[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the winner of the first $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawing for the “Kids Deserve a Shot” campaign is Kaitlyn Knutson of Plymouth, Minnesota. 16-year-old Kaitlyn got vaccinated to stay safe while being able to see her friends and family and doing what she loves — playing hockey.

“I chose to get vaccinated because it allows me to be with my friends and family without having to really worry about COVID as much as before,” said ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ scholarship winner Kaitlyn Knutson. “It also allows me to get to play the sport I love, hockey, while being safe. This $100,000 scholarship means so much to me because it opens up so many more opportunities for myself when picking a college and major.”

“Congratulations to Kaitlyn for getting the protection of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and being our first $100,000 college scholarship winner,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud of our Minnesota kids like Kaitlyn who are rolling up their sleeves to stay safe with family, friends, and doing the things they love — like hockey practice. Get fully vaccinated and get your shot at a $100,000 scholarship.”

“Congratulations on winning $100,000 for college, Kaitlyn,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I love seeing young people join our fight against COVID-19 and do their part to keep themselves, their friends, and their families safe. Getting vaccinated is the best way to stay safe doing the things you love, like hockey practice! All kids 12-17 years old: don’t miss your shot at $100,000. Enter the drawings once you’ve gotten your second shot!”

“As a parent, I can attest that when it comes to our kids, we want them healthy and to have access to every opportunity available for their success,” Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “With this drawing, Kaitlyn embodies both. Her vaccine will help protect her and others from COVID-19, while the scholarship ensures she is able to pursue whatever career she chooses. I hope this incredible moment for Kaitlyn encourages all eligible students to get their vaccine and earn a shot at one of the remaining scholarships.”

As part of the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ campaign, all Minnesotans 12-17 years old who have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series can 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. Three more drawings will take place over the next month.

ONLY 3 MORE CHANCES TO ENTER: Parents and guardians can enter their fully-vaccinated children for the weekly drawings at mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/vaccine-rewards/kids-deserve-a-shot/ . Parents and guardians must enter their 12-17-year-old by the entry deadline to be eligible for the following drawing(s). Once a kid is entered, they will be included in all following drawings.

$200 GIFT CARD DEADLINE TUESDAY: The deadline to register for a $200 Visa gift card is today, November 30. Minnesotans 12-17 years old who start and complete their two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series between October 18 and November 30 are eligible to receive a $200 Visa gift card. Parents and guardians can register their 12-17-year-old for a $200 Visa gift card online . Registration closes 11:59 p.m. November 30, 2021.