The Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation (WROF), Inc. has announced the 2025 recipients of its Premier Scholarship Awards Program. Each student will receive $3,000 to help pay for tuition and school expenses after high school graduation. The award is for rural Wisconsin students who plan to return home after college to support their local communities.
This year, five high school seniors earned the award because of their leadership and strong career goals.
Rita Achenbach of Eastman, WI grew up on her family’s 500-acre farm. She raised many animals including cattle, pigs, and goats. Rita will attend UW-Platteville to study veterinary medicine.
Kylie Garner of Almond, WI plans to study Animal Science and Agri-Business at UW-River Falls. She hopes to help local farmers by offering free animal health workshops in her area.
Lydia Lobacz of Withee, WI will attend Chippewa Valley Technical College to study Agribusiness Agronomy and Crop Specialty. She plans to use new techniques to support Wisconsin’s farming future.
Samuel Miller of Viola, WI will study Animal Science at UW-Platteville. He wants to become a large animal vet and help local farmers.
Matthew Winch of Fennimore, WI will attend UW-Madison for Dairy and Food Management with a pre-vet focus. He believes farmers need quality vet care.
“Congratulations to our five 2025 WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship recipients,” said Sue Schultz, WROF, Inc. Board Member and Scholarship Chair. “We are proud to support students like Rita, Kylie, Lydia, Samuel, and Matthew as they work toward careers that strengthen rural Wisconsin.”
