AFT-Wisconsin is a very diverse union; but all our members highly value and honor education. As such, we offer scholarships for members' children and grandchildren of current or retired AFT-W members who will be attending technical colleges or universities. This year two $1,000 university scholarships were awarded and one technical college $500 honorary scholarship in memory of Phil Neuenfeldt, Wisconsin AFL-CIO president, were given.
Aurelia Persons, daughter of Lisa Persons, Superior Federations of Teachers, received the Phil Neuenfeldt award. She graduated from Superior High School in the upper 20% of her class and plans to attend the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College to obtain a degree in business. Her ultimate goal is to own her own dog grooming and daycare salon. She currently works at Smooch-a-Pooch and the Humane Society of Douglas County Animal Shelter. In addition, she finds time to volunteer at Ruby's Pantry Food Shelf.
Sadie Keller received one of our $1,000 scholarships as she graduated from Weston High School in Cazenovia, Wisconsin, with a 4.0 GPA. Her many accomplishments included National Honor Society, 3 years; Future Sadie Keller received one of our $1,000 scholarships as she graduated from Weston High School in Cazenovia, Wisconsin, with a 4.0 GPA. Her many accomplishments included National Honor Society, 3 years; Future Business Leaders of America President, 3 years; student government, 3 year president; forensics, Spanish club, quiz bowl, volleyball and basketball, 4 years. Sadie has also taken courses at MATC, UW Oshkosh and Southwestern Technical College. Since August, 2017, she has been a media relations manager and marketing intern with Eau Claire Express and Modern Learners writing press releases and working with production teams. In addition, she finds time to tutor special needs students, mentor at-risk youths, serve as a youth basketball official and arrange food drives. She plans to earn a bachelor's degree in marketing and a minor in Spanish at the University of Minnesota. Another goal is to study abroad in Cuba. Sadie is the daughter of Lisa Keller, MATC, Local 243.
Our second $1,000 scholarship winner was Brita Mowers, a graduate of Esko High School in Esko, Minnesota with a 4.0 GPA. She also attended a semester boarding school, Conserve School, in Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin where she studied environmental issues. In high school she was a member of the Duluth-Superior Youth Symphony for nine years, participated in knowledge bowl and math team, and an active member of the cross country, track and field, soccer and ski teams. Brita was an employee of the Mars Lakeview Arena as a concession employee and an assistant soccer coach. She will attend the College of St. Scholastica to obtain a degree in nursing and attend Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington for a graduate degree working to become a certified professional midwife. Brita's mom is a member of the Superior Federation of Teachers, Local 202.