Central Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) has recognized several students and student groups for their achievements in various fields.

The UWSP student chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS) was awarded the national Student Chapter of the Year Award. This marks the second consecutive year and ninth time since 1994 that the chapter has received this honor. The award acknowledges the chapter's extensive research work, professional engagements, conference presentations, and social media activity. Representatives accepted the award at TWS's 31st annual conference in Baltimore.

In another achievement, the UWSP Soil Judging Team secured first place at the 2024 Regional Soil Judging Competition held at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale on October 10-11. The team won overall and group judging categories, marking their third regional championship. Coached by Associate Professor Bryant Scharenbroch and Assistant Coach Brandon Frank, the team included 22 students, with eleven first-time competitors. Individual accolades went to Natalie Gruben (fourth place), Lucas VandeWalle (fifth place), and Maya Desai (ninth place). Despite qualifying for the National Soil Judging Contest, they will not compete as UWSP is hosting it next May.

Giovanni Anello IV, a junior majoring in voice performance and music education under Voice Professor Matthew Markham's guidance, won first place in his age category at the Charleston International Competition. He also triumphed at state-level competitions in Iowa and Wisconsin organized by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), qualifying for their National Student Auditions. Anello is also active in UWSP Rugby Club and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Xi Omicron organization.

Several other UWSP students were recognized at NATS’s 58th National Conference: Jolie Swanson took first place in lower commercial music treble voice; Levi Ballenger secured first place in advanced commercial music TTB voice; Cami Errami earned second place in youth commercial music; Brayden Bellile was a semifinalist in upper commercial music TTB voice; Becca Guth was a semifinalist in lower commercial music treble voice. These students study under Professor Tim Buchholz specializing in vocal jazz and contemporary voice.