2026 AFSCME Council 32 Scholarship Winners
$3,500 Jim Boyd Memorial 1-year Scholarship
Abigail Bemowski
Parent: Dan Bemowski, Local 311
$3,500 Dode Lowe Memorial 1-year Scholarship
Lillian Sather Goldman
Parent: Victoria Goldman, Local 2634
$3,500 Tom Thornton Memorial 1- year Scholarship (Members Only)
Adrian Gibbs
Member, Local 47
About our 2026 Scholarship Winners:
Abigail Bemowski is a lifelong resident of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and will be graduating from Stevens Point Area Senior High in May of 2026. This last year, Abigail was president of the club HOSA-Future Health Professionals, where she developed crucial leadership and collaboration skills.
As a result of this position, she had numerous opportunities to plan and participate in service around the school and community. Additionally, Abigail has been an active member of the band program in Stevens Point for six consecutive years--most recently playing as principal clarinetist. Finally, Abigail was elected to serve as the SPASH Class of 2026 vice president, where she has helped organize homecoming and graduation activities during her senior year.
Aspiring to make a career in the healthcare field, Abigail attended Mid-State Technical College and became a certified nursing assistant at just 16 years old. Since then, she has worked at an assisted living facility and at Aspirus-Stevens Point Hospital in the MED/SURG and ICU units, where she remains employed today. Outside of work and school, Abigail cares for her four pets, figure skates, and participates in seasonal outdoor recreation.
In the fall, Abigail will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, majoring in biology on a pre-physician assistant track.
Lillian Sather Goldman is a lifelong resident of Madison, Wisconsin, and will be graduating from East High School in the spring of 2026.
During her time at East High School, she developed meaningful friendships and valuable experiences through her involvement in academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
Lillian is a member of the National Honor Society and co-founded her school's Science Olympiad team. In the team's first year of competition, they advanced to the state tournament, and she earned 4th place in the regional Anatomy and Physiology event.
She also participated in math modeling competitions, further developing her analytical and problem-solving skills. In addition to her academic pursuits, Lillian worked at Glass Nickel Pizza throughout all four years of high school, balancing employment with a rigorous academic schedule.
Through her work experience, she strengthened her communication, teamwork, and customer service skills while demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to her responsibilities. Lillian played violin for more than nine years before transitioning to the viola during high school. Her years of musical study helped develop discipline, perseverance, and attention to detail. Earlier in high school, she participated in varsity softball and junior varsity track and field before injuries led her to discontinue those activities.
This fall, Lillian will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While entering as a biology major, she is also exploring political science and is considering pursuing either medical school or law school in the future.