Plover VFW 10262 awards scholarships for grads

Metro Wire Staff

Plover Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10262 awarded their annual educational scholarships to three graduating high school seniors in a June ceremony conducted by Scholarship Chairman Mike Zynda.

Nathan Sankey received the 2022 “Plover VFW Post 10262 Scholarship.” Sankey, a SPASH graduate, maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing a Youth Apprenticeship program with Gamber Johnson and managing his own lawn care business. He served as a volunteer for the Boston School Forest and collected canned goods and rang bells for the Salvation Army. He is also active with his church youth ministry and other church functions.

Sankey will attend UW-Stevens Point in the fall to study business and finance. The $1000 scholarship was presented on behalf of Plover VFW Post 10262 by Scholarship Chairman Zynda.

Bailey Maxwell received the 2022 “Bert Platta Memorial Scholarship.” Maxwell, an Amherst High School graduate, maintained academic letters and academic all-conference awards throughout her high school years. She competed in cross country and was the president of HOSA, a club for future healthcare professionals. Her passion for healthcare stemmed from her grandmother’s car accident and she has completed many volunteer hours to help people in need.

Maxwell will attend the UW-Madison in the fall with the goal of becoming a radiologist. The $1000 scholarship was presented on behalf of the Plover VFW Rifle Squad by Scholarship Chairman Zynda in memory of former Rifle Squad Commander, Bert Platta.

Allison Lange received the 2022 “Mike Helgert Memorial Scholarship.” Lange, a Pacelli High School graduate, received Pacelli’s Academic Excellence Award all four years and earned induction into the National Honor Society. She began preparing for her future in graphic arts by designing a logo used on Pacelli’s Outdoor Adventure Club merchandise, graphics for several shirts representing various school functions, and by creating brochures and posters to promote school plays. She has completed many volunteer hours with the youth in the arts programs and was active in sports, school plays, and musicals.

Lange will be attending the UW-Stevens Point in the fall with the goal of becoming a Freelance Graphic Designer. The $1000 scholarship was presented on behalf of the Plover VFW Golf Committee by Scholarship Chairman Zynda in memory of long-time Plover VFW member and Vietnam Veteran, Mike Helgert, who in 2004 founded the now annual golf outing fundraiser.

Scholarship applications are accepted from any high school senior who meets requirements that include:

• Having a family member (including a grandparent, aunt, or uncle) who has served or is serving in the armed forces of the United States of America or is a member of the VFW or eligible to become a member.
• Acceptance for admission to a program of higher education at an accredited college, university, or technical college.
• Involvement in volunteer or service activities in school, church, or community.

Applicants also submit an essay and high school transcripts that are evaluated by the Plover VFW Scholarship Committee. For additional information, contact Plover VFW Post 10262 at (715) 341-8414.