy O’Brien Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $2000
Number awarded each year: 1
Given annually to a student or students who exhibit a combination of outstanding character, citizenship, leadership, school and community involvement/service, and academic achievement, this scholarship was established by the O’Brien family in memory of their husband and father.
Tracy O’Brien made a difference in the lives of many Ripon students he taught and coached for 31 years. He challenged young people and helped them reach their full potential. Tracy grew up in Ripon and was proud to give back to his hometown by sharing his time and talents in various volunteer positions.
More About Tracy O'Brien
Tracy O’Brien lived with a positive attitude and an infectious smile on his face. He was a friend to all and an ambassador for his hometown of Ripon, which he loved dearly.
As an educator, Tracy was energetic and innovative. He prided himself on helping students become good citizens, and he loved teaching about the history of Ripon and the state of Wisconsin. South Woods was an extension of his classroom, and he encouraged students to respect the environment and take in the beauty of nature as they walked the trails. Never short on creativity, Tracy developed 17 sports games that taught students mental math using simply a deck of cards.
Even in retirement, Tracy never stopped teaching, continuing to educate young people through coaching by mixing his knowledge of sports with the ideals of teamwork and sportsmanship. Tracy was an inspiration to countless young people, challenging them and helping them reach their potential.
Tracy’s wife, Sue, and his children, Kevin, Brendan and Bridget, established the Tracy O’Brien Memorial Scholarship to help honor the legacy of service and education that Tracy has in Ripon. They are proud to know that his impact will continue.
Past Winners
2025 Elizabeth Gatzke
2025 Aidan Ruedinger
2024 Arianna Brooks
2024 Tyler Bradley
2023 Noah Hanson
2023 Ava Nankervis
2022 Christian Grunert
2022 Drew Kastenschmidt
REF Education Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $2000, Renewable for up to 4 years
Number awarded each year: 1
This award is newly established in 2025 and is intended for someone intending to be a teacher. It is worth $2,000 and is renewable for up to 4 years for a potential total of $8,000.
Past Winners
2025 Leah Page
Ripon Education Foundation Merit Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $2000
Number awarded each year: 4
Award recipients are chosen based on accomplishments, that include a combination of scholastic excellence, extracurricular participation, leadership positions and community involvement. The merit scholarships are funded by generous donors to the Ripon Education Foundation.
Past Winners
2025 Caroline Reabe
2025 Layla Heiin
2025 Bryn Carlson
2025 Cassidy Sauerbrei
2024 Karsyn Bauman
2024 Brock Stollfuss
2024 Allison Edinger
2024 Lindsay Winkler
2023 Allison Bumby
2023 Jonathan Muenchow
2023 Hailee Scheier
2023 Ana Nankervis
2022 Emma Mott
2022 Isaac Whitrock
2022 Lucy Beuthin
2022 Bailey Long
2021 Ciera May
2021 McKenzie Nodolf
2021 Ethan Schuld
2021 Cassidy Mader
2020 Olivia Voight
2020 Abby Cody
2020 Amelia Taylor
2020 Grace Luebke
2019 Emma Azinger
2019 Lydia Butts
2019 Kyle Kirkendall-Jones
2019 Grace Rauch
2018 Quyn Duffy
2018 Jack Kinziger
2018 Carissa Niederkorn
2018 Katelyn Whitrock
2017 Marissa Davis
2017 Sarah Rodman
2017 Aidan Schoff
2017 Reagan Zimmerman
2016 Marisa Bunge
2016 Lauren Cook
2016 MacKenzie Klettke
2016 Rachel Whitrock
2015 Caroline Brumley
2015 Aubrey Schoff
2015 Samantha Storzer
2015 Alexia Walleser
2014 Ariana Hones
2014 Robert Klemm
2014 Laura Lyke
2014 Kendra Trost
2013 Anna Cholewa
2013 Stephanie Bradshaw
2013 Ross Shohoney
2013 Jay Gatzke
2012 Ian Rasch
2012 Carly Sauld
2012 Krysten James
2012 Kayla Cooke
2010 Bridget O’Brien
Alliance Laundry Systems Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $1500
Number awarded each year: 2
These scholarships are given by Alliance Laundry Systems to graduating Ripon High School students in recognition of the company’s longstanding partnership with the Ripon Community.
