Eastman, Viola and Fennimore students among those to receive Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation scholarships

May 27, 2027

MADISON, Wisconsin –The Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation (WROF), Inc. has announced the recipients of the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards Program. This award program provides high school seniors from rural Wisconsin with $3,000 each to help cover the costs of post-secondary tuition and educational expenses. Key in the selection process is the student’s intent to return to rural Wisconsin upon graduation to help sustain its vitality.

The 2025 WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Award recipients are:

Rita Achenbach of Eastman, WI grew up on her family’s 500-acre farm where she is a showman, manager, nutritionist, and breeder. Having cared for a wide variety of animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, dairy goats, poultry, and horses, Rita will be heading to UW-Platteville this fall to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Kylie Garner of Almond, WI plans to major in Animal Science with a minor in Agri-Business at UW-River Falls. Kylie aspires to become a veterinarian specializing in large animal health and focusing on sustainable livestock practices in her local community. Kylie envisions establishing a community outreach program to help small-scale farmers provide essential livestock care with free consultations and workshops. 

After Lydia Lobacz of Withee, WI graduates from Chippewa Valley Technical College with a degree in Agribusiness Agronomy and Crop Specialty, she is excited to apply innovative growing techniques and sustainable practices to help continue the future of agriculture in rural Wisconsin.

After he earns a degree in Animal Science at UW-Platteville, Samuel Miller of Viola, WI, plans to continue his education to become a large animal veterinarian, which will give him the opportunity to combine his knowledge of farm animals, his love of science and math, and his passion for helping rural farmers in Wisconsin.

Matthew Winch of Fennimore, WI plans to begin his career path of becoming a large animal veterinarian by first earning a degree in Dairy and Food Management with a pre-vet emphasis at UW-Madison. “Agriculture is the backbone of Wisconsin,” writes Matthew. “I want to ensure that farmers and livestock producers have access to quality veterinary care.”

“Congratulations to our five 2025 WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship recipients. The WROF, Inc. is thrilled to be able to assist Rita, Kylie, Lydia, Samuel, and Matthew in their pursuit of post-secondary education,” says Sue Schultz, WROF, Inc. Board Member and Chair of the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Award Program. “We are honored to recognize their hard work and commitment to return to rural Wisconsin and make a difference in the communities where they live, work, and serve.”