Leadership and Character Scholarships

List of 15 items.

• Bradley Impact Freedom Scholarship

  The Bradley Impact Freedom Scholarship was established in 2025 in recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. The Bradley Impact Fund recognizes those that preserve and strengthen America’s founding principles. The Bradley Impact Freedom Scholarship recognizes a Brookfield Academy student who demonstrates excellence in academics through hard work, determination, and perseverance.  

• Brookfield Academy Leadership Award

  Established in 2011, this award is given to individuals who demonstrate academic achievement, strong character, leadership abilities, and who participate extensively in extracurricular activities. This renewable award is applied to tuition.

• Susan Grunau Dragisic "Community Impact" Scholarship

  Alumni parent Susan Grunau Dragisic used to say “people don't give to causes, they give to people.” Her great tenacity, sincere love for the community, and genuine belief in giving back made her a highly respected leader in greater Milwaukee. To honor Susan’s legacy of commitment to others, in 2023, her husband John Dragisic and her daughters Jane and Kate established the Susan Grunau Dragisic “Community Impact” Scholarship. This non-renewable scholarship is awarded to an ambitious and determined Brookfield Academy female student-athlete (entering 10th-12th grade) who demonstrates academic achievement and leadership and has shown a commitment to community service.

• Janet Grede Jacobs “Reach for the Stars” Scholarship

  Established in memory of Mrs. Janet Grede Jacobs by her husband, Burleigh Jacobs, her family, and her friends, the Janet Grede Jacobs "Reach for the Stars" Scholarship is awarded to a student who exhibits personal integrity, leadership potential, and a strong work ethic. The $3,000 merit-based scholarship award is given to an individual who constantly strives for excellence and "to do his/her best in all he/she undertakes."

• The Amy King “Dream and Achieve” Fund

  Outstanding student, thespian, vocalist, athlete, alumna, and friend: Amy King '01 was all of these and more at Brookfield Academy. When Amy passed away in 2003, the Academy lost a truly unique member of the BA family. In 2004, the King Family established the Amy King Dream and Achieve Fund to support students who seek out opportunities to challenge themselves beyond what they thought possible, thereby emulating Amy's legacy at the Academy.

• The Mitchell Kohls “Star of Character” Award

  Established in memory of alumni parent Mitchell Kohls by his wife Mary and his daughters Katie, Hayley, and Madeline, the Mitchell Kohls "Star of Character" Award recognizes a student who demonstrates the following points of character: 1) Honesty, 2) Respect for oneself and others, 3) Honor, 4) Tolerance, 5) Caring for others, 6) Sticking up for what you believe in, 7) Keeping promises, and, 8) Courage under pressure. The non-renewable award will be applied to tuition.

• The Ronald and Vicki Krizek Scholarship in Honor of David York '88

  The Ronald and Vicki Krizek Scholarship was established in 2021 to honor the legacy of Brookfield Academy Alumnus David York '88. As a student at the Academy and throughout his life, David demonstrated grit and determination in the classroom and on the field of play. He was a positive role model, a consummate leader, and a loyal friend. These were the characteristics David demonstrated on a daily basis, and the recipient of this scholarship must reflect these values. David, who passed away in the fall of 2021, left an indelible mark on all who knew him. The Ronald and Vicki Krizek Scholarship ensures his positive attitude and ethic of success lives on at the Academy.

• The Emily Papara, “Mrs. P”, Love of Learning Scholarship

  In 2025, to honor the legacy of love and service of Emily Papara, the Papara Family established the “Mrs. P” Love of Learning Scholarship. This award recognizes Lower School students who are kind, caring, inquisitive, and exemplify the ideals of the Academy in all that they undertake. Mrs. P had a passion for teaching and treated each one of her students with kindness and respect. Her warm and caring personality created an environment in the classroom that allowed her students to make their own best possible and “Reach for the Stars”. 

• The Daniel A. Perelman '21 Scholarship

  Daniel Perelman was a curious, passionate, and talented young man, who, in addition to being an exemplary student, was also a kind human being, engaged in multiple community service activities. As a Brookfield Academy student, Daniel excelled academically and was particularly passionate about sciences. He was the leader of the Math and Chess clubs, and led the Brookfield Academy chess team to win its first ever Varsity State Championship title. Daniel was also a key member of the Certamen and Mock Trial clubs, leading the teams in winning multiple awards and recognitions over the years. Outside of school, Daniel was a Teen Ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House of Charities, volunteered his time in online ACT and SAT tutoring for underserved populations, and helped a friend teach chess in a Wauwatosa middle school. Daniel was ever the optimist, and his smile and easy-going demeanor lit up every room he entered.

