The Burns Harbor Scholarship Fund was created in 2000 at the direction of the Burns Harbor Town Council, whose members included: Gordon McCormick, Clifford Keppen, Richard Bolinger, Robert Poparad and Myrtle Zehner. The Town Clerk-Treasurer was Esther Nickell. The Scholarship Fund founding Board of Directors in 2000 were: Richard Friday, Kurt Jordan, Terry Swanson, Keith Saulsgiver and Mike Perrine.
The Scholarship fund is an Indiana not-for-profit corporation administered by a Board of Directors. The Directors are all volunteers and receive no salary. Monies received by the Town of Burns Harbor from a cell tower property lease agreement are placed in the Scholarship Fund and used to award educational grants to qualified residents of Burns Harbor. The first scholarships were awarded in 2000.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors are appointed to a four-year term. The Board of Directors controls and manages the affairs of the Corporation.
The purpose of the Board is to promote improvement of education and to develop, organize and operate activities beneficial to the furtherance of education as well as to provide educational financial assistance to eligible and qualified residents of Burns Harbor.
| Toni Biancardi, President | Term Expires 12/31/2029 |
| Andy Bozak, Vice President | Term Expires: 12/31/2026 |
| Allen Migliorini | Term Expires: 12/31/2027 |
| Conner Wenzel, Secretary | Term Expires: 12/31/2028 |
| Bri Wenzel | Term Expires: 12/31/2030 |
2026 Scholarship Recipients
On June 10, 2026, Burns Harbor Scholarship Fund Secretary Connor Wenzel announced this year’s scholarship recipients.
Two recipients were chosen, each of whom will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Notably, both recipients were award winners last year. Because students may receive the scholarship for up to four years, it is especially rewarding to see past recipients continue to demonstrate excellence, leadership, and service while pursuing their educational goals.
One of this year’s recipients is Trinity Allen, a junior at Virginia State University studying chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. Trinity is pursuing a career in medicine and will use the scholarship to support her preparation for the MCAT and her future medical school aspirations. She continues to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.
The second recipient is Dylan Glines, who will be entering his sophomore year at Indiana University Indianapolis, where he is studying biology and preparing for a future career in dentistry. Dylan hopes to one day open a dental practice in Northwest Indiana and serve the community that helped shape him.
Past Scholarship Recipients
2025
Dylan Glines, Natalie McCormick, Kendal Gossman, Katelyn Specht, Taylor Layman, Sophia Portugal
2024
Natalie Arney, Reese McKenzie, Griffin Doolin, Halle Freeze, Sofia Portugal, Adam Davis
2023
Ashley Adler, Trinity Allen, Natalie Arney, James Broviak, Adam Davis, Griffin Doolin, Spencer Doolin, Justine Keiser, Troy McCormick, Sofia Portugal, and Shelly Jensen-Williams
2022
Adam Davis, Griffin Doolin, Halle Freeze, Autumn Friday, Justine Keiser, Troy McCormick, James Rose, Condoleezza Wright and Jonathan Wright
2021
Adam Davis, Spencer Doolan, Halle Freeze, Addison Keiser, Justine Keiser, Sky Kelley, Alexia Lambert and Madelynn Lessard
2020
Mireya Barrientes, Quinlan Doolan, Spenser Doolan, Haven Dutro, Hailee Ellenwood, Meghan Hull, Addison Keiser, Justin Keiser, Sky Kelley, Madelynn Lessard, Isabella Portugal
2019
Alexis Avey, Victoria Bain, Travis Biancardi, Keeli Day, Michael Dunlap, Hailee Dunlap, Hailee Ellenwood, Blake Ellenwood, Tyler Ellenwood, Danielle Friday, Jacob Hogge, Kathryn Hull, Addison Keiser, Hannah Kish, Madison Kurtz, Andrew Macchiarella, Michael Macchiarella, Isabella Portugal, Jasmine Salgado, Angella Scott, Katelyn Woods, Jonathan Wright
2018
Victoria Bain, Gabriella Barrientes, Kathryn Hull, Addison Keiser, Hannah Kish, Madison Kurtz, Maxwell Kurtz, Andrew Macchiarella, Isabella Portugal, Blake Ellenwood, and Tyler Ellenwood
2017
Victoria Bain, Mark Childress, Keeli Day, Quinlan Doolin, Justin Duty, Ashleigh Ellenwood, Bryanna Kerkes, Hannah Kish, Madison Kurtz, Maxwell Kurtz, Andrew Macchiarella, Michael Macchiarella, Isabella Portugal, Kara Zych
2016
Nicole Arney, Victoria Bain, Jennifer Cavezza, Mark Childress, Keeli Day, Hannah Kish, Madison Kurtz, Maxwell Kurtz, Kara Zych
2015
Mark Childress
2014
Toni Biancardi, Rebecca Depew and David Jordan
2013
Brendan Freeze, Danielle Friday, Kora Jansen and Kayla Kerriman
2012
Lauren Weibl, Angela Wood and Brieanna Kerriman
2011
Brendan Freeze, Lauren Weibl and Tristen Comegys
2010
Lindsey Lefleur, Tristen Comegys, Mitchell Lefleur, John Nowicki and MaryAnne Draves
2009
Lindsey Lefleur, Tristen Comegys and Melanie Poparad
2008
Mathew Lefleur, Lindsey Lefleur and Alissa Bishel
2007
Toni Biancardi, Alison Bishel, Angela Woods and Amanda Bishel
2006
Adam Poparad, Richard Hummel and Brittany Richardson
2005
Vance Fyock, Ashley Whalen and Lindsey LaFleur
2004
Christopher Tuter, Melanie Poparad and Mathew LaFleur
2003
Courtney King, Griffin McGee and Matthew LaFleur
2002
Carol Landree
2001
Christina Poparad, Martha Christopher and Tiffany McCormick
2000
Martha Christopher, Jason Mayes and Nicholas Loving
Application Process
Scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis.
The application for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year can be digitally completed by clicking here Scholarship Application. Completed applications and supporting materials must be submitted by the deadline of May 30, 2025 and will be awarded in June 2025.
Contact President, Toni Biancardi if you have any questions at the email listed below.
Eligibility
Individuals are eligible for a Town scholarship if they:
- Are a current resident of the Town of Burns Harbor, and are
- Planning to attend, or are currently enrolled at a traditional two- or four-year school, college, university, trade school or training program.
Requirements
Applicants must complete this application form and provide the following materials:
- Short essay detailing career goals
- One letter of recommendation
- Letter of acceptance from, or proof of enrollment at a post-secondary school, college or university, trade school or training program for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.
- List of extracurricular activities, community service performed and honors and awards received.
Contact information
Toni Biancardi, President
toni.biancardi@gmail.com
