The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Brynn Bruner, a 2026 recipient of one of the two Alyssa Pine Memorial Scholarship awards.
Brynn, the daughter of Sarah Bruner and Jake Bruner, is a 2026 graduate of Colonel Crawford High School. She is attending Saint Thomas University this fall and studying Education.
What inspired you to choose your intended major?
"Education is the field I am most passionate about because it allows me to help others learn, grow, and succeed. Throughout my life, I have enjoyed working with people and making a positive impact, which is why pursuing a degree in education feels like the perfect fit for me. One of the biggest reasons I want to become an educator is my experience teaching swim lessons. Working with children has shown me how rewarding it is to help someone gain confidence and learn a new skill. Watching students overcome challenges and achieve goals has taught me the importance of patience, encouragement, and leadership.
My involvement in swimming, cross county, and track has also influenced my decision. Coaches and teachers have had a tremendous impact on my life, teaching me valuable lessons about hard work, perseverance, and confidence. They have inspired me to become someone who can positively influence others in the same way. I believe education is about more than academics- it is about helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for the future. I was able to fully experience that with multiple of my teachers. They truly care about seeing me succeed in my future, not just in the classroom. They also want to make me a better human being.
I want to create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to learn and believe in themselves. By majoring in education, I hope to inspire and support future generations while making a meaningful difference in the lives of my students. Helping others grow and succeed is what motivates me, and that is why I am excited to pursue a career in education."
What are your career and life goals after you graduate?
"After graduation, I plan to attend college and pursue a degree in education. I hope to become a teacher and make a positive impact on the lives of students by helping them learn, grow, and gain confidence in themselves. Most importantly, I hope to continue trusting God's plan for my life. While I have goals and dreams for the future, I know that through faith, hard work, and perseverance, He will guide me in the right direction. My goal is to build a successful career, make a difference in the lives of others, and live a life that reflects my values and faith. So, right now, I plan to set everything up for the best possible success in the future and take everything one step at a time. I hope to have a successful future and hopefully a family someday, too."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Brynn!
To learn more about scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
