RHS student earns Herb Kohl Educational Foundation scholarship

Rhinelander High School senior Leah Jamison is one of 187 Wisconsin students to be recognized by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation.

Jamison will receive a Student Excellence and Initiative Scholarship of $10,000 awarded to graduating high school students who have demonstrated academic excellence and initiative and have displayed a broad range of activity and leadership in their community, according to a press release announcing the honor.

In addition, Teacher Fellowship awards of $6,000 are to be presented to 100 teachers who were nominated for their leadership and service in and outside the classroom, their ability to inspire a love of learning and to motivate their students. Principal Leadership awards of $6,000 are to be given to 17 principals for setting high standards for instruction, achievement and character, and creating a climate to best serve students, families, staff and community.

“Herb Kohl believed that education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation,” JoAnne Anton, President & CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies, said. “That’s why he invested in and prioritized awards that recognize students, teachers, and principals who demonstrate incredible hard work, achievements, and service. We hope this year’s awards help this impressive group of recipients in their individual pursuits today so that they pay it forward in the future. We call that the Herb Kohl Way.”

Award recipients are selected by a statewide committee composed of civic leaders and representatives of education-related associations and the program’s co-sponsors: The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, regional Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA), the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, and the Wisconsin Homeschooling Parents Association.

The Kohl Foundation award program was established by Herb Kohl, former U.S. senator, philanthropist, and businessman who died December 27, 2023. Since 1990, the foundation has awarded nearly $38 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students, and schools.