This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Brian E. Wagner Scholarship Fund Grants College Aid to 3 York Students

Legacy of young high school leader, lives on in the Elmhurst Community.

From Left to Right: Nicola Caso-Doherty-BEWSF Director, presents the 2022 BEWSF Scholarship to 3 York High School students: Sam Musial, Teagan Wede and Ella Lawton.
From Left to Right: Nicola Caso-Doherty-BEWSF Director, presents the 2022 BEWSF Scholarship to 3 York High School students: Sam Musial, Teagan Wede and Ella Lawton.

Brian Edwin Wagner was a commendable leader who set an everlasting impression on his peers. Unfortunately, his tragic passing in an automobile accident during the summer prior to his senior year at York High School prevented him from achieving his dreams. Brian’s kindness and virtuous service always made a difference. He made the most of every opportunity in the short life he lived and his legacy is carried on through the scholarship fund that substantiates his lasting influence.

Each year outstanding young leaders are selected for the Brian E Wagner scholarship, each is granted $2500 towards their college tuition. Those that receive this commendable honor are also quintessential models of unwavering leadership. The BEWSF’s mission is to encourage high school students to improve their lives and the lives of others by exercising sound judgment and committing themselves to volunteer programs. Thus far, the foundation has donated over $80,000 in college tuition. This cause reminds us that tomorrow is never guaranteed and that it is important to make every moment count in our lifetime.

More information about the application process can be found at http://brianewagnerfund.org/. All high school seniors can apply for the privilege to be named as one of next year’s honorees. Since this is a merit and character based award, there is no GPA requirement.

Find out what's happening in Elmhurstfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The three 2022 recipients have used their talents and are committed to passing the torch of fortitude to future high school leaders that Brian E. Wagner lit many years ago. All will be graduating from York High School this Spring. Their reactions to receiving this accolade can be found below:

Ella Lawton was accepted to the University of Iowa and will major in Marketing. She stated, “After working very hard for the past four years, this scholarship shows that I have succeeded! I will always be grateful for the people that have helped me along the way. This scholarship is an opportunity to keep pursuing my education at the college level, and for that I am extremely thankful to Brian, and the Wagner family.”

Find out what's happening in Elmhurstfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Sam Musial will attend the University of Notre Dame and major in Accounting. He plans to participate in Intramural soccer and basketball, Investment Club and the Student International Business Council. Sam commented, “This honor is means a great deal to me as it will allow me to further my education. I will strive to represent Brian’s ideals through leadership, empathy, and service. Brian positively impacted everyone he met, and he truly inspires me to continue his legacy through community involvement and giving back to others.”

Teagan Wede was accepted to Marquette University and will major in Accounting. She said, “I am so thankful to be receiving the Brian E. Wagner Scholarship and to honor the life of Brian. This scholarship has helped me obtain my dream of attending college. I plan to pay it forward by participating in Amnesty International Club and other service based organizations.”

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?