Horicon Bank Receives the WASDA Bert Grover Child Advocacy Award - Business for 2025

Horicon Bank has been selected as the recipient of the WASDA Bert Grover Child Advocacy Award-Business for 2025 following a nomination from Superintendent Rich Appel of the School District of Horicon. This award was created by WASDA (Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators) Board of Directors in 1992 to recognize an individual or agency that has exhibited extraordinary dedication to the cause of child advocacy in the state of Wisconsin.
Horicon Bank’s partnership spans the entirety of the School District of Horicon, from the youngest students in Kindergarten to the High School Seniors. The bank’s support is felt across multiple schools and grade levels, impacting every aspect of student life. Their generosity has been extended to various school events, programs, and extracurricular activities, benefiting students, staff, and families alike.
One of the most impactful examples of Horicon Bank’s support is their substantial lead donation of $1.25 million dollars toward the development of the school district’s new athletic complex named “Sword Field.” This transformative gift, led by CEO of Horicon Bank, Fred F. Schwertfeger and his wife Ruth, has provided students with state of the art facilities, enhancing the educational experience for generations to come. In addition to this major contribution, Horicon Bank consistently supports the district in numerous ways. They generously donate over $3500 annually in scholarships to two graduating Seniors, ensuring their future success. The bank also sponsors events like the Horicon Elementary Fun Run, local PTO events, and activities related to FFA and FBLA programs, all of which foster a strong sense of community and encourage students to participate in valuable extracurricular experiences. Additionally, they contribute to other student-centered events throughout the year. Furthermore, Horicon Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting district staff by funding in-service luncheons, which promote professional development and encourage staff cohesion. This partnership enhances morale and provides a sense of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all district staff.
Horicon Bank’s contributions have directly led to tangible outcomes for both students and staff. The athletic complex has provided students with a modern space to train and compete, which boosts school pride and physical health. Their support of extracurriculars enables students to participate in leadership-building activities, such as FFA and FBLA, that teach skills for success beyond graduation. Moreover, staff appreciation initiatives have fostered a positive environment where teachers and staff feel valued and supported, which in turn translates to a more motivated and engaged learning community.
Horicon Bank has been a long-standing partner to the district, continuously contributing both financially and through volunteer efforts over many years. Their ongoing commitment ensures the sustainability of the programs and initiatives that benefit students, staff, and community. Their support is a constant that both students and staff rely on, and they have proven to be a dependable and invaluable ally to the district’s educational mission: “Educate. Engage. Empower. Every Day.”

Horicon Bank’s generous financial support and unwavering dedication to the success of the School District of Horicon make them an exemplary candidate for the Bert Grover Child Advocate Business Award for 2025. Their contributions, which enhance educational opportunities and foster a spirit of community, have had a profound and lasting impact on our students and staff. Through their continued involvement, they have shown an exceptional commitment to the future of Horicon’s children, making them more than deserving of this prestigious honor.
“I have had the great fortune of working alongside Fred and the entire team at Horicon Bank since I arrived in Horicon nine years ago. Their commitment to excellence and more importantly people through their community-driven values make them invaluable partners in shaping the future of education, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with them, said Rich Appel, Superintendent, School District of Horicon.
As part of the award, Horicon Bank CEO Fred F. Schwertfeger received a plaque from the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) and will receive an art project gift from a student from Horicon High School. On behalf of Horicon Bank, Mr. Schwertfeger was recognized for this great honor and accepted the award on Thursday, April 24, at the WASDA Annual Educational Conference in Madison.