Our Team
Jay Krcmar
President
I joined the Waupaca High School Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors to give back. I earned a couple scholarships out of High School and it made a big difference in my college education. I feel education is the key in any career. I look forward to continue to pay it forward and to help future graduates of Waupaca High School.
Kim Grant-Johnson
Vice President
I am a lifelong resident of the Waupaca area so being a member of the board is just one small way to give back to this community that has given my family and I so many opportunities. All three of my children have been recipients of WHS Scholarships. These scholarships have enabled each of them to attend a university with less financial stress on them and on myself. As a member of this board, I strive to provide scholarships to each WHS student that desires them. Fun fact: I have been a host mom to six WHS exchange students and I have a goal to visit all of them in their countries. Two down, four to go!
Joy Griffin
Treasurer
The Waupaca HS Scholarship Foundation was fairly new when I was asked to be the Treasurer. The first few years there were 6 checks to be written for scholarships. I am still amazed how the foundation has grown. I am now sending scholarships to over 50 WHS graduates. It has been great working with the donors who really care about our students and want them to have the means to further their education.
Linda Kassera
Board Member
I have been involved with the Foundation since it's inception. I was privileged to work with Joan Drayna who had the vision to see how the Waupaca community could assist and encourage the students of Waupaca High School to continue their education after high school. My entire educational professional career has been working with Waupaca students and their parents and I have been able to see the impact scholarship assistance can make to a deserving student.
Bill Storck
Board Member
I have been connected to Waupaca Area for over 40 years as a student in Waupaca School District, frequent visitor and now most recently as a resident. It was an honor to be asked to be on this committee to support current and future students in their post secondary endeavors. I have sat on a number of scholarship committees over time and am excited to be part of the Waupaca High School Scholarship Foundation.
Sherry Weise
Board Member
The Community Foundation Board provides opportunities for so many students to go after their dreams and goals. This support can help students achieve their potential and eliminate some of the financial burdens. I have seen several WHS alumni, who were recipients of these scholarships, give back to society either close to home or worldwide. This Foundation is all about making a difference.
Jeff Dolski
Board Member
I have seen students flourish over the years through the generosity of the Foundation, and I am very honored to be a part of this group of awesome community members. The community of Waupaca has embraced the concept of Paying it Forward, so my family and I decided to begin our very own scholarship in remembrance of my Mom, The Marion Memorial! I encourage all students to show initiative by applying for a scholarship to get their careers kick-started! And I encourage all community members, past students, and businesses to also Pay it Forward by considering a donation. Thank you for your generosity.
Dale Feldt
Board Member
I am a retired Comet. Teaching in Waupaca was one of the best decisions I ever made. I could not stay away after retirement and am currently enjoying my role as a member of the Waupaca School Board. Being a member of the Waupaca Scholarship Foundation is so humbling. The generosity of all that donate is appreciated by our students.
Mike Koch
Board Member
I was asked to be on the board for the Waupaca Scholarship Foundation to help with the eclectic diversity of the board. I have been very pleased with the efforts the board goes through to distribute as much money as possible to as many students as able to further their education. As a parent of students in the school district, I like being able to make sure this process continues and to make it as easy as possible to make these scholarships available to students of all walks of life.
I am a physical therapist by profession and a graduate of Marquette University. I come from a working class middle class background and understand first-hand how hard it is to pay for an education. I now have my own outpatient physical therapy clinic in Waupaca. I have children in high school and one in college who received a scholarship from the Waupaca Foundation. One interesting fact about myself is my role in the Waupaca Dance team. I perform the conditioning program for the girls during their summer practices and then take care of their injury needs during the dance season.
Carli Navin
Board Member
I am a new member of the foundation and a life-long resident of the area. After receiving a foundation scholarship and furthering my education at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, I came back to Waupaca to start my career in financial planning. It has been an honor to serve on this committee. I have personally witnessed and benefitted by how much our community supports our students to succeed in their post-secondary education by lessening the financial stress while deciding the next steps in their career path. As a former recipient and WHS alumni, I am grateful for my opportunities and am thankful that I can do my part by working with the foundation for years to come.
Eric Spindt
Board Member
As a graduate of Waupaca High School and a member of the Waupaca community for most of my life, it is an honor and pleasure to serve on the WHS Scholarship Foundation. Each year I am thrilled to see how many former students are benefiting from the awards generated through this foundation. The support of this program from all areas of this wonderful community is second to none. Please continue to Pay it Forward Waupaca!!
Nicole Filiatrault
Board Member
As a proud Waupaca High School Alumni and a lifelong community member, I felt like it was my time to give back. Being an active member in our business community, I have learned the importance of growing your own and empowering the youth towards their potential. The idea of paying it forward is so profound I am honored to play a role, even in the smallest of ways, towards the success of our future.
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Julie Coenen
Board Member
I visited Waupaca for years and fell in love with this very special area and the community. I am now proud to call it my home the past four years. The gift of education is so powerful! It can inspire, empower and make a difference to students, families, the workforce and local economy. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve on this Board and Make Education Happen!
Kelsey Kaack
Board Member
I am a proud Waupaca High School Alumni and former recipient of scholarships through this foundation. I have recently relocated with my family back to the Waupaca community, and I now have children in the Waupaca School District. It’s very full circle to be back in this wonderful community and to have the honor and unique opportunity to serve as a board member.
