Three win scholarships from Junior Woman’s Club
By Brandi Makuski
STEVENS POINT — The Stevens Point Junior Woman’s Club (JWC) has announced the recipients of its annual scholarship.
Three students were selected from among 28 applicants from various schools throughout Portage Co.
To be considered, candidates must be a Portage Co. graduating senior enrolled in a post-secondary college or technical college. Applicants are selected based on their post-secondary goals and co-curricular activities, including volunteer experiences and leadership positions they have held.
Griffin Wierzba of Stevens Point, Jennifer Omernik of Amherst, and William Bevers of Stevens Point will each receive $1,500 to assist with their college education in 2024.
Wierzba, a student at Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH), plans to pursue his college education at the UW–La Crosse in physical sciences with a focus on helping others. Through volunteering at Operation Bootstrap, Tinsel Trail, and Boy Scouts of America, among other extracurricular activities, he has gained leadership and communication skills and understands the importance of teamwork and perseverance through adversity.
Omernik, who attends Amherst High School, will enroll at the UW–Oshkosh to pursue a double major in English and Radio/TV/Film. Her career goals include becoming a published novelist and screenwriter, as well as pursuing cinematography and photography. Omernik has been an honor roll student for three years, has served on the student council and the National Honors Society, and has a musical background, taking on several volunteering roles throughout her community.
“I am sincerely grateful for the generous scholarship from the Stevens Point Junior Women’s Club. It will greatly assist in paying for my education and helping me to achieve my goals,” said Omernik.
Bevers, also from SPASH, will attend the UW–Eau Claire to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. He has been selected as a Biomedical Innovator Scholar, partnering with a UW-Eau Claire faculty member and Mayo Clinic health professional on a research project beginning his freshman year. Bevers is also involved in varsity cross-country, swimming, and tennis, holds the student senate treasurer position at SPASH, and is a member of the National Honors Society.
“This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and help me become a more impactful biomedical engineer,” said Bevers.
The Stevens Point Junior Woman’s Club is composed of women from all over Central Wisconsin who promote civic, cultural, education, and social welfare initiatives. Through sponsorships and fundraisers, the JWC continues to give back to many local organizations. Learn more at www.stevenspointjwc.org.
