2025 AFSCME Council 32 Scholarship Winners
$3,500 Jim Boyd Memorial 1-year Scholarship
Anissa Duncan
Parent: Stephanie Duncan, Retiree (formerly Local 2748)
Anissa Duncan is a lifelong resident of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, and graduated from Fall Creek High School in the spring of 2025.
During her time at Fall Creek, she made lasting friendships and meaningful memories through both academics and extracurricular involvement.
Anissa is a member of the National Honor Society, an organization that promotes academic excellence and community service. She also served on the student council and earned both an academic letter for her strong academic performance and a varsity letter for her participation in track and field.
A dedicated athlete, she was a member of the track and field team for three years and took on a leadership role within the team. Outside of school, Anissa enjoys working, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors.
She plans to attend the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, where she will major in Business Administration.
$3,500 Dode Lowe Memorial 1-year Scholarship
Ava Johnson
Parent: Eric Johnson, Local 122
Ava Johnson is a lifelong resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and will be graduating from North High School in May. During her time at North High, she developed strong connections and gained valuable experience through active involvement in a variety of school clubs and activities. She currently serves on the board of the National Honor Society and is a member of both the math team and DECA. In previous years, she participated in student council, volleyball, softball, and the LINK crew.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, Ava has worked part-time for the past two years, further expanding her experience working with the public and navigating diverse situations. These experiences have helped shape her into a well-rounded individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for service.
This fall, Ava will attend the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where she plans to major in kinesiology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.
$3,500 Tom Thornton Memorial 1- year Scholarship (Members Only)
Ariah Koratko, Local 720
Ariah Koratko grew up in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and moved to the McFarland area in 2020 while completing her Associate Degree in Biology. She currently works as a 911 Dispatcher at the Dane County Communication Center and has enjoyed serving in that role for the past two years. Ariah is a proud member of AFSCME Local 720.
After earning her Associate Degree in 2021, Ariah planned to continue her education right away, but like many others, her plans were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now settled back into working life, she is excited to resume her studies. In the fall of 2025, she will begin attending UW–Madison, majoring in Animal and Veterinary Biosciences, with the goal of earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Ariah has had a lifelong passion for animal and nature conservation. Inspired by childhood programs like The Crocodile Hunter and Champions of the Wild, she dreams of becoming a Wildlife Veterinarian focused on protecting endangered species and preserving delicate ecosystems around the globe.
She is deeply thankful for the support AFSCME has provided through this scholarship opportunity and is excited for the journey ahead.