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National Exchange Bank & Trust is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarships for children of employees. Recipients were selected based on financial need, academic achievement, school involvement, work experience, community and volunteer involvement, and a personal statement.
Offered in partnership with the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, the scholarships are awarded to the sons and daughters of active National Exchange Bank employees. Renewable awards are available for $4,000 per year for a baccalaureate degree and $3,000 per year for a technical college degree. This year’s recipients are:
Cora Barthels of Oshkosh graduated from Laconia High School on May 24. She is the daughter of Heidi Barthels, who works in Account Services at the bank’s downtown Fond du Lac office. Barthels plans to attend Fox Valley Technical College to study small business entrepreneurship, with the goal of opening her own clothing boutique.
Barthels has built valuable experience while balancing three part-time jobs as a hostess at The Hangar Bar and Grill, a sterilization technician at Bright Orthodontics and a cleaner at The Crimson Still Cocktail Co. These roles have strengthened the customer service skills that will support her future as a business owner.
Ella Hensen of Fond du Lac recently graduated from Fond du Lac High School. She is the daughter of Mike Hensen, a personal banker at the bank’s downtown Fond du Lac location. Hensen plans to pursue a degree in art and design from UW-Milwaukee.
During high school, Hensen earned honor roll recognition as a sophomore, junior and senior. She also volunteers with Loaves and Fishes and works part- time in food service at Kwik Trip.
Frederick Hertneky of Dousman recently graduated from Kettle Moraine High School. He is the son of Linda Hertneky, a commercial loan coordinator at the bank’s Waukesha location. Hertneky has been admitted to UW-Platteville, where he plans to study engineering.
Hertneky graduated with honors after completing several Advanced Placement courses and was a member of the National Honor Society during his junior and senior years. He participated in track, cross country, 4-H and Boy Scouts, and volunteered at his church, Boy Scout Camp and the Lord’s Cupboard. His work experience includes serving at Applebee’s, landscaping and working at Jellies Market.
Larkin Michels of Markesan is entering her second year at Fox Valley Technical College, where she is studying dental hygiene. She is the daughter of Danielle Michels, a customer service representative at the bank’s Kingston location.
Michels volunteers with her local historical society and the Red Cross blood drive. She has also volunteered for June Dairy Days, National Honor Society spaghetti dinners and the fireman’s breakfast. In addition, she works at Didion Milling, Waupun Public Library and the Markesan Resident Home.
Avery Rieckmann of Portage is entering her second year at UW-Whitewater, where she is studying psychology and chemistry with the goal of becoming a pharmacist. She is the daughter of Nikki Rieckmann, a customer service representative at the bank’s Pardeeville location.
Rieckmann co-founded Rose & Rise: Women Rise Together, an on-campus club dedicated to creating safe spaces for women., She is also helping establish a sorority on campus. Rieckmann participates in organizations including Latinos Unidos and the Native American Cultural Awareness Association, reflecting her interest in the Spanish language and cultural engagement. Rieckmann is a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and works as a certified pharmacy technician at Walgreens.
Julia Waisbrot of Westfield recently graduated from Westfield High School. She is the daughter of Monika Waisbrot, a commercial lender at the bank’s Montello location. Waisbrot plans to attend Madison Area Technical College to major in interior design, with the goal of pursuing a career in the field and eventually starting her own business.
Waisbrot is active in her community, volunteering each Thanksgiving at Mama’s Café, where she helps serve meals. She also volunteers with Budda Box. In addition, she works as a cashier and stocker at Andy’s Meats and previously gained cashier experience at Supervalu and It’s Poppin’.
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