BCI Burke, a leading U.S. playground equipment manufacturer, is pleased to announce that Menasha, Wis., resident Ryan Johnson is the recipient of the inaugural BCI Burke Community Scholarship Program for Wisconsin high school students pursuing higher education degrees. A graduate of Menasha High School (MHS), Class of 2024, Johnson will apply the $1,000 scholarship toward his tuition at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, where he will enroll this fall with plans to major in Business Finance/Marketing.
The BCI Burke Community Scholarship Program, which the company announced in February, was developed to help students move their minds and further their education.
During his high school years, Johnson held leadership roles as president of Future Business Leaders of America, class officer and peer mentor for the MHS Mental Health Program. An accomplished athlete who participated in varsity football, baseball, co-op hockey and travel baseball, he also served as team captain and mentored younger players. Johnson volunteered more than 350 hours with local charitable organizations and events in the community, including the Night to Shine Special Needs Prom, Harbor House Domestic Abuse Shelter and Ruby’s Food Pantry. In addition, he initiated a community shoe drive with the goal of helping microenterprise businesses in developing countries earn money by selling the shoes in their local area. The drive collected 4,725 pairs of shoes, as well as helping to promote local and global connections and sustainability by keeping the shoes out of landfills.
Johnson also says he learned the importance of “simple play” and inclusivity through his relationship with a friend who has a disability and communications challenges.
“I am passionate about education, athletics and giving back to others.… Integrity is a core value that I am most proud of. This is embedded into who I am in acting with morals and build[ing] connected, trusted relationships. I demonstrate integrity in how I hold myself accountable to act as a leader in school, sports and community,” Johnson said.
“BCI Burke President & CEO Mike Phelan stated, “Throughout his high school years, Ryan Johnson demonstrated strong leadership and entrepreneurial skills as well as demonstrating time and time again how compassion, inclusivity and community service can move hearts and make things happen. We are proud to name him the first recipient of the BCI Burke Community Scholarship Program and wish him all the best during his time at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.”
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BCI Burke designs and manufacture innovative, fun and engaging play equipment, playgrounds, recreation products, outdoor fitness and classrooms that help everyone find the best of themselves through play and movement. Founded in 1920 in Fond du Lac, Wis., our passion, mission and business is to bring Play That Moves You® to the communities we serve. With hundreds of dedicated employees, BCI Burke is a leader in the recreation industry and continues the more than 100-year dedication to being a partner to parks and recreation, schools, churches, Homeowner’s Associations, childcares, Landscape Architects and anyone who is looking to bring play and outdoor recreation to their community.