TREE HOUSE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

With a mission that is focused on equal access to child abuse prevention, education, and resource support, the Tree House Child and Family Center is proud to invest in the children of the Walworth County community. First awarded in 2023, the Tree House is committed to annually awarding a scholarship to a Walworth County high school student who has demonstrated a positive impact on the children of our community and who plans to continue serving children through their post-high school studies.

Thanks to a generous donation from Tree House Supporters Kathy and Stan Johnson, the 2024 scholarship award amount is $3,000. The student may attend the college or technical school of their choice. Students apply as high school seniors. Scholarship funds are distributed directly to the recipient’s college/technical school as $1,500 upon completion of the first semester and $1,500 upon completion of the second semester of their collegiate life. Applications must be submitted online and must include 1-2 letters of reference that verify your contribution to making life better for children. GPA will be considered, but priority will be given to candidates who are able to demonstrate already having made a difference in the lives of children. The application deadline is Friday, March 1, 2024. The recipient will be notified on or before April 8, 2024.

In 2024, this scholarship will honor the memory of Tree House supporter Melita F. Grunow. Melita was born on May 30, 1937, to William and Louise (Trost) Frankrurth in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Melita graduated from Tosa East High School in 1955 with a desire to pursue a career in education. Melita continued her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her time, she joined the Delta Gamma sorority and supported various athletic programs, which continued throughout her life as a passionate member of the Badger family. Melita was united in marriage to the late William C. Grunow Junior in March of 1958. Melita was the heartbeat of the Grunow Family, splitting time between being a full time mother of three boys and the backbone of their bustling businesses. When Melita wasn’t chasing her boys around or helping run the family businesses, she spent time with a multitude of organizations. Melita was involved with the SMILES organization, United Way of Lake Geneva (now United Way of Walworth County), and University of Wisconsin Veterinarian School. She also served as a Board member of the Environmental Education Foundation, The Community Family Foundation, the Questers, and Fellow Mortals. We are grateful to Melita for her significant contributions to the Tree House, and we are inspired by all the people she helped throughout her life.