Plover VFW Post Commander Barbara McCloy (from left), scholarship recipients Cailyn Sommers and Sydney Krueger (recipient Lilyanna Perlak was unable to attend), and Plover VFW Scholarship Chairman Mike Zynda. (Courtesy VFW)

Plover VFW 10262 awards scholarships to local graduates

By Patrick Lynn

Plover — The Plover Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10262 awarded annual educational scholarships to three graduating high school seniors at their June meeting, led by Scholarship Chairman Mike Zynda.

Cailyn Sommers, a Marshfield High School graduate, received the 2024 Bert Platta Rifle Squad Memorial Scholarship. Sommers has been active in various school activities, including the yearbook club, band, volleyball, gymnastics, and the National Honor Society. She co-chaired a school committee focused on mental health education and volunteered extensively at Marshfield Hospital. As a Girl Scout for 13 years, she participated in caroling for the elderly, providing food baskets for local pantries, and placing American flags on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day.

Sommers plans to attend UW-Stout to pursue a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture. The $1,000 scholarship was presented in memory of former Rifle Squad Commander Bert Platta.

Sydney Krueger, a Pacelli High School graduate, received the 2024 “Mike Helgert Memorial Golf Scholarship.” Krueger excelled in advanced anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and environmental science. She has contributed numerous community service hours through 4-H, her church’s bible vacation group, and local fairs. She also works part-time at Lands’ End.

Krueger will attend North Central Technical College to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. The $1,000 scholarship was presented in memory of longtime Plover VFW member and Vietnam veteran Mike Helgert, who founded the annual golf outing fundraiser in 2004.

Lilyanna Perlak, a Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) graduate, received the 2024 Plover VFW Post 10262 Scholarship. Perlak has a passion for the health field, having assisted her mother in caring for her elderly grandparents. She was a member of the Emerson Chapter of the National Honor Society, logging many volunteer service hours and working as a Quality Youth Apprentice at Marten Machinery.

Perlak plans to attend North Central Technical College to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, then Mid-State Technical College to become a Registered Nurse, and finally UW-Stevens Point for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The $1,000 scholarship was presented by Scholarship Chairman Zynda.

Scholarship applications are open to high school seniors with a family member who has served in the U.S. armed forces or is a VFW member. Applicants must be accepted to an accredited college, university, or technical college and be involved in volunteer or service activities. They also submit an essay and high school transcripts for evaluation by the Plover VFW Scholarship Committee.

For more information, contact Plover VFW Post 10262 at (715) 341-8414.