Rochester teen is 2nd recipient of ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ campaign scholarship

Monday, Gov. Tim Walz announced the second recipient of a Minnesota college scholarship via the "Kids Deserve a Shot" campaign.

According to the governor’s office, Ben Truax, a 16-year-old from Rochester, won the second $100,000 college scholarship drawing.

Ben said that having a mother who works in a hospital, plus the deaths of several close family friends due to COVID-19, made him want to get vaccinated.

"I chose to get vaccinated for a bunch of reasons," Ben said in a statement. "First, because my mom works at a hospital, she has educated us on the science. 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."

"Ben’s story is all too familiar for many Minnesotans who have lost unvaccinated loved ones to this deadly virus," Walz said in a statement. "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 campaign, all Minnesotans ages 12-17 who have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series have a chance to win a $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship as well as other experiences donated by some of the biggest names in the state’s sports and entertainment industries.

Parents and guardians have until 11:59 p.m. Monday to submit an entry for their fully vaccinated child or children for the final drawing.