Wayland Announces the 2022 Swan Scholarship Recipient

Wayland Academy is pleased to announce that Easton Keil, a recent eighth-grade graduate from St. Stephen’s Lutheran School, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Mary Swan Scholarship. 

The scholarship, an opportunity offered every year to rising ninth graders living in Beaver Dam, covers the full cost of tuition for all four years at Wayland Academy–a coeducational preparatory school in Beaver Dam founded in 1855. 

“I wanted to attend Wayland because I believe it will challenge me,” Easton said. “When I toured last fall, I liked the smaller class sizes and diversity of the student body.” 

Easton, son of Dawn and Wayne Keil, will be the first in his family to attend Wayland. With an agriculture background, Easton currently serves as president of his 4-H club and has led several community service projects. During the school year he held a seat on student council, participated in forensics, was in band, and played basketball–all while prioritizing academics. 

“Easton has always excelled in school,” Dawn said. “We believe that Wayland will not only provide an education a step above what he might receive at other schools, but it will also prepare him for college. We want him to be challenged enough to perform to the best of his abilities.” 

Wayland Academy brings in students from more than 15 states and 20 countries every year, according to Josh Labove, Dean of Enrollment and Financial Aid. Of the 150 students enrolled, approximately 35 percent are international students, 45 percent are out-of-state boarding students, and the remaining 20 percent commute as day students. 

“We host students from all over the world, but our roots and connection to Beaver Dam are strong,” Labove said. “By offering this scholarship to one local student every year, we can ensure Ms. Swan’s pride for her hometown endures.” 

Mary Swan graduated from Wayland Academy in 1925 and taught English at Wayland from 1956 to 1969. She passed away in 2003; the following year her family created the Swan Scholarship in her honor. Mary also made contributions to the Beaver Dam Public Library, the YMCA, and was a supporter of local performing arts groups. 

John B. McKinstry, Wayland Academy trustee and lifelong friend of Swan, says she had always been devoted to education and her community. 

“She was always determined to use her intellectual resources as a teacher, as well as her material resources, to open doors for students,” McKinstry said. “Now, her scholarship not only elevates Wayland’s principles of knowledge and character, but it affirms our commitment as citizens and neighbors in Beaver Dam.”  

Applications for the Swan Scholarship open every fall to students entering ninth grade in the fall. To qualify, students must reside full-time with at least one parent within the boundaries of the Beaver Dam Unified School District and be in good academic and disciplinary standing at their current school. Students must submit their complete applications for admission and financial aid to the Wayland admission office by Feb. 15 each year. 

Students are automatically considered for scholarships when they apply for admission. According to Labove, the Swan Scholarship is just one of about 30 scholarship opportunities offered to Dodge County residents by Wayland. 

“Unlike many private schools, we have a need-blind admissions process,” he said. “It’s imperative that students who want to receive a Wayland education have access to it.” 

To learn more about Wayland, including scholarships and the admissions process, visit wayland.org or call 920-356-2120 ext. 237