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As a freshman, Adam Greene was sitting near the back of a bus when a semi-tractor trailer truck smashed into it, breaking his legs.
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Viterbo scholarship winner Sandy McCullick of Seneca, gets a hug from teacher Diane Yager at the Extra Effort Awards Ceremony at Viterbo.
Erik Daily |
Kelly Wendorf was born with breathing and digestive problems, and was diagnosed with a rare hip disorder as a first-grader.
A challenge is a challenge. For these three — and the 23 other high school seniors recognized Wednesday night at the La Crosse Tribune Extra Effort Award reception at Viterbo University’s Fine Arts Center lobby — a challenge also is something they know how to meet.
“This event does not need a keynote address,” said Rick Artman, Viterbo president and the keynote speaker. “You are the keynotes. Your accomplishments humble and inspire us.”
In its 11th year, the awards recognize high school seniors in the region who might not have the highest grades but who have overcome obstacles and showed exemplary service and character in the process.
Xiong, who attends Central High School, received a full-tuition scholarship for a year to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Sitting next to her father, a Hmong immigrant who fought in the Vietnam War, her face remained calm as UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow announced the scholarship.
“Inside, my heart was pounding,” she said. “(My parents) came here in the hopes of having us go to higher education, to have a better life.”
Three students — Katie Brueggen of Cashton (Wis.) High School, Lisa Anderson of Kickapoo High School in Viola, Wis., and Joshua Curry of Westby (Wis.) High School —received $850 scholarships from the La Crosse law firm Johns, Flaherty and Collins.
Alison Haack of West Salem (Wis.) High School won the Randy Smith Leadership Award, a $1,000 scholarship to the school of her choice given through the La Crosse Community Foundation. It was the first year for the award.
“I would give anything back to just have a normal life,” said Haack, who helps care for her multiple sclerosis-stricken mother, “but it does help a lot that somebody out there knows that you’re trying hard and they care about you.”
Sandra McCullick of Seneca (Wis.) High School received a one-year, full-tuition scholarship to Viterbo University.
And Aimee Litwin of Holmen (Wis.) High School, who has cerebral palsy, underwent 10 surgical procedures as a sophomore and was treated for depression, received a year’s full-tuition scholarship to Western Technical College.
Litwin — who was up until 3 a.m. that same morning because it takes her longer to write — said she still had psychology homework to do after the event.
The other 19 Extra Effort Award winners received $100 William Medland/La Crosse Tribune scholarships.
“You, our awardees, certainly engender in us a great sense of hopefulness about your generation,” Artman said.
Joe Orso can be reached at (608) 791-8429 or jorso@lacrossetribune.com.
