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2025 W.B. Hawkins Awards Presented at Everwise Bi-County Tournament

2025 W.B. Hawkins Awards Presented at Everwise Bi-County Tournament

Everwise Credit Union presented the coveted W.B. Hawkins Award, named in honor of Everwise President and CEO from 1962-1987, to two high school basketball players at the conclusion of the 60th annual Everwise Bi-County Tournament this evening. The Everwise Bi-County Tournament is one of the area’s longest-standing sports traditions, bringing together eight boys and girls varsity teams competing for the championship title. In addition to the exciting action on the court, Everwise annually presents the W.B. Hawkins Award and a $1,000 scholarship to the school of a boys and girls varsity athlete who exemplifies excellence in academics and athletics, as well as makes positive contributions to the community. 

Everwise is pleased to announce that the 2025 W.B. Hawkins Award winners are Ben McFarland, from Triton Jr.-Sr. High School and Brynn Berndt, from Culver Community Middle/High School. Both recipients embody the values of the W.B. Hawkins Award and have excelled throughout their high school careers. 

“The Everwise Bi-County Tournament celebrates the achievements of local student athletes and the communities that support them,” said Jason M. Osterhage, president + CEO of Everwise. “We’re pleased to honor this year’s winners of the W.B. Hawkins Award, two individuals who exemplify the very best of what this award represents. It’s also our privilege to contribute to their school scholarship funds, further supporting the bright futures these students inspire.” 

From left to right: Beth Styers (Area Manager, Everwise), Thomas McFarland (Ben’s father), Ben McFarland, Jessica McFarland (Ben’s mother), and Randy Lemert (School + Business Relationship Officer, Everwise).

McFarland is a leader both on and off the court. He consistently demonstrates teamwork, competitiveness, sportsmanship, and leadership whether on the football field, the basketball court, the track, or in the classroom. McFarland achieved Academic All-Conference honors in both football and track and served on the Leadership Council for basketball and football. In the classroom, his dedication shines through his placement on the all-A Honor Roll twice and the A/B Honor Roll three times. McFarland is also an active member of several organizations, including the National Honor Society, the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, and the Spanish Club. Beyond his achievements in sports and academics, McFarland stands out as a dedicated community servant. His volunteer work includes supporting The Food Bank of America, the Magical Meadows animal shelter, and Camp Creek Church's Vacation Bible School. He has also contributed his time to junior high and elementary football camps, as well as his school’s junior basketball league. 

From left to right: Beth Styers (Area Manager, Everwise), Andrea Berndt (Brynn’s mother), Brynn Berndt, Brett Berndt (Brynn’s father), and Randy Lemert (School + Business Relationship Officer, Everwise).

Berndt exemplifies natural leadership, giving her maximum effort to every endeavor. She is dependable, honest, and reliable and her leadership has played a crucial role in her team’s success. By leading through example, her strong character and unwavering drive to always do what is right inspire and uplift her teammates. Berndt’s attitude and ethics unequivocally embody the values of her school and its athletic program. Off the court, she shines as a dedicated volunteer, contributing her time at numerous local events, including Lion’s Club activities, as well as the Christmas Basket, Easter Bunny, and Goblin Halloween Programs. She also supports the Culver Youth Club engaging with young community members through tutoring, activities, and reading programs. Additionally, Berndt is involved with the EMERGE Leadership group, which focuses on community programming and service, and she is a member of her local Catholic Church. In all these efforts, Berndt consistently represents herself, her school, the community, and her family with the utmost integrity and pride. 

Everwise Credit Union is Indiana’s largest Credit Union with more than $5 billion in assets, 50 branches throughout Indiana and southwest Michigan, and more than 300,000 members. Everwise offers traditional financial services including checking, savings, mortgages, and credit cards, as well as wealth management services. Since its founding in 1931, Everwise has focused on making a positive impact on its members and the community. For more information, visit everwisecu.com.