GALENA — Apple River State Bank and First Community Bank of Galena recently awarded $1,000 college scholarships to six area high school graduates.
● Galena High School: Molly Beadle is the daughter of Brian and Frances Beadle. She will attend the University of Illinois to study law.
● River Ridge High School: Kathryn Cobine is the daughter of Robert and Laura Cobine. She will attend Concordia University and major in music education
● Scales Mound High School: Derrick Distler is the son of Nicholas Distler and Melissa Distler. He will attend Dubuque Building Trade Union via NICC to become an electrician.
● Warren High School: Maizy Fonseca is the daughter of Joel and Heather Fonseca. She will attend Highland Community College and then transfer to nursing school to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
● Southwestern High School: Aubrey Brand is the daughter of Robert and Tammy Brand. She will attend University of Wisconsin, Madison and major in chemistry.
● Darlington High School: Ben Weaver is the son of Doug and Renee Weaver. He will attend Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and major in business.
In addition to these six scholarships, the bank’s Trust Department has awarded two-$1,000 scholarships from the Earl, Vera, and Hal Heller Educational Trust. The recipients are
● Ava Hahn, daughter of Patrick Hahn and Angie Wickler will attend Mount Mercy University to major in secondary education; and
● Connor Soat, son of Ben and Christine Soat, will attend University of Wisconsin, Platteville to major in construction management.
Bank Commits $200 to Each Area High School Graduate
In addition to the $1,000 scholarships, Apple River State Bank announced a $200 Community Commitment Award for each of the graduating seniors at Galena, River Ridge, Scales Mound, Warren, Southwestern, and Darlington High Schools.
Apple River State Bank started the Community Commitment Award program with the Class of 2021.
“We applaud the young women and men of the Class of 2025 for their commitment to completing their high school education,” said Joel Holland, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer. “In recognition of their commitment, Apple River State Bank will again provide the $200 Community Commitment Award to each graduating senior.”
Seniors from these six high schools received a certificate that they can take to their local Apple River State Bank office. $100 will be deposited in a new or existing Apple River State Bank checking or savings account. Between December 12, 2025, and January 31, 2026, an additional $100 will be deposited to the account at their request,
“We are prepared to be the bank for these young adults, wherever their future takes them. Congratulations and best wishes for the future from your friends at Apple River State Bank,” said Holland.
Apple River State Bank is located throughout Jo Daviess County in Apple River, Elizabeth, Hanover, Scales Mound, Warren, Galena (First Community Bank of Galena), and in Darlington and Hazel Green, Wisconsin. In addition, the bank operates a network of 48 ATM locations.
