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While Warsaw Community High School student Bronwyn Poch was surprised Friday to find out she was the recipient of the Rick and April Sasso Family Scholarship, her dad wasn’t too surprised she earned such a prestigious award.
“Yes and no,” John Poch, her dad, said when asked. “We thought she would be up for something really big like this because she’s worked so hard. She’s just good all around. She’s so diverse - music, sports, academics. She’s got it all. We’re super pleased for this big, generous gift for her. It’s going to help us so much.”
Bronwyn said she would really like to go to the University of Notre Dame but was still waiting to hear as of Friday.
Kosciusko County Community Foundation CEO Stephanie Overbey announced Bronwyn was the scholarship recipient Friday morning in WCHS’s main lobby. Bronwyn’s parents also were invited to the announcement, though they didn’t know specifically why they were asked to come to the school.
“We administer 560 different funds at the Community Foundation, and one of them is the Rick and April Sasso Family Scholarship, and you are the winner for 2026,” Overbey told Bronwyn. e
The Rick and April Sasso Family Scholarship provides full-tuition for one year of study at any accredited college or university in Indiana, Overbey explained. “As a recipient, you are eligible for that scholarship every single year that you are in college for up to four years.”
The Community Foundation appoints a committee to lead a blind review process of all applications.
The criteria for the scholarship included that the recipient be a graduating senior from WCHS and that they be pursuing an academic and/or technical honors diploma by the end of their junior year of high school; that they maintain a grade point average of 3.8 or higher at the end of their junior year of high school; and that they intend to pursue a full-time course of study.
Rick Sasso is a graduate of WCHS, Overbey said. He is an orthopaedic surgeon, specializing in spinal surgery, and is the president of the Indiana Spine Group. Together, Rick and April, have generously supported many charitable causes and organizations in Indiana, including many here in Warsaw and Winona Lake, she said.
Explaining why Bronwyn was chosen, Overbey said Bronwyn indicated she will graduate with honors in May 2026 and plans to pursue a degree in mathematics and physics.
In her scholarship application, Bronwyn said she wanted to attend an Indiana university so she could stay close to the community that has served her so well.
Overbey said Bronwyn’s references had “some really incredible things” to say about her.
Her references stated Bronwyn is exceptionally self-driven; a high-character student whose integrity, intellectual curiosity and mastery-level commitment set her apart as the rare leader who elevates every academic and extracurricular opportunity. Her references said her genuine passion for learning and unparalleled work ethic makes her poised to make a transformative impact on the world.
Bronwyn is a member of the Academic Superbowl (math division), orchestra, Mayor’s Youth, Advisory Council, National Honor Society, Math UIL, track and field, Indiana Thespian Troupe and the cross country team.
Kosciusko County Community Foundation Inc. is a public charity whose mission is to bring caring people and charitable endeavors together to inspire generosity and strengthen communities. The Community Foundation grants over $4 million annually in the areas of education, health, arts and culture, recreation, civic projects, environment and human services. Gifts made to the Community Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.KCFoundation.org, call 574-267-1901 or visit 102 E. Market St., Warsaw.
