Homeschoolers Earn $10,000 Scholarships

Three homeschool seniors in the state of Wisconsin have been named 2021 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Student Excellence Scholars. The designation comes with a $10,000 scholarship to the school of their choice.

Overall, 200 students in the Badger State were honored this year. The recipients were chosen based on their demonstrated excellence in the academic arena, their high motivation to achieve, and their activity and leadership outside the academic setting.

“Education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation,” Kohl said in his foundation’s official press release announcing this year’s winners. “I am very proud of the accomplishments of these students…and look forward to the great contributions they will make in the future.”

The three homeschoolers chosen were Kailyn Walukas of Eau Claire, Hannah Loew of Boulder Junction, and Caleb Peterson of Barron, who has been accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York.

Walukas has been homeschooled since fourth grade and plans to attend Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. Although she has excelled as a student, she has also switched sides this year to teach a literature class to fourth grade homeschoolers.

“It’s been really fun to take on that leadership role,” Kailyn told WEAU News, “and it’s been really cool to see their excitement about reading because I loved reading as a kid. I still do, so it’s just been awesome to connect with the kids in that way.”

According to her mom and teacher, Kailyn has benefitted from a natural desire and excitement for learning.

“I’ve never had to force her to do schoolwork because she’s naturally curious and wants to learn about the world,” Kristin Walukas said, “so that has really made it very easy to teach her.”