History

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. In 1961 the foundation obtained tax-exempt status and began the scholarship and aid program. The foundation merged with the West Bend Scholarship Fund, Inc. in 1972 and COLUMNS was born.

Board Meeting, 1970

Annually COLUMNS awards over $200,000 in scholarships. COLUMNS provides both academic and technical scholarships to graduates of West Bend East and West Bend West High Schools as they advance their education.

There are two types of scholarships:

COLUMNS Scholarships and COLUMNS-administered Scholarships.
COLUMNS administers scholarships for individuals, organizations, and other foundations.

Members of the COLUMNS scholarship committee interview scholarship applicants in March of the year. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic standing; financial need; evidence of character, leadership, and determination; and meeting the specific requirements of the individual donor.

WB COLUMNS membership is open to anyone who believes in advancing the education of our children.

Members are expected to serve on one or more of the many COLUMNS committees to increase fund-raising resources.
Members are required to sell a minimum of 5 of the distributed MSO Holiday Pops Concert tickets or make a donation of $100 or more.
Members are expected to attend the Annual Meeting in November.
Members are expected to act as liaisons to the community promoting COLUMNS and its ideals.

Holiday Pops Concert, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra — Photo by Valerie Hill

Photo Credit: Valerie Hill

1926

The Foundation begins with a fund of alumni contributions to present book awards to outstanding graduates.

1945

The West Bend High School Alumni Foundation is established. Book award program continues.

1961

The scholarship program begins with $600. Two scholarships are awarded.

1972

The WBHS Alumni Foundation merges with the West Bend Scholarship Fund, Inc. West Bend COLUMNS is born. $4,200 in scholarship funds is distributed to 12 students.

1973

West Bend COLUMNS administers 28 scholarships totaling $16,550.

2019

Awards nearly 100 scholarships totaling $425,550 to more than 180 students. Additional funds are also awarded via West Bend COLUMNS administered scholarships.

2023

Over $900,000 in scholarships is awarded to 145 West Bend High School students.

The COLUMNS Impact

West Bend Columns' commitment to supporting graduating seniors from West Bend East and West High Schools in their pursuit of post-secondary education is truly admirable. The school district is not only grateful but also immensely proud of the support West Bend Columns and the community provide our students. The total amount of scholarships awarded continues to increase yearly, helping more and more seniors and their families alleviate the financial burden of post-secondary education. Columns' investment in students is an investment in the future of our community.

—Jennifer Wimmer, Superintendent, West Bend Joint School District #1

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

I am grateful to be a recipient of a Columns Scholarship as it has helped fund my continued education.

—Sam Geldnich, 2021 West Bend EAST High School Graduate

Winning a scholarship means that I get to worry less about financial burdens and instead focus more on my academics.

—Brooke Koebel, 2024 West Bend East Graduate

The scholarship I received from COLUMNS helped me afford to attend a university that wholeheartedly encourages my academic success. I am forever appreciative of the educational support I was given by the COLUMNS foundation.

—Olivia Mathie, Class of 2022, West Bend West

I never imagined in 1972 when I received a WB Columns Scholarship that years later I would be involved and on the board (since 2003) of West Bend Columns giving back for assisting with the start of my further education in becoming a music educator.