Torin Slaughter and Hugo Arteaga, the 2024 Scholarship Winners, exemplify the spirit of the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship. Both Torin and Hugo were Academy Pathway candidates in Biomedical Science, excelling academically while actively participating in their respective sports. Torin's commitment to excellence is evident through her involvement in the International Baccalaureate Program, National Honor Society, and community health programs, all while lettering in softball. Hugo's determination shines through his leadership in the classroom, his rigorous swim training, and his participation in a hospital shadowing program. Both students will continue their journeys at the University of Indianapolis, pursuing their passions in athletic training and biology while competing collegiately. They are outstanding representatives of the values Coach Case championed throughout his 40-plus years of teaching and coaching and a testament to the success of our scholarship program. He would have loved to know these two fine students and wish them success. Congratulations to Torin and Hugo. We wish the great success in their new endeavors both inside and outside of the classroom!

​Another school year and year of scholarships awarded is in the books! After receiving many applications from worthy scholar-athletes, and after much deliberation, we now welcome two of the newest recipients of the SCMSF. Ana (Ava) Knaus of J.I. Case High School and Ezekiel "Zeke" King of Washington Park High School are our winners! Both candidates have overcome great obstacles throughout their high school careers and are well deserving of the award. We expect that trend to continue into college and beyond. It was a challenge picking just two, but these two student-athletes exemplified what coach Case loved to see in the classroom and on the field. We are honored to present these two outstanding students with the $1000 award each. We wish them great success.

​​Congrats to our newest winners! It is a sincere pleasure and honor to present the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship to (drum roll please)... Diego Fuentes and Gabriella (Gabi) Bertiaume! Both will be pursuing education in college and we couldn't be more proud for their career aspirations. When reviewing applicants, an "intangible" variable is always factored into the decision making process which is, "what would Steve think"? Well, we are pretty certain that Steve would be greatly encouraged by these two amazing student athletes and their leadership abilities. He would be overjoyed at the selections for this year. We are super excited to see Diego and Gabi succeed in the future, as they bring with them significant tenacity and determination they've shown throughout high school.

It is with great enthusiasm and pride that the SCMSF Committee officially announces its scholarship winners for 2020! Yes...winners! This is the first year that the fund has been able to provide two scholarships and in increasing amounts. Thanks to the extreme generosity of our donors over the years, the fund can now offer two $ 1,000 awards. It is our goal to continue this trend for even bigger rewards in the future. But without further ado...our two winners are...Matthew Friesema of Case High School and Adele Senzig of Park High School. The committee received some amazing applications and candidates and wants to thank everyone for their submissions. It was certainly not an easy decision. But we do want to congratulate two who best exemplified the spirit of Steve Case and his goals of higher education. So a big "congratulations" to Matthew and Adele! Best of luck to you as you venture out into the world of higher education and beyond.

2017 recipient Alexa Ahrens is now two years into her Physical Therapy program at Saint Louis University. Part of her studies have taken her abroad to Madrid, Spain, for the first semester of her junior year. Teacher and coach Steve Case believed that education in the classroom was only part of the learning process, and that it was important to travel and experience different cultures and languages too. Steve was a foreign language teacher and took ever opportunity to travel. Alexa's mom Jackie, who was one if Steve's french students, studied abroad as well. So it it looks like Alexa has caught that same 'travel bug" and is on her way to broadening her learning base. Great job Alexa! Best of luck in your junior year of college!

William Horlick High School - This year's SCMS award went to Sean Steinbach, the first male recipient and second Horlick High School recipient since the award's inception. Sean is an exemplary student-athlete and citizen, and the committee could not think of anyone better for the honor despite many qualified and deserving applicants. Sean was a 4.0+ student all four years at William Horlick High School and was honored as the school's Student Athlete of the Year four years in a row! In addition to his athletic and academic achievements, Sean is an exceptional musician, having become the high school orchestra's concertmaster (as a violinist) for the last two years and won multiple awards at state and national levels. Sean was also recently awarded the Ann Jarvis Memorial Scholarship, the Richard V. Cycenas Memorial Scholarship and the prestigious SC Johnson Inc., Sons and Daughters Scholarship. We wish Sean well in all of his future endeavors!

