Where Are They Now? How Boreal Waters Scholarships Are Fueling Big Dreams
At Boreal Waters Community Foundation, our scholarships are more than just financial support—they're investments in the bright futures of young people across our region.
Each spring, we’re honored to award scholarships to students across our region, and just as proud to follow their journeys long after the ceremony ends. These updates from past recipients show what happens when talent meets opportunity: students are finding their voice, excelling in the trades, stepping onto global stages, and preparing to shape a better future.
Here are just a few of their stories:
🎓 Brynn Hessel
Louise Catherine Lawson Scholarship (2024)
Graphic Design and Interactive Media – University of WI - Stout
Brynn reflects that her scholarship, awarded to driven graduates of Northwestern High School, has allowed her to thoroughly focus on academics and extracurricular activities – enabling her to play volleyball while getting her degree! She’s has shown success in and out of the classroom, and in recognition was selected to be an emcee to represent all underclassmen athletes at the 2025 Athletics Honors Banquet.
🎓 Riley Holm
Patricia and Anthony DiLuna Scholarship Fund (2024)
Construction and Cabinet Making – Northwood Technical College
Now entering his sophomore year and supported by this multi-year scholarship, Riley has worked on many aspects of construction and is enjoying drafting by hand to build construction and home plans. This year he competed in the 2025 Wisconsin Skills USA competition and placed 3rd overall in the carpentry division – we’re sure he’ll be back in 2026 for 1st place!
🎓 Emelyn Beaster
Minnesota Section, Society of Mining Metallurgy & Exploration Scholarship (2023)
Chemistry / Geosciences – Lawrence University
Awarded to students pursuing degrees related to the Minnesota mining industry, Emelyn is going into her junior year, taking courses such as analytical chemistry, and is excited about using her degree for sustainable innovation in her field. Her work even took her to Iceland with the GREEN program to further explore her geoscience career and study sustainable development.
🎓 Amelia Wise
Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship (2023)
Vocal Music Education – St. Olaf College
As a rising junior, Amelia shared her scholarships have allowed her to lean into all the opportunities St. Olaf has to offer. With hard work and dedication, she has successfully auditioned into the St. Olaf Chor, the premier a cappella choir in the United States. She brings deep passion to her studies and activities and even had the opportunity to perform with the choir at Carnegie Hall in New York!
The impact of a scholarship goes far beyond the classroom.
It opens doors. It builds confidence. And it tells a young person, “We believe in you.”
To every donor who has made this possible—thank you. Your generosity is helping shape what’s next for our region, one student at a time.