Monona Grove Education Foundation

08/25/2026

Please join us for the MGEF Annual General Meeting. We will share a review of the past year's performance and future goals.

08/21/2026

We are so grateful for the generous support from the Widen Family Foundation for the MGEF Weekend Snack Pack Committee program!

We’re back with Day 2 of our 2026 grant announcements! 🎉

Congratulations to these deserving organizations, and thank you for the incredible impact you make every day. We’re honored to be a part of your missions!

More recipients coming soon… stay tuned! 👀

06/25/2026

A huge shout out of thanks to Stacey Dental (https://www.staceydental.com) for partnering with the MGEF to provide toothpaste and tooth brushes for our Grab and Go Program!

Grab & Go racks are available at MGHS, MG21, Winnequah and GDS. These schools need certain items readily available to hand out to students. The Grab & Go is filled with a variety of items like personal hygiene items, granola bars, socks, etc. An assigned staff member at each school monitors the supply and can provide items to students as needed.

Want to donate to this program? Donations can be made through our website, supportMGEF.org, or contact us to donate items directly.

06/22/2026

We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Richard “Dick” Brandt, Monona Grove Class of 1961.

Dick came to the MGEF in 2017 with a desire to help students maximize opportunities for success beyond high school. With that goal and a $50,000 donation, the Albert E. Brandt Fund was created, in memory of his late father, Albert, an attorney and local leader in the
establishment of the Monona Grove School District, and used to assist Monona Grove students achieve academic and career planning skills.

View Richard "Dick" Brandt's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

06/04/2026

Caps off to our MGHS & MG21 graduates! Today, we proudly welcome you as alumni. The future is yours! We can't wait to see what you do next. 🎓✨🎉

05/29/2026

2026 Liam McCarty Memorial Music Scholarship Recipient, Mackenzi Johnson.

Liam McCarty Memorial Music Scholarship Liam McCarty attended the Monona Grove School District from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 2014. He was very involved in the MG music department, taking part in orchestra, band, choir, the musical, show band, and any musical venture he was asked to partake in. As an adult he continued his love for the arts by working at Encore Studios in Madison (a theatre program for people with disabilities), playing and recording with his band the Goat Wizard, and starting to work seriously at songwriting and sound engineering. He died accidentally in his sleep on October 18, 2023, age 27. Liam's scholarship, the Liam McCarty Memorial Music Scholarship, is an arts award for a Monona Grove High School music student who plans to pursue some sort of post-secondary studies in music.

Mackenzi has been involved in the high school musical and show choir, where she has been a Dance Captain and Lead Singer. Mackenzi explains that the experience and sense of community that music can create is unmatched. Her positive experience in the music department at Monona Grove has strengthened the desire to inspire others, to teach, and to pass on the gift of music and lessons of resilience. She hopes to share the joy and empowerment that comes from musical expression, and help students find their voices. We are delighted to recognize Mackenzie with this year's Liam McCarty Memorial Music Scholarship.

Congratulations Mackenzie!

05/29/2026

2026 Patti McGinnis Scholarship Recipient, Adelia Luna

The Patti McGinnis Memorial Scholarship was established in her honor after her passing in August of 2021. Patti was a highly respected and well loved Monona Grove School District educator for her entire career. As a middle school teacher for 27 years and administrator for 9, Patti enriched countless lives thanks to her leadership, dedication, and love of students, families and colleagues. Patti was truly an extraordinary educator. Her scholarship is to provide financial support for students pursuing a degree in education.

Adelia will be attending UW Whitewater to study music Education.

05/29/2026

2026 Gordon & Janet McChesney Scholarship Recipient, Caleb Grant

The Gordon & Janet McChesney Scholarship was established in 2018 to commemorate the extensive time they spent at Monona Grove High School and in the city of Monona. Gordon arrived at Monona Grove High School in 1958 after graduating from UW-Whitewater with a degree in Business Education and Finance. He taught in the classroom, then became Vocational Education Coordinator, then moved on to be the Assistant Principal, and in 1978 became High School Principal. He retired from that position in 1995. He and Janet were Monona residents from 1963 until 2006 and still have many ties to the community.

The Gordon & Janet McChesney Scholarship is awarded each year by the Monona Grove Education Foundation, to honor the legacy of Mr. McChesney as an educator. One of his core beliefs was that students should try many different extracurricular activities—for the experience, the growth, and the connections they bring.

Caleb participated and rose to leadership roles in a variety of extracurricular activities at Monona Grove. His involvement in Model UN through all four years led to many competitive awards. As a musician, he performed with Jazz Band, Show Band, and Pep Band, as well as serving as a teaching assistant for middle school band and orchestra classes during summer school. Caleb also participated in Dungeons and Dragons club for all four years and served as Vice President of Clash Royale. He also participated in Key Club as well as Ski and Snowboarding Club. In recognition for the connections he had made throughout his involvement at Monona Grove, we are delighted to honor him with this year's McChesney scholarship. Congratulations Caleb!

Pictured with MGEF Secretary, Mary O'Connor

05/29/2026

2026 Wilma (Johnson) Bernards Memorial Scholarship Recipient, Hayden True

The Wilma Bernards Memorial Scholarship is in memory of the 1961 MG Graduate Wilma (Johnson) Bernards who died in 2015. Wilma has 3 of her grandchildren that are attending MG or have graduated from Monona Grove Schools. The scholarship is available for any student attending additional schooling beyond high school (1, 2 or 4 year program) and for those of good character.

Hayden demonstrated a positive work ethic and good character throughout all four years at Monona Grove. Hayden was in the Varsity show choir for four years and served as dance captain of the JV show choir. In addition, Hayden was in the high school musical, drama club, environmental club, and Spanish Club, and worked several part-time jobs in the community. We are pleased to recognize all of these efforts and wish Hayden all the best in pursuing a future career in Environmental Science Law and Policy. Congratulations Hayden!

Pictured with MGEF Board Member, Sandy Homburg

05/29/2026

2026 Ann Ahearn Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship Recipient, Maryn Nguyen

The Ann Ahearn Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship is in memory of Ann Ahearn who died in 2020. Ann was a tireless advocate for social justice and racial equity in the Monona Grove School District. Along with a small group of other parents, she worked to raise cultural awareness and break down barriers in our community. Her efforts included raising money and directing it to causes that would help bring equality to students of color. This scholarship is one of those efforts. Eligible students must demonstrate significant community engagement and inclusion efforts throughout their time in high school. Applicants should come from a diverse background, display a passion for education and learning, demonstrate leadership skills, kindness, courage, and respect. The scholarship is awarded for up to four years as long as the student is enrolled in a post-secondary education school of some sort.

Pictured with Jim Ahearn