Racine, WI - This year is a special one for the SCMS as it represents the five years of consecutive awards, and an increase in the scholarship amount from $500 to $1000! It also was special because award winner Sarah Kozenski is a Walden III grad and is the first recipient from that school. Steve Case greatly admired Walden, and the committee thought it fitting that an academic and athlete such as Sarah would win this year's award. While there were many great applicants this year, Sarah stood out due to her passion to pursue her dreams at three different high schools. Walden does not have varsity sports, nor any theater. So in order to participate, Sarah had to fulfill her dreams in multiple arenas. Sarah will continue her education at University Wisconsin- Lacrosse and will major in Biology and Secondary Education.

2017 was a windfall year in terms of raising money for the scholarship fund. Many gracious people donated generous amounts which has allowed the scholarship committee to increase the scholarship from $500 to $1000! Nancy Case (pictured with her grandchildren) and the committee would like to thank everyone for their extremely generous year end giving! "It was a great end of year for the fund", said Nancy. "We have enough funds to run the scholarship for many years to come. Steve would be very proud!"

RACINE - The fourth SCM scholarship was given to one of Case High School's brightest athletes and scholars, Alexa Ahrens. She wowed the scholarship committee by her stellar application this year as she not only had success in both areas, but embodied much of what Steve Case stood for, a commitment to excellence in education, athletics, foreign language, music, and helping others. Alexa will continue her education at St. Louis University this fall and is pursuing a 6 year degree in physical therapy.

Racine Journal Times excerpt:
Third Annual Steve Case Memorial Scholarship awarded
RACINE — Nancy Case presented the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship to Park High School graduate Kaylee Leslie on May 18 in memory of her late husband Steve Case, who spent most of his teaching and coaching career at Park High School.​ Leslie, a well-rounded student, excelled in the classroom, as an athlete and in community involvement. Her interest in teaching and coaching made her an applicant standout. She will be attending Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.

It took three tries, but it must be a charm as this year's award was given to a student from Park H.S. where Steve Case spent most of his teaching and coaching career. This year's winner was Kaylee Leslie, an extremely well rounded student who excelled in the classroom and as a gifted varsity soccer and volleyball player. In addition to her strength in academics and athletics, Kaylee's interest in teaching and coaching really made her stand out as a model recipient for this year's award. What's more, is Kaylee has proven leadership in all aspects of her high school career. Kaylee will be attending Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and we wish her the best of luck in all that she endeavors to accomplish.

The year 2016 should bring significant momentum to the SCMSF! We are now in our third year and are excited to be offering up our third scholarship to Racine Unified students. An updated application for 2016 can be found here -> 2016 application.

Another recent update, was the addition of a new logo (pictured left). The pennant design is symbolic of two of Steve Case's many passions, coaching and sailing.

Lastly, while we postponed the fundraiser last year in 2015, we will be hosting our second event to raise additional funds for the scholarship. With some gracious year contributions, the fund is extremely close to meeting its year three financial goals. We expect that the fundraiser will put us over the mark the committee has set to help sustain the scholarship many years into the future. We're very thankful for the great support we've received from so many amazing individuals. Please stay tuned for more information about the fundraiser coming this summer!

On Wednesday, May 27th, Nancy Case presented the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship to Danielle Moore at the Case High School senior awards banquet. This year's field of applicants grew as did the competition, and while the committee deliberated significantly over their selections, Danielle ultimately came out on top. Some of Danielle's highlights included a strong interest in foreign language, varsity athletics including being the cross-country team captain, and a passion for becoming a high school teacher. Steve was a teacher/coach with Racine Unified for over 30 years. His family established the scholarship for college-bound seniors who have exhibited a strong work ethic and devotion to the classroom and community. We are very proud to have awarded Danielle this scholarship, as she embodies the spirit of whom the scholarship was designed to serve.

