The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association has named four young professionals working in radio as the beneficiaries of its 2025 Student Scholarship Program. These scholarships highlight the dedication and achievements of students pursuing careers in media.
Two $2,500 and two $1,500 scholarships are offered via the WBA Foundation for students enrolled in media programs at Wisconsin colleges, universities, technical schools, or broadcast/media schools.
Oliver Gerharz, a journalism major at UW-Madison set to graduate in 2027, is this year’s recipient of the WBA Foundation Scholarship. With aspirations to work in radio production, Gerharz focuses on story research and audio editing. His extensive experience includes producing a weekly interview show for WSUM college radio, engineering for Wisconsin Public Radio, and collaborating with WORT community radio.
Ray Kirsch, a journalism and English major at UW-Madison graduating this spring, will receive the Morgan Murphy Media Scholarship. Kirsch aims to work in editorial or audio/video production within publishing or broadcasting. Their campus involvement includes roles as reporter and talk director for WSUM radio.
BellaRain Darvanian, an audio production and music performance major at UW-Green Bay graduating in 2027, will receive the Howard Gernetzke Scholarship. She is currently an announcer for WLKN at Seehafer Broadcasting in Manitowoc.
Joey Bonadonna, a journalism major at UW-Madison graduating in 2026, is the recipient of the David L. Nelson Scholarship. Working with WSUM, Bonadonna’s goal is to become an NFL play-by-play announcer. He has served as the play-by-play voice for the IFL’s Green Bay Blizzard since 2021.
All four will be formally recognized during the WBA Student Forum at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field on February 22.