Past Winners
2025 Riley Kuzelka
2025 Adalin Nodolf
2024 Arianna Brooks
2024 Qendrim Ahmedi
2023 Anya Duffy
2023 Quinn Diedrich
2022 Ethan Schneider
2022 Alice Yang
Ronnie Eichstedt Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Number awarded each year: 1
This scholarship is offered as funding permits. This scholarship is given in memory of Ronelle Eichstedt who died in 1992 at the age of 10. The scholarship is funded by family members and friends of the family.
Past Winners
2025 Claire Luebke
2024 Charlise Bruins
2023 Grace Retzlaff
2022 Jonatan Vega Ruiz
2021 Kelly Rudolph
2020 Madeline Greff
2019 Cameron Jennings
2015 Jennifer Gilchrist
2014 Alyson Duenkul
2013 Sabrina Hathaway
2012 Maxwell Grimm
2011 Jessica Paetzke
2011 Tim Hoffman
2010 Rachel Schultz
2010 Amanda Himebaugh
2009 Bailey Sauld
2009 Morgan Werch
2008 Dylan Southworth
2008 Eric Totten
2007 Sarah Hanson
2007 Katherine Hartl
2006 Mike Brueske
2006 Sarah Wszalek
2005 Samantha Eagan
2005 Lindsey Stobb
2004 Andrew Schlicher
2003 Matt Ross
2003 Amanda Greening
Friends of the Library Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Number awarded each year: 1
This award is intended for a Ripon High School senior who plans to pursue a two- or four-year degree focused on the development of literacy. Examples include majors in English, ELL/MLL (English or Multi-language Learning), early childhood education, elementary or secondary education, foreign language, and library science.
Friends of the Ripon Public Library Scholarship is a recently established scholarship managed by REF.
Past Winners
2025 Thania Munoz-Dominguez
2024 Ronia Leavitt
Licking Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Number awarded each year: 1
The Licking Scholarship is awarded each year to a Ripon High School senior who has achieved distinction in communication intensive activities such as school newspaper, theater or national/state presentations like FBLA finals or who intends to pursue a major in communication, journalism, or theater.
The original award was established by the family of former Superintendent of Schools Licking with the intent of recognizing achievement in high school forensics. Since then its purpose has been broadened.
Past Winners
2025 Brennan Martin
2024 Reese Downs
2023 Sheridan Zimmerman
2022 Justin Mildebrandt
2021 Caledonia Grant
2020 Jordan Whitrock
2019 Matthew Meincke
2018 Madison Huseboe
2014 Jennifer Oppor
Allan Mortenson Impact Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Number awarded each year: 1
The Allan Mortenson Impact Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who has encountered difficulties but still has high potential for developing a positive life path and being successful in their chosen career.
During the 2022 Scholarship Drive, 1985 Alumna Dawn Rasmussen established an award to honor retired RHS teacher Allan Mortenson, who had a profound impact on her life by providing support, acknowledgement, kindness, and a safe learning space. This award is given to a student who has an understanding of and appreciation for how a teacher has impacted their education.
More About Allan Mortenson
Allan Mortenson was a teacher for 30 years, 25 of which he spent as the head of the history department at Ripon High School. In his long career at RHS, which started in 1960, Mr. Mortenson taught every course in the curriculum at least once, including Western Civilization, speech, British Literature, journalism, and economics.
Mr. Mortenson is the epitome of a lifelong learner. He enlisted in the Marines at age 16 to fight in World War II, with his career in the Armed Forces culminating when he landed as part of the first wave at Iwo Jima one month after his 18th birthday in 1945. Even though he had left high school to enlist, Mortenson carried his school lessons with him into combat, confident that he would return home. He completed the lessons one-by-one as he was able during his time in the Pacific so that upon returning from the war he was able to graduate from high school.
After high school, Mr. Mortenson went on to get a teaching degree. While teaching at Ripon High School, he completed graduate coursework during the summers, eventually earning multiple Master’s degrees as well as completing additional coursework from schools as far away as the University of Wyoming, Utah State, and the University of Ohio, among others.
“Learning doesn’t stop when you get out of high school,” says Mortenson. “Too many students assume [when they graduate from high school] that they’ve learned it and that’s all they have to do, but it’s really just the beginning.”
Learning has not been simply a personal passion for Allan Mortenson. In his years as a teacher, he also was adept at identifying potential in his students, even those who weren’t star students. Dawn Rasmussen (class of 1985) reveals that she did not excel in school due to bullying that she faced at school and difficulty at home. Mr. Mortenson helped to pull her out of her shell and activate her potential.
