Home > Events > Laugh Out Loud > "What Family Means To Me" Scholarship Awards

"What Family Means To Me" Scholarship Awards

The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families presented awards to the winners of its “What Family Means to Me” scholarship competition at WCCF’s “Laugh Out Loud” celebration and fundraiser, Saturday, September 12. Though it was very difficult to choose just four from the many outstanding submissions, three Wisconsin teens received $1,000 scholarships, and one received a $500 scholarship.

WCCF would like to thank all who entered the competition for their time and effort and also those who contributed in numerous ways to make this possible.

And the awards went to...

Marcus D. Keys, Menomonee Falls
Emma Staudenmaier, New London
Taylor Lux, West Allis
Darcy Johnsrud, Sturgeon Bay

$1000 Scholarship
Marcus D. Keys, Menomonee Falls
Menomonee Falls High School, Grade: 12
Entry: Essay

Marcus D. Keys is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School, where he stays busy with the Link Leader program and competing in the Wisconsin Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl. After college Marcus is hoping to study film focusing on production. He is currently looking at attending the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee or the University of Toledo.

Marcus values the strength of his family: his parents Ronny and Judith and his two older brothers Jesse and Julian. He believes the tough times his family has endured have made them a stronger and closer family. In their free time Marcus’s family enjoys playing mini-golf and watching football on
Sundays together.

(back to top)

$1000 Scholarship
Emma Staudenmaier, New London
New London High School, Grade: 12
Entry: Artwork

Emma Staudenmaier attends New London High School where she in the 12th grade.  Emma is very active throughout her school and her community. She is involved in forensics, band and a competitive art team at New London High School. She also finds time to volunteer at a homeless shelter in Appleton, be a lector for her church and participates in the Girl Scouts. Emma hopes to attend college to study art therapy, art education or special education. Currently, Emma is looking to apply to Edgewood College in Madison, Mount Mary College in Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Emma values her family because they will love her unconditionally and always be there for her.  Emma’s family consists of her father Mark, her mother Beth, her sister Anna, her dog, cat and four gold fish. Emma is also appreciative of her extended family and finds each member to be important to
her.

(back to top)

$1000 Scholarship
Taylor Lux, West Allis
Nathan Hale High School, Grade: 12
Entry: Poem

Taylor Lux is a senior at Nathan Hale High School in West Allis. Taylor is very involved in her school and community. She is on the National Honor Society, Students Saving the Earth, Freshmen Mentor, Career Academy and is also on the board of her FBLA Chapter. In addition, Taylor is a Eucharistic Minister for her church. After high school, Taylor is planning on studying business at either the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh or Northern Michigan.

Taylor values how close her family is and how much they love one another. She knows regardless of the circumstance or how far apart they may find each other; they will always be there for one another. Taylor calls her mom, Marybeth, her rock because she can always count on her to be there for her. Taylor’s dad, James, always inspires her to be the best person she can be. Last but not least, Taylor’s brother Alex knows just how
to make her laugh and has an amazing heart
that is filled with love for their family.

(back to top)

$500 Scholarship
Darcy Johnsrud, Sturgeon Bay
Sevastopol High School, Grade: 12
Entry: Essay

Darcy Johnsrud attends Sevastopol High School where she is a senior. Darcy stays busy by playing the clarinet in the high school band, the pep band and jazz band. Darcy is also a member of the National Honor Society and the “Bad to the Bone” winter running club. Outside of school, Darcy is active in her church choir and also volunteers for a variety of church events.

Darcy values the unconditional love and support her family provides her. Darcy also appreciates her family because they are always there to point her in the right direction. Darcy’s family includes her parents, Laura and Norm, her sister Sara and her brother Ray. She also has two beloved dogs, Barney and Magnum.

(back to top)