Rochester teen wins $100K scholarship for getting a Covid-19 vaccine

Rochester’s Ben Truax is the second big winner of Minnesota’s “Kids Deserve a Shot” campaign, Gov. Tim Walz’s office announced Monday.

Truax, 16, will receive a $100,000 scholarship to attend any public or private college in the state. The "Kids Deserve a Shot” campaign is part of an effort to encourage kids 12-17 years old to get their Covid-19 vaccination.

"I chose to get vaccinated for a bunch of reasons,” Truax said in the announcement. “First, because my mom works at a hospital, she has educated us on the science. We have also experienced the loss and tragedy on the flip side for those not getting vaccinated. And getting vaccinated is doing my part to help keep my family and those around us safe."

There are three more drawings for a scholarship, though only the final drawing is still open for entry. To be eligible, parents/guardians must register their fully vaccinated kids for the program by Dec. 17.

Other incentives include concert tickets to First Avenue, a 12-person suite at a Timberwolves game, and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch ahead of a Twins game. More info on the program can be found here.

Cover photo courtesy the State of Minnesota