Rasmussen describes Mr. Mortenson as an engaging instructor who got her interested in learning through his teaching style, which included a liberal use of puns. “Mr. Mortenson taught me so much, and so many of the lessons he taught me still resonate in my adult life.”
Largely due to the potential that Mortenson helped her unlock, Rasmussen has gone on to have a successful career. After coming back for a class reunion and to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award, Rasmussen reconnected with Mortenson and asked his permission to establish a scholarship through the Ripon Education Foundation (REF) in his name.
Past Winners
2025 Erik Ocampo
2024 Mackenzie Whitrock
2023 Samantha Schultz
2022 Ricardo Puente Romo
Polcyn Music Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Number awarded each year: 1
This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ripon High School who plan to pursue degrees in music education, music performance, music therapy, theater, or a related field.
In 2022, appreciative parents, band alumni and other community members contributed to this award to honor Mrs. Polcyn on her retirement after 22 years as the band director at Ripon High School. It is intended to support and encourage an RHS graduate’s continued dedication to the exploration of music and the fine arts.
More About Sandy Polcyn
For more than two decades, Sandy Polcyn led the Ripon High School band program with excellence, heart, and just the right amount of flair. Known for her high heels, sharp wit, and unwavering standards, Sandy was more than a music teacher—she was a force of nature.
Her students will never forget the metronome with the nasal voice that counted “one, two, three, four,” a quirky but effective tool she used to keep the beat. Sandy held her students accountable, not only musically but personally, and inspired them to pursue excellence in everything they did.
When Sandy announced her retirement, the community rallied to celebrate her legacy with a party, final concert, and something more enduring: a scholarship in her name. The Sandy Polcyn Scholarship was established as a surprise gift, honoring her years of service and the lasting impact she made on her students and community.
Under Sandy’s leadership, the Ripon High School band traveled far and wide—from trips across the country to a memorable international tour in China. On these journeys, Sandy made sure her students not only performed, but learned—about culture, history, and themselves. One unscheduled but unforgettable moment came when she had a tour bus pull over in Memphis so students could view the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.
Sandy’s story is one of leadership, legacy, and love for the arts.
“She was an inspiration for many years,” said longtime supporter Tim Lyke, “and that inspiration endures thanks to the scholarship in her name.”
Past Winners
2025 Hayden Durovy-Meeker
2024 James Cronin
2023 Nessa Grant
REF Initiative
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Number awarded each year: 1
Students are nominated by faculty and given the opportunity and encouragement to apply. The recipient is a person chosen for their perseverance and potential for future success.
Past Winners
2025 Preston Benton
2024 Romeo Deboer
2023 Elizabeth (Luka) Henrikson
2022 Emily Kasuboski
Gib Stoeberl Education Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Number awarded each year: 1
Intended for a Ripon High School graduate who plans to become a teacher, this scholarship was established by Karen Stoeberl in memory of her husband, Gib. In addition to being a beloved social studies teacher and coach in the Ripon School District for many years, Gib served the Ripon community as a leader in city government and by working as a volunteer for many community organizations.
More About Gib Stoeberl
Gib Stoeberl was a teacher, coach, civic leader, and advocate whose larger-than-life personality was matched only by his compassion for others.
From 1970 to 2000, Gib taught U.S. History and Civics at Ripon High School and served as head wrestling coach for two decades. He also worked as an assistant football coach, athletic director, wrestling referee, and baseball umpire. Even in retirement, he could be found in the high school weight room encouraging the next generation.
To his students and players, Gib was more than an educator—he was a mentor. He was also a community champion, serving on the Ripon City Council and Fire District Committee, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, promoting civics education across Wisconsin, and remaining active in the Ripon Historical Society.
His faith grounded him, and he served in many capacities at St. Catherine of Siena Church.
When Gib passed away, his family and friends knew they wanted to honor his memory in a way that reflected his lifelong commitment to others. With support from the Ripon Education Foundation and guidance from longtime friend Dick Zellmer, the Gib Stoeberl Education Scholarship was created.
This scholarship supports students who reflect Gib’s values: honesty, perseverance, service, and the ability to bring out the best in others. It’s awarded to aspiring educators and leaders who, like Gib, believe in people—especially when they don’t yet believe in themselves.
“He always reminded us that we couldn’t disappoint him,” his children said. “He just wanted us to do our best.”