We're glad "year two" of the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship! An updated version of the scholarship application has been created and can be downloaded here -> 2015 application The organization received a great response from many deserving candidates last year. And it was an honor to award winner, Lindsey Czernicki, the very first scholarship from the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship Fund. The committee would like to thank everyone who helped with that first year, and thank those who are joining with us in year two! We are very grateful.

Saturday, August 23rd was the first annual Cheeseburger in Paradise Fundraiser. The event was held at the Racine Yacht Club, where Steve Case was a member. The event had a two pronged goal. One, to raise funds for the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship Fund and two, to celebrate the life of Steve Case. Steve was a big fan of sailing, and the Cheeseburger in Paradise theme reflected his love of Jimmy Buffett's sailing music. Many friends and family came to donate and enjoy live music, a build your own burger bar, margaritas, 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and even a pirate! The Steve Case Memorial Committee has confirmed Aug. 22nd, 2015 for a second fundraiser with the RYC for next year on the same weekend, so please save the date!
For more info on future events, go to: www.facebook.com/cheeseburgerfundraiser

On Sunday, August 3rd, our beloved coach Steve Case was inducted into the Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame, a Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Roughly 40 people attended as "sponsors" on behalf of Steve and the total HoF dinner attendance was over 400. Jason and Matt Case were on-hand to accept the "Lifetime Service" award for their dad and gave speeches to honor their father's recognition. Several Olympians, NCAA Champions, and All-Americans were in attendance. Five other people who were inducted to the HoF included; Bob Downing, Terry Kramer, Don Kreiser, Bill McCreary, and Tom McGarvie.

For more information on the Wrestling Hall of Fame, please visit: www.nwhof.org

Tickets for Cheeseburger in Paradise Fundraiser, on August 23rd, is now available to purchase online via Paypal. Please go to our homepage, follow the instructions, and click on the "Donate" link. Tickets will also be available at the door. $20/person and $5/kids under 12. Cheeseburger in Paradise is a fundraiser for the Steve Case Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to Racine Unified students. The fundraiser will feature a "build your own burger bar" and margaritas. Steve was fond of Jimmy Buffett music and this theme is a great way to celebrate his life while helping to provide more opportunities to high school students.

The Steve Case Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser is underway and set for August 23rd at the Racine Yacht Club. The theme of the fundraiser...Cheeseburger in Paradise! Steve loved Jimmy Buffett, so we're celebrating his life while raising money for a good cause. Please come out on Aug. 23rd, eat some cheeseburgers and enjoy some great live music and margaritas. Please visit our Facebook page updates at . https://www.facebook.com/cheeseburgerfundraiser

On Wednesday, May 21st, William Horlick High School held its annual scholarship banquet and presented its stellar senior class winners with their scholarship awards. Among the many recipients was Lindsey Czernicki, who not only won the very first Steve Case Memorial Scholarship, but was honored with several other scholarship awards, which included:

- The Bud and Mary Androff Scholarship
- Ann Jarvis Memorial Scholarship
- Racine Unified PTA Council Scholarship
- Horlick "Brick" Scholarship
- Racine Founders Rotary Strive Scholarship
- Racine Area Retired Educators Assoc. Scholarship
- Delta Kappa Gamma Society Scholarship
- Huntington University Presidential Scholarship
- Northside Business and Professional Association Scholarship
- John Aceto Memorial Scholarship
- Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship - Alternate
- SEC Scholar Athlete Award
- High Honors - 4.00 and Higher - Four Consecutive Years

The very first recipient of the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship is now official...Lindsey Czernicki! There were some amazing applicants this first year and the committee deliberated for a good while before making their selection. However, Lindsey's pursuit of a degree in education seemed to push her over the top. She is also an outstanding individual and are proud to have her accept our first award.

The Steve Case Memorial Fund is currently working with the Racine Yacht Club to create the first annual scholarship fundraising event. Steve was a big fan of Jimmy Buffett and sailing related music, so stay tuned for a fun, themed event party! A date has already been chosen and an official announcement will be made very soon. Stay tuned!

