Rochester teen wins second $100K scholarship for Kids Deserve a Shot campaign

(ABC 6 News) – A Rochester teen is the second winner of a $100,000 scholarship as part of the Kids Deserve a Shot campaign.

Gov. Walz’s office made the announcement Monday that 16-year-old Ben Truax is the winner.

"Ben learned about the importance of vaccination from his mother, who works in a hospital and is currently serving a floor that has been converted to treat COVID patients amid the current surge."

"I chose to get vaccinated for a bunch of reasons. First, because my mom works at a hospital, she has educated us on the science,” said ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ scholarship winner Ben Truax.

“We have also experienced the loss and tragedy on the flip side for those not getting vaccinated. And getting vaccinated is doing my part to help keep my family and those around us safe."

In a press release, Gov. Walz said, “Congratulations to Ben for being our second ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ campaign winner and receiving a $100,000 scholarship for college.”

“Ben’s story is all too familiar for many Minnesotans who have lost unvaccinated loved ones to this deadly virus. I am proud of Ben for doing his part to fight this pandemic and protect himself, his family, and his community by getting fully vaccinated.”

As part of the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ campaign, all Minnesotans 12- to 17-years-old who have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series have a chance to win a $100,000 Minnesota College Scholarship and other Minnesota experiences donated from some of the biggest names in the sports and entertainment industries.

ONLY 1 MORE CHANCE TO ENTER: Parents/guardians can enter their fully-vaccinated children for the final drawing at mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/vaccine-rewards/kids-deserve-a-shot/