Investing in Three Lakes: Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Every year, the Three Lakes Community Foundation has the privilege of investing in the next generation of community members — young people who are not only pursuing their own futures but who are already giving back to the place they call home.

This year, the Foundation is proud to celebrate two remarkable recipients whose stories remind our community exactly why this work matters.

Rising Star Scholarship — Raqual Gebele

Now in its tenth year, the $1,000 Rising Star Scholarship honors graduating seniors who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism. This year’s recipient, Raqual Gebele, will attend Michigan Tech University in the fall to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

She is a shining example of what it means to show up for a community — not because one has to, but because one genuinely cares. Raqual’s volunteer work spans a wide range of community efforts, from helping neighbors with yard work and household tasks to supporting local fundraising events and celebrations. She helped the Northern Lights Snowmobile Club build their float for the Fourth of July parade, understanding intuitively that these shared moments of celebration matter.

“Our town parade really builds morale for all those who attend and participate,” she reflected. “It improves our sense of community.”

But perhaps nothing speaks more to Raqual’s character than her involvement in the fundraiser for Assistant Fire Chief Lee “Chopper” Taurer, who was battling cancer. Having faced cancer herself, Raqual understood firsthand the emotional and financial weight that illness places on a family — and she showed up anyway, helping raise over $30,000 to support him.

“It meant a lot to me to give back to the community that helped me out when I was sick,” she said. “Some may say this is paying it forward. I just think this is what it means to be vested in our community.”

Those who have worked alongside Raqual speak of her with unmistakable admiration.

Paul Lamon, who has seen her volunteer with the fire department, shared this in his letter of recommendation: “Raqual comes early and stays as long as we need her without complaints. She has an amazing work ethic, and having someone like that who will volunteer as much as she has is a rarity.”

 

Building Our Community Scholarship — Levi Lurvey

Now in its third year, the Building Our Community Scholarship was created to recognize and support students pursuing careers in the skilled trades — work that is essential to the fabric of every community. This year’s recipient, Levi Lurvey, will attend Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to study Civil Engineering Technology, with a clear vision and a strong foundation already beneath his feet.

Lurvey has grown up alongside the work of Pitlik and Wick, a local construction company that has been part of his life since childhood. “I have grown up around this company,” he shared. “Riding on pavers and equipment as just a baby. It has developed me into the person I am today.”

That relationship has grown into something real. Lurvey already operates heavy equipment for the company and has developed the kind of work ethic that can’t be taught in a classroom alone. He knows how to schedule a project, push through long days, and take pride in a job well done.

“Working at Pitlik and Wick teaches you perseverance and determination,” he explained. “Whether it means working a few more hours that week or day to get the job done — you do whatever is needed.”

Lurvey’s goals are straightforward and deeply rooted in this community. After completing his degree at NWTC, he plans to build a career paving the safe, smooth roads that residents and visitors rely on every single day. He also intends to continue volunteering with the Sugar Camp Snowmobile Club and other local events — understanding that a good career and a commitment to community are not separate things, but part of the same life well lived.

Donor Generosity Makes This Possible

Behind every scholarship recipient is a community that believed in investing in its own future. The Three Lakes Community Foundation exists because generous donors understand that supporting young people — whether they are heading to a four-year university or entering the skilled trades — is one of the most meaningful investments a community can make together.

Those interested in creating an endowed scholarship to honor a loved one or to support a cause close to their heart are encouraged to reach out to the Foundation to explore the possibilities. Endowed scholarships are a lasting way to ensure that students in the community have opportunities for years to come.