FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2026
Rush City Education Foundation Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Rush City, Minn. — The Rush City Education Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarships, recognizing graduating seniors for their academic achievement, community involvement, future goals, and commitment to making a positive impact.
Awards were presented May 20, 2026, at the Rush City High School awards event. This year, RCEF awarded $11,000 in scholarships to nine graduating seniors across five scholarship funds. Since 2013, RCEF has awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships to support Rush City students as they continue their education.
“We are honored to support these outstanding students as they take the next step in their education,” said Vern Koepp, RCEF President. “Each scholarship represents not only financial support, but also the continued investment of our community in the success and future of Rush City graduates.”
The 2026 RCEF Scholarship recipients are Megan Widell and Alex Flaten. These scholarships reflect the Foundation’s core mission of supporting student success and opportunity. Each year, RCEF awards two scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to their future goals.
Widell will attend the University of Minnesota, Morris, where she plans to study biology. “I plan to become a Physician Assistant, and this scholarship will help make that possible for me,” Widell said. “I am incredibly grateful for the support as I pursue my dream career.”
Flaten will attend the University of North Dakota to study commercial aviation and aviation management. “Since my first flight at age seven, aviation has been my dream,” Flaten said. “This scholarship helps ease flight training costs as I work toward becoming a commercial pilot.”
Widell is also the recipient of the Merlin & Eleanor Beise Scholarship. The Beise family has strong community connections and was active in the local Catholic Church. Merlin had a lifelong career in pharmacy and a love for music, so the Merlin & Eleanor Beise Scholarship is awarded to a student planning to pursue a career in pharmacy, healthcare, music, or education.
The John & Evelyn Erickson Scholarships were awarded to Luciano Schisano, Elijah Bergfalk, Tyler Monson, and Alayna Heintz.
John and Evelyn Erickson devoted their lives to supporting students in Rush City. Evelyn served as a beloved first grade teacher, while John worked as a high school guidance counselor and coach. Their deep care and dedication to education left a lasting impact on generations of students. Following Evelyn’s passing in 2022, RCEF received a generous gift from the Erickson estate and established a scholarship fund in their honor to ensure their legacy continues to uplift future students.
Schisano plans to pursue environmental engineering. Bergfalk will attend the University of Minnesota Duluth to study mechanical engineering. Monson will attend the University of Minnesota, Morris, with plans to pursue physical therapy. Heintz will attend the College of St. Benedict, where she plans to study history and global business.
The Schneider Family Scholarship was awarded to Felicity Gilkerson, who will attend the University of Northwestern to study animation and illustration. George and Dick Schneider, a father-and-son duo, were well-known and respected business owners in Rush City, operating Schneider Chevrolet on Main Street for decades. Their enduring commitment to the community and dedication to their Catholic faith live on through this scholarship, which is awarded to an outstanding senior of the Catholic faith.
The Beverly Proulx Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Kendal Pillar, who will attend Bethany Lutheran College to study elementary education.
Beverly Proulx was a passionate educator and creative force in Rush City, teaching high school English for 26 years. She also led the Speech team and directed numerous theater productions, inspiring students both in the classroom and on the stage. As a dedicated board member of RCEF until her passing in early 2025, Mrs. Proulx left a lasting imprint on the school community. Her memorial scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in education who also shows a strong passion for the arts.
“Rush City educators helped shape my dream of teaching,” Pillar said. “This scholarship supports my education while I balance college, athletics, and preparing for my own classroom.”
The Rush City Education Foundation congratulates all 2026 scholarship recipients and thanks the donors, families, and community members whose generosity makes these opportunities possible.
About the Rush City Education Foundation
The Rush City Education Foundation (RCEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fueling innovation and opportunity within Rush City Schools. Through teacher innovation grants, student scholarships, and classroom enrichment programs, RCEF helps every student get the tools and experiences they need to cross the finish line of success.
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Herberg
Communications, Rush City Education Foundation
612-717-0226
eherberg@99gs.com