We have received many applications for the first year of the scholarship and we're very excited about the quality of applicants. Over the next several weeks our scholarship committee will be reviewing all the applications in anticipation of awarding our very first scholarship! Thank you to all who submitted applications and to the counselors who worked hard to help move the process forward. Please stay tuned for the date when we will make the announcement of who will win this year's award. ~ The Scholarship Committee

Dear Friends,

December 17th is my dad’s birthday. Typically, I’d be celebrating this day when I’d return home to Wisconsin from Tennessee, sometime in late December. Both my dad and I have birthdays in December (mine is on the 10th) and whenever I’d come home to celebrate Christmas, we’d celebrate our birthdays jointly, usually with a dinner somewhere nice.

These past two years have obviously been different, as we’ve been without dad since October 12th, 2012. Last year’s December was extremely hard for us. This year has been a bit better, and I assume that with each passing year it will get a bit easier. While we all miss him very much, I know that he’d want us to get on with life, and LIVE, just like he showed us.

It is with this letter that I want share just a sliver of who my dad was, to celebrate his birthday. I’ll briefly share some great qualities he had, and end with a quick story of his last day on this earth.

My dad was a big, burly, gregarious person. He was one of those people who simply took life by the horns and said, “let’s go”! I really admired this about my dad, as I didn’t see much fear in him, if any. It was a great quality for a kid to witness growing up, as life can be a little intimidating. Through his example, I’m occasionally able to harken back and “channel” these genes, though not quite as naturally as he seemed to do.

He was also extremely inquisitive and always sought knowledge on many subjects. Despite being a simple high school language teacher/coach, he could talk about almost anything. On the countless summer vacations we took together as a family, he would pick the brains of everyone from the park rangers, to the tour guides, to the local yokels. He could start and maintain a conversation with just about anyone, often to the chagrin of his kids.

I could go on and on, as I’m thankful for many other things about my dad. But mostly, I’m thankful simply for how he pursued life. He was a man who came from very humble means. Yet, he didn’t complain about this or blame anyone for his struggles. And despite being poor, he decided to pursue education, athletics, beauty, and faith and give his family a better life. He pursued all that was in his heart, with great passion and with love, which ultimately set the stage for his last day on this planet.

On October 12, 2013, my dad finished a race. Well, two races to be exact. The first was aboard a sailboat called the “Cuchulain”. Doing one of the many things he loved, sailing, he was crewing in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Having just finished the race, the crew was preparing the boat to return home. Suddenly the wind shifted, the boat tipped, and my dad was thrown overboard into the bay. He struggled to hold on to a line that he was able to grab on is way into the water. But ultimately the boat was moving too fast and he had to let go.

Earlier that day, my dad emailed us a photo of a small bird that decided to hangout on the boat. I still have the email (and photo), which was simply titled “Visitor on Deck”. This is a true “snapshot” of my dad. He was a big, burley man on a sailboat in the ocean, yet he took a moment to share a joyful moment with his family, of a small bird on a big boat, just before he died.

The second race he finished was that of a good life. My dad ran a good race (2 Timothy 4:7)! He was a man of faith and while he had confidence in himself, he had great confidence in his Creator who ultimately, was the source of his own strength. I think that’s why he had so much joy in the little things.

In summary, I’m so thankful for how my dad chose to live. I hope to that you will occasionally think about him, and find some encouragement to run a good race too! He would have said to you with gusto, “Let’s go”!

I hope you have a blessed Christmas as you “grab life by the horns”!

Sincerely,

Matt Case

It's been a year since Steve's passing. Today we mourned his leaving this earth and celebrated his entrance into heaven on Oct. 12, 2012. The Case family boat was called "Sheer Heaven", a fitting vessel for a captain who had a great journey here, ventured into glory. We miss Steve so very much and are still having a difficult time coping without him around. We often listen for the sound of his white Toyota pickup, pulling into the driveway, ready to join us for dinner. But today, friends and family gathered to say a few words to him. Some of us wore one of his many hats, as tribute to "the hat man". Some of us held yellow roses, Steve's favorite flower. But all of us cried, laughed, prayed, and remembered. We thanked him for building into our lives enough that we can smile when we look back and think of him. Thank you Steve, dad, friend, for the many memories you gave us. You'll always be in our hearts, taking you with us on our own journeys.
(Not pictured: Ted Cain...is taking the picture)

