Undergrad Scholarships
Columbus Catholic Schools offers thousands of dollars in scholarships, grants and tuition assistance each year. The majority of the scholarships available (listed below) are housed within the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF). The application for the 2025-26 school year is due April 14, 2025. Click below to apply.
- Student entering 9th grade
- Practicing OLP Parishioner
- Financial need considered
- Thank you card is required upon acceptance of scholarship.
- Learn more about Arline H. Stangl: The Arline H. Stangl Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 in memory of Arline. Arline and her husband Gene were married in 1952 at Our Lady of Peace, 1952, the same year that Columbus High School was built. Gene and Arline had five children that attended OLP and graduated from Columbus Catholic High School. Arline believed in Catholic education, recognizing the importance of daily Faith Formation. Her commitment to Columbus continues as her family honors her with an annual scholarship, given in her name, to an Our Lady of Peace parishioner who will enter 9th grade at Columbus Catholic.
- Student entering 6th grade
- Student entering 9th grade
- Student must demonstrate a strong desire for Catholic education.
- Learn more about Barb Billings: The Miss B Memorial scholarship was established in 2012 by friends and family of long-time Columbus Catholic Schools teacher and Principal Barb Billings. Miss B’s passion in life was education, in particular a faith-based education that focused on morals and applying those morals in daily life. The recipient of this scholarship exemplifies those same moral convictions in their actions as a student at Columbus Catholic and in the community.
- Student entering grades 6-12
- Scholarship must be used for tuition only.
- Financial need considered
- Recipient must write a thank-you note.
- Student interested in art
- Student entering grades 1-8 and 9-12
- Student is a member of Catholic Financial Life
- Scholarship is run through Catholic Financial Life.
- Student entering grades K-12
- Parent is a member of Catholic Order of Foresters
- Scholarship is run through Catholic Order of Foresters HERE
- Student entering grades 4K-12
- Financial need considered
- Scholarship must be used for tuition only
- Thank you note required upon acceptance of scholarship
- Learn more about Cathryn Reigel-Kolpanen: Cathryn Marie Kolpanen was passionate about education, and about Columbus Catholic Schools (CCS). Cathryn was a beloved member and longtime teacher with the School District of Marshfield. She enjoyed helping children discover a passion for learning. Cathryn was a 1979 graduate of CCS. Additionally, her three children graduated from CCS between 2003 to 2008 and her mother is also a 1957 alum. Cathryn passed away on January 18, 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. In lieu of flowers, her family requested donations for the Cathryn Reigel-Kolpanen Memorial Scholarship to honor her legacy. Education was an important part of her life and giving another child the opportunity to attend CCS is a perfect way to continue to celebrate Cathryn.
- Student entering grades 9-12
- Demonstrates athletic and academic ability
- Learn more about Coach Walt Kroll: Coach Walt Kroll was the football coach at Columbus from 1964-1995. He was nicknamed “The Legend”, and those who knew him, respected him for his contributions to our school. He valued Catholic education, and even though he was not Catholic himself, he could be seen at Mass on a regular basis, and always insisted upon the participation of his team in spiritual activities. His football record speaks for itself, and he was so honored by being inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
- Student entering grades 9-12
- Financial need considered.
- Learn more about Fr. Hugh J. Deeny and Fr. Richard Rossiter: The Deeny-Rossiter Scholarship Fund was established in 1971 in memory of Father Hugh J. Deeny and Fr. Richard Rossiter. Fr. Deeny was the first Principal of Columbus High school and Fr. Rossiter was the first Vice –Principal of CHS. Recipients must show a genuine interest in pursuing their education at Columbus and be a positive influence both in the classroom and outside of the school setting.
- Student entering grade 9
- Financial need considered
- Learn more about Elliana Jo Johnson: This scholarship is in memory of Elliana Jo Johnson, the daughter of a previous Columbus Catholic Schools student. Jessica (Linzmeier) Johnson is a 2001 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School. She attended St. John's Elementary through 7th grade and was a part of the first graduating class of the former Holy Family Middle School in 8th grade. Elliana, called Elli by all who knew and loved her, is Jessica's third daughter (she has four!) who, sadly, passed away on June 26, 2011 at 9 months old. She was such an easy going, laid back baby girl with the most beautiful blue eyes. Her contagious laugh and infectious smile could melt hearts. Establishing this scholarship is the Linzmeier family's way of keeping Elli's memory alive.
