Gwen Schwedersky

NIAGARA, Wis. — The Niagara Area Scholarship Foundation has announced Gwen Schwedersky and Alex Garvaglia recently were awarded the prestigious Sherman Bratton Memorial Scholarships at Niagara High School.

In doing so, the recent Class of 2017 graduates became the 23rd annual recipients of the scholarships. They were presented with their awards by District Administrator Nathaniel Burklund during the Niagara High School commencement ceremony.

The $500 scholarships are provided annually by the family and friends of the late Sherman Bratton. He had been a longtime resident of Niagara, where he had compiled an enviable record of service to the community’s youth, school, and community as a whole. An avid sports fan, Bratton was a great supporter of the school girls and boys sport teams.

He served several years on the Niagara School Board, where he had been instrumental in the construction of the football field and the Riverside Park soccer complex.

Candidates for the scholarship must have participated in athletics and compiled a positive record of sportsmanship.

Schwedersky is the daughter of Tami Schwedersky and Scott Schwedersky. An outstanding student, Schwedersky recently graduated third in her class with a 3.82 grade point average. A two-year member of the National Honor Society,

Schwedersky also was a fine athlete, earning varsity letters in volleyball and basketball and receiving the Badger Award in the latter sport. Schwedersky is a multiple state medalist in forensics and has been active in student council and theater, serving as co-director of the school play.

During her high school years, she also has been a member of Badgers United, where she performed many hours of community service including youth tutoring, the Red Cross blood drive, volleyball camp and working at sports concessions.

Next fall, Schwedersky will further her education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, majoring in business. After that, she would like to go to law school, entering into corporate law. Her long-range career goal is to eventually become a judge.

Alex Garvaglia is the son of Maureen and Craig Garvaglia. Garvaglia was a very fine student who ranked sixth in his graduating class with a 3.73 grade-point average. Garvaglia loved football and excelled in the sport, earning all-conference recognition as a senior.

He also was selected to serve as team captain and received the Predator Award. Garvaglia represented his school at Badger Boys State and was named Student of the Week several times over his high school career. Garvaglia also was active in forensics, theater and track. Outside of school, Garvaglia was a volunteer with the Proud Equestrian Program and also volunteered in several church activities.

Next fall, he will continue his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he will pursue studies leading to a career in athletic training/physical therapy.