Last week on May 18th, Steve Case was honored at the Racine Yacht Club's (RYC) opening ceremonies. One of the flags flown at the yacht club was flown in memory of him and was given to Nancy at the end of the ceremony. According to Charlie Manning, the Commodore at RYC, the flag was also flown in another very special location. In his invitation, the Commodore provided this information:

Dear Nancy,
You are cordially invited to attend the Opening Day Ceremonies of the Racine Yacht Club on Saturday, May 18 at 10:00AM. One of the flags flown from the Racine Yacht Club mast in past months was flown in memory of Steve Case. The flag was also flown over our Nation's Capitol in memory of him. We wish to present this flag to members of the Case family at the Opening Day Ceremonies and Blessing of the Fleet. We hope that you, and any members of the family that you wish to invite, can be in attendance to accept the flag.

Sincerely,
Racine Yacht Club
Charlie Manning, Commodore

With heartfelt thanks, we are grateful to RYC and the Commodore for including the Case family in this ceremony and for honoring Steve in this way. What a great tribute to Steve. He was always ready to go sailing and would have been one of the first to open the season this year. We miss him dearly. A special thank you to everyone who attended the ceremony, and a very special thanks to Tom Fugate for taking pictures. We love ya Tom!

Dear Family and Dear Friends,

Four months ago today Steve met Jesus face to face. A quarter of a year! It seems like only last week we were hit with the shock. The pain in my heart and void in my life are indescribable. You, who have experienced the loss of one so dear know the feelings.

Yet, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude today for your support. You have shown such love and concern for me. Your continued thoughts and prayers, presence, hugs, kind words, invitations, emails, texts, cards, are lifting me through this dark time and helping me along my grief journey. I am grateful beyond words.

I must let the wonderful memories overtake the sad ones of the circumstances that took Steve from us. I must let joy into my heart again so that I, in turn, can be the minister you have been to me. I must believe something good will come from this. It will take time i know....how long I don'tknow.

For your compassionate love, I thank you, and I love you.

Blessings and love,
Nancy
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not be afraid." (Psalm 46:1-2)

LUKE FEUERHERM Luke.feuerherm@journaltimes.com

RACINE – Before the wrestlers of the Park and Horlick high school teams took the mat for their match Thursday, they were offered one final piece of advice from a former coach on facing a tough opponent.

“He puts his pants on the same way you do,” Jason Case told the gymnasium, remembering the words of his father, former teacher and coach Paul Stephen “Steve” Case, words he hopes will be but part of a larger legacy.

Since his father’s death on Oct. 12, Jason said the family has been working to establish the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship Fund. “It’s something we knew right away we were going to start,” Jason said before announcing the scholarship fund. “And it is a way that he can still continue to give.”

The fund was designed for college bound student athletes, both male and female, from the Racine Unified School District who have participated and excelled in at least one season of athletics during their senior year and have exhibited a strong work ethic and devotion in the classroom and in their community.

Special consideration will also be given to those considering entering the teaching profession.

“I think it’s a great tribute for someone who put his whole career into helping develop young people,” Nancy Case said about the scholarship set up in her husband’s memory. “It would mean a lot to him.”

Case, a passionate sailor, died at the age of 68 when he was knocked overboard after competing in the annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.

Both teams dedicated Thursday’s match to Case who spent several decades teaching and coaching at the schools, as well as Mitchell Middle School.

Donations can be mailed to the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship Fund, Educator’s Credit Union, 1400 N. Newman Road, Racine, WI 53406.

The announcement of the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship Fund will take place at the dual meet between Racine Horlick and Racine Park, Dec. 6th, 2012. These are the two high schools where Steve Case coached. Both teams will be dedicating their match to Coach Case. The match is at 7p.m. at Park High School's "The Pit". A pre-match receptions is scheduled in the Park Library from 5:30-6:30pm.