  
  

  In 2023, to honor Daniel’s memory and legacy, the Perelman family established the Daniel A. Perelman ’21 Scholarship. This one-year, non-renewable scholarship will be awarded to a current Brookfield Academy Upper School student who demonstrates kindness and community service. This student should also exhibit academic excellence and passion for sciences and chess.

• The Doug Ricci Character and Leadership Award

  In honor of the many years of dedicated service to Brookfield Academy, the Greg and Shobha Warren Family established the Doug Ricci Scholarship in 2026. In his many years as Head of the Middle School, Doug Ricci left an indelible impact on hundreds of students through his lessons of personal responsibility, leadership, hard work, character development, and dedication. The Warren family intends this award to be given to an incoming Level 9 student who has attended Brookfield Academy and has demonstrated these traits in no uncertain terms. The winner of this award will be selected from a pool of nominees recommended by the Middle School Head, Dean of Students, and the Level 8 teachers.

• Constance and Harold Simmons Scholarship

  Brookfield Academy parents Connie and Harold Simmons recognized early the impact a great education would have on their children’s lives. Brookfield Academy resonated with their belief that a strong Judeo-Christian ethic would guide behavior, purpose, and action. Ultimately, their children would be challenged to reach their highest potential.
  
  

  To honor their parents' belief in the value of education, Michael Simmons ’80, Patrick Simmons ’81, and Bradley Simmons have established the Constance and Harold Simmons Scholarship. Reflecting the values of their parents, it will be awarded to a student who has a strong academic record, is a person of excellent personal character, demonstrates need, and has a willingness to seize opportunities to grow as a student and as an individual.

  
  This endowed scholarship will provide deserving students with the gift of a Brookfield Academy education that will have a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives. To assist a family with the cost of a BA tuition, this $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Middle School student who demonstrates the values of hard work, determination, and personal responsibility. Much like when the Simmonses enrolled their children at Brookfield Academy, the Constance and Harold Simmons Scholarship will ensure that future generations of students benefit from the investment in an Academy education.

• The Robert E. “Bob” Solsrud Five Star Freedom Scholarship

  This scholarship was established by the BA community to honor Bob Solsrud's 45-year tenure at Brookfield Academy. Teacher, coach, athletic director, division head, volunteer, and Head of School (1993-2015), Bob's numerous contributions are an inspiration to all and serve as the basis for this award.

  
  This merit-based award will be given each year to one student who demonstrates a daily commitment to the leadership ideals that Bob continually sought to convey through his everyday actions in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in his volunteer activities, and administrative roles. 

• The Janet Ranta Star Memorial Scholarship

  Established in 2011 by Richard Star in memory of his wife, the fund provides a $2,500 non-renewable award to a current Brookfield Academy female student (entering 10th - 12th grade) who has a "renaissance spirit" and an interest in business, communication, and English and combines those interests with a genuine desire to help others. The award is applied to the student's Brookfield Academy tuition.

• Lori “Rising” Star Award

  It was anything but fate when Mrs. Lori Star was hired to organize and lead the Middle School Star Room at BA. The Star Room was established in 2009 to help students improve their academic performance and organizational skills, as well as inspire their love for learning. Over her 14 years leading the Star Room, it became an area where they could seek additional help, moral support, a smiling face, or timely encouragement. Lori’s broad content knowledge and her gentle, caring way made the Star Room a thriving location for all Middle School students. One student summed it up perfectly when he said, “Mrs. Star helps me a lot. If I have a problem, she’s always able to help me solve it. I also like her because I can trust her.” Lori’s collegial relationship with teachers also contributed to this highly successful resource area.

• David M. York '88 Scholarship for Character in Athletics

  David York was a student, teammate, parent, and friend who dedicated himself to making the Academy a better place. David often said he lived his life “through the strength of my character and determination to succeed both in my personal and professional life.” With these principles as a guide, David truly was a role model in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the community. In particular, David brought energy and joy to athletic participation, always secure in the knowledge that character and effort were the only sure ways to success. 

  
  

  In 2022, to honor his legacy, the York family established The David M. York ’88 Scholarship. This one-year scholarship will be awarded to a current or future Brookfield Academy Upper School student-athlete who through his or her actions understands that success is achieved through hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm, reflecting the attitudes and behavior David demonstrated on a daily basis.