Reinhart, Neighborhood House Name Ray Woods Youth of the Year Scholarship Winner: Ellament Tatum

MILWAUKEE – Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren (Reinhart) and Neighborhood House of Milwaukee are proud to announce that Ellament Tatum has been awarded the 2024 Ray Woods Youth of the Year Scholarship. Tatum was selected as an outstanding youth who embodies the spirit and leadership qualities demonstrated by Ray Woods, a former Neighborhood House teen whose inspirational journey was cut short by illness. Reinhart, a longtime partner of Neighborhood House, presented the scholarship award for $2,500 to Tatum by attorneys Danielle Marocchi and Elizabeth Elving at the Neighborhood House 34th Annual Gala at Discovery World on November 14.

"Ellament is an extraordinary, gifted young woman with a bright future ahead of her," said Marocchi, Board Member of Neighborhood House and Reinhart attorney. “Her commitment to environmental conservation and her impressive maturity make her a deserving recipient of this honor.”

Tatum’s passion for environmental issues was evident in her winning scholarship essay, where she discussed ocean cleanup efforts and innovative recycling initiatives. Her unique perspective, coupled with her commitment to wise values that promote outdoor activity, was a testament to her potential as a role model for her peers.

Reflecting on her experiences at Neighborhood House, Tatum credited the organization for inspiring her passion for science. “That single moment ignited a passion for science that extended beyond the classroom and into my everyday life,” she shared, referring to her experiences in a Neighborhood House science adventure class.

With plans to study marine biology and marine photography, or environmental science focusing on the Great Lakes, Tatum is dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to the field. The scholarship will help fund her educational journey and reach her aspirations.

Reinhart sponsors the Ray Woods Youth of The Year Scholarship, totaling $2,500 annually, as part of the firm’s commitment to fostering leadership and education among young people in the community.

About Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House of Milwaukee was founded in 1945 to help strengthen children and families in some of the city’s most under-served neighborhoods. The agency has touched the lives of nearly a million children and adults for more than 70 years. It’s a highly regarded, award-winning program serving infants & toddlers, school-age and teen youth, adults and families, refugees and immigrants. More at www.nhmilw.org.