The Green Bay Area Public School (GBAPS) District announced that four students from Green Bay West High School were recognized at a signing day ceremony on May 20, 2025. The Do Great Things Initiative (DGTI) also unveiled new opportunities for students at the school.
According to GBAPS, Chloe Burton and Kai Alcaide from West High School received the 2025 Do Great Things Scholarships to attend Marquette University, while Axel Madaski was awarded the same scholarship for the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. Ephraim Rogina was given a $5,000 Do Great Things Grant. These awards were funded by Jim Ryan, a West alumnus, and his wife Tracy.
The scholarships are designed to help cover remaining education expenses such as tuition, fees, housing (up to the standard double rate), and meals for the first two years after other grants and scholarships are applied. This program will continue to award scholarships to West High students annually.
The DGTI expanded its program through a $500,000 donation from West alumnus Gary Wiessinger and his wife Hillary. The new funding creates the Wiessinger Family Scholarships for students attending technical colleges in the Green Bay area. It also supports technical and trade programs at West High School, including Bay Link ManufacturingⓇ and Bridges Construction & Renovation. This effort aims to increase access to education by removing financial obstacles and offering more opportunities for career growth and development.
GBAPS is located in Northeast Wisconsin and is the fourth-largest public school district in the state, serving over 18,000 students across 39 schools. Founded in 1856, the district includes communities such as Allouez, Ledgeview, Bellevue, Green Bay, and Scott. It offers various educational pathways to meet student needs. The district has a long history that includes a century-old football rivalry between East and West high schools and City Stadium’s status as the original home field for the Green Bay Packers. The district’s mission is to prepare students for success in college, careers, and their communities.
