The Macdonald Foundation is pleased to announce that 30 Work Ethic Scholarships have been awarded for the upcoming 2026 – 2027 college school year.  These scholarships are made available to graduating seniors (14) and current college students (16).  Graduating Seniors are eligible for a $1,500 scholarship and currently enrolled college students are eligible for a $3,000 scholarship.  In total, $69,000 in scholarships were awarded.

The Macdonald Foundation Work Ethic Scholarships are administered through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.  The recipients were selected from a pool of 69 total applicants this year.  Seven of the recipients have worked for the Woodchucks and Ignite at some time, while others have a relationship with the Woodchucks as employees of the Marathon County Parks Department.  There were 22 students who had no relationship with the Woodchucks but were judged to have outstanding work ethic.

The graduating seniors receiving the scholarships were recognized at their respective school scholarship events in May.  Current college students were notified separately.

“I have a great appreciation and respect for students working their way through college,” said Mark Macdonald, Trustee for The Macdonald Foundation, “Obviously, as the owner of the Wausau Woodchucks and Wausau Ignite Softball, I count on these working students to operate Athletic Park in the summer.  Additionally, as parents of four children, Donna and I have also learned that a part-time or summer jobs can be very helpful in teaching children discipline, respect, work ethic, and the value of a dollar.”  All four of our children worked through high school and we believe it has made them much more successful and happier in their adult lives.”