West Bend COLUMNS

SUPPORTING THE FUTURE
West Bend COLUMNS supports graduating West Bend high school students by providing scholarships.
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WHO WE ARE

In 1926, West Bend High School alumni contributed to a fund used for $50 book awards given to outstanding graduates. The West Bend High School Alumni Foundation was established in 1945 and solicited funds for book awards and for a broader base of financial support. The foundation merged with the West Bend Scholarship Fund, Inc. in 1972 and COLUMNS was born. That year they distributed $16,550 in scholarships.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

We award scholarships every year to West Bend high school students.

HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT

For over 50 years, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs a benefit concert to raise funds for West Bend COLUMNS.

DONATIONS

We appreciate all donations to support our students.

MEMBERSHIP

Join West Bend COLUMNS and help with events, fundraising, and more.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

The West Bend COLUMNS Scholarship Foundation is like no other foundation of its kind! By providing nearly $1M in scholarships to West Bend students, every year, for the past several decades, COLUMNS has helped shape the future of thousands of students. Whether the student’s dream is to attend a 4-year college or university, or a technical or trade school, COLUMNS is there to help West Bend students realize their dreams and ultimately lead students towards a professional career. What makes COLUMNS so unique is the generational support the organization has behind it. West Bend is an extremely generous community which is celebrated every year during the West Bend High School Scholarship night where students receive the financial support to attend their post-secondary educational schools, financial support that is provided directly by the generous community in which we live.

— Joel Ongert, West Bend Mayor

The generous people who support COLUMNS scholarships have made it more affordable for thousands of students over the decades to continue their education after high school. As the former principal at West Bend West, I can attest how extremely grateful students feel upon receiving notification they have been awarded a COLUMNS scholarship. Our community is blessed to have such a remarkable organization.

—Ralph Schlass, Director of Community Relationships and Engagement, West Bend School District

The transition from high school to college is full of excitement and anxiety! By receiving scholarship support, I was able to tip the scales in favor of being excited about this time instead of having tunnel vision on the dollar signs. Knowing I was going to be at Marquette University for 6 years to receive my Doctorate of Physical Therapy, every penny mattered. I'm thankful that the effort I put forth during high school was recognized because without this, making the commitment to achieving a doctorate-level degree may not have been feasible.

—Sarah Andreucci (Lambie), West Bend West, Class of 2008

Columns provides young people graduating from the West Bend High Schools with scholarships so they can achieve their best potential after high school. Murphy & Prachthauser is proud and honored to be a past Holiday Pops Concert sponsor for West Bend Columns and to support the best and brightest students in our community.

—Thadd Llaurado, Attorney, Murphy & Prachthauser

I’m grateful to COLUMNS for having so many scholarships to give out to so many seniors. I am paying for college myself, so this really helped me get a good start. Thanks!

—Landon Ketter, WBHS Class of 2024

The COLUMNS scholarship I received helped make pursuing my dreams more affordable and accessible. I'm grateful to have received such an amazing opportunity from COLUMNS.

—Andrew Jung, Class of 2021, West Bend East

BECOME A MEMBER

Volunteer with COLUMNS by becoming a Member. Open to anyone who believes in the COLUMNS mission.

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DONATE

These scholarships wouldn’t be possible without your support. Your gift provides hope, encouragement and financial peace of mind to deserving students.

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