Two Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse members, Nathaniel Powell and Rebecca Strittmater, were recognized for achievement in the face of adversity by the club and Viterbo University, an institutional partner.  The recognition included receiving a full-tuition scholarship to attend Viterbo through the institution's Pathway to a Bachelor's Degree program.

Both Powell and Strittmater have not always had the easiest path. Both have been members of the club since they were 5 years old.

Strittmater attended the club in search of friendship, academic support, and a safe place to feel a sense of belonging in her life. She said she found all of that and more at the club.

"When I was younger, I enjoyed coming to the club after school and getting involved in all the activities that the staff had planned. I also met so many new people that became my friends," Strittmater said. "I want kids to know that they can be successful in many different ways if they believe in themselves. I always tell people never to say, 'I can't do this'. Instead, I tell people to say, 'I can do this.' Once people realize they can take their power back, people can achieve a lot of amazing things."

Strittmater said she is going to use her scholarship to become an occupational therapist.

Powell joined for different reasons. His passion for sports led him to the club until he was faced with the obstacle of being diagnosed with stage four cancer. Powell said this circumstance in his life made him grow up fast. The club helped him take his mind off his cancer and help him be a kid.

"The club has impacted my life in a lot of ways. When I was diagnosed with cancer, this organization was there for me almost my whole life, and even before my diagnosis," Powell said. "The staff members are so friendly and make the environment a safe place. The club's support extended to my family as they made sure my family had what they needed. My biggest advice for any struggling kids is not to give up hope and shooting for the stars. No goal is too big to achieve."

Powell said he would major in business administration and be part of the track and field program there. He also mentioned that he wants to start his own business after college.

While attending Viterbo University, Strittmater and Powell will remain connected to the club through working and volunteering at the Amie L. Mathy Boys & Girls Club. Both look forward to making an impact on youth in the community

In addition to Strittmater's scholarship, she will be recognized as the 2021 Youth of the Year. In that role, she'll represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse in the State Youth of the Year competition being held virtually on March 8-9.

Nicole Brei, the development director for Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, said they'll soon announce a third well-deserved young adult who'll receive a scholarship to Viterbo University.

The Viterbo scholarship program launched last year is only for kids who are club members. Viterbo and the club are partners in the Amie L. Mathy Center for Recreation and Education, which opened on the Viterbo campus in 2005. The scholarship program began last year, with Danessa Brocks named the first recipient, and Viterbo President Glena Temple was on hand for the ceremony honoring the two new recipients.

“Congratulations to Becky and Nathaniel, both of whom I know will be wonderful additions to the Viterbo University community,” Temple said. “We look forward to providing them with an outstanding education. This scholarship program fits the mission of both our organizations, but it’s especially great for area youth.”