For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: August 24, 2026
Two Students Receive WROF Scholarships
Marshall-Buss named Premier Scholar
Fennimore -Two Southwest Wisconsin Technical College students are receiving financial support for their education after earning scholarships from the Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation.
Storm Marshall-Buss, an Agribusiness student, was selected as one of seven WROF Premier Scholars in Wisconsin and received a $3,000 scholarship. Jory Vial, an Animal Science student, was selected as the Aliesha R. Crowe, Ed. D Board Scholar, and received a $500 WROF scholarship.
Marshall-Buss, a 2026 Belmont High School graduate, entered Southwest Tech with approximately half of her program already completed through dual enrollment courses. She chose the college because of its proximity to home and its reputation in the region.
Growing up on her family’s organic cash crop farm near Belmont helped build Marshall-Buss’ interest in agriculture. The farm produces corn, soybeans, oats, alfalfa and sunflowers, and Marshall-Buss also shows sheep and horses. In high school, she was active in FFA, serving as an officer for three years, in addition to participating in softball and band.
Marshall-Buss was surprised to learn the significance of being selected as one of seven Premier Scholars statewide. “It was definitely an honor to be one of those seven students in the state,” she said.
Her scholarship was sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance. “I’m incredibly grateful,” said Marshall-Buss. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and for their generosity to help students like me who may not have had all the resources.”
She said the $3,000 scholarship will have a significant impact on her education. “That amount does make a huge difference and is allowing me to focus on my education rather than worrying about how I’m going to pay for it,” said Marshall-Buss.
Vial, a 2025 Boscobel High School graduate, is entering her second year in Southwest Tech’s Animal Science program. She said she has always enjoyed working with animals and appreciates the program’s small class sizes, flexibility and supportive environment. Vial also works as a calf barn assistant manager at Winch’s Pine Grove Farms LP.
Like Marshall-Buss, Vial was active in FFA in high school, serving as reporter, treasurer and secretary. She said FFA helped broaden her understanding of agriculture and the importance of farmers. Softball was also an important part of her high school experience.
Vial was “very honored” and grateful to receive the $500 scholarship. For students balancing education and other expenses, she said scholarships can relieve an important financial burden. “It just takes off a big stress of worrying about money,” she said. “It’s just one less thing I have to worry about.”
She also expressed appreciation for those who support students through scholarships. “Thank you for everything,” said Vial. “Thank you for helping out everyone that needs it and can benefit from it.”
Dr. Aliesha Crowe serves as the WROF Board Secretary and is actively involved in beef and equine production in northeast Wisconsin. “Throughout my career in the Wisconsin Technical College System, I have seen the financial challenges that could potentially derail our students’ educational plans,” she said. “As a rural farm kid who benefitted from scholarships and a fourth-generation ag producer, it is important to me to support students who are committed to a career in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry.”
The Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation is a private charitable foundation focused on strengthening rural Wisconsin by investing in education. The organization supports students pursuing education in fields that contribute to the economic health and quality of life of rural communities, including agriculture, health care, veterinary care, environmental studies and sustainable practices. Its Premier Scholarship Awards Program supports rural Wisconsin students pursuing postsecondary education who plan to return to rural communities after graduation.