- Student entering grades 9-12
- Student has a strong desire for a Catholic education. Student should have strong moral character and make stewardship a part of their life through school, community and church.
- Two letters of recommendation from volunteer coordinators
- Financial need considered.
- Learn more about Gertrude Stadler: The Gertrude Stadler Memorial Scholarship was established in 2011 by the Shookman family in memory of their sister and aunt. Gertrude Stadler was a former teacher and active member of St. John the Baptist Parish. She believed strongly in Catholic education. The recipient of this scholarship has shown strong moral character and made stewardship a part of her life through community and Church.
- Student entering 4K-12th grade.
- A desire for Catholic Education.
- Eligible applicants are committed to Columbus Catholic Schools as shown by a sibling in Columbus High School or a sibling, parent, or grandparent who graduated from Columbus Catholic High School.
- Financial need required.
- Thank you note to Dave & Jean Wunrow required upon acceptance of the scholarship.
- Learn more about the Heinzen-Wunrow family: The Heinzen-Wunrow Family Scholarship was established in 2010 by David and Jean (Heinzen) Wunrow. Jean is a graduate of Columbus and Dave is a strong supporter of CCS. Their two children, Lindsay and Gregory, are also graduates of Columbus. Receiving a faith-based education is important to the family and has been for over 40 years. The Heinzen-Wunrow family recognizes the many financial sacrifices it takes to provide this wonderful learning opportunity for children and young adults. They are hopeful that this scholarship will ease some of the financial burden a family takes on to send their child(ren) to CCS.
- Student entering grades 1-2
- Student is a member of St. John the Baptist Parish.
- Recipient must write a thank-you note to the family of Henryette McGiveron and submit upon the acceptance of the scholarship.
- Financial need considered.
- Student entering grades 5K - 12
- Recipient must write a thank-you note to the family of Ivan & Sharon Fuerlinger and submit upon the acceptance of the scholarship.
- Financial need considered.
- Student entering 9th grade
- Student must express a desire for Catholic Education
- Financial need considered
- Thank you note required upon acceptance of scholarship
- Students entering 9th grade
- Financial need required.
- Student entering grades 9-12
- Student must have siblings that have previously graduated from CHS or currently attend CCS
- Student must have a strong desire for a Catholic education
- Financial need required
- Thank you to the family of John & Betty Hartl required upon acceptance of this scholarship.
- Learn more about John & Betty Hartl: The John & Betty Hartl Memorial Scholarship was established in 2017 by the children of John and Betty Hartl in memory of their parents. John and Betty had a long connection with Columbus Catholic Schools. Their eight children attended St. John the Baptist School and then Columbus High School. John and Betty were devoted Catholics and were proud that they were able to have their children attend Catholic schools. They recognized the sacrifice it took for parents like themselves to do so. They were also proud to have been a part of the formation and building of Columbus High School. John was one of many Catholic men who went door to door soliciting funding for the high school, which was built in 1952.
- Student entering grade 3-5 and 9-12.
- Financial need considered
- Student is a practicing member of Our Lady of Peace Parish.
- Scholarship must be used for tuition only.
- Learn more about Joseph and Bernadine Weber: Joseph and Bernadine Weber were married in 1948. They had five children; Carol Weber Tomke, Patricia Weber Binder, Joel (Marlene) Weber, Joellen Weber Heiman and David (Denise) Weber. The family expanded to 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. They were very devoted to their family and enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Joe and Bernadine established Weber's Farm Store in 1955. They spent their working years farming and developing the Weber's Farm Store business. After their retirement, the family business was purchased in 1995 by Ken (Joellen Weber) Heiman, Kim (Cheryl) Heiman, Kalvin (Marilyn) Heiman and their wives. The business continues to thrive as a retail dairy operation and is located at 9706 Cty Hwy H on the west side of Marshfield. The Weber/Heiman operation has spanned five generations and the original farm was purchased in 1904 by Joseph's parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Feess) Weber. Joe and Bernadine have been financially supportive of many community advancements in Marshfield. They were especially proud of purchasing land on the west side of the city and in collaboration with city officials the Weber Nature Park, 2901 West Fifth Street, was established in 2009. Joe and Bernadine were original charter members of Our Lady of Peace and were strong advocates of Catholic school education. All five children attended elementary school there and their three daughters graduated from Columbus High School. Joseph passed away on March 10, 2016 at the age of 89.
- Student entering grades 9-12
- Student must be interested in the field of technical education
- Thank you note required upon acceptance of scholarship
- Learn more about Keith Binder: The Keith Binder Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of one of our graduates who was killed tragically in a car accident. His entire family went to Columbus Catholic High School, and his parents have always been very supportive of our school. The family wishes to award a scholarship, in honor of Keith, to a student who has a passion and an advanced ability in technology education.
- Student entering grades 9-12
- Student must play an instrument and/or sing
- Student must be involved in music ministry or pursuing a vocation in religious life
- Financial need considered
- Thank you note required upon acceptance of scholarship
- Learn more about Mary Purkapile: Mary Purkapile entered into eternal life at the age of 58, following a courageous, almost six-year battle with colon cancer. She was a proud mother of three children, all of which graduated from Columbus Catholic High School. Mary began sharing her musical talents through music ministry in the 8th grade, giving 45 years to music leadership. Mary was a talented musician and singer, sharing this talent with her son Dan. Dan would frequently accompany Mary in the choir loft, continuing music ministry himself. Mary played an intricate role in creating this scholarship at the end of her life. When asked, “what about music ministry brought you closer to God?” Mary said, “When I am planning music I read the scriptures and become centered on Christ. Through that prayer time it naturally flows to draw closer to God.” Mary explained when she played for Mass she felt the flow of energy in the church and felt at peace. Mary continued to share her talents through music ministry up until she wasn’t physically able to do so. Mary’s entire family joined her in the choir loft one last time, substituting her voice when she no longer had the ability to sing herself. Mary hoped this scholarship would allow for her love of praising God through music to live on through future musicians. One of Mary’s favorite hymns was Sing of the Lord’s Goodness. “Praise him with your singing, praise him with the trumpet, praise God with the lute and harp; praise him with the cymbals, praise him with your dancing, praise God till the end of days."
- Students entering 9th grade
- Financial need considered
- Thank you note required with acceptance of scholarship
- Students entering 5K through 5th grade
- Member of Our Lady of Peace Parish
- Financial need required
- Thank you note required with acceptance of scholarship
- Scholarship is managed by the Marshfield Area Community Foundation
- Student entering grades 10-12
- Student must show a genuine love for instrumental music
- Student must be a current band student
- Thank you note required upon acceptance of scholarship
- Student entering 9th grade
- Student must express a desire for Catholic Education
- Financial need considered
- Students entering 9th grade
- Financial need required.
- Annual renewal based on continued quarterly 3.0 GPA
- Thank you to Becky Beining Smith '87 required upon acceptance of this scholarship.
- Learn more about Peter & Judy Beining: The Peter and Judy Beining scholarship was established by Tony and Becky Smith as a way to recognize the sacrifice Becky’s parents had to make to send her younger brother Jim and herself to Columbus High School. Their hard work and dedication extended beyond their farm that had been in the family for over 100 years. Organizations such as the Rozellville Rockets 4-H club, St. Andrew’s Alter Society, the Rozellville Lions Club, and volunteering to work during elections are just some of the activities my parents have been involved in over the years. They are currently active members of St. John’s church and enjoy seeing the activity of the kids during the day around the school. Peter and Judy have always lived their lives helping others and being active in their community. This scholarship represents both of those values. This family also wants to recognize the parents of this year’s recipient for their commitment to continue their child’s Catholic based education in high school. You are setting your child on a path that the family believes will benefit them greatly in the future.
- Students entering 9th grade
- Financial need required.
- Annual renewal based on continued quarterly 3.0 GPA
- Thank you required upon acceptance of this scholarship
- Students entering 9th grade
- Financial need required.
- Annual renewal based on continued quarterly 3.0 GPA
- Thank you required upon acceptance of this scholarship.
- Student entering grades 10-12
- Practicing OLP Parishioner
- Financial need required
- Thank you to Ellen Maurer required upon acceptance of this scholarship.
- Learn more about Ron & Ellen Maurer: The Ron and Ellen Maurer Family Scholarship was established in 2016 by Ron and Ellen Maurer. Ron is a graduate of Columbus as well as his three children. Receiving a Catholic education was important to Ron’s parents and to him as a parent. He is thankful for the outstanding education he and his children received at Columbus. He recognizes the sacrifice it takes to provide this opportunity for children. Ron and Ellen established this scholarship to help other students that want a faith based education attend Columbus.
- Student entering grades 6-12
- Financial need considered
- Scholarship is run through the Fr John Eisen Assembly 1219 Knights of Columbus and must be mailed to them at the address on the form HERE
- Deadline: March 31 every year
- Learn more about the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree) Sir Knight Herbert Weigel Scholarship Fund: The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic fraternal benefit society founded in 1882. The Knights of Columbus’ founding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity still hold true today. They are strong supporters of Catholic education. In 2010, the Sir Knight Herbert Weigel Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Herbert Weigel, a long-time KC member.
- Student entering grades 9-12
- Students must express an interest in science
- Recommendation by Science teacher
- Learn more about Sr. Miranda Buesseler: Sister Miranda was an outstanding science teacher at Columbus Catholic for over 20 years. She instilled knowledge, understanding, and — most importantly — enthusiasm for science in her students. This award bearing her name recognizes a student in grades 9-12 who has a love and an enthusiasm for science.
- Student entering grades 6-8 and 9-12
- Family must consistently use the Gift Card Program
- Financial need considered
- Thank you to John & Jan Altmann required upon acceptance of this scholarship.
- Learn more about SSGT Joseph J. Altmann: This scholarship was established in 2012 in memory of Joe Altmann, a 2003 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School, who gave his life on Christmas Day 2011 while serving his country in Afghanistan. Joe had a quiet demeanor, was hardworking, respectful of others, humble, and generous. He lived his life looking for ways to help others and lost his life doing just that. This scholarship is a lasting legacy to Joe.
- Student entering 5K
- Student must have attended CCS for 4K
- Financial need required
- Scholarship must be used for tuition only
- Current student entering 12th grade next year
- Student participating in the third year of athletics and has earned a varsity letter at Columbus Catholic, outstanding academic performance, and exhibit exemplary sportsmanlike conduct.
- Thank you to Mike and Mary Stevens required upon acceptance of this scholarship.
- Learn more about Mike and Mary Stevens: Every year the Scholar Athlete Award is given to the junior who has expressed the willingness and desire to combine schoolwork and sports. This junior must have attended all three years at CCHS; maintained a high grade point average and actively participated and/or lettered in varsity sports for three years. The scholarship is given by the Mike Stevens family.
- Current student entering 12th grade next year
- Student enrolled in the third year of study in the music program at Columbus Catholic, outstanding academic performance, and participation in solo ensemble.
- Thank you to Mike and Mary Stevens required upon acceptance of this scholarship.
- Learn more about Mike and Mary Stevens: Mike and Mary Stevens, who are friends of Columbus Catholic High School and whose five children graduated from Columbus, established the Stevens Scholarship. Every year, the Scholar Music Award is given to the junior who has attended all three years at CCHS; maintained a high grade point average; and has shown passion and excellence in music by participating in the Music Department (Band and/or Choir) all three years and actively participated in the Solo & Ensemble Competition.
- Student must be attending Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School (grades 3-5) or Columbus Catholic Middle School (6th grade) during the upcoming school year.
- Student must be participating in Columbus Youth Football or Cheer.
- Thank you note to Columbus Youth Football and Cheer Board required upon acceptance of this scholarship.