Past Winners
2025 Ava Osheim
2024 Kali Krumenauer
2023 Alison Bradley
2022 Jade Moreno-Valdez
2021 Artesa Elliott
Ralph Quinney Memorial Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Number awarded each year: 2
One Ralph Quinney Scholarship is awarded each year to a Ripon High School senior who intends to pursue a degree in business or a related field. A second scholarship is awarded each year to a student who plans to pursue a degree in agriculture.
These scholarships are given in memory of Ralph Quinney, a Ripon banker who was known for his remarkable community service. Mr. Quinney was a member of the Ripon Santa Club, Ripon Area Food Pantry, Ripon Rotary, Town of Ripon Planning and Zoning Committee and the Ripon Educational Foundation. He also was on the Board of Directors for Russell Manor and the Ripon Historical Society. The scholarship is funded by his family.
More About Ralph Quinney
Ralph Quinney’s upbringing on a farm in the Delavan/Elkhorn area inspired a lifelong interest in agriculture and helping farmers. He attended Marquette University and met his wife, Lois, while he was a student there and she was a student at Mount Mary College. Ralph decided that he would help farmers and their families by going into business. He became a banker and was excited to move to the agricultural area of Ripon in 1963 to work at the Ripon State Bank. Ralph was employed at the bank for 37 years until his retirement in 2000. During this time, he was an active member of the Ripon community, serving in multiple organizations. He was also a founding member of the Ripon Education Foundation in 1997.
Ralph and Lois raised seven children in Ripon. They both valued education and supported all of their children through college so they could graduate debt free. After giving this gift to their own children, Ralph and Lois wanted to continue to support other young adults as they pursued higher education, especially as costs continued to rise. Lois Quinney established two scholarships in memory of Ralph and two of his lifelong interests after his passing in 2015: the Ralph Quinney Memorial Business Scholarship and the Ralph Quinney Memorial Agriculture Scholarship. Each of these $1000 scholarships is awarded annually to a Ripon High School senior planning to pursue a career in business or agriculture.
Past Winners
2025 (Agriculture) Katelyn Konrad
2025 (Business) Cody Kamin
2024 (Agriculture) Ella DeVries
2024 (Business) Henry Beuthin
2023 (Agriculture) Jenna Konrad
2023 (Business) Carly Kastenschmidt
2022 (Agriculture) Maya McFarlane
2022 (Business) Adam Banerjee
2021 (Agriculture) Evelyn Norton
2021 (Business) Dwight Koehler
2020 (Agriculture) Adler Keenlance
2020 (Business) Danica Anderson
2019 (Agriculture) August Walheim
2019 (Business) Martha Becker
2018 Nicole Schmidt
2017 Hunter Merrill
2016 Blaze Schendel
Richard J Ketter Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $500
Number awarded each year: 1
This award has been established by friends and family in memory of Rick Ketter who was the business manager for the school district for many years and further served his community as a volunteer with many organizations. It is given to a student who has been active in school, community and/or church.
More About Richard Ketter
Rick Ketter didn’t seek the spotlight. He simply showed up, quietly doing whatever needed to be done—whether at work, at church, or in his community.
Rick moved to Ripon in 1970 after graduating from UW–Whitewater with a degree in accounting. He began his career at Speed Queen and later became a key figure in the Ripon Area School District. After helping launch the district’s BRAVE after-school program, he returned to school himself to earn a master’s in school business management. He then served as the district’s business manager for nearly a decade.
Throughout his career, Rick remained focused on helping others. His office at the high school was stocked with peanut butter, bread, and cookies—small but meaningful gestures to ensure students didn’t go hungry. He never called attention to it. He just made sure students had what they needed.
Rick was also deeply involved in his community, volunteering with junior bowling, the Ripon Jaycees, and the East Central Benefit Tractor Cruise, which raises funds for food pantries and school district programs. When he passed away, his wife Julie knew exactly how to honor his legacy: by supporting students the same way Rick had done for decades.
The Richard J. Ketter Memorial Scholarship was established with memorial gifts and a shared desire to carry forward Rick’s quiet, dependable spirit. The award is not tied to a specific field of study but instead honors students who demonstrate involvement, service, and a willingness to contribute—just as Rick did.
“We talked about starting a scholarship before,” Julie said. “After he passed, it felt like the right time. He believed in education, in working hard, and in giving back.”
Past Winners
2025 Evan Bergemann
GIVE THE GIFT OF EDUCATION
The Ripon Education Foundation Scholarship program relies on the generosity of community members, alumni and local businesses.