MONROE — Niveah Gross and Kaiya Zurfluh were selected to receive a scholarship from the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation (WSTF).

Gross, awarded a $750 scholarship, a Pecatonica graduate and plans to attend Southwest Technical College this fall and major in cosmetology. She is one of 10 Wisconsin high school students receiving a scholarship from the WSTF scholarship program. 

Zurfluh, awarded a $1,500 scholarship, graduated from Albany and plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall and major in legal studies and sociology. She is one of 10 Wisconsin high school students receiving a scholarship from the WSTF scholarship program. 

Gross and Zurfluh were not only chosen due to their exceptional academic performance — they are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, participating in sports, works, showcases strong leadership skills, and is dedicated to improving their communities through volunteering.

The WSTF scholarship program is funded each year by local telephone companies — including TDS Telecom. The scholarships are available to high school seniors in the company’s service area. WSTF volunteers review the applications and select finalists based on financial need, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other criteria. 

“For the past 14 years, TDS Telecom has been honored to support high-performing and well-deserving students in the areas we serve through the WSTF scholarship,” said TDS State Government Affairs Manager Jean Pauk. “We wish all of the graduating students success in the future as they work towards achieving their goals of higher education.” 

Since 1966, the WSTF has given more than $1.7 million to help students further their education. In its 56 years, the foundation has awarded scholarships to more than 1,300 students. 

The foundation is part of the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association (WSTA), which is a trade organization representing 67 companies and cooperatives in Wisconsin, including TDS.