2025 Scholarship Recipients

Forward is proud to announce $17,000 has been awarded to local students through the 2025 Forward Bank Scholarship Program.

This year’s scholarships reflect an increased investment in our future leaders. The award amount was raised from $500 in previous years to $1,000. This reflects Forward’s continued commitment to investing in the future of our local students and helping bridge the financial gap many face as they begin their college journey.

Scholarships are awarded annually to one student in each community served by Forward Bank. In addition to these community-based awards, one scholarship is designated each year for a current employee or the child of a current employee through the Bob Lotzer Employee Scholarship.

New in 2025, we introduced the Dick Mills Legacy Scholarship, honoring the lasting contributions of former Lake City Federal Bank CEO Dick Mills. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student in the Lake City, MN community who embodies a spirit of growth, purpose, and community leadership.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Employees of Forward, we are honored to announce the:

2025 Forward Bank Scholarship Recipients

• Brady Heiser (Rib Lake High School)
• Carter West (Lincoln High School)
• Claire Drier (Gilman High School)
• Danica Diethelm (Athens High School)
• Eli Erickson (Three Lakes High School)
• Ella Raatz (Colby High School)
• Geneva Capetillo-Macias (Owen-Withee High School)
• Hailee Wade (Chequamegon High School)
• Hunter Kodl (Thorp High School)
• JJ Steinbach (Marshfield High School)
• Kianna Zierer (Phillips High School)
• Morgan Halls (Stanley-Boyd High School)
• Owen Klussendorf (Medford Area High School)
• Owen Libby (Northland Pines High School)
• Tysen Lindner (Greenwood High School)

Bob Lotzer Scholarship Recipient

• Savana Thomsen (Colby High School)

Dick Mills Legacy Scholarship Recipient

• Hannah Weinrich (Lincoln High School)

Forward Bank’s Scholarship Committee was inspired by the determination, leadership, and community involvement demonstrated by all applicants. Choosing this year’s recipients from such an impressive group of high school students was no easy task. These scholarships represent our mission to help students grow, learn, and lead—while moving their communities forward.

Congratulations to the 2025 Forward Bank Scholarship winners—we can’t wait to see what your future holds!

Learn more about Forward Bank’s Scholarship Program.

Photo Above: Hannah Weinrich (center) is presented with the Dick Mills Legacy Scholarship by Andrea Hazard and Jeff Coats.