MANITOWOC – 0.009%.
That’s the percentage of Universities of Wisconsin students (fall enrollment of 164,431) who earned a Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership 2024-25 Student Leader Scholarship.
A 2023 Manitowoc Lincoln High School and UW-Green Bay Rising Phoenix program graduate, Hannah Dvorak, was one of 15 students to receive the honor.
“Winning this scholarship means so much to me because it represents years of hard work and dedication,” Dvorak said in an email interview with the Herald Times Reporter. “It’s a reminder that my efforts in education are being recognized and valued.”
Dvorak, a senior at UW-Stevens Point, is majoring in communication sciences and disorders on the speech-language pathology track.
A UW-Stevens Point news release said the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership recognizes 15 students each year “across the Universities of Wisconsin who display dedication, inventiveness and leadership at their respective campuses.”
Dvorak, along with the other recipients, was awarded $3,000 from the center and was chosen to represent UW-Stevens Point out of three finalists.
Off campus, Dvorak works in respite care, where she supports individuals with special needs, and also volunteers on mission trips.
The Herald Times Reporter reached out to Dvorak via email with a series of questions. Here are her responses.
What class are you currently in at UW-Stevens Point and what is your major?
I am currently a senior at UW-Stevens Point, majoring in communication sciences and disorders on the speech-language pathology track. Being part of the Rising Phoenix program (she received her associate’s degree through the program at the same time she graduated high school) allowed me to enter college with advanced standing, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it has provided to further my education and pursue my passion.
When you think about Manitowoc, who are some of the people who have had the biggest impact on you? How did they help inspire you to be where you are today and where you’d like to go in the future?
When I think about Manitowoc, my mom is the first person who comes to mind. She has always believed in me and shaped me into the person I am today. Her unwavering support and encouragement have inspired me to pursue my goals with confidence and determination. Another person who had a significant impact is my high school tennis coach, Jim Newberg. He taught me the importance of resilience in the face of hardships and reminded me that I can embrace my authentic self, no matter the challenges. Both of these role models have been crucial in shaping who I am now and motivating me to pursue my goals.
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What would you like to do after you graduate from college? Do you have career aspirations, or goals for making an impact outside of your career?
After earning my master’s degree, I plan to work as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, helping children find their voices and connect with the world around them. I am passionate about making sure every child feels heard, understood and valued, and I am honored to be an aspect of a child’s communication journey.
In addition to my work, I want to support organizations that offer resources to families and children to promote inclusivity and early intervention. Whether through volunteering, mentoring or creating programs, I want to help build a world where every voice is celebrated.
What have you learned from working in respite care supporting those with special needs? What does this work look like, and do you find inspiration in it?
My most fulfilling work experience has been working with the special-needs community. It’s a beautiful, encouraging community that never stops teaching me patience, kindness and resilience. The position involves providing care and companionship while establishing a secure, stimulating atmosphere where individuals feel appreciated and empowered. Seeing each individual’s distinct qualities and personality and how they confront life with courage and authenticity motivates me the most. This work has taught me that, regardless of diagnosis, we are all human, with feelings, aspirations and the need for connection. It’s a constant reminder to approach every person with empathy and kindness while celebrating their individuality.
Tell us about the mission trips you have led and what role they might have played in shaping your understanding of the world and leadership.
I’ve participated in five mission trips where I helped with various community projects, food pantries and home repairs. These encounters strengthened my faith and allowed me to positively impact other people’s lives. These experiences taught me the importance of service, empathy and teamwork, and inspired me to continue contributing to the well-being of others.
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Today’s college-age generation sometimes gets a bad rap. Why do you think that is? What should people know about your generation? And what should they expect from it in the future?
Although the college-age generation of today is sometimes perceived as entitled or overly dependent on technology, we are actually highly adaptable, creative and socially involved. College students are dedicated to having a positive impact on issues that are important to us, such as social justice, mental health, the environment, etc. Individuals should know that college students are committed to working together, being inclusive and bringing about a significant change in our world. The college campus community will continue seeking to make the world more compassionate and connected.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@gannett.com.
