BriAnna Kruzel Memorial Scholarship 

| Resume a previously saved form
Resume Later

In order to be able to resume this form later, please enter your email and choose a password.

                                                            Bri's Photo


BriAnna Kruzel is a former Little Sister and High School Big Sister, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in September 2013. BriAnna's family would like to carry forward BriAnna's legacy.

BriAnna’s experience with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program was quite unique. When her father was deployed in Iraq, BriAnna began as a Little Sister in the program. Years later, BriAnna decided to become a High School Big Sister as a way to provide the same experience to another child. BriAnna was matched with a Little Sister whose father was deployed overseas. BriAnna and her Little Sister were able to form an instant bond and BriAnna was able to provide advice and support. BriAnna was a dedicated friend and mentor for over two years. She was selected as the 2013 High School Big Sister of the Year for her outstanding commitment to the program and her Little Sister. She was also honored by the St. Cloud Optimist Club with the “Youth Appreciation Award” for her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

BriAnna's family would like to honor her memory by awarding a scholarship to a High School Senior who is a current/past Little or High School Big who has some of the same characteristics that BriAnna had. BriAnna was a very hardworking, dedicated student who worked diligently at achieving the best grades that she could. BriAnna may not have received the “A” that she was striving for but would never give up on her overall grade.

BriAnna believed strongly in giving and volunteering. She was an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteered with Sartell Community Education, her church, and would help anyone that needed assistance. She was also a person who believed in loving each and every person that she came in touch with. She was strong in her faith; she didn’t judge anyone and was compassionate towards everyone. BriAnna had a contagious smile that would light up a room. After BriAnna passed away, her family would evaluate their lives by asking themselves, “What Would Bri Do?” Please check out https://brislodge.com/ to learn more about BriAnna.

BriAnna's family would like to honor her memory by awarding a current/past Little Brother/Sister or High School Big Brother/Sister with a $500 scholarship to a college of their choice. Payment of scholarship will be awarded after submitting proof of completion of first semester of college to  Bri's Lodge, 334 Pine Rd, Sartell, MN 56377.

Eligibility Requirements:
1. The applicant must be a current/past Little or High School Big in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN program.
2. The applicant must be a senior in high school.
3. The applicant must have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN for at least 18 months.


Application Requirements:
1. Submit this application form by 11:59 pm March 24th, 2024. 
2. The winner will be notified by April 17th, 2024.  The winner and their family will be invited to our Big Celebration on April 24th to receive the scholarship.
3.. By submitting your application you are giving Bri's Lodge and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN permission to share your photo and story.

           If you have any questions please contact Ann Matvick @ 320.258.4517 or ann@BigDefenders.org 
 

Contact Information and School Details

Student Information













High School Information


Postsecondary School Information


Essays

Essay Questions:  Please write one to two paragraphs per prompt

We recommend that you type your essays in a Word or Google document first to check for errors and their length before pasting them in your application and submitting it.






Required Documents

By submitting this application, I hereby grant Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN (BBBS) and Bri's Lodge permission to use my name and likeness in photograph(s)/video in any and all of its publications and in any and all other media, whether now known or hereafter existing but including online social networking sites, such as blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other, similar sites.  I will make no monetary or other claim against BBBS for the use of the photograph(s)/video.