BEAVER DAM — Beaver Dam High School’s Class of 2026 is receiving what district leaders describe as significant local scholarship support.
Superintendent Mark DiStefano said on Community Comment that local scholarships for the graduating class are in the range of a half-million dollars. He said that support helps students and families immediately, but also matters long term by reducing future debt and helping graduates contribute to the communities where they live and work.
DiStefano said scholarships should be viewed not only as financial help for college, technical school or training, but also as an economic investment. He said students who graduate with less debt are better positioned to contribute to local quality of life and the economy.
The district’s scholarship page says local monetary scholarships are awarded through the high school for four-year colleges, two-year colleges and one-year technical colleges. It also notes that the Beaver Dam High School Scholarship Committee is organized by the district, while the Beaver Dam Scholarship Foundation was founded by community members.
The Beaver Dam Scholarship Foundation was created in 1991 by 18 local citizens concerned about the rising cost of education. The foundation says its awards formula is based on 50% need and 50% merit.
DiStefano said local donors are sending students a message that the community believes in them — and hopes they will someday give back, whether by returning to Beaver Dam, supporting others or contributing in their own communities.
