Wolf River Community Bank Awards $4,500 in Scholarships to Area High School Seniors
Wolf River Community Bank is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding three $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Hortonville, New London, and Shiocton High Schools. This initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to investing in local students. The program supports students who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and a strong interest in pursuing careers in business, finance, or related fields.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
- Alexis Brazil — Hortonville High School
- Emma Marish — New London High School
- Hannah Widmann — Shiocton High School
Jason Bloxham, President of Wolf River Community Bank, presented a $1,500 scholarship to Alexis Brazil of Hortonville High School at the school’s awards ceremony on May 13. Alexis was selected for her academic excellence, leadership in DECA and other student organizations, commitment to community service, and her passion for promoting financial literacy and mental health awareness—including launching a mental health podcast to share resources and raise awareness among her peers.
Alexis Brazil, Hortonville High School scholarship recipient, is heading to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to major in Finance, with minors in Risk Management and Actuarial Sciences. Her passion for financial literacy drives her goal of helping people and organizations build long-term financial stability. Alexis prepared for college through advanced coursework and hands-on experience, including her work as a bank teller. She grew as a leader in DECA, rising from officer to co-president. She serves as a student representative on the Principals Advisory Board and was active in numerous extracurriculars—including Girl Scouts, Student Council, National Honor Society, Culinary Club, Link Crew, and Sources of Strength. Alexis has completed over 300 service hours. She’s a strong advocate for mental health, as she launched a mental health podcast and shared suicide-prevention resources with her peers.
Emma Marish, New London High School scholarship recipient, is an aspiring Finance & Genetics double major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she plans to merge scientific
Emma Marish of New London High School was presented a Wolf River Community Bank scholarship by Karen Duch, VP‑Lending, on May 20. She was selected for her strong academic achievement and her commitment to both finance and healthcare, demonstrated through a diagnostic internship with Georgetown University, collaboration on global public health campaigns with physicians in Nigeria, and hands-on financial experience at a local accounting firm, along with her leadership in HOSA, participation in DECA, and volunteer work with ThedaCare.
discovery with financial strategy. She hopes to one day serve as a Medical Director, leading a healthcare system where financial health and human health work together rather than compete. Emma’s commitment to service extends globally. Through a diagnostic internship at Georgetown University, she collaborated with physicians in Nigeria to create public health campaigns on preeclampsia and respiratory infections. She also led her school’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter, competed with DECA, and volunteered with ThedaCare. In addition to her studies, Emma gained hands-on financial experience at a local accounting firm, where she built skills in bookkeeping, reconciliation, and financial systems.
Hannah Widmann, Shiocton High School scholarship recipient, is planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to pursue a degree in Education, with a passion for creating a classroom where every child feels safe, welcomed, and truly seen. She hopes to teach students the importance of saving and understanding money. Throughout high school, Hannah balanced her academic responsibilities with extensive community involvement. She volunteered at numerous local events—from concession stands to family nights—and even helped create dresses and headbands for young girls in Africa. As Student Council president, she led food and toy drives that supported families in need. Hannah was also an active member of National Honor Society, FBLA, Pep Club, Quiz Bowl, TEAM, Wellness Committee, and Yearbook. Her leadership and service earned her The Daughters of the American Revolution Award.
On May 13, Hannah Widmann of Shiocton High School was presented the Wolf River Community Bank scholarship by Ashley Schneiderwent, Universal Banker at Wolf River Community Bank, during the school’s award ceremony. Hannah was selected for her strong academic achievement, including earning her associate degree while in high school, leadership as Student Council president, and dedication to service, including leading food and toy drives and supporting global projects for young girls in Africa—efforts that earned her The Daughters of the American Revolution Award.
Through the Rising Phoenix Early College Program, she graduated in May with both her high school diploma and associate degree.
“As a community bank, we believe in building stronger communities by investing in the future workforce,” said Joe Peikert, CEO at Wolf River Community Bank. “Through our commitment to financial well-being, service, and education, we are proud to support the next generation of skilled professionals who demonstrate excellence and who strive to make a positive impact on those around them. We congratulate Alexis, Emma, and Hannah as the 2026 recipients of our scholarship program—we’re incredibly proud of their accomplishments and dedication.”
The scholarships were announced and presented during each school’s senior awards ceremony in May. This initiative underscores Wolf River Community Bank’s mission to strengthen the communities it serves—not only through financial services, but by actively investing in the next generation.
