Wayland Academy Honors 20th Annual Swan Scholar—Lauren West `27

Local students encouraged to apply by mid-February for 2023-2024 school year

Wayland Academy is pleased to announce Lauren West of Beaver Dam has earned the 2023 Mary Swan Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition at Wayland for four years.

Lauren is the daughter of Larry West and Janice Daly of Beaver Dam. She applied for the Swan Scholarship last winter as an eighth grader from Beaver Dam Middle School, and began her journey as a Wayland day student in August.

“The environment is amazing – everyone is so friendly and wants to be here to learn,” Lauren said. “When I got here, I felt like I was in college.”

Wayland is a preparatory day and boarding school that has students from across the U.S., as well as from more than 30 countries in any given year. The 55-acre campus has been part of the community since being founded in Beaver Dam in 1855.

“I'm looking forward to other opportunities here,” Lauren continued. “Meeting so many different people with different backgrounds…I'm excited for the challenge Wayland Academy has in store for me and everyone else. I know I can learn a lot at this school.”

The Mary Swan Scholarship is awarded to one rising ninth-grader each year. 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.

Dean of Enrollment and Financial Aid Andrea Chesley says offering this scholarship to local students ensures the Academy remains true to its roots, and helps keep a Wayland education within reach for local families.

The Swan Scholarship is just one of about 30 scholarship opportunities offered by Wayland Academy to Dodge County residents. To be eligible for the Swan Scholarship, students must submit their complete applications for admission and financial aid to the Wayland admission office by Feb. 15 each year.

Mary Swan graduated from Wayland Academy in 1925 and returned to teach English from 1956 to 1969. She and her family were supporters of the Beaver Dam community, having contributed to the public library, city parks, community theater, the YMCA, and more. Following her death in 2003, Mary’s family created the Wayland Academy Swan Scholarship in her honor.

To learn more about Wayland Academy and the Swan Scholarship, visit wayland.org/swan-scholarship or call 920-356-2120 ext. 237.