Scholarship Winners Honored

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and visually Impaired continued its efforts to financially assist visually impaired students with academic scholarships.  Thanks to additional gifts from Ms. Jean Ollis the Council was able to provide 11 scholarships this year.   Of the 11 scholarship announced the Council now includes two for students enrolled in the Business Enterprise Program which operates in Northcentral Technical College in Wausau Wisconsin.

Elizabeth (Beth) Allred of Madison is attending UW-Madison majoring in music.  Beth hopes to become a voice teacher and professional singer. In addition, she enjoys performing with the Madison Bach Musicians.

Like her brother Imran, Hina Altaf is originally from Pakistan, but now resides at Carroll College in Waukesha.  Hina hopes to become a software engineer and is majoring in computer science.  In her spare time, she is involved with organizations that work with international students.  

Rhonda Anderson of Milwaukee is involved in Silver Lake College’s Business Administration program and hopes to become a human resource specialist.  She volunteers at a local nursing home.  

Matthew Kickbush of Milwaukee is attending Northern Illinois University in DeKalb in pursuit of a degree in education.  He hopes to become a teacher of the visually impaired.

John Krause from Hartford hopes to secure employment in the international business field.  He enjoys swimming, golfing, and involvement in the German club. 

Michael Magnuson is from Oshkosh and is currently pursuing Masters degrees in business and sociology.  Michael is a full-time pastor and enjoys involvement in the board of directors of his denomination.   

Nick Sinran is a senior at Prairie du Chien High School and, although he is uncertain of what his major will be, is considering careers in psychology or rehab counseling.  Nick is active in sports, Eagle Scouts, and the Political Science Club. 

Zachary Smith of Lake Nebagamon is a senior at Northwestern High School.  Zachary hopes to attain a PhD in the field of genetics. He participates in cross country and wrestling. 

Nicole Zimmerman of Oshkosh attends the University of Stevens Point and is majoring in Water Resources.  She hopes to become a librarian in the area of environmental education.  Nicole is on the Disability Council at UW-SP and is involved in intervarsity Christian Fellowship and student government.

For the second year, the Council has been able to award scholarships to people involved in the Business Enterprise Program.  This year, one applicant was chosen to receive a scholarship worth $1,000. 

Vince Alexander is currently a student at Northcentral Technical College and plans to finish the BEP program in May 2008.  He currently resides in Wausau.  

Here is the photo of our happy group of tomorrow’s leaders.