Sauk Prairie’s Flanagan wins scholarship

Olivia Flanagan, a Sauk Prairie High School student, won financial support for college from the Herb Kohl Foundation. Winners were announced last Monday, and scholarships will be awarded later this spring. Amounts were not released, but local students will receive their awards at a May ceremony in Baraboo. There are 312 winners with this year honoring students, teachers and principals. An estimated $10,000 in scholarships are expected to be awarded with another $6,000 dedicated to educators. Excellence scholars have not only succeeded in the classroom but also demonstrated activity and leadership in their communities. Initiative scholars are similar but, to qualify for this category, they must not have yet won other academic-based scholarships. Winners are chosen by a statewide committee of civic leaders, education representatives and members of the program’s co-sponsors: The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools, Cooperative Educational Service Agencies, Association of Wisconsin School Administrators and Wisconsin Parents Association. The Kohl Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship program was created by philanthropist, entrepreneur and politician Herb Kohl in 1990. Since its creation, it has awarded more than $20 million to students, educators and districts. “Education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation. I am very proud of the accomplishments of these students, teachers, and principals and look forward to the great contributions they will make in the future,” Kohl said in a statement.