MTH Scholarship

We have awarded scholarships to the following recipients and here are their stories.

Brittany Peckels

I graduated Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua, WI in the spring of 2009. I was a recipient of the MTH scholarship my senior year. This scholarship financial has helped in great measures as I am in the midst of my third semester at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Currently, I am taking general education requirements in the business school. I am looking to pursue a major in marketing with a minor in Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in Strategic Communication. I play for the Lady Panther's Soccer Club at the university. Unfortunately, I am not playing this fall due to a torn ACL. Our team is taking step in Indiana next weekend to compete in the regional competition. Top two winners will move on to Nationals in Phoenix, AZ. Last year, we placed fifth in the open division at Nationals. I also participate in the Hope House, which is a shelter on the south side of Milwaukee. Each week we spend a few hours volunteering at the food pantry and working on different non-profit projects.

Shelby Wallace

I'm currently a freshman enrolled at Chippewa Valley Technical College in River Falls, Wisconsin. This first year, I am taking general classes to get me prepared for my next two years in the nursing program. My goal is to graduate with an Associates Degree in Nursing, and become a traveling nurse and/or continue my education in the nursing field.

Amy Holcombe

I'm a junior at Gordon College in Wenham, MA, studying Linguistics and Languages: Spanish and French. I ran cross-country and track my first two years of college. In cross country, I was honored to be chosen as conference Rookie of the Year in '08 and team MVP in '09, and was named track team Rookie of the Year in'08. Sophomore year I was selected to be a dorm Resident Advisor, serving as a resource for the students in my building--especially freshmen.

This year I am studying abroad in Buenos Aires (Fall semester) and Aix-en-Provence, France (next Spring semester). In Buenos Aires I am living with a local family and taking classes in Spanish at several local universities including the University of Buenos Aires. Next semester in France I will also live with a local family and take classes entirely in French.

In the future, I would like to teach Spanish, French, or German in the US, and I am also interested in teaching ESL in the US or abroad. I am also open to mission work or possibly working with the State Department--just about anything that will allow me to use my love of lingustics and languages.

I am honored to have been chosen for this scholarship.

Tony Oxley

Upon my graduation from Lakeland Union High School and receiving the Mary T. Hartzheim Scholarship I attended Michigan Technological University to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. I recently graduated with my Bachelor's Degree this past spring (May 2010) with a Major in Civil Engineering and a Minor in Municipal Engineering along the honor of Magna Cum Laude. While I attended Tech I was involved in many campus organizations including Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Chi Epsilon (Civil Engineering national honor fraternity), Michigan Tech Lacrosse Club, and several intramural sports. Being involved with SigEps presented many opportunities for me, such as participating in Michigan Tech's Winter Carnival. I worked over 120 hours each of my four years building a snow statue, helped write and performed in our first place skit last year, and competed in several special events each Carnival. Right now I am staying on at Michigan Tech for my Master's Degree in Civil Engineering and hope to complete my degree next December.

Jacob Lang

Hello, my name is Jacob Lang, and I am the 2009 recipient of the Mary T. Hartzheim Scholarship.

Here at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, I am majoring in Political Science, and focusing on Arabic and Religious Studies, as well. I am currently the Treasurer of the College Democrats of Madison, a student organization that works to implement progressive ideas and helps elect Democrats to public office. Over the past few months I've had the incredible privilege of meeting some truly influential leaders, including Senator Russ Feingold, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, and even President Barack Obama. I'm also a member of Student Impact, a campus-wide Christian organization that helps college students get together and grow in their faith.

Although the trails and forests can't compare to those of the Northwoods, I still go running every day, and I have also helped start a student parkour/free running group here on campus.

During the upcoming spring semester, I will be studying abroad in Fez, Morocco, where I will attempt to learn the language and culture of a place unlike anywhere I've ever been. After college, I plan on becoming a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. State Department, working at embassies across the world, shaping foreign policy and protecting our national interests in the global community.

I would once again like to express my deep gratitude to the Mary T. Hartzheim Foundation, and to the friends, family, and donors of such a great organization. Madison is an amazing place, and the investment in my education made by MTH Foundation has truly helped me work to achieve my goals.

Brian Theuerkauf

My first semester at UW Lacrosse has been a fun and interesting experience. I am a microbiology major and planning a career in medical research. Chemistry, biology, and two general education classes are keeping me busy in the library. Studying hard is paying off on my way to possibly becoming an epidemiologist. Dormitory life is exciting and has introduced me to great friends and fun activities outside the classroom. Club hockey allows me to continue playing the sport I loved in high school as well as staying physically fit. There is always something happening and I am enjoying college life in Lacrosse. Thank you for awarding me the Mary Hartzeim scholarship that has contributed to the success of my future. It is greatly appreciated.