[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the winner of the second $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawing for the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ campaign is Ben Truax of Rochester. 16-year-old 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. Having lost several very close family friends who did not get vaccinated to COVID, Ben got vaccinated to protect himself, his family, and his community — especially his loved ones at increased risk from preexisting conditions.

"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."

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

“Congratulations on winning this $100,000 college scholarship for getting fully vaccinated, Ben,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I am so grateful for Minnesota teens like Ben who are doing their part to protect their community by getting fully vaccinated. I also know the personal tragedy of losing loved ones to this deadly virus, and know the best thing we can do for our loved ones is to take advantage of these safe and effective vaccines.”

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/ .

Parents/guardians must enter their 12- to 17-year-old by 11:59pm today, Monday, December 13 to be eligible for the final drawing.

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