Garceau receives Milwaukee Bucks Perseverance Award

Senior Jena Garceau was recognized Monday during Roncalli High School’s convocation as a recipient of the Milwaukee Bucks Perseverance Award. Garceau, daughter of Tim and Heather Garceau, is one of seven high school student-athletes from Wisconsin recognized this year. Senior student-athletes who have persevered through a difficult time of life to play educational-based athletics were eligible to be nominated.

Garceau was recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and has been hospitalized this school year to manage her colitis, along with anemia and dehydration. Throughout this process, she has maintained a positive spirit, kept up with her studies and continued to participate in Roncalli High School athletics.

“My condition makes every day a challenge,” Garceau shares in her nomination. “I do not know if I will feel well or not, and that can change quickly as the day progresses. Stress can worsen my symptoms, so I must work to keep my mind as calm as possible even when things aren’t.”

Garceau, who came to Roncalli High School as a sophomore, plays basketball and softball, and runs cross country. She was recognized with a plaque and received a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship can go toward continuing her education at an institution of higher education or be donated to her high school. The award was given on behalf of the Milwaukee Bucks, Crisis Prevention Institute, Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association, The Bog Golf Course, and Safe Sport Zone.

“In her sophomore year, Jena received a major letter in cross country and basketball,” said Nathan Kaderabek, athletic director for Roncalli Catholic Schools. “Jena also received Eastern Wisconsin All-Conference Honorable Mention in cross country. Due to COVID 19, she was not able to participate in softball. As a junior, Jena received a major letter in cross country, basketball and softball. Area coaches selected Jena to the Eastern Wisconsin All-Conference Honorable Mention Team in cross country and softball. Even with her physical difficulty this year, Jena also received a major award for cross county. We couldn’t be more proud to have Jena selected to receive this award.”