The Louise Romaker Language Excellence Scholarship

The Louise Romaker Language Excellence Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 by Cynthia Romaker Fullmer and her husband, John Fullmer, in memory of Cynthia’s mother. The award is disbursed from a fund that was created at the UW-Foundation and will be given in perpetuity. The annual award amount currently stands at $5,000.00.

The scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating senior from McFarlandHigh School. The recipient will have demonstrated excellence in the study of foreign language during the high school years and is a student who plans to continue foreign language study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, the applicants do not have to declare a planned major in foreign language study in order to qualify for this award. The scholarship is not based on financial need.

The award recipient is selected by Cynthia Romaker and Dr. Constance Knop, Professor Emerita, UW-Madison, on the basis of merit only. Input from the guidance counselors at MHS is welcome regarding the students who apply for the scholarship. Qualifying students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Preference may be given to a student who intends to major in the study of a foreign language or the teaching of a foreign language, but the required essay carries more weight than intention to major in a foreign language or to pursue a career in teaching.

In order to be considered for the award, each student must submit an essay in which the following points are addressed:

  1. What language or languages have you studied in high school and how has this language study impacted your overall education and personal growth?
  2. What are your intentions with regard to foreign language study at the U.W.Madison?
  3. How do you expect foreign language ability to play a role in your future, both professionally and personally?
  4. What is the value of foreign language study, in your opinion?

Student applicants are encouraged to include any or all of the following supporting documents:

  • Transcript
  • (2) Letters of recommendation, one from high school foreign language teacher and one can be a from another educator or more of a “character” reference
  • Resume
  • Other information at the student’s discretion.

(OVER)

We do take into account the quality of the essay submitted: content first and foremost, e.g. how the student demonstrates a true “heart” or passion for foreign language learning. However, we also expect an essay that is thoughtfully and carefully written, grammatically correct and free of spelling and typing errors. It is very important to the selecting committee that the essays reflect a quality effort.

In order to receive the award, the student must be enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus for the academic year starting the fall after graduation from high school. The scholarship will be disbursed directly into the student’s account, one-half in the fall and one-half in the spring.

Details on submitting the required materials are available in the high school counseling office.

Contact Information:

McFarland High School Guidance Department

Applications need to be submitted to the High School Guidance Office no later than March 22, 2018.