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

Jacob Bourget received the 2021 “Plover VFW Post 10262 Scholarship.” Bourget, a Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) graduate, maintained a GPA above 3.8 throughout his high school years. He was active in sports and received the Scholar Athlete Award for 3 years and was named Academic All-State in 10th and 11th grades for competing in the WIAA State Cross Country Meet. He volunteered within the Stevens Point community at Operation Bootstrap, YMCA, Aging and Disability Resource Center, among others. Bourget maintained employment at Culver’s and currently works at Kwik Trip.

Bourget will attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison in the fall with plans to become a physical therapist. The $1000 scholarship was presented on behalf of Plover VFW Post 10262 by Scholarship Chairman Zynda.

Joshua Kolodziej received the 2021 “Bert Platta Memorial Scholarship.” Kolodziej, a SPASH graduate, earned the Academic Achievement Award and Scholar Athlete Award during high school. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was involved in wrestling, tennis, band, FFA, 4-H and Boy Scouts, in which he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He volunteered within his community and currently works at Fleet Farm.

Kolodziej will attend the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in the fall, majoring in pre-medical biochemistry while concurrently active in the Army ROTC program. 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.

Riley Cate received the 2021 “Mike Helgert Memorial Scholarship.” Cate, a SPASH graduate, began preparing for her future in public safety at the age of 16 by becoming an emergency medical technician. She completed the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress Certified Firefighter and is currently enrolled in the second program. She joined the First Cadet program with the Park Ridge Fire Department. Cate volunteered for maintenance at the Wisconsin State Fire and EMS Memorial, church cleanups and Feed My Starving Children. She participated in volleyball, basketball, track, the school newspaper and served as president of SPARC. She previously worked at Subway and is now working as a handyman apprentice.

Cate will be attending Mid-State Technical College with the goal of becoming a firefighter. 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.

Nic Cywinski received the 2021 “Plover VFW Post 10262 Scholarship.” Cywinski, a SPASH graduate, earned various high school awards and was a multi-sport athlete. He was a Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition to his volunteer service, he took many college courses while in high school and worked summer jobs to earn money for his education.

Cywinski plans to attend Michigan Technological University in the fall to pursue a career in engineering. He wishes to help people improve their way of life with advanced technology. The $500 scholarship was presented on behalf of Plover VFW Post 10262 by Scholarship Chairman Zynda.
Sydney Lilienthal received the 2021 “Plover VFW Post 10262 Scholarship.” Lilienthal, a graduate of Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School in Mosinee, earned a number of high school awards and participated in National Honor Society, Math League and SPARC. She participated in basketball and volleyball in high school and took on-line college courses.

Lilienthal plans to attend Concordia University in Mequon in the fall to pursue studies in physical therapy. The $500 scholarship was presented on behalf of Plover VFW Post 10262 by Scholarship Chairman Zynda.

Scholarship applications are accepted from any high school senior who meets requirements that include:
having a family member (including 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.