Wayland Academy Announces the 2025 Swan Scholar

Local students encouraged to apply by February 1 for 2026-2027 school year.

Wayland Academy is pleased to announce that Sylvan Becraft has been named the 2025 Mary Swan Scholar, receiving a four-year scholarship covering the full cost of tuition at Wayland Academy—valued at more than $100,000.

Sylvan is the son of Anne Root Becraft and Kevin Becraft. After moving from Sacramento, California to Wisconsin, he attended Beaver Dam Middle School before earning the Swan Scholarship.

On campus, Sylvan has immersed himself in the Wayland community, participating in varsity soccer, Honors Choir, the fall musical, Chess Club, Women’s Empowerment Club, Ping Pong club, Thespian Society, and serving as an Admissions Ambassador.

Reflecting on his freshman class, Sylvan joked, “Well, we literally won Homecoming week, so. Enough said.” He added, “Really, I love my classmates. Everyone is having a great time; everyone is holding each other accountable. There are so many great people here.”

His mom shared, “As his mom, it’s so rewarding to see Sylvan engage in a community and come home excited about something every single day. Going to Wayland is a big step off of a path that’s already carved, but being part of such a small, supportive community has made an amazing impact.”

Andrea Chesley, Dean of Enrollment and Financial Aid, said, “Sylvan was a great choice for this year’s Swan Scholarship because of his thoughtfulness, earnestness, and unique perspective. He’s worked diligently to make Beaver Dam a place where he truly belongs since he moved here, and we know he’ll continue to contribute to our community in meaningful ways for years to come. Wayland is fortunate to have him, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as our 2025 Swan Scholar.”

Founded in 1855, Wayland Academy is a college preparatory day and boarding school with students from across the United States and 38 countries. Its 55-acre campus has long been a cornerstone of the Beaver Dam community.

The Mary Swan Scholarship is awarded annually to one rising ninth grader who lives full-time with at least one parent or guardian within the boundaries of the Beaver Dam Unified School District and who is in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Chesley noted that offering this scholarship to local students ensures Wayland remains true to its roots while keeping 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 considered for the 2026-2027 Swan Scholarship, students must submit their application for admission and financial aid by February 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. After her passing 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.