Wayland Academy’s Announces the 2024 Swan Scholar

Local students encouraged to apply by February 1 for the 2025-2026 school year

Wayland Academy is pleased to announce that Madyson DeWitt has earned the 2024 Mary Swan Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition at Wayland for four years. This scholarship is valued at more than $100,000.

Madyson is the daughter of Jason DeWitt and Sara DeWitt of Beaver Dam. She attended St. Katharine Drexel School, where she learned about Wayland’s Swan Scholarship through a teacher recommendation. After submitting her application for admission to Wayland, Madyson was selected as one of seven finalists, and then visited campus to participate in the interview process.

Wayland’s Dean of Enrollment and Financial Aid, Andrea Chesley conducts the selection interviews and said this about Madyson, “Though there were several excellent candidates for this year’s Swan Scholarship, Madyson exhibited all the ideal qualities we seek in our scholars. We are confident Madyson will benefit from all that Wayland has to offer and she will continue to exemplify our pillars of Scholarship, Faith, Health, and Service. She is an extraordinary young lady, and we are lucky to have her at Wayland.”

Madyson began her Wayland journey in August and noted, “This school year has been off to a great start! At first, I was intimidated by the many kids and the confusing schedule. But once I got into the swing of things, Wayland became a wonderful place to learn and grow. I’m excited to see what the rest of the year will bring.”

Wayland is a preparatory day and boarding school with students from across the U.S. and more than 30 countries. The 55-acre campus has been part of the community since being founded in 1855.

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 application for admission and financial aid to the Wayland admission office by Feb. 1.

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.