Congratulations Scholarship Recipients! Retirement Home awards four senior scholarships

COMFORT – Hermann

Sons

Life Retirement Home Scholarships have been awarded to four high school graduates. A total of 25 eligible applications were judged on May 19 by a group of four residents and staff.

The 2023 recipients are Jacob Kohleffel, a member of Corpus Christi Lodge; Tamara Otto, a member of Schulenburg Lodge; Ray Allen Schaefer, a member of Laubach Lodge; and Emma Traugott, a member of MissionAlamo Lodge.

Each student will receive $1,500 to further their education.

To be eligible, students must be a member in good standing, complete an application and write an essay titled “What Hermann Sons Life Means to Me.”

Jacob Kohleffel

Jacob, the son of Mike and Lorene Kohleffel of Portland, graduated from UTRGV Mathematics and Science Academy. He was a Hermann Sons Life camper for three years and later became a CIT and a counselor. He plans to attend Sewanee: The University of the South and study economics.

In his essay, Jacob wrote, “Camp every summer has been one of my favorite things growing up. I met some of my closest friends as a counselor. I know this experience is not unique to me. Hermann Sons Life has provided many people with a community of friends and has given people peace of mind in the event of disaster. For me, Hermann Sons Life is reassurance. Every year, camp gives me something to look forward to. I knew that no matter how stressed I was at the end of the school year, I had camp waiting for me.

“I have seen firsthand that Hermann Sons Life has the same impact on other people. I have watched my sister look forward to coming to camp all year; I have heard her talk about working there for years. I also witnessed this as a camp counselor.

I spoke to many kids who were shy, did not make friends easily, and came out of their comfort zone at camp. Through my time at camp, Hermann Sons Life has given me confidence in my future. Overall, my time at Hermann Sons Life Camp has been a transformative and empowering experience.

“Hermann Sons also gives me the reassurance that if something ever happens to me, my family will be taken care of. Despite this element of Hermann Sons not being a major concern in my life now, it is reassuring to know that when I have a family, they will be safe. It has also been a place for me to grow up and interact with the world. Hermann Sons has given me friends and memories I will take with me for the rest of my life, and I am grateful for the experiences offered to me.”

Tamara Otto

Tamara, the daughter of Keith and Stacy Otto of Schulenburg, graduated from Schulenburg High School. She was a camper for four years, a CIT and a counselor. Tamara plans to attend Texas A&M University and enter the nursing program to later become a labor and delivery nurse.

In her essay, Tamara wrote, “Hermann Sons Life has been a large part of my life for the past ten years. Watching my older sisters enjoy a week-long ‘vacation’ at camp was something I envied as a little girl.

“Hermann Sons Life means so much to me as it has given me life-long friendships, taught me responsibility, and blessed me with my love of the outdoors.

“At a young age, I was very shy. However, camp allowed me to explore and gain confidence.

“Overall, Hermann Sons Life has provided me with such a memorable childhood as I am now able to be confident, responsible, work well with others, and create authentic friendships! “

Ray Allen Schaefer

Ray, the son of Allen and Tammy Schaefer of New Braunfels, graduated from Canyon High School. He attended Camp for five years. Ray plans to attend Texas A&M University at College Station and study engineering.

In his essay, Ray wrote, “In my younger years, I was fortunate enough to attend Hermann Sons Life Summer Camp. The experience I gained from this camp has shaped the person I am today, instilling values and skills that have been of value to me throughout my life.

“One of the most important aspects of Hermann Sons Life Camp was a focus on community. The camp brought together children from different backgrounds, placed them in cabins, and encouraged them to have fun and work together. This experience taught me the importance of building relationships, networking, and connecting with people. The sense of belonging and brotherhood that I felt at camp has carried with me throughout my life, and I strive to create similar situations in my personal and professional relationships.

“Hermann Sons Life Camp also created a sense of responsibility and leadership within myself. The counselors encouraged campers to take on leadership roles and to be responsible for their actions. This experience has given me the confidence to take on leadership roles in school organizations, work, and other areas of my life.

“...attending Hermann Sons Life Camp has been a defining experience in my life. The values and skills that I learned at camp have shaped the person I am today. I am grateful for the community, responsibility, leadership, and commitment that were instilled in me through this experience.”

Emma Traugott

Emma, daughter of Robin and Michael Traugott of St. Hedwig, graduated from East Central High School. She participated in the Hermann Sons School of Dance program and has attended Camp since 2018 and is now a counselor. Emma plans to attend Texas A&M University at College Station and study ag communications. She aspires to be a rodeo announcer.

In her essay, Emma wrote, “From being a camper to CIT and now a camp counselor at Hermann Sons Life Camp it has earned a special place in my heart, it changed me in ways I didn’t think were imaginable.

“Through the ups and downs of all of the summers I spent there, it gave me the best memories that I will forever and always cherish and friendships that will last a lifetime. It is one of the best experiences ever. Not only did it teach me life lessons and help me grow as a person, but it prepared me to be successful in college. I was on my own the whole summer and responsible for my own schedule. I learned how to be independent and manage my time with things that would normally take me longer than usual. I had to juggle my personal needs and the needs of others I was looking out for. I had to be organized and keep a space of my own while also sharing with everyone else. I was around people every day, so I learned how to get comfortable meeting new people and dealing with the ones that weren’t necessarily having the best of days.

“Furthermore, Hermann Sons Life also provides my family with life insurance, and when the time comes it will provide my family with the resources needed, without it I would not be able to attend this